S3 v A4

[Spike66]

Both cars optioned the way I want come out to almost the same, (base S3 v Premium A4)

Canada configurator does not give the option of the digital dash unless you fork out for a top of the line A4 which is a feature I would have liked.

Will need to drive both but the S3 seems the better option.

I'm 50, looking for a comfortable daily driver to replace the truck (renos complete) that being said the A4 might be the more comfortable due to a longer wheel base.

Dealer told me late February for an A4 to arrive so will have to wait till then.

[b6onboost]

Check them both out. You're on the right train of though in the comparison. The S3 is smaller, sportier, more performance oriented. The B9 A4 will certainly be roomier, more comfortable, and more luxurious.

As to which is the 'better option', that really depends on you.

[ChipB]

Define "comfortable." An A4 with standard suspension will be less sporty than the S3, so the ride will be more compliant. Some people might call that more "comfortable," others would prefer the more direct and sporty feel of the S3. I think you should consider other significant factors separating these two cars - for example the S3 has significantly more power (so faster, sportier), but consequently lower MPG. And of course interior room varies, so factors such as trunk capacity and whether the back seat must accommodate adults should come into your decision as well.

[Militant-Grunt]

The new A4's MMI unit is leaps and bounds better than the S3's, as is the interior quality. I'm also willing to bet it'll handle and ride significantly better due to the fact that it'll have torsen quattro vs haldex, and 4 link front vs mcpherson..

[Banan]

The B9 has a crown wheel center differential, not torsen.

[LINDW4LL]

These two are pretty close in a lot of ways. I think the A4 is definitely the nicer package overall. Depends what you're going for though.

The A4 has a much better interior design [in my opinion], better tech, and better materials. It also is roomier, obviously. Power is decently close at 252 vs 292hp. DSG transmission in both... Also, Audi has done a really good job of shaving weight on the B9, so the S3/A4 should be within 100-200lbs of each other.

The B9 has a crown wheel center differential, not torsen.

Good correction, and luckily the Crown Diff is even better than the previous Torsen unit.

Both of which are a nice advantage over the S3's Haldex.

[Banan]

Audi has done a really good job of shaving weight on the B9, so the S3/A4 should be within 100-200lbs of each other.

I had to look up the weight on them, A4 sedan is 1635kg and S3 is 1575kg, so 60kg difference as you said. Closer than I would have guessed.

[tekmo]

I think the B9 A4 is a better package overall

[Cgoon009]

I think the B9 A4 is a better package overall

I would have to agree, based on what i have seen and driven. I liked the idea of the S3 but there is alot i dont like about it in reality.

[ryan_sn]

If you value interior design and comfort more than performance, get the A4. But if you prefer a more performance oriented car than the S3 is much better.

[Dirty_Bourbon]

So just my two cents....I went in to lease (and did lease). My a4 msrp is 48.5k. The s3 comparably which i went in to lease initially was 47.5k. 1k less and leased 80-100$ more. Just a heads up. Solely because of the depreciation factor.

[inception]

Both cars optioned the way I want come out to almost the same, (base S3 v Premium A4)

Canada configurator does not give the option of the digital dash unless you fork out for a top of the line A4 which is a feature I would have liked.

Will need to drive both but the S3 seems the better option.

I'm 50, looking for a comfortable daily driver to replace the truck (renos complete) that being said the A4 might be the more comfortable due to a longer wheel base.

Dealer told me late February for an A4 to arrive so will have to wait till then.

i believe the A4 chipped with downpipe and exhaust will be an awesome daily driver. I have an A4 premium plus with sports package, Stage 2 E85 and i love it. I think the interiors of the B9 will be leaps and bound on the S3. plus it looks classier. I like how the S3 drives but i think as a business owner in my 40's not the A4 is perfect.

[ryan_sn]

i believe the A4 chipped with downpipe and exhaust will be an awesome daily driver. I have an A4 premium plus with sports package, Stage 2 E85 and i love it. I think the interiors of the B9 will be leaps and bound on the S3. plus it looks classier. I like how the S3 drives but i think as a business owner in my 40's not the A4 is perfect.

But for a 26 year old medical professional graduate the S3 is the car

[RudyH]

i believe the A4 chipped with downpipe and exhaust will be an awesome daily driver. I have an A4 premium plus with sports package, Stage 2 E85 and i love it. I think the interiors of the B9 will be leaps and bound on the S3. plus it looks classier. I like how the S3 drives but i think as a business owner in my 40's not the A4 is perfect.

