Should i stay with my S4 (B8.5) or switch to S3

[AndreS4]

Hey, i know this question has been answered and debated a lot but i want perspective from people who have lived with there s3's for a while now. Ive had my s4 for a year its DSG with no sport diff and the s3 i would be getting is fully loaded, sepang blue. Payments are identical down to the dollar for a finance. i will be lightly modding the s3 (Exhaust, springs, aesthetics) Any response would be much appreciated, thank you!

[Briant73us]

S4

[Jv218]

S4


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[Hellahashtags]

Drive them back to back and I'm sure you'll be pretty pleased with the S3 as well (I sure was.). The big downside is the huge depreciation hit you'll take on the new S3 (vs the slower deprecation you'll see with your used S4.)


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[poops]

I drove S3 and S4 back to back a couple of months ago. Afterwards, for the life of me, could not understand why anyone in his/her right mind would choose the S3 over the S4.

[LINDW4LL]

Hey, i know this question has been answered and debated a lot but i want perspective from people who have lived with there s3's for a while now. Ive had my s4 for a year its DSG with no sport diff and the s3 i would be getting is fully loaded, sepang blue.

You should wait and buy a B9 S4. Better than the S3 in every respect.

[AndreS4]

Thank you for the replies, i did drive one today and i was impressed. i just have to make the decision fairly soon and i really can't decide. My previous car was an E92 M3 and there was lots of people saying that and the S4 were not even in the same league and for canadian daily driving i couldn't be happier with my bimmer to audi switch. just don't know if the s3 is really such a downgrade as some say or if for a young person, who isn't hauling lots of people or luggage the smaller, peppier s3 might be a better suit.

[jygesq]

You have what I think is the ultimate audi, save for lack of sport diff. The s3 is smaller , uses a. Haldrex awd, which is not a truer Quattro .4 banger turbo is not as smooth and refined as the s4, v6 . After the novelty of the s3 wears off, you will long for your S 4. Keep what you have, you will not regret it. s4,owners for the most part ON THIS FORUM ,seem to want more, to upgrade their cars,. Some of us are very content with what they have stock s4. I am one of those. Fot year and a half, I have had no interest in other cars,as my 2015,s4 is the ultimate car for me.yes I have owned 3,BMW s in the past. To me the. S4 is the perfect size, perfect performance and perfect quality level. The s3.falls short on all these attributes. Your choice, but you own the best now, why down grade?

[GRUMPY-S4]

Haldex and 4 banger....

Those were the two reasons I stayed away

[will13k7]

For me, the S3 is more fun, and the S4 is more luxurious.

With both of mine at Stage2, the S3 feels faster, and I think it is faster on 91 octane. With launch control, the s3's 4 banger takes off just as well as the s4's v6 (I was really surprised by this). The surge of boost is what I think makes the S3 feel faster. The S4's fast, but deceptively fast, which reduces the fun factor. Its also a bit heavier and has a slower turn-in due to this, but still a great car, it does have a much better sounding exhuast, and that sport diff pulling the rear out is awesome.

For quattro, I haven't been able to tell the difference in traction in the rain, both just put the power down, but I'm not a track driver.

Good luck trying to pick one!

[jl87]

S4 is more refined and still plenty quick, S3 would be more fun and can run 10's with the new stage 3 kit. All depends what you want the car for.

[The Fat Kid]

For me, the S3 is more fun, and the S4 is more luxurious.

With both of mine at Stage2, the S3 feels faster, and I think it is faster on 91 octane. With launch control, the s3's 4 banger takes off just as well as the s4's v6 (I was really surprised by this). The surge of boost is what I think makes the S3 feel faster. The S4's fast, but deceptively fast, which reduces the fun factor. Its also a bit heavier and has a slower turn-in due to this, but still a great car, it does have a much better sounding exhuast, and that sport diff pulling the rear out is awesome.

For quattro, I haven't been able to tell the difference in traction in the rain, both just put the power down, but I'm not a track driver.

Good luck trying to pick one!

^ Pay attention to the guy who owns both cars.

I am also thinking of getting out of my '15 S4, but not even considering the S3. You should probably figure out what you want most from another car, and then start looking for something.

Going from the S4 to the S3 is like dumping your current girlfriend because she is annoying, only to start dating her slightly less annoying younger sister. Meh.

