S3 vs S4 Fight!

[jshwon]

I like both cars. As far as styling I prefer the S3. To me it looks more aggressive and the lines are better IMO. The problem I have with the S4 isn't that it doesn't look good, but that it doesn't differentiate itself much from a A4. Add the S-line package to the A4 and they are almost identical. The S3 styling seems fresher (well because it is I guess).

Regarding size and power to weight the internet says:
RS5 power/weight 0.11 (11%) 0-60 4.3 sec
S3 power/weight 0.084 (8.4%) 0-60 4.9 sec
S4 power/weight 0.086 (8.6%) 0-60 5.2 sec

This is a fun video

[doug97gxe]

I like both cars. As far as styling I prefer the S3. To me it looks more aggressive and the lines are better IMO. The problem I have with the S4 isn't that it doesn't look good, but that it doesn't differentiate itself much from a A4. Add the S-line package to the A4 and they are almost identical. The S3 styling seems fresher (well because it is I guess).

Regarding size and power to weight the internet says:
RS5 power/weight 0.11 (11%) 0-60 4.3 sec
S3 power/weight 0.084 (8.4%) 0-60 4.9 sec
S4 power/weight 0.086 (8.6%) 0-60 5.2 sec

This is a fun video

forgive my ignorance but i thought this was the case with all Audi's? I thought all S-Line models looked like the S versions?

[doug97gxe]

also C/D has the S5 at 4.6 0 - 60 .. i can't imagine the S4 being 5.2 http://www.caranddriver.com/comparis...specs-page-4-3

edit .. Motortrend actually has the S4 at 4.4 http://www.motortrend.com/news/2013-...-sport-sedans/

[AllroadCorbin]

I'm pretty sure the S4 will consistently run faster to 60 than a Stock S3. In order to get the S3 to do a 60 mph run in the high 4s you need to used launch control at 4k rpm. If you did no launch procedures in either car and just mashed the gas from a green light, the S4 would be gone....So in everyday driving the S4 would feel quicker IMO

[chanlon2]

I'm pretty sure the S4 will consistently run faster to 60 than a Stock S3. In order to get the S3 to do a 60 mph run in the high 4s you need to used launch control at 4k rpm. If you did no launch procedures in either car and just mashed the gas from a green light, the S4 would be gone....So in everyday driving the S4 would feel quicker IMO

Car and driver does not agree with you.. You need to do launch control in the S4 to get the 4.7 sec. The S3 is a fast car and when it comes to fasts cars you need 3 things.. Power, light weight, and traction. The cars are about the same IMO you just have to pick what you want.. Do you want a bigger car and less mpg or smaller car and better mpg.


http://www.caranddriver.com/audi/s4

0-60 in 4.7 but C&D got 4.9
Top Speed 155mph


http://www.caranddriver.com/audi/s3

0-60 in 4.4
5-60 in 5.6 (I think this is because it will downshift when you are rolling at 5 mph)
0-100 in 10.8
1/4 mil in 12.8
Top Speed: 155 mph


Towards a few comments I saw on this forum.

I avg about 22 mpg in my S3. I do more highway driving then city driving, and I would consider my self a spirited driver.. I can't help it 0-60 mph is pretty fun.. Going 80 MPH with cruise control on I get about 26-28 mpg. I owned a 2011 GS with LS3 6.2L. On the highway going about 70 mph I could get about 25 mpg and @ 80 mph I would get 22 mpg.. This is because the car is light and very aerodynamic. I would avg about 18 mpg with my spirited driving. I don't know how that guy was avg such a high mpg with a V8 engine other then having it towed around town hehehe..

I dropped in a K&N air filter this past and I'm going to keep a close eye to see if this helps my avg mpg..

Also you can't compare a tuned turbo car because a lot of times the tuned cars will get better mpg then stock.. I would venture to say a tuned s3 would get a better mpg then a stock s3 although I don't have any data on the S3 to backup this statement but on my Saab 93 I did.

