Audi S4 (B6) or E90 330i?

So, while I've got a 330i on order, at the same time as I was shopping around for the 330i I stopped in at an Audi dealer looking at certified pre-owned B6 S4's - low mileage and a really good warranty.

The audi dealer has just called in saying that they've got a 6spd manual transmission S4 for about the same price that I'd be paying for a new 330i. I don't know the mileage on it, but it will be fairly low.

So, here's the dilemma: do I go for a slightly used Audi S4 with AWD, leather, xenon headlamps, 4.2l V8 and 330 or so hp, or do I go for a new BMW 330i for the same price ...

sssssssss4

I'm a BMW fanatic, but I'd be hard pressed to turn down an S4. Really comes down to your preference in driving dynamics, since the S4 obviously outguns the bimmer in sheer power by quite a bit. I myself prefer the whole rwd layout thing, just because it feels so good when turning in and driving out of corners. But beyond that, the S4 is hard to fault. Build quality on the Audi obviously isn't an issue, since they pretty much set the standard in that area. So ultimately it just comes down to personal preference. I would ultimately still go for the 330, just because I personally really like it. Which is what I would say it comes down to for you. Don't think about all the objective reasons of one versus the other. Just which do you like better?

Good comments - thanks inspector16. Part of the problem is that I haven't driven the 330i with sport package (I drove the standard 330i and while it was competent, its suspension was a little soft for my liking - I'm hoping my dealer will have a 330i with sport package in soon so I can try it out before my one gets here), and I haven't driven the B6 S4 - when I was at the audi dealer they didn't have any on the lot.

I think you've hit the nail on the head though: which one do I like best from a "feel good" perspective - not evaluating the objective reasons, but which one I like better. Of course I'm struggling with that because I haven't driven either one yet ...

s4!!!

I have driven both a 6spd 330i and a B6 S4, The S4 has hydraulic steering and it is way to loose for my taste the car is almost toned down a little bit to much like its for an old man. But for most people it takes a while before they can afford an S4 which makes the cushy ride seem like a reasonable idea considering the cars target audience. Personally i would do the 330i and get the sport package, the BMW will out handle the S4 anyday the weight is much better balanced on the BMW and it is a much sportier drive. Because of the hydraulic steering even with suspension work it is my understanding that the steering on the S4 will remain loose. As far as sheer power goes the S4 has the BMW beat but i chose the 330. Now my opinion on the way a car should feel maybe a little different then you guys as i am only 17 and i prefer a stiffer ride and a car that grips the road. Ultimately its what you decide but you really cant go wrong with either car.

Originally Posted by batmanwagon

Good comments - thanks inspector16. Part of the problem is that I haven't driven the 330i with sport package (I drove the standard 330i and while it was competent, its suspension was a little soft for my liking - I'm hoping my dealer will have a 330i with sport package in soon so I can try it out before my one gets here), and I haven't driven the B6 S4 - when I was at the audi dealer they didn't have any on the lot.

I think you've hit the nail on the head though: which one do I like best from a "feel good" perspective - not evaluating the objective reasons, but which one I like better. Of course I'm struggling with that because I haven't driven either one yet ...

When you get a chance to drive them both, post your comments back here. I'd love to hear what you think after driving them both back to back.

Hands down the S4 is a better car than the 330 ..... I think the question should be do you want a new or used car. If you want new ..... buy the BMW, if you don't mind used ..... the S4 is much more car.

Well, it looks like its resolved itself anyway - they've already got a deposit on the one, and they're wanting far too much for the other quite apart from the fact that its an automatic which is immediately disqualifying ...

are s4's supposed to be this cheap (or e90's expensive)?

New S4's are around $52k, used ones can be gotten for somewhere between $40k and $45k depending on mileage.

ohhh this is a used s4? id still pick s4

luckily I will be having the best of both world with the S4 being my wife and the 330i being mine. but if I was to choose between the two. S4 all the way

Didn't consider the Audi, which I like, primarily because there is no back seat leg room.

Originally Posted by AWhite_E90_330i

I have driven both a 6spd 330i and a B6 S4, The S4 has hydraulic steering and it is way to loose for my taste the car is almost toned down a little bit to much like its for an old man. But for most people it takes a while before they can afford an S4 which makes the cushy ride seem like a reasonable idea considering the cars target audience. Personally i would do the 330i and get the sport package, the BMW will out handle the S4 anyday the weight is much better balanced on the BMW and it is a much sportier drive. Because of the hydraulic steering even with suspension work it is my understanding that the steering on the S4 will remain loose. As far as sheer power goes the S4 has the BMW beat but i chose the 330. Now my opinion on the way a car should feel maybe a little different then you guys as i am only 17 and i prefer a stiffer ride and a car that grips the road. Ultimately its what you decide but you really cant go wrong with either car.

