Help Me Decide:2008 A4 Ti Or 2006 S4?

[vtsquid]

The S4 has NAV.Both standard shift.Two model years difference between the two.Will be using for daily commute to work,90 miles of which 85% highway.Which one is the best bang for the buck?

http://www.cars.com/go/search/detail.jsp?tracktype=usedcc&csDlId=&csDgId=&listingId=33613888&listingRecNum=5&criteria=prMx%3D35000%26sf1Dir%3DDESC%26prMn%3D0%2 6alMdId%3D21912%26mkId%3D20049%26stkTyp%3DU%26mdId %3D21912%26rd%3D250%26crSrtFlds%3DstkTypId-feedSegId-mkId-mdId-pseudoPrice%26zc%3D05488%26rn%3D0%26PMmt%3D1-1-0%26stkTypId%3D28881%26sf2Dir%3DASC%26sf1Nm%3Dpric e%26sf2Nm%3Dmiles%26alMkId%3D20049%26rpp%3D50%26fe edSegId%3D28705&aff=national

http://www.cars.com/go/search/detail.jsp;jsessionid=5GmMr-610YAd9BQfCIW_N0P?tab=summary&paId=337266174&recnum=&actLog=&listingId=36513694&paId=337266174&listingRecNum=4&criteria=prMx%3d30000%26sf1Dir%3dDESC%26prMn%3d0%2 6alMdId%3d20596%26mkId%3d20049%26stkTyp%3dU%26mdId %3d20596%26rd%3d250%26crSrtFlds%3dstkTypId-feedSegId-mkId-mdId-pseudoPrice%26zc%3d05488%26rn%3d0%26PMmt%3d1-1-0%26stkTypId%3d28881%26sf2Dir%3dASC%26sf1Nm%3dpric e%26sf2Nm%3dmiles%26alMkId%3d20049%26rpp%3d50%26fe edSegId%3d28705&tracktype=usedcc&pageNumber=&numResultsPerPage=&largeNumResultsPerPage=0&sortorder=descending&sortfield=PRICE&certifiedOnly=false&aff=national

I hope these links work...

[Larson7.62]

A4, I get around 30 mpg on highway depending how busy it is.

[freeflow]

Bang for your buck... A4 no question. You'll be under warranty much longer and will enjoy the added fuel economy for your commute. Not to mention the tuning potential of the 2.0t

[Matt@EuropaParts]

Just because of all the highway driving, I'd say the A4. These cars get great mpg's with highway driving, and while the S4's highway mpg is better than the city mpg, it still can't touch the A4's highway mpg.

[maidest]

Get the A4. Once you go stage 2 you will beat the S4 off the line, obviously gas mileage is way better. And TI package plus the 2 newer years will benefit you in the end. No question, A4 all the way.

[WasGTIguy]

Tough call. But if it were my money, its hard to beat the growl of a V8. And the low end torque of a normally aspirated engine can give. My vote goes to S4. S4>A4 all day everyday

[Winners Eat Pho]

Yeah, I can never give the nod to a turbo over a naturally aspirated beast. Sounds alone gets it.

[WasGTIguy]

Yeah, I can never give the nod to a turbo over a naturally aspirated beast. Sounds alone gets it.

Agree. Noway an A4 can compare. Just listen to this B6 S4 with exhaust destroy the chipped 2.0T A4. I love the 2.0T as I had it in my GTI. Linear power and sound wins. Also fuel economy wont be so bad as it's mostly hwy.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HlSiEbMsXO8

[rnp614]

Titanium package > rest. Definitely get the A4 if you're deciding between those two. Just make sure you negotiate well enough to be able to afford a chip straight away or you'll really regret not having the V8.

[SEXICÄN]

I like the V8, but only for the sound. The V8 has great performance out the box, while the 2.0T has some fun mod potential!

I still choose my 2.0T over a V8, since i'm just not overy impressed on the 0-80mph perforamnce....

[rnp614]

I like the V8, but only for the sound. The V8 has great performance out the box, while the 2.0T has some fun mod potential!

I still choose my 2.0T over a V8, since i'm just not overy impressed on the 0-80mph perforamnce....

What he said. If you're one to tinker, the 2.0T is fun.

[A4A4A4]

S4 has it's sound and it's seats.

A4 Titanium has better looks, fuel economy, more warranty, less miles, is two years newer, and is modable.

My vote goes to the A4 Ti.

[WasGTIguy]

Also make sure you drive both. The 2.0T will be a rougher motor in both idle and acceleration. But is fun to mod. The S4 will be very expensive to get gains. Considering the S4 has 340hp, it's plenty in my books. The lag you'll get when you hit S4 numbers will be pretty noticable too. It'll boil to preference. It's going to be hard to get a unbiased opinion in here. The 2.0T peeps will naturally recommend the 2.0T, and since this isn't the S4 forum, well you know.

