Am I Crazy?

[DylanFulton]

So, after a year of ownership and daily driving my 2006 S4, here are some of the conclusions that I've come to...

1) it's fantastic in the snow
2) the power is very usable
3) it handles it's weight surprisingly well
4) the Recaros hug you to death
5) the V8 soundtrack never gets old
6) it drinks gas like nothing i've ever experienced

Note point number 6, the fuel consumption. I know, "if gas mileage is such a big deal to you, then you shouldn't have gotten an S4". As much as I love my S4, the gas mileage is killing me. I drive a lot for work, so when I'm filling up 2/3 times per week it really starts to take a toll. Thus, leading me on to the point of this post. I'm very fond of the B7 styling, particularly in Avant form. Would I be crazy to "downgrade" to an A4 Avant? It's worth noting that I would only consider a manual transmission, I know that they're harder to find in an Avant but they're out there. Here's my thought process...

B7 2.0T Quattro Avant
- significantly better gas mileage
- extensive options for tuning
- S-Line package offers just as attractive looks as my S4
- seats are not nearly as fantastic as my Recaros
- although it's not a bad sounding engine, it's no V8

If I went this route, I would certainly do some tuning. Nothing crazy as it would be my daily driver but I'd be happy with some basic bolt-ons and a tune. I've never driven a 2.0T B7, so here's where I'm looking for some insight from those who have driven a tuned 2.0T and an S4 to see how they compare.

OPTION 2

B7 3.2 Quattro Avant
- better gas mileage, though not as good as the 2.0T
- limited options for tuning
- S-Line package offers just as attractive looks as my S4
- seats are not nearly as fantastic as my Recaros
- much nicer engine note, still no V8 though

I do have some extensive experience with the 3.2 (girlfriend has a A3 3.2 Quattro with DSG). Although tuning options are very limited with the 3.2, it would be "quick enough" in 99% of situations. The 3.2 is definitely slower than my S4, but not nearly as much as I was expecting.

With that being said, what are your thoughts? Would I be crazy to go from an S4 to an A4?

[zcspec]

You're going toreceive so many different view points on the situation. Ultimately, go with what your soul wants. Me, I am a wagon guy. I gave up an e93M3 because I couldn't stand the lack of TQ down low, terrible MPGs, and spaces for the things I enjoy doing, IE, hiking, biking, roadtrips with the family, etc... I moved over to a 2015 AR and couldn't be any happier. My AR is a few years newer than what you're looking at but I strongly considered the B7 Avant US due to the same reasons you've mentioned. I wanted better MPGs, decent tunability, and a clean Avant US could be had for under $15K. All these reasons swayed me away from the last Gen M3 with a v8.

[emcaha]

Is having two cars out of the question?

I'd say best approach would be to keep the S and get a cheaper commuter car. Did this myself a few months back and has worked out really well.

If you have to stick with one car then go with the 4 banger. You'll get the best mileage return and as you stated, tons more options for go-fast bits.

[Jake@JHM]

I wen't from a B5 S4 to a B7 A4.

I would recommend the B7 A4 2.0T. It is very mod-able, very easy to work on, and replacement parts are very affordable. Performance wise we make a lot of parts for that car and can make them very quick, while being very fuel efficient.

[DylanFulton]

Is having two cars out of the question?

I'd say best approach would be to keep the S and get a cheaper commuter car. Did this myself a few months back and has worked out really well.

If you have to stick with one car then go with the 4 banger. You'll get the best mileage return and as you stated, tons more options for go-fast bits.

Yes, unfortunately a second car wouldn't be an option. Another car to insure and maintain, plus finding somewhere to keep it. In a perfect world, I agree that would be a good alternative.

[emcaha]

Understood, 2 car approach isn't applicable for everyone. I lucked out as parking isn't an issue and I got a car I've worked on before and know a cheap place for parts. Upkeep would be minimal and insurance was pretty much a wash. The savings from not listing the S as a primary vehicle almost completely covered the cost to insure the commuter. (Writing this more for others who may end up in the same boat and future searches)

Looks like you'll have a 2.0T in the garage before too long. Enjoy.