Even the B8 / 8.5, there is a difference between the S3 and S4. It has newer tech in the S3, but it always felt like a squished A4 with more power and cheaper built interior. I was very interested in the S3, but after sitting in it next to an A4 S-Line, you quickly notice the difference. Driving experience of course is difference.

To simplify the comparison...Civic vs Accord (mind you the new Civic seems as big as the outgoing A4...)

With all the changes to the new B9, it really brings the A4 up a notch, and with an ECU / intake / dp+exhaust personally I might skip the S4 and S3. The only thing I hope Audi considers is the sports diff. It truly makes the B8 S4 a blast to drive, and would be something I would want in the A4

[phillyquattro]

Even the B8 / 8.5, there is a difference between the S3 and S4. It has newer tech in the S3, but it always felt like a squished A4 with more power and cheaper built interior. I was very interested in the S3, but after sitting in it next to an A4 S-Line, you quickly notice the difference. Driving experience of course is difference.

To simplify the comparison...Civic vs Accord (mind you the new Civic seems as big as the outgoing A4...)

With all the changes to the new B9, it really brings the A4 up a notch, and with an ECU / intake / dp+exhaust personally I might skip the S4 and S3. The only thing I hope Audi considers is the sports diff. It truly makes the B8 S4 a blast to drive, and would be something I would want in the A4

Coming from owning a B8 A4 and switching to an S3 I have to completely disagree. The interior of the S3 is much nicer than the A4/S4, especially with the super sport seats. This is obviously all based on personal opinion but I love the far more minimal dash and center console of the S3 than the buttons everywhere approach of the A4/S4. What really sold me on the S3 though was the exterior of the B9. It's just absolutely hideous. I hated it when the first press release came out. I hated it at the auto show. I hated it when I saw one in the wild for the first time yesterday. Front to back it's just disgusting and I don't see any amount of mods being able to correct that. Aside from being ugly it's just timid looking, there's nothing aggressive looking about it inside or out, even the S4. As a long time A4 owner I was definitely a bit bummed to switch platforms after close to 10 years, though I've been incredibly happy with the S3.

[pinalloy.com]

i say A4

[b6onboost]

In regards to the S3 interior...this is definitely where personal taste comes in big time. Some people love the minimalistic, sports car-esque design with the huge vents. Others thinks its completely out of character for premium German sedan, which usually has a more integrated look like the B8s.

In regards to the B9...this is where you lose me. Sounds like you hated it from day one and that hatred keeps growing. I'm not in love with all the changes, but at the same time I acknowledge that it still looks 95% like every other newer Audi on the road, including the S3. I really don't think a B9 S-Line or B9 S4 looks any more/less aggressive than an equivalent B8, B8.5, or S3 for that matter.

Coming from owning a B8 A4 and switching to an S3 I have to completely disagree. The interior of the S3 is much nicer than the A4/S4, especially with the super sport seats. This is obviously all based on personal opinion but I love the far more minimal dash and center console of the S3 than the buttons everywhere approach of the A4/S4. What really sold me on the S3 though was the exterior of the B9. It's just absolutely hideous. I hated it when the first press release came out. I hated it at the auto show. I hated it when I saw one in the wild for the first time yesterday. Front to back it's just disgusting and I don't see any amount of mods being able to correct that. Aside from being ugly it's just timid looking, there's nothing aggressive looking about it inside or out, even the S4. As a long time A4 owner I was definitely a bit bummed to switch platforms after close to 10 years, though I've been incredibly happy with the S3.

[RudyH]

Coming from owning a B8 A4 and switching to an S3 I have to completely disagree. The interior of the S3 is much nicer than the A4/S4, especially with the super sport seats. This is obviously all based on personal opinion but I love the far more minimal dash and center console of the S3 than the buttons everywhere approach of the A4/S4. What really sold me on the S3 though was the exterior of the B9. It's just absolutely hideous. I hated it when the first press release came out. I hated it at the auto show. I hated it when I saw one in the wild for the first time yesterday. Front to back it's just disgusting and I don't see any amount of mods being able to correct that. Aside from being ugly it's just timid looking, there's nothing aggressive looking about it inside or out, even the S4. As a long time A4 owner I was definitely a bit bummed to switch platforms after close to 10 years, though I've been incredibly happy with the S3.