[chaos2984]

Just depends on what your going to do with the car. I considered a S3 before the S4. But when I found out that the MMI controls were goofy. And it has a huge blind spot. it was pretty much out. I went with the S4. But would I buy an S3 in the future probably. Would I buy it over the s4 probably not. I love the sound of the engine and the S/C whine is awesome when people hear it and their like what. The outgoing S4 is the complete package to me. Interior exterior and driving. The S3 would be lacking a little of the interior to me with those MMI controls. The seats came in after the launch model it got good seats put in.

Or just wait and get the RS3 FTW

[RudyH]

Likely you will get more of a response from the S3 part of the forum, unless you are leaning towards keeping the S4. Here you will likely get an owner with a two car family, or ones that looked at the S3 but weren't interested.

Personally, had the opportunity to trade in for the S3, it just simply wasn't enough to put me over the edge. Where it did somethings better then the S4, the S4 was better in other respects. I just couldn't justify the payments for the S3 and cheaper interior. Then again I am not stock so a mass majority of the +'s of the S3 were not seen / felt by me.

Next year is RS3 / S5 Sportback / S4 season, and that's when I think I am revisiting my car decisions. If you have a 2015 S4, and are already thinking of trading it in for a S3, well...I would wait till next year because those three alone will make you want to sell the S3 in a heartbeat.

[sc117]

Comparing the S3 vs S4, I really didn't like the AC vents in the S3.


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[AndreS4]

Is an RS3 sedan confirmed for north america?

[jl87]

Yes, RS3 sedan is confirmed. Orders start this fall for 2Q delivery, so my sales guy tells me.

[circle]

Comparing the S3 vs S4, I really didn't like the AC vents in the S3.


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This. Such cheap crap.

I haven't sat in TT in a number of years but I don't think their vents are the same materials. The TT is hot!.
Keep the S4, look at new upgrades next year as others are saying.

[4wheelpilot]

I've been interested in the S4 since 2010.
Test drove it quite a few times over the years.
And test drove the S3 many times.
IMHO, very different higher performance 4 door sedans and compared to each other...
the S4 is more mature, higher quality, slightly bigger, rides better (at same settings) w/longer wheelbase
the S3 is more youthful, more nimble, more "economical", less refined with shorter wheelbase and 2.0, smaller interior and trunk.
When comparing the price of the two, and as closely equipped as possible, there is about a 4-5,000 difference in price.
So unless you must have an S4, the S3 would be a lot of fun for less $$$.
I decided to get a 2014 CPO S4 that was less $ than the S3 I would have ordered.
And since I have children, the S4 was a better fit.
Either way, both are great sedans.
Good luck.

Just re read op...you're considering making a change from your 2015 S4 to a fully loaded S3. Seems like you know both cars well. If the payments are the same and you don't "need" the S4, go with the fully loaded S3 and have a blast!

[jl87]

On the cost point, I was literally contemplating the same move a couple weeks ago, S4 to S3. I ultimately turned the deal down but I was at nearly 15% off MSRP on the S3. Lots of 2015 inventory available at dealers right now which means better pricing...if you decide to go that route.

[RudyH]

Is an RS3 sedan confirmed for north america?

as mentioned Aug 2017 should start seeing them floating around, and no doubt sitting around here will know before that

[chaos2984]

Yes, RS3 sedan is confirmed. Orders start this fall for 2Q delivery, so my sales guy tells me.

I have been told this as well.

[torinalth]

s4. Friend has an S3 and while it does feel and sound faster (its louder overall) I really don't like the interior at all. The s4 also feels better cruising. Since it's my DD I like the extra luxury involved and the smoother feel the S4 gives. When I want to play, i'd bet the S3 is slightly more staisfying.... but its getting more and more rare when I can play. Exterior it takes someone knowing the minute differences to tell his from mine (same color too). its similar though less extreme as looking at a mustang vs a fiat 500 abarth. one is more power and better for distances, the other its a tossable zip car. both can be fun, but it depends on hat you think fun is.

Side note, my friend like his S3 more because he wanted a smaller car than the S4. it's not THAT different in size, but it is fairly different in weight.

[SportVier]

3 pedals good. 2 pedals bad.

[s4buckeye]

^ Pay attention to the guy who owns both cars.

I am also thinking of getting out of my '15 S4, but not even considering the S3. You should probably figure out what you want most from another car, and then start looking for something.