I dont think the 330 with the sportpackage will out handle the S4, the current S4 is only a tick or so behind the Current M3 in handling. In a back to back road course race between the two on I believe it was 5th gear, the S4 was a tenth faster around the course so those cars are very close. I love the new E90 330 but handling and power wise its not in the same ballpark as the S4

I do agree with you about the steering though it just doesnt feel right. Dont let that the car feels soft fool you though it will run some serious times.

As for the question, its up to you, do you want a used car or a new one. The S4 is all around a better performance car then the E90 330, the S4 was meant to compete with the M3 and it does so fairly well.

The E90 is very nice and a great car I do like the RWD platform better as well, but if you live in snow areas yuo may want the awd.

Good luck thats a tough choice!

I would never consider an audi over a BMW, no matter how much price or performance advantage the Audi has.

Originally Posted by Staszek

I dont think the 330 with the sportpackage will out handle the S4, the current S4 is only a tick or so behind the Current M3 in handling.

This current S4 is not "only a tick or so behing the current M3 in handling". Most sources agree that the current S4's handling is much less extreme of an improvement over the basic A4's handling as the M3's handling is an improvement over the basic 3er's handling. Take into account the fact that the 3er naturally handles better than the A4, and the difference is that much more meaningful.

Originally Posted by Staszek

I love the new E90 330 but handling and power wise its not in the same ballpark as the S4

I don't know... the E90 has just come out, and there haven't been very many comparo tests, but 0-60 seems to be a healthy 5.5 seconds or so. This seems to fall squarely inbetween the 0-60 times for the S4 and S4 Cabrio. With 90 less horsepower. Go figure. Slap some thicker sway-bars on the E90 and I think you just might have a decently fair fight. The E90 330 and the current S4 are just as comparable as the new RS4 and the current M3 are.

Point: Aside from the quattro all-wheel-drive, there's really no point in buying the S4 at this exact moment in time. If you need 4 doors, go ahead and buy the 330. You'll save money versus a new S4, and you'll have a new car versus a used S4. Acceleration-wise the difference is not as big as some will have you believe, considering the S4's porkiness. And with the E90 you'll get a newly engineered chassis that is, at this point, the best in the sporting family sedan segment. And did I mention that the E90 will be WAY more fun to drive? Just food for thought.

my GF just got a B7 S4 ... pretty nice car; i would take it over a E90 any Day

Gas.....

Originally Posted by xxpaintmepunkxx

This current S4 is not "only a tick or so behing the current M3 in handling". Most sources agree that the current S4's handling is much less extreme of an improvement over the basic A4's handling as the M3's handling is an improvement over the basic 3er's handling. Take into account the fact that the 3er naturally handles better than the A4, and the difference is that much more meaningful.



I don't know... the E90 has just come out, and there haven't been very many comparo tests, but 0-60 seems to be a healthy 5.5 seconds or so. This seems to fall squarely inbetween the 0-60 times for the S4 and S4 Cabrio. With 90 less horsepower. Go figure. Slap some thicker sway-bars on the E90 and I think you just might have a decently fair fight. The E90 330 and the current S4 are just as comparable as the new RS4 and the current M3 are.

Point: Aside from the quattro all-wheel-drive, there's really no point in buying the S4 at this exact moment in time. If you need 4 doors, go ahead and buy the 330. You'll save money versus a new S4, and you'll have a new car versus a used S4. Acceleration-wise the difference is not as big as some will have you believe, considering the S4's porkiness. And with the E90 you'll get a newly engineered chassis that is, at this point, the best in the sporting family sedan segment. And did I mention that the E90 will be WAY more fun to drive? Just food for thought.

Where did you see 5.5 0-60 for the E90?

The A4 is 5.3 but thats just the 0-60 by the 1/4 mile the E90 will be no where in site.

Fifth wheel did a comparo back to back on the M3 and S4 the S4 ran the road course a 10th of a second quicker then the M3. Yes the said it felt softer, but it still handles awesome and posts very impressive numbers. It just doesnt have a feel of an M3.

If you are telling me the new E90 handles like an M3, well I dont agree with that at all.