[doug97gxe]

Also you can't compare a tuned turbo car because a lot of times the tuned cars will get better mpg then stock.. I would venture to say a tuned s3 would get a better mpg then a stock s3 although I don't have any data on the S3 to backup this statement but on my Saab 93 I did.

my 350z did as well.. but that's when i was always in vacuum

[fhwang]

I'm pretty sure the S4 will consistently run faster to 60 than a Stock S3. In order to get the S3 to do a 60 mph run in the high 4s you need to used launch control at 4k rpm. If you did no launch procedures in either car and just mashed the gas from a green light, the S4 would be gone....So in everyday driving the S4 would feel quicker IMO

I had a 2015 S4 loaner for a day. I was excited because I could finally compare it to my S3. So I drove it hard and I'm sorry it felt slower than my S3. This is the reality some of you need to deal with that fact. B9 should feel quicker.

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[doug97gxe]

I had a 2015 S4 loaner for a day. I was excited because I could finally compare it to my S3. So I drove it hard and I'm sorry it felt slower than my S3. This is the reality some of you need to deal with that fact. B9 should feel quicker.

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Felt slower because the power is linear when in fact tests show they are pretty evenly matched .. That turbo spool is giving u an illusion of faster


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[PbanyS3]

Car & Driver's "Instrumented Test" dated August 2014 says the S3 is quicker than the S4 in 0 to 60 MPH, 0 to 100 MPH and the 1/4 mile.

That said i might trade up to a 2nd or 3rd year B9 S4! The extra interior space can't hurt...

[fhwang]

Felt slower because the power is linear when in fact tests show they are pretty evenly matched .. That turbo spool is giving u an illusion of faster


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Actually you're right. The power delivery is linear on the S4. I guess I prefer that swift kick when the turbo spools up.

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[doug97gxe]

Actually you're right. The power delivery is linear on the S4. I guess I prefer that swift kick when the turbo spools up.

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Same here I wish it came with a twin turbo


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[doug97gxe]

Car & Driver's "Instrumented Test" dated August 2014 says the S3 is quicker than the S4 in 0 to 60 MPH and the 1/4 mile.

That said i might trade up to a 2nd or 3rd year B9 S4! The extra interior space can't hurt...

The leg room/interior isn't really that much more I think it's the trunk and hood


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[phillyquattro]

The leg room/interior isn't really that much more I think it's the trunk and hood

Yup, definitely in the trunk and likely the hood as well. While there certainly is some extra leg room it really isn't a whole lot more. Fitting a full set of mounted wheels/tires in my B8 A4 was a breeze. Just did it today in the S3 for the first time and it was dicey to say the least. 3 wheels standing upright in the back with 1 flat in the trunk. In the A4 I could have them all flat.

[EBS4]

Car & Driver's "Instrumented Test" dated August 2014 says the S3 is quicker than the S4 in 0 to 60 MPH, 0 to 100 MPH and the 1/4 mile.

That said i might trade up to a 2nd or 3rd year B9 S4! The extra interior space can't hurt...

Interestingly Motortrend got 4.7 for the S3 and 4.4 for the S4...just goes to show you it's a bit of a wash. In terms of usable performance the S4's supercharger comes out way ahead (though it does guzzle gas).

Cheers,
EBS4

[vwblackb5]

The S3 is similar in size/weight as my B5, but is not offered in a manual. The S4 did not offer magnetic shocks/led headlights/folding mirrors as the S3, but has Torsen Quattro, Torque vectoring Sports Diff, and offered in a manual.

FWIW, the new GEN 3 EA888 TFSI engine in the S3/Golf R etc has drastically reduced turbo lag effects compared to the 1.8T/2.0T engines of previous years, so that plus the weight of the S3 compared to S4 definitely makes it feel faster. Case in point, every time i get in my K04'd B5 (subjectively) I feel it is definitely more tossable and more nimble than my S4 (because of >400+ lbs the S4 is carrying) but definitely feel the lack of power/torque on the B5 compared to S4.

Ideally would have preferred a car similar in size as my B5 with more power like S3/M235i/GolfR but decided to upgrade to a larger/luxury sport sedan and the S4 ticked all the boxes (cross shopped against 340i and C450). To give additional insight, I foresee my upgrade path 3yrs from now after the S4 to be an M3/RS4 and hopefully some Porsche 911 variant (Turbo, S, 996TT, 997TT) for my mid-life crisis.

TL;DR get what makes you happy #noragrets

[PbanyS3]

Interestingly Motortrend got 4.7 for the S3 and 4.4 for the S4...just goes to show you it's a bit of a wash. In terms of usable performance the S4's supercharger comes out way ahead (though it does guzzle gas).