Going from the S4 to the S3 is like dumping your current girlfriend because she is annoying, only to start dating her slightly less annoying younger sister. Meh.

wait wut

[Wusty]

I drove an S3 a few months ago and was pleasantly surprised by how fun it was. I really liked the suspension, I felt like it was flatter in the corners than my S4, and more nimble. So much so that I went right back to my dealer and they said they are now open for deposits on the RS3 Sedan, so I put one down and am planning on the RS3 as my next car. The S3 is a surprisingly fun car.

S3 vs S4 is pure personal preference. Their "feeling of speed" is an interesting thing as the Turbo feels faster in my opinion because the superchargers power is so linear.

[Vanimal]

I'm still waiting on the B9 S4 to drop. So the prices dip a tad lower on the B8.5 so u can trade my 2010 4.2 S5 in for one & have similar or not much higher payments. Although I seen a 2013 with 36k miles for $33k which was decent. My payoff on my B8 S5 I think is like $18k, so I'd like to get a even Steven trade in roughly, it's got 70k on it. Still love the car but just really partial to the look of a B8 S4 with the stock 19" peelers lowerd on springs. I thought about looking at a 2009-2012 but with the front end upgrade, new wheel etc it's probably worth the few grand more for the b8.5. I'm paying like $400 a month now, it's probably impossible to get a B8.5 with similar payments without a large downpayment. Deciding when's the right time to buy.

I love the growl of my 4.2 S5, as I'm just a cruiser in my getting "older" stage. But man, I really love the sound of that supercharger with a intake. Sounds like a R/C remote control car on steroids lol.

As for the S3 I took a peek, as well as two people at my gym have one. I always park near it and it's pretty small, it's basically the size of my B5 S4 just in modern form, my S5 dwarfs it. Great body lines though. If size isn't a issue for you. But honestly I'd keep the S4 all day everyday.


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[Pilfer]

I drove an S3 a few months ago and was pleasantly surprised by how fun it was. I really liked the suspension, I felt like it was flatter in the corners than my S4, and more nimble. So much so that I went right back to my dealer and they said they are now open for deposits on the RS3 Sedan, so I put one down and am planning on the RS3 as my next car. The S3 is a surprisingly fun car.

S3 vs S4 is pure personal preference. Their "feeling of speed" is an interesting thing as the Turbo feels faster in my opinion because the superchargers power is so linear.

Really??? When is it supposed to come?

[jl87]

Really??? When is it supposed to come?

Orders starting fall of this year, delivery ~2Q 2017.

RS3 better get a modern "key" and none of this flip blade style crap the S3 got.

[Midnight_Rider]

s3 sure is a lot more nimble than s4, and easy to toss. but depreciation for sure.

[SportVier]

s3 sure is a lot more nimble than s4, and easy to toss. but depreciation for sure.

Golf R is even more fun, and you get a hatch and MT option.

[droopy1592]

I drove the S3 and I liked it a lot, but when pushed it feels and sounds "crunchy" if that makes sense, as if the suspension "cartilage" is all "athritised"if that makes sense.

Plus I love my sport dif. Gonna have to pry that from my cold dead hands. This S4 might be the first car I drive into the ground or at least until a tesla model 3 comes out.

[CrownSeven]

Golf R is even more fun, and you get a hatch and MT option.

What he said. Plus I think the interior of the Golf R is miles better than the S3.

[Thumper3]

^ Pay attention to the guy who owns both cars.

I also own both so I'll chime in.

For me, the S3 is more fun, and the S4 is more luxurious.


For quattro, I haven't been able to tell the difference in traction in the rain, both just put the power down, but I'm not a track driver.

I would agree that the S4 feels more luxurious, I have the Nappa leather so that might help LOL but the S4 does feel more like a luxury car, one that has some spunk and a bit of an attitude, but still a luxury car. I would not say the S3 is more "fun", but it definitely handles differently. The S3 is a smaller car, so it feels more exciting throwing it into corners and making sharp lane changes. The S4 is still sharp and on rails, but it takes some practice due to the drivetrain configuration making it nose heavy, turn in and cornering is not the same as other cars. Once you get it down (you actually have to drive it like a RWD a little and use the throttle to rotate the rear end and force oversteer to compensate for the understeer) it all feels right.