[greensto]

To answer the question of best bang: A4 no question. I think you can get that price closer to $26-27k too. Put a chip in (Revo/APR) and you won't regret the power, TI package, and MPG you see on your commute every day!

[vtsquid]

Thanks for all the replies.I am definitely leaning towards the A4.Just wish it had NAV also.I don't have a trade so I am hoping to get the dealer to come down in price a little.Going to try to make it down Conn this week, weather permitting.I'll keep you posted.Oh,and I know,I know,I'll post up some pics when I get the car home.-Andy.

[SEXICÄN]

do you want an Auto?

[jriddle11]

Bang for buck goes to A4, but V8 + Nav + Recaro = WIN S4

[Tanner]

S4 doesn't have cam follower issues :)

If you don't care for fuel efficiency, S4.

[a4b7smallturbo]

basically the a4 will get better gas millage but an s4 i still think is much more baller

[staticuxo]

s4.

i'm selling my b7 stage 2 a4 for a b7 s4.. s4 with some downpipes and exhaust sounds like an animal.. around 300awhp is enough power for me.. and the recaros are amazing.

[Phillyb7s4]

s4

[theedge111]

No Brainer...S4 you won't regret it.

[CoDRoX]

S4 has it's sound and it's seats.

A4 Titanium has better looks, fuel economy, more warranty, less miles, is two years newer, and is modable.

My vote goes to the A4 Ti.

What he said. Plus, the wood trim in the S4 kills it for me

[Winners Eat Pho]

Everything the A4 is lacking, the S4 has. More balls down low. A much more solid robust feel. Power everywhere, and up above 100mph.

[MisterQuattro]

S4

[fbox]

These guys saying "Go for the S4!" obviously have no experience driving said V8 as a commuter. That car EATS gas like you wouldn't believe. 13 / 14mpg, tops. Your 90mi commute route will quickly need to include a stop for gas every couple days. Honestly, I saw no more than 215mi on a tank with my B6 S4 MT. Highway or not, the thing just guzzles gas. Didn't matter if i stomped on it or tried to hypermile it ** same deal with 13 / 14mpg average. Painful.

The A4 wins this non-contest, hands-down. (Oh, and I drive a B7 A4 now and totally love it.)

GL

[SEXICÄN]

Everything the A4 is lacking, the S4 has. More balls down low. A much more solid robust feel. Power everywhere, and up above 100mph.

More power down low? you mean at low speed or rpm or what?

[Malamute]

These guys saying "Go for the S4!" obviously have no experience driving said V8 as a commuter. That car EATS gas like you wouldn't believe. 13 / 14mpg, tops. Your 90mi commute route will quickly need to include a stop for gas every couple days. Honestly, I saw no more than 215mi on a tank with my B6 S4 MT. Highway or not, the thing just guzzles gas. Didn't matter if i stomped on it or tried to hypermile it ** same deal with 13 / 14mpg average. Painful.

The A4 wins this non-contest, hands-down. (Oh, and I drive a B7 A4 now and totally love it.)

GL

^This.
If you're looking for a weekend car or something you're going to drive once a week to work then go with the S4. I toyed with the idea myself but finally decided the A4 was much more practical for what I needed. What you have described is a perfect fit with the A4.

[RedS-line]

With a 90 mile commute, youd be kinda foolish to buy the S4. Buy the A4 and mod it to stage 2+ if you get bored with it then add a K04 and bam you got S4 power with A4 gas mileage. If you dont plan to mod then yeah i would get the S4 cuz i could never live with 200hp on a 3800lb. car again.

[FLYINGLEGGS]

A4 plus flash/chip is the way to go without question. Turbos are more fun and better gas mileage. Titanium package is dead sexy.
Some advice to take VERY SERIOUSLY. Especially with the nice new 2008 paint job. If you have to borrow, beg or steal... get a clear bra/3m kit immediately. The paint chips very easily and the darker the color the easier it shows.
good luck.

[vtsquid]

do you want an Auto?


I did see the one at Barrier on ebay.I don't want to deal with shipping it all the way to VT.Thanks anyway Nico.

[titanium3.2]

I would think the S4, you will be able to get very good gas mileage if you drive it properly, with my 3.2 I get 23mpg plus the car will give you a much better sense of satisfaction when you step on it. Do some insurance estimates though, the 2.0 will be very cheap compared to the v8, I would think.

[colt45]

I would go with the A4 TI.

[aaron1085]

I purchased my car from North Bay Imports. They don't bargain much because they sell alot of cars. Ask Mark if he remembers a Trooper from NH that purchased a silver A4 there last year.