Cheers,
EBS4

Motor Trend tested the S3 at the Hyundai proving grounds in the MOJAVE DESERT. They didn't mention where the S4 was tested.

Tastes great...Less filling....Tastes great...Less filling!!!

[Primolak]

Happy with my S3 for sure but the beauty is it is a win win.

Both vehicles are winners imho.


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[VW2Audi25]

I don't think there is such a things as a "better car" when you're comparing these two. It all comes down to preference. The S4 is more like a touring car, more comfortable while the S3 is smaller, more "fun" with a better gas mileage. It just comes down to personal preference and priorities. I came from a BMW 550i and wanted something more nimble this time around while still having luxury features. I used to have a MK6 GTI before and wanted something a little nicer but with the same fun factor and good gas mileage.

[will13k7]

I don't think there is such a things as a "better car" when you're comparing these two.

+1

I gave up trying to decide which one I liked better and just decided I like them about the same for different reasons.

[RingNut]

I've owned both. The S4 is a great car and the 3.0 is a great motor but the driving experience is more like a mobile living room. The S3 is quick, engaging and the tech is better. I'll take the S3.

[doug97gxe]

+1

I gave up trying to decide which one I liked better and just decided I like them about the same for different reasons.

Stage 2 helps


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[jshwon]

So looks like a decision has been made. Will be taking delivery today or tomorrow on a 2015 Glacier White Prestige S3. Full prestige package with 19" sport package w/mag ride. Only thing it does not have is the Audi drive assist which I didn't want anyway since I should be paying attention at all times and I think the little bulb in the grille takes away from the look. I'm glad that I started this thread as there has been such good information on peoples experiences and opinions good and bad about both cars. I think we can agree having to decide between an S3 and a S4 is "problem" we can all deal with. Ultimately for me I went S3 because I wanted a fresher platform who's styling appealed to me more, had better mpg, better/newer tech, and is as fast/faster than the S4.

Like I said in my first post I'm coming from a 2015 GTI so from a size perspective it will not make that much of a difference. I've been getting along fine with my son in his car seat and the rare occasion that me, my wife, and son are all in the car. Also I live in Houston so don't think the Torsen Quattro makes that much of a difference here with no snow to plow through. I may need to upgrade the IC though :). So thanks everyone for your input. It was all very good, mature, and constructive. Needless to say I am pumped and can't wait to get in the car. I'll try to post some pics when I get it (like you don't already know what it looks like).

That being said I do want to make some minor tweaks eventually. Not going all air ride with this car as I want to keep it OEM+. So will be looking at H&R springs and probably some spacers to start. I saw a member that was running springs/spacers on his mag ride S3 and hasn't had any problems. The main concern would be longevity of the dampers. Are the H&R springs liner or progressive? Would prefer a linear spring as these typically pair better with stock dampers. For instance VWR made their springs to match to the GTI stock dampers. They are liner and will even work with VW's ACC. So beyond the springs/spacers I may do sways then think about stg 1. Really would like to see how the stock power feels for a bit.

[jokingjimmy]

+1

I gave up trying to decide which one I liked better and just decided I like them about the same for different reasons.

Lol That about sums it up for me too. I love my S4, came from a GTI, and I really don't understand what people mean about the boat reference. Very fun to drive. Was trying to talk the wife into an S3 so we'd have both in the family, but she loves her A5 too much and it's close to being paid off.

So looks like a decision has been made. Will be taking delivery today or tomorrow on a 2015 Glacier White Prestige S3. <snip>

Grats! Really was a great decision! Although if you had gone with an S4, that would have been a great decision as well lol.

Even if it's not a manual. I keeed i keeeeed...

[Tripe46]

The "Boat" reference refers to the fact that the S4 drives like a big, heavy car. Which it does. I don't think that's a bad thing as it is still loads of fun to drive.

[jshwon]

Grats! Really was a great decision! Although if you had gone with an S4, that would have been a great decision as well lol.

Even if it's not a manual. I keeed i keeeeed...

