New member

[mtk90]

Hey guys, I just joined and wanted to introduce myself.
I currently own a '99 M3 Coupe, and although I'm extremely satisfied with it, I'm looking for something more moddable

If any of you had driven E36 M3s, I'd appreciate it if you guys write me up a little comparisson of how it stacks up to a B5 S4 in driveabiliy/feel.

Thanks and I look forward to meeting all of you!

[GramCracker]

Ask AudiSportB5S4. He has had multiple E36 BMW's before his S4 (one of which was an M3). Shoot him a PM.

[mtk90]

Ask AudiSportB5S4. He has had multiple E36 BMW's before his S4 (one of which was an M3). Shoot him a PM.

Thanks!

[alosh]

i've driven a very well modded e36 of my friends. it was built by RMS and had the supercharger removed and an new engine dropped in so its a good thing to compared.

the way the M handles is incredible. that really is something that the s4 could never compare on. our engines are too far in front of the car, too heavy, and have AWD. the m3 is very fun in the twisties as you know. the s4 isn't bad though, for a heavy car it handles very well. launching an s4 correctly is an especially nasty feeling...especially in the rain.

the m3 really surprises me on how powerful it is (240HP is way underrated in my opinion, as well as the torque figures) and the gearing matches up perfectly that it can be a scary fast car if driven well. however, a chipped s4 destroys the e36. i've taken my friend in every situation possible (launch, roll, highway, top speed). perhaps the most amazing thing about the s4 is that with a chip alone ($500), torque figures are pushing 390 ft/lbs very low in the rev range.

s4 is a way more comfortable ride too, not to say the m3 isn't nice also. the sound of that s52 is orgasmic. the exhuast note everything. i can't really attest for the s4 in comparison, i don't have an exhaust yet...but i know they sound great also.

its funny, while considering selling my audi TT 225, i became very pressed about finding a clean e36. while i was waiting for one to come along, i drove an s4, sold my TT the next weekend, and bought the s4 of my dreams a week later. I still want an M though, and can't wait til i can afford the insurance on both.

[mtk90]

i've driven a very well modded e36 of my friends. it was built by RMS and had the supercharger removed and an new engine dropped in so its a good thing to compared.

the way the M handles is incredible. that really is something that the s4 could never compare on. our engines are too far in front of the car, too heavy, and have AWD. the m3 is very fun in the twisties as you know. the s4 isn't bad though, for a heavy car it handles very well. launching an s4 correctly is an especially nasty feeling...especially in the rain.

the m3 really surprises me on how powerful it is (240HP is way underrated in my opinion, as well as the torque figures) and the gearing matches up perfectly that it can be a scary fast car if driven well. however, a chipped s4 destroys the e36. i've taken my friend in every situation possible (launch, roll, highway, top speed). perhaps the most amazing thing about the s4 is that with a chip alone ($500), torque figures are pushing 390 ft/lbs very low in the rev range.

s4 is a way more comfortable ride too, not to say the m3 isn't nice also. the sound of that s52 is orgasmic. the exhuast note everything. i can't really attest for the s4 in comparison, i don't have an exhaust yet...but i know they sound great also.

its funny, while considering selling my audi TT 225, i became very pressed about finding a clean e36. while i was waiting for one to come along, i drove an s4, sold my TT the next weekend, and bought the s4 of my dreams a week later. I still want an M though, and can't wait til i can afford the insurance on both.

Nice to know, thanks for the info

[Bimmer2Audi]

I had an E36.

There's honestly no comparison. The B5 S4 handles better, is smoother, faster, and is more mod friendly with F/I. I never had a single CEL or problem with the E36, but plan on having a back up maintainance fund on the S4. Apples and Oranges.

[mtk90]

I had an E36.

There's honestly no comparison. The B5 S4 handles better, is smoother, faster, and is more mod friendly with F/I. I never had a single CEL or problem with the E36, but plan on having a back up maintainance fund on the S4. Apples and Oranges.

Your E36 must've had blown shocks!

[Bimmer2Audi]

Your E36 must've had blown shocks!

Nope, Quattro FTW.