Sorry, I do agree with the A4 S-Line vs S3, mind you the S3 on the show room had the sport seats that were the same as the S-Line A4 *pretty much*. So it was a like for like. Super sport S4 vs super sport S3, again, the S4 takes it quite easily with the higher grade leather.

Trust me, I wanted the S3 so bad, but timing had me needing a car until Audi could get their stuff together with the super sports and black optics, so bought out the S4 anticipating the wait. When it came time, I was like meh, the interior still is cheaper in the S3, gas prices are super low so the savings was void, the S4 is way smoother and with the sports diff fun to drive. Kind of fell to the way side and see what happens when I need a new car.

Enter the B9 A4, ok yes the available super sports in the S3 are nicer, however, the rest of the car...both are 'minimalist' design, just the A4 is built better and with higher quality. Just like if you sat in an A6 vs A4 it's a night and day difference, same goes with the A3/S3 vs A4/S4

[xtrema]

Had A3 and A3 TDI as a loaner. From a S4, it's definitely a downgrade in material. The dash lay out got old fast IMO. I also find the MLB platform to be more fun/balanced than MQB. MLB Evo with the weight saving should make B9 even better handler.

But even with A3, the 2.0L is very preppy for everyday driving. Not sure why B9 A4 2.0 was tuned of torque instead of HP (probably for drivability) but I would thought Audi will try to match themselves with competitors since both BMW (underrated) and Merc (more power, same torque).

And at least in Canada, the S3 sport seat adjustment are all manual. Something I thought would never make it in an Audi given even Golf have that option. Let alone a S product.

[casuso]

For a 50 year old guy looking for comfort, A4 is the way to go.

[Grippy]

I checked out an A3 in Austin last year and I was pretty surprised with how roomy the back seat was... until I got in the driver's seat and had to move it nearly all the way back. There was all of 2" between the back of the drivers seat and the rear seat. That basically makes the car a three seater. I'm only 6'2" but that was a deal breaker. I don't remember how much headroom there was.

[Spike66]

Okay its official Casuso, you made me feel quiet old (LOL),

Grippy - Since I am 6'1 and space is an issue this will drop the S3 off the table.

Only compairable car I can find to the A4 (price range and AWD) is the new Jag XE, but larger engine that I really need for round town (Supercharged V6 - 340 hp). A test drive should sort it, waiting to hear from the dealer on arrival of an A4 for a test drive.

[casuso]

Okay its official Casuso, you made me feel quiet old (LOL),

Grippy - Since I am 6'1 and space is an issue this will drop the S3 off the table.

Only compairable car I can find to the A4 (price range and AWD) is the new Jag XE, but larger engine that I really need for round town (Supercharged V6 - 340 hp). A test drive should sort it, waiting to hear from the dealer on arrival of an A4 for a test drive.

LOL!!! not my intention, I mean I am turning 40 this year so not a kid either!

I am about to get a A4 again, I only look for 4 door sedans as sporty as possible and for some reaso I have always thought that 3<4 :)

[cw8307]

Unless you have children or need the extra room this really is a no brainer. I loved my A4 but the S models are so much more fun to drive even if the model you get isn't as luxurious.

[car]

I checked out an A3 in Austin last year and I was pretty surprised with how roomy the back seat was... until I got in the driver's seat and had to move it nearly all the way back. There was all of 2" between the back of the drivers seat and the rear seat. That basically makes the car a three seater. I'm only 6'2" but that was a deal breaker. I don't remember how much headroom there was.

I sat in the B9 A4 at the auto show and didn't see much more room than my B7 A4, but a bit more than my B5 S4. There was still no chance of someone sitting behind me and me being comfortable on a long drive, I'm 6'4".

Unless you have children or need the extra room this really is a no brainer. I loved my A4 but the S models are so much more fun to drive even if the model you get isn't as luxurious.

I had my heart set on the B9 S4, but we have a newborn, with plans for a second next year. We could drive our new Explorer Sport every where. But doesn't make sense on the longer trips. I was very surprised with the Lexus GS350. Certainly the performance is not there. But the interior is very impressive. Not to mention the Mark Levinson audio. The Continental is on my short list too.

Not trying to take away from this thread, just telling my current story of car shopping as I plan to buy something new this year and a larger car has been on my mind for some time now.