[dsgray16]

Look for a USP Avant.. Moddable and a just a beautiful car.. Think there is one on Panjo right now actually.

[sitting proper]

I'd go with the 2.0t since it seems like the gas mileage is a large concern for you. I understand the gas situation, as I've been driving my car a lot every weekend and it gets old filling up every 200+ miles. Plus if you still want to have fun with it, and it sounds like you do, then between the 2.0t and the 3.2 there really shouldn't be any doubt to go with the turbo.

I had a '06 GTI (same 2.0t) that was stage 2 APR, and it would blow the doors off of my S4s on the highway. It's just a more tunable motor, and a lot cheaper to maintain.

[Terry.Reese]

just picked up a 05 allroad with the 2.7t bi turbo, I am very impressed with the way it handles.

[TarlCabot]

i get 20 to 22 mpg in mine, when i dont have my foot in it all the time.... my A4 buddies rag me about having to stop soo often for refill, but totally worth it to me for that v8 sound...

that being said, i dont think i would ever d/d her like most of you guys do, i would buy a pos to hammer the d/d if i did not currently have a company vehicle

[kevinye77137]

I say get the b8 a4 or a5 2.0t. It looks sexy and modern. Get a quad tip exhaust and lower it a bit. Tune it and it will blow the s4 away

[jakeoboy67]

I say get the b8 a4 or a5 2.0t. It looks sexy and modern. Get a quad tip exhaust and lower it a bit. Tune it and it will blow the s4 away

a 2.0t will blow away a B6/B7 S4 with a simple tune ? lol

[helli217]

a 2.0t will blow away a B6/B7 S4 with a simple tune ? lol

Yeah, I also disagree. I've owned a B7 A4 Avant Stage 2 TQM, a B6 S4 with I/Piggies/E/tune plus extras, and a B7 RS4 with E/tune. Those V8 S4's (RS4's) are in a different league.

The V8 varieties of the B6-B7 have WAY more soul and downright excitement than a B7 A4. They may not be seconds faster on paper (once both are fully bolted and tuned) but they are worlds apart to drive. I actually owned the B7 A4 AFTER the V8's, but it was my wife's car, not to replace the V8 cars, and we loved it. I found however that I got shit gas mileage, because even with a tune I was always balls deep in the throttle. Having owned a variety, I feel going from a V8 S4 to a B7 A4 will be a downgrade. Honesty. If MPG is the most important factor, then yes...but the way I drove our A4, I got about 21 mpg average. Not great.

[jakeoboy67]

Yeah, I also disagree. I've owned a B7 A4 Avant Stage 2 TQM, a B6 S4 with I/Piggies/E/tune plus extras, and a B7 RS4 with E/tune. Those V8 S4's (RS4's) are in a different league.

The V8 varieties of the B6-B7 have WAY more soul and downright excitement than a B7 A4. They may not be seconds faster on paper (once both are fully bolted and tuned) but they are worlds apart to drive. I actually owned the B7 A4 AFTER the V8's, but it was my wife's car, not to replace the V8 cars, and we loved it. I found however that I got shit gas mileage, because even with a tune I was always balls deep in the throttle. Having owned a variety, I feel going from a V8 S4 to a B7 A4 will be a downgrade. Honesty. If MPG is the most important factor, then yes...but the way I drove our A4, I got about 21 mpg average. Not great.

it's all in the driving feel, v8 makes it sweet

[BCsniper]

Nothing wrong with getting a 2.0 Avant. A well modded A4 is just as quick as an S4.

Also what's the gas prices like there in Ontario? Cause I remember how much I was spending on gas back when the price was about double what it is now.

Also I made the decision before to go from an S4 to an A4.......then a year later I bought another S4 again

[helli217]

Nothing wrong with getting a 2.0 Avant. A well modded A4 is just as quick as an S4.

Also what's the gas prices like there in Ontario? Cause I remember how much I was spending on gas back when the price was about double what it is now.