[s42k5b]

Your E36 must've had blown shocks!

and not to mention control arm.....stock m3 suspension handles alot better then a stock s4

[JDM EJ1 95]

i concur.


m3 will dominate an S4 stock for stock. in the twisties.


i hate how people think AWD(quattro) makes for better handling..

[mtk90]

i concur.


m3 will dominate an S4 stock for stock. in the twisties.


i hate how people think AWD(quattro) makes for better handling..

+1 on that. Only people that can't handle rwd think awd dominates in every possible case.
Doesn't the quattro in the B5 S4 have open diffs anyways?

[Audi S4 Turbo]

E36 and E46 was more nimble. I have owned an E46 and I drive my friends E36 2 door and 4 door quite a bit. They are fun cars. Handling *seemed* superior to my E46. Great over all performance and feel. The S4 feels heavier but more smooth. No way can a B5 S4 out handle an E36 both suited with coil overs or stock.

Straight line is no comparison when modded on the S.

[silky]

welcome. i myself am looking to own an e36 m3 or possibly entertaining the idea of a 318ti with s50 or s52 swap done(m3 motor). two projects. insurance. other ... nows not the time.

Handling is NO comparison. stock to stock ... modded to modded. e36 chassis blows it away and any other car within realistic comparison. and breaking is so much better. e36 stoppes on a dime, straight, with barely no nose dive. experiencing this driving a modded one blew me away.

great motor. but just like you said. there are only a handfull of options for big HP and they are all more $$$ vs modding s4.

modding an s4 gives you immediate return satisfaction. dollar for dollar.... you'll have a faster, safer, all around car that was meant for boosting from the factory than the m3.

find a buddy and drive one. this car snapping your neck beck, launching(actually gripping going somewhere) is gunna make you say. sh*t! i gotta get me one of these. stage2 and up.

[mtk90]

welcome. i myself am looking to own an e36 m3 or possibly entertaining the idea of a 318ti with s50 or s52 swap done(m3 motor). two projects. insurance. other ... nows not the time.

Handling is NO comparison. stock to stock ... modded to modded. e36 chassis blows it away and any other car within realistic comparison. and breaking is so much better. e36 stoppes on a dime, straight, with barely no nose dive. experiencing this driving a modded one blew me away.

great motor. but just like you said. there are only a handfull of options for big HP and they are all more $$$ vs modding s4.

modding an s4 gives you immediate return satisfaction. dollar for dollar.... you'll have a faster, safer, all around car that was meant for boosting from the factory than the m3.

find a buddy and drive one. this car snapping your neck beck, launching(actually gripping going somewhere) is gunna make you say. sh*t! i gotta get me one of these. stage2 and up.

Cool, you will find that E36s (M3 as well) have turned very cheap over the past year. Swaps can be a pain from what I know, but it would be pretty neat to have an S52 318ti ;)

As far as the S4 goes, I think it's going to be by far too unagressive for my tastes. The only car that I can think of that handles better then my M3, is moddable, and has awd with limited slip differentials is the Lancer Evo

[xx_s4quattro_xx]

welcome. i myself am looking to own an e36 m3 or possibly entertaining the idea of a 318ti with s50 or s52 swap done(m3 motor). two projects. insurance. other ... nows not the time.

Handling is NO comparison. stock to stock ... modded to modded. e36 chassis blows it away and any other car within realistic comparison. and breaking is so much better. e36 stoppes on a dime, straight, with barely no nose dive. experiencing this driving a modded one blew me away.

great motor. but just like you said. there are only a handfull of options for big HP and they are all more $$$ vs modding s4.

modding an s4 gives you immediate return satisfaction. dollar for dollar.... you'll have a faster, safer, all around car that was meant for boosting from the factory than the m3.

find a buddy and drive one. this car snapping your neck beck, launching(actually gripping going somewhere) is gunna make you say. sh*t! i gotta get me one of these. stage2 and up.

Thats what my brother is doing right now. Ha ha let him Drive my car for 5 min and the next day called in late for work to go to the dealership. All he has to do now is wait for the bank to call him. LOL