[casualalfredo]

My mom has a 2013 Lexus GS it has good interior but it's so boring.


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[doug97gxe]

the S3 interior is not that much smaller than the A4 . its smaller trunk and hood

[doug97gxe]

2017 a4

interior measurements
front head room 38.9 in. Front leg room 41.3 in.
Front shoulder room 55.9 in. Rear head room 37.4 in.
Rear leg room 35.7 in. Rear shoulder room 54.5 in

2016 s3

interior measurements
front head room 36.5 in. Front leg room 41.2 in.
Front shoulder room 54.8 in. Rear head room 36.1 in.
Rear leg room 35.1 in. Rear shoulder room 53.0 in.

[car]

My mom has a 2013 Lexus GS it has good interior but it's so boring.


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Ruiner! But seriously. Thank you for your input. The wife went from an 08 Escape to our 14 Explorer Sport and that was a very easy decision. Choosing my new car is one of the hardest decisions I have ever made. Going on a year that I have been looking.

[circle]

B8.5 S4 w sport diff?

Honestly I would not have buy the B8.5 A4. I drove it for a week. Engine is peppy but boring car and felt cheap. Maybe the new A4 is better.

[jake101]

just saw the b9 a4 at the dealer today, and tbh, it was jaw-dropping. once you sit inside the interior of the cabin, you're hooked lol. plus I think as a middle-aged person, a roomier sedan like the a4 would be a better choice:)

[casualalfredo]

B8.5 S4 w sport diff?

Honestly I would not have buy the B8.5 A4. I drove it for a week. Engine is peppy but boring car and felt cheap. Maybe the new A4 is better.

damn that just legit hurt my feelings, lol f*ck


and from this thread people are bashing the s3, also im 6'1" tall.........wtf........s4

[audinator]

I have driven both the S3 and the B9 A4 recently. Not sure what the deal is but the B9 is damn quick. So quick I asked my friend (also a B8 S4 owner) to come drive the damn thing. He drove both and said the A4 was a shock – quick.

[RudyH]

I am honestly, curious, what the difference between the 2.0T's being used in the A4 and A3, besides placement.
More so, been reading and comparing dynos' between the A3 and S3, and it's a bit intriguing especially with the initial gains on the Stage I's for the S3.

[doug97gxe]

I am honestly, curious, what the difference between the 2.0T's being used in the A4 and A3, besides placement.
More so, been reading and comparing dynos' between the A3 and S3, and it's a bit intriguing especially with the initial gains on the Stage I's for the S3.

prob turbo size and tuning .. the motors are prob identical

[wwhan]

I have driven both the S3 and the B9 A4 recently. Not sure what the deal is but the B9 is damn quick. So quick I asked my friend (also a B8 S4 owner) to come drive the damn thing. He drove both and said the A4 was a shock – quick.

Low RPM torque comes on sooner with the A4 than the S3, but the peak torque is close. Off the line, the A4 should feel peppy.

The FWD A4 weighs almost the same (+21lbs) as the S3, but the A4 quattro is 164lbs heavier than the S4

S3
Curb weight - 3462 lbs
Horsepower (@ rpm) - 292 @ 5,400 – 6,200 rpm
Torque (lb-ft @ rpm) - 280 @ 1,900 – 5,300 rpm
==============================
A4
Curb weight (lb) - 3,483 - FWD
Curb weight (lb) - 3,626 - AWD
Horsepower (@ rpm) - 252 @ 5,000-6,000
Torque (lb-ft @ rpm) - 273 @ 1,600-4,500
==============================

[mjt20mik]

But for a 26 year old medical professional graduate the S3 is the car

C'mon now. If you in the medical field you should be rocking a S5 or greater.

[doug97gxe]

C'mon now. If you in the medical field you should be rocking a S5 or greater.

Dr don't make any money till they become fellows .. Some nurses make more than interns and residents

[carlos19143]

But for a 26 year old medical professional graduate the S3 is the car

If I were his age still, I'd get the S3 I'm sure. But I'm not! Can always move into the b10, or 11 or whatever it is when he's at that point in life!

[Kayone73]

C'mon now. If you in the medical field you should be rocking a S5 or greater.

Not everyone working in the medical field is loaded especially at that age, and there's such a thing as massive med school loans.

Please don't over generalize. Im a doctor who just broke age 40 and I wasn't seeing the money roll in until early 30s