Switch from A4 to S4?

[808quattro]

I currently have a 2007 A4 S-line, 6 spd manual, quattro. Right now I'm a bit bored with it. I came from a 04 VW R32 which was a blast to drive. Great exhaust note. Loved the seats and the feel of driving it. We got the A4 because we have a baby (14 months now), but I'm still quite bored with the Audi. I've thought about switching to a 08 R32, but then I found I might be able to get a good deal on a 07 S4 with low mileage. I would love the recaro seats and the V8 and exhaust note. The obvious drawback right now is that the gas mileage is horrible in comparison. The way I understand it, the S4 is simply an A4 with the V8 and upgraded seats. Some say with a few mods (exhaust/chip) the A4 will be a better performer (or comparable).

So I'm just curious if anyone can give me feedback either way. I know the R32 got around 20 or so mpg (mixed) but I've heard people say it's easy to get 10-12 mpg in the S4 with "spirited" driving. Anyone make this switch? or done a modified A4 vs S4 comparison? Thanks!!

[Sharkfin]

There's a lot to be said on this and its been discussed before. You might want to start a thread in the b7 a4 forum as well.

[JMG]

The S4 also has the 40/60 torque split for rear bias. Being a heavier car it also has different suspension, and being a V8 a sportier exhaust. If you truely want to stand out from the A4, look into the DTM edition which comes with a different front and rear valence as well as the carbon fiber splitter and rear lip. I have the 25quattro which is only different from the DTM in that the exhaust is a dual instead of quad:




I had a chipped B5 A4 prior and there is no comparison. As for the B7s, there is no comparison stock. You will have to go BT to keep up with an S4. That being said, there is not much you can do the S4 to get more power out of it.. not like the turbocharged A4s. Of course with the A4 you have to put some big $$ to get to the performance levels of the S4 (and risk voiding your warranty), but with a little more you can surpass it. IMHO the only reason I got the S4 is because I don't have time to mod and I don't see myself putting down money for a new turbo with the risk of it decreasing the life of the car. Not practical for me.

[akaEsCo01]

I had a chipped B5 A4 prior and there is no comparison. As for the B7s, there is no comparison stock. You will have to go BT blow the doors off an S4. That being said, there is not much you can do the S4 to get more power out of it.. not like the turbocharged A4s. Of course with the A4 you have to put some big $$ to get to the performance levels of the S4 (and risk voiding your warranty), but with a little more you can surpass it. IMHO the only reason I got the S4 is because I don't have time to mod and I don't see myself putting down money for a new turbo with the risk of it decreasing the life of the car. Not practical for me.

Took the liberty of editing that for you. Other than that, you hit the nail righ on the head. As an A4 driver, I would only consider an S4/S5 if I was tired of modding. Close to $10K for a supercharger and I still gotta watch my back for BT/BAT A4s, I think I'll pass. The Recaro seats are great, I love riding in my buddy's S4 and the exhaust note is nice, but not enough to buy it, gas mileage makes it a deal breaker, I drive too much and my pockets can't take that hit. Much respect to the ballers than can handle that.

[MTLA4]

had a modified a4(never again) its still a 4 banger and needs lots of parts bbk, seats, sways etc. I dont care if a bt a4 beats an s4. Go with an s4 or go to the darkside and pick up a bmw 335i or xi.

[b6onboost]

Here it is quick an dirty:

A4 2.0T S-Line 6M Quatto
looks: very similar to S4
performance: 0-60 ~ 6.0 1/4 Mile ~ 14.3 (chip + exhaust)
handling: sport suspension, 18mm sway, lighter
interior: seats aren't as good
sound: turbo sounds cool, but v8 sounds better.
mpg: spirited driving and 20 mpg is easily possible.
cost: cheaper to buy, insure, fuel

S4 6M Quatto
looks: similar to S-Line, quad tipped exhaust
performance: 0-60 ~ 5.1 1/4 Mile ~ 13.6
handling: sport suspension, 20mm sway, heavier
interior: RECAROS
sound: V8
mpg: spirited driving and 10-15mpg is realistic.
cost: more expensive to buy, insure, and fuel

So the bottom line is its a performance vs economy decision.

...done a modified A4 vs S4 comparison? Thanks!!

[littleredwagen]

just to add my my thoughts, if i drive normal just taking it easy cruising easily 20 mpg. it is all about how you drive the car

[akaEsCo01]

just to add my my thoughts, if i drive normal just taking it easy cruising easily 20 mpg. it is all about how you drive the car

That's impressive. My boy gets that on the highway while I'm getting 40 something

[AudiOso]

I have both an A4 and a S4. They're worlds apart. Both do a different job. I'm happy.

[Swanky]

when i get the brand new loaner A4 2.0T S-Line from the dealer for the day it makes me sad. the car is nice for what it is, but should not be mentioned in the same breath as the s4. the A4 is a sled in every sense of the word (acceleration and handling) compared to an S4... you have the A4 go test an S4 for 15 minutes and then get back in your A4 and hit the gas and be sad. You know when you mow your lawn with the tractor for 2hrs putting along at 4 mph and then you get in your car right after to run an errand, well thats what it feels like going right from an A4 to an S4. as with most good things in life you got to pay to play which might not be smart if you have a new baby, but go for the test drive and see if its worth your $$$

[Stormin]

I have the 25quattro which is only different from the DTM in that the exhaust is a dual instead of quad.

I have one two, and they're SWEET!

We did a "prove it" test of a buddy's (everything short of BT) B7 A4 vs my (stock) B7 S4-25Q. I came out with almost 60 more HP and 20 more lb/ft of torque. That said, the car weight makes that enough of a difference for him to stay close... Through first gear at least.
After that he's watching my taillights for the rest of the run!