Dumpy looking place inside, but no worries, the cars are good quality. just be prepared to pay for it.

[ataylor]

I'd trade in my A4 (mods in sig) for a stock B7 S4 in a heart beat

[WasGTIguy]

Theres more to an S4 than the engine. There is the recaros, exhaust, suspension, brakes, 60/40 r/f biased quattro. By the time you mod an A4 to meet or exceed the S4, you've spent a few stacks. But if economy is important than obviously the S is a bad option. Hell if I drove 90miles I would consider a TDI, chip it and be done.

[Tanner]

One other thing... the S4 doesn't use a FSI engine. No gunk buildup on the intake valves. It's a minor thing to note but something that every 2.0T will have eventually depending on how you drive it.

But as WasGTIguy mentions, the S4 is a pretty sweet car. Handling wise, the A4 2.0T does feel a bit lighter up front compared to the S and of course significantly better mileage. But every time a buddy of mine goes WOT on his S4 with a Milltek exhaust, I fall in love with that sound.

[ataylor]

oooo that's right only the RS4 uses the FSI V8.

[freeflow]

I'd trade in my A4 (mods in sig) for a stock B7 S4 in a heart beat

I'm sure you could depending on miles and year! Why don't you look around?


OP: For your commute... A4 no question. Unless you're getting a raise to compensate the gas milage?? [:D] If your looking for a W/E car... S4 hands down.

[Ras_lion]

A freakin' 4. bang for the buck. longer period under warrenty, potential to expand performance

[SEXICÄN]

I would think the S4, you will be able to get very good gas mileage if you drive it properly, with my 3.2 I get 23mpg plus the car will give you a much better sense of satisfaction when you step on it. Do some insurance estimates though, the 2.0 will be very cheap compared to the v8, I would think.

How many people who buy S4's drive them conservative? lets get real. The V8 will not get good gas mileage and your neive if you think it will! the 3.2 is a good motor, but stil comparing a chipped 2.0T and 3.2 is still no comparison. 2.0T will still be more fun than the 3.2! I can hang with S4's (V8) till around 80(give or take) and i'm still just a 4 banger AND i still get an average of 28-31 mpg on the freeway.

231AWHP or 255 crank hp.....?

[WasGTIguy]

How many people who buy S4's drive them conservative?

How many abuse the crap out of them? Thats a baseless statement. I know a few Porsche and ///M owners that dont abuse their cars. Just because you have it, it doesnt mean you drive like a tard.


lets get real. The V8 will not get good gas mileage and your neive if you think it will!

Ok, lets. Mileage is relative. Some would argue that my 3.2 gets great mileage. And others would argue the the 2.0L 8V crossflow gets crappy mileage. Very subjective


the 3.2 is a good motor, but stil comparing a chipped 2.0T and 3.2 is still no comparison. 2.0T will still be more fun than the 3.2!


Again. Subjective. I had a chipped 2.0T GTI, on a roll it was a beast(traction), but I consider my heaver 3.2 to be way more engaging.


I can hang with S4's (V8) till around 80(give or take) and i'm still just a 4 banger AND i still get an average of 28-31 mpg on the freeway.

231AWHP or 255 crank hp.....?

Thats nice. Not sure how many of us drag race as much as you. But since I commute my car. I certainly dont.

[SEXICÄN]

How many abuse the crap out of them? Thats a baseless statement. I know a few Porsche and ///M owners that dont abuse their cars. Just because you have it, it doesnt mean you drive like a tard.



Ok, lets. Mileage is relative. Some would argue that my 3.2 gets great mileage. And others would argue the the 2.0L 8V crossflow gets crappy mileage. Very subjective




Again. Subjective. I had a chipped 2.0T GTI, on a roll it was a beast(traction), but I consider my heaver 3.2 to be way more engaging.



Thats nice. Not sure how many of us drag race as much as you. But since I commute my car. I certainly dont.



1 Well lets state what i actually said and not make up what you think i'm implying. I never said that S4 owners beat the crap out of their cars. I said how many will drive the car conserative? so please learn to read

2 compare 10000000000000 times and tell me which car will get the best gas mileage 4.2 vs 3.2 vs 2.0T so please correct me if i'm wrong

3 you compare a 2.0T GTI from the dig and traction problems. Let compare AWD A4 2.0T chipped with your 3.2! weird, no traction issues there!

4 i never said drag race. Not sure where that came from... And for the record, i have legally drag raced my car two times ever and probably won't go again. I don't want to break my car trying to get a fast time! I commute too, hence why EVERYTHING is still pointing to a 2.0T over 3.2.

BUT yes in the long run, it's al PERSONAL preference!