As to the differences in Quattro and Haledex.......let me tell you....there is a HUGE difference. And I have done the testing to prove it. :)


I started this winter by putting 18" Alzors and brand new Blizzaks on the S4. Went through several weather events with slush, standing packed snow, powder snow, and ice. I played in it all, really testing for the limits and seeing what I could do. It was a solid platform giving me amazing peace of mind and ability to navigate the spinning SUVs and idiots in Subaru's on bald All Season tires (I work in a body shop, always fun to look at the tires on wrecked cars coming in on the tow trucks).

Around January I swapped the winter setup from the S4 to the S3. More snow, ice, slush and tackled it all. The S3 is way more skittish on snow and no where near as capable. With the S4 I barely had to change how I drove, the S3 still required a massive change in turn ins and corner angles/speeds. In a straightline the S3 on the Blizzaks is still able to outperform any FWD/RWD car but cornering it has major understeer and slipping.

We actually just had a blizzard event last week and I was driving the S3, it was almost like an Audi commercial on the way home, snow packed roads, wind blowing the snow with reduced visibility. All the suckers in their Camry's and big power RWD cars are clogging the slow lane driving 5-10mph with their flashers on TERRIFIED. The bright red S3.......zips right past them doing 35-40 (only slowed to 5-10 when visibility went to 10ft) and humming. LOL Accelerating from stop lights (not mashing the throttle obviously) was easy and still very quick without wheel spin.

It's just the corners where the Haledex really struggles compared to the more capable torque vectoring of Quattro.

Mine are both stock, so I still have all the hesitation and lag the S3 deals with compared to the instant torque from the SC in the S4. Still love the S3 and it is fun to drive and obviously I have both so "picking" one or the other is clearly hard.......BUT.....if I had to chose, to really make a choice and give one of them up......................I wouldn't hesitate at all and the S3 would be on SwapALease and the S4 would be in the garage. I would miss the S3, but it's no contest.

[Hellahashtags]

For me, the S3 is more fun, and the S4 is more luxurious.

With both of mine at Stage2, the S3 feels faster, and I think it is faster on 91 octane. With launch control, the s3's 4 banger takes off just as well as the s4's v6 (I was really surprised by this). The surge of boost is what I think makes the S3 feel faster. The S4's fast, but deceptively fast, which reduces the fun factor. Its also a bit heavier and has a slower turn-in due to this, but still a great car, it does have a much better sounding exhuast, and that sport diff pulling the rear out is awesome.

For quattro, I haven't been able to tell the difference in traction in the rain, both just put the power down, but I'm not a track driver.

Good luck trying to pick one!

Also had the same feelings S3 vs S4, the S3 overall felt a bit sportier but I enjoyed the instant power delivery of the supercharged V6 more. Also, magnetic shocks > adaptive gas shocks.

[emnahum]

What he said. Plus I think the interior of the Golf R is miles better than the S3.

What he said. Plus much cheaper.

[forcefed7]

OP, you're doing this wrong. You're asking the question in the wrong forum. If you ask this question in the B8 S4 group, expect to get answers from biased, jealous, ladies. That's the norm.

If you're TRULY looking for the answer, pose this very same question in the S3 forum and aim it at the folks who own, or have owned both platforms and/or left the B8 S4 platform for the S3 platform. You'll get the most honest answers there, from someone who has IN FACT owned both platforms. Not speculation.

This section of the forum is full of bitter, jealous, old ladies who feel as if they've been left, hung out to dry and we all know there's nothing worse than a woman scorned....... :)

[SportVier]

OP, you're doing this wrong.

No, sir. I believe you are doing it wrong.
Read thread, then post. It's pretty simple, really.

[AndreS4]

Thank you guys for all the responses. Ive decided to keep the S4 and when i can get my hands on one get the RS3. I feel that way i can get all the pros of the s3 plus a more luxurious interior, same quattro awd and a bigger engine. Thank you all again for all the insight

[ChobeG]

I've had my S4 for a year now and i I'm very happy with it.. I have however done a few mods like eurocode swaybars and links, bilstein PSS10, SQ5 brake upgrade, intake and a piggyback and i'm super happy with it... The S3 might be that little bit quicker but who cares. The S4 to me looks nicer, it's bigger and with the suspension upgrade it has become a very fun car to drive... Would not consider the S3 or a 4cyl or 5cyl for that matter over a smoother, torquier feel of a v6...if i ever upgrade the s4 it would make more sense to jump the a new M3 2015