Also I made the decision before to go from an S4 to an A4.......then a year later I bought another S4 again

But...a well modded A4 is NOT as quick as a well modded S4 or RS4. This is an age old argument, and the point is *usually* (someone WILL misread this) moot. The guy who bought the cheaper car will argue about the total price, the other will argue that you bought a car then spent "X" amount on mods....blah, blah. The B6-B7 S cars (and RS) are WAY better in every way than the A variant. Just SIT in one. It's no contest. They shouldn't be compared. I'm not saying the B7 A4 isn't a great car. We owned one and loved it. It's not a replacement for the V8 car unless you absolutely need the fuel economoy and are willing to give up the interior and experience that the S/RS give.

If you are that hurt by the fuel economy, the A4 is likely a great replacement. For ANY OTHER REASON (other than you are BETA and your wife hates the loud exhaust) the A4 is not a good replacement for an S4. :)

[helli217]

It's funny, but I just realized I still lurk this forum because I miss my S/RS V8 cars. So, maybe I'm biased lol.

[IslandHydro]

So, if you don't mind dropping some size, how about the Golf R? Gets 30 mpg, is a small wagon, AWD, and as fast as a RS4.... Likely my next car.

[ngood1]

I'm not sure having a tuned a4 will help you save all that much

Sent from my VS985 4G using Tapatalk

[4point2]

yeah to be frank the "have to push the 2.0T hard" factor will eat a lot into the fuel economy difference. I just did a 700km road trip with a few of the local guys many running tuned 2.0Ts and they weren't saving that much in fuel costs. they did get to enjoy my muffler delete V8 all the way though...

[Jester2893]

It's funny, but I just realized I still lurk this forum because I miss my S/RS V8 cars. So, maybe I'm biased lol.

same boat...

Had a b6 s4, sold it for the "more reliable option" a b8 a5...that lasted about a year and now Im considering a b6 s4 again or saving for a b8.5 s5 ..

[VroomTT]

I previously had a stg2+ B7 A4 S-line 6spd and upgraded to the the B7 S4 6spd. I can honestly say the gas mileage IS significantly worse in the S4. You will feel it in your pocket, so if that is priority one then go for it.

With that said, the driving experience and feel is incomparable. The S4 is much quicker across the board, but also not so much that you would hate your life in an a4(at stg2+). The S4 has much more refined feel on the inside. The S4 also that "Special" factor that just makes you smile every time you are around it. The seats are night and day on comfort, but the a4 seats are much less bulky, so the interior feels much larger in the a4. Trade off of comfort for space there.

I daily'd both for well over a year each so far. Same commute. The gas mileage part does sucks, no denying that, but factoring everything else I'm still glad I made the switch. Just my .02

A golf R or an S3 is probly the only trade option that give you the best of both worlds.

[Chris@EPL]

I have a B7A4 Avant with 256k miles and I have put almost all of the miles on. I have a stage 1 tune and have since 20k miles. Even in bumper to bumper traffic in and out of NYC, I rarely get below 25MPG and I drive fast on the highway so I rarely get above 30. I have gotten over 30 on long trips and can easily get 26-29MPG if I am behaving. Not sure how bad the S4 mpg is. Also the 3.2 in your GF's A3 is a VR6 and not even close to the same 3.2 in the B7A4. The 3.2 in the A4 is a normal V6. The 3.2 in the A3 is a narrow angle VR6 with more power and torque and a great motor that has been around in basically the same for since 1992 in the USA.

[helli217]

same boat...

Had a b6 s4, sold it for the "more reliable option" a b8 a5...that lasted about a year and now Im considering a b6 s4 again or saving for a b8.5 s5 ..

Yeah buddy. I have had many faster cars, but I LOVE the Audi V8's. I would probably love an RS5, but they lack of power/$ ratio (and lack of "modability") steers me away. The 4.2 is nevertheless an awesome engine...it does however have atrocious fuel economy for its size. I like the throttle. I was averaging about 14mpg at the time in my B6 S4 on a semi stop and go suburban commute. Hell, our current modded F150 5.0 averages 17 in he same conditions.