[WasGTIguy]

1 Well lets state what i actually said and not make up what you think i'm implying. I never said that S4 owners beat the crap out of their cars. I said how many will drive the car conserative? so please learn to read

Telling me to learn to read while you have a memory lapse. Ok. You said:

How many people who buy S4's drive them conservative? lets get real.

How should that be taken?




2 compare 10000000000000 times and tell me which car will get the best gas mileage 4.2 vs 3.2 vs 2.0T so please correct me if i'm wrong

I never said the S4 got better mileage. I said that poor mileage is subjective. Reread my previous post please.



3 you compare a 2.0T GTI from the dig and traction problems. Let compare AWD A4 2.0T chipped with your 3.2! weird, no traction issues there!

Whats that got to do with the price of bacon? I mentioned my GTI because it would wipe the floor with a STG1 A4, and I got bored of it. I prefer my 3.2



4 i never said drag race. Not sure where that came from...

Ok the, again you said:



I can hang with S4's (V8) till around 80(give or take) and i'm still just a 4 banger

How should that be taken? Shifting at 2500rpm you hung with another vehicle shifting at 2500rpm?

[HPW]

Thanks for all the replies.I am definitely leaning towards the A4.Just wish it had NAV also.I don't have a trade so I am hoping to get the dealer to come down in price a little.Going to try to make it down Conn this week, weather permitting.I'll keep you posted.Oh,and I know,I know,I'll post up some pics when I get the car home.-Andy.

The RNS-E Nav is a pretty simple upgrade if you're willing to pay. The nav unit itself is pricey but the swap doesn't take too long. Check out www.audiforum.us

[SEXICÄN]

Most people who drive and buy S4's don't buy them for gas mileage, no? so take that however you want

I konw my car isn't faster than a S4, but me and my buddy's that have S4's like to see how well they shift and how fast their cars are compared to mine. I don't drag race the "correct way" of reving up and dumping the clutch. we are rolling around 10mph and just get a comparison. So no "drag" race at all, but it gives us a good idea how a stage 2 2.0T does against a S4. Hence how my statement still holds by me saying my 4cly can hang with a S4

I can see you feel strongly about your 3.2 and i respect that, so i'm going out here saying we are probably never going to see eye to eye on this matter and i agree to disagree on a lot of our POV's

[WasGTIguy]

Most people who drive and buy S4's don't buy them for gas mileage, no? so take that however you want

I konw my car isn't faster than a S4, but me and my buddy's that have S4's like to see how well they shift and how fast their cars are compared to mine. I don't drag race the "correct way" of reving up and dumping the clutch. we are rolling around 10mph and just get a comparison. So no "drag" race at all, but it gives us a good idea how a stage 2 2.0T does against a S4. Hence how my statement still holds by me saying my 4cly can hang with a S4

I can see you feel strongly about your 3.2 and i respect that, so i'm going out here saying we are never going to see eye to eye and i agreee to dissagree on a lot of our POV's

Thank you. I completely agree. It's damn refreshing to have a debate with an adult for once.

[SEXICÄN]

Thank you. I completely agree. It's damn refreshing to have a debate with an adult for once.

I'm 26, i'm not sure how much of an adult i am [>_<] lol

[WasGTIguy]

I'm 26, i'm not sure how much of an adult i am [>_<] lol


Well im an old fart, 32. Close enough though. LOL

[naiku]

Already been said many times, but with a 90 mile commute take the A4 every time. When I was looking I wanted a B6 S4 badly, I had a 120 mile commute, after reading about how poor the MPG really is on the S4 there was just no way I could buy one. Does not stop me looking at them in the classifieds though and wishing for a short ass commute or enough money for a weekend car.

[vtsquid]

I purchased my car from North Bay Imports. They don't bargain much because they sell alot of cars. Ask Mark if he remembers a Trooper from NH that purchased a silver A4 there last year.

Dumpy looking place inside, but no worries, the cars are good quality. just be prepared to pay for it.

Thanks for the heads up.

[vdubjetta02]

i have owned both the 4.2L S4 and the 2.0t.... at my altitude 5,000+ feet a 2.0t stage 2 and the 4.2L S4 are almost identical in speed.... however if higher insurance, and worse gas mileage did not bother me, i would still be driving the S4

-if you make a comfertable living, buy the S4.... i am just starting out my career and needed to buy the 2.0t for gas mileage and lower insurance

[JRMSLINEA4]

Would be tough if you didn't do all the highway driving.
But my Dad had a B6 S4 and 20-22mpg highway is the BEST he could get.

[jriddle11]

Well im an old fart, 32. Close enough though. LOL

WOW then I must be over the hill at 35, LOL

[WasGTIguy]

WOW then I must be over the hill at 35, LOL

"Audizine, home for the geriatrics"

LMAO