Haha thanks. Honestly I wanted DSG this time around. My GTI is 6MT stg2 and the clutch started slipping at stg 1. The DSG handles tuned torque much better. Plus the wife wants to be able to drive it when needed. Grrrr

[S3Danny]

Plus the wife wants to be able to drive it when needed. Grrrr

Careful with that. My wife driving my car is what led to me buying her an SQ5. Lol

[doug97gxe]

The "Boat" reference refers to the fact that the S4 drives like a big, heavy car. Which it does. I don't think that's a bad thing as it is still loads of fun to drive.

i assume the supercharger is part of the problem.. coupled with all the luxury to make it feel like you're floating .. i know what you mean because driving my car in comfort when stock is two totally different cars in dynamic @ stage 2 .. especially with sports diff

[doug97gxe]

best thing about my wife driving my car is i get to see how hot it is when i'm driving next to it or a head.. or behind..

[Tripe46]

i assume the supercharger is part of the problem.. coupled with all the luxury to make it feel like you're floating .. i know what you mean because driving my car in comfort when stock is two totally different cars in dynamic @ stage 2 .. especially with sports diff

I came from an E90 M3, so that in part could by why the S4 felt so heavy. The M3 was nearly the same size, but handled as if it was much smaller, it also had a little more power, and very little understeer.

[doug97gxe]

I came from an E90 M3, so that in part could by why the S4 felt so heavy. The M3 was nearly the same size, but handled as if it was much smaller, it also had a little more power, and very little understeer.

I know my car feels a lot better with H&R Sport Springs.. feels like a car again.. a couple 5 owners have complained the Sport Springs are too harsh and bouncy .. i think they confuse rebound with bounce.. its a nice firm ride for sure and you feel the road much better.. so i could see where they would lose that "boat" feeling and feel the car is harsh

[phillyquattro]

I know my car feels a lot better with H&R Sport Springs.. feels like a car again.. a couple 5 owners have complained the Sport Springs are too harsh and bouncy .. i think they confuse rebound with bounce.. its a nice firm ride for sure and you feel the road much better.. so i could see where they would lose that "boat" feeling and feel the car is harsh

Upgrading the suspension to be springs or coils helps. Adding a rear sway helped a lot. Adding the cross chassis brace helped a lot. Lighter weight wheels and rotors will also help a lot. It will still feel like a boat...but a much smaller boat that handles better. I had all those mods on my stage 2 B8 A4 and it was pretty acceptable. I'd imagine the same mods on an S4 would be near perfect IMO.

[EBS4]

Lol That about sums it up for me too. I love my S4, came from a GTI, and I really don't understand what people mean about the boat reference. Very fun to drive. Was trying to talk the wife into an S3 so we'd have both in the family, but she loves her A5 too much and it's close to being paid off.

The boat reference is just an excuse made to disparage the S4. The S3 is still a heavy car and handles nothing like a true sports car - it's center of gravity is too high, its engine too far ahead of the front axle, and its suspension still tuned more towards comfort than sport. It does feel a little lighter as you enter a corner but once you're in the corner it rolls over its front tires and understeers like a pig, tires squealing in protest. The way people talk on here it's like comparing a 911 GT3 to a Prius. The S3 is great car but would be 1000x better with a sports diff.

Cheers,
NM

[diztek]

S4 is just too big for my taste.

[m3brad]

The boat reference is just an excuse made to disparage the S4. The S3 is still a heavy car and handles nothing like a true sports car - it's center of gravity is too high, its engine too far ahead of the front axle, and its suspension still tuned more towards comfort than sport. It does feel a little lighter as you enter a corner but once you're in the corner it rolls over its front tires and understeers like a pig, tires squealing in protest. The way people talk on here it's like comparing a 911 GT3 to a Prius. The S3 is great car but would be 1000x better with a sports diff.

Cheers,
NM

I totally agree! Thanks for bringing up the GT3, but I got a little nauseated when you mentioned a prius, UGH!

[will13k7]

with just coils and an alignment, the s3 feels pretty neutral.

[Nanozic]

Good job, enjoyed reading this thread.

[jshwon]

Only have one quick picture so far. Just got it yesterday afternoon and had a blast driving to work this morning. Love the balance of performance, luxury, and comfort. But that's why we buy S models right?

[Nanozic]

need to see a nice little drop, some spacers, and some tint next.

[doug97gxe]

need to see a nice little drop, some spacers, and some tint next.

Let him get through Christmas and recover first


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[jshwon]

need to see a nice little drop, some spacers, and some tint next.

Let him get through Christmas and recover first


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Check and check. Haha
It's a mini twin Dev