[batmanwagon]

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 ...

[Gnosis]

That depends on if you're a "real driver" sort of guy...

I think most people will agree that a 330i with manual and sport package is a purer and more rewarding car to drive. But that the S4 probably will be faster.

I wouldn't take the S4 myself. I don't really like audi.... the driving exprience is much too detached. And it's car with "more surface than substance". It's not as well-made as you might think it is if you - for example - judge it solely by its excellent interior.

The real choice - IMO - is if you should get a second hand E39 M5 or a new E90 330i.... Now that's something to think about...

[romeo26]

i dont know, its your choice!! i dont think they come with angle eyes stock!!! hahahaha...
edit...
ive been a BMW person eversince i was born/family got first bmw(e30!!). even to today(18 years later) the car runs smothley can you say that about an 18year old audi? i dont see vey many old audies out here in cali but i see alot of e30

[Mark]

S4 have some amazing engines, those things can definatly move, no question about that. But that is the most booring fast car you can drive next to a Benz. If you just want punishing speed without really having fun (effortless speed some people call it ?), then the S4 is good, consider a C43/C55 too. If you enjoy driving the car, a sport 330i will be more fun then an S4, but not as fast.

[CC 330i]

Originally Posted by batmanwagon

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 ...

That's so funny you ask. I had been dreaming about the B6 S4 for over a year and actually had one I was going to buy from a private party, but then I went on my honeymoon and he sold it to someone else while I was gone. There were no dealers in my area with any good pre-owned B6s that I liked, and I had a buyer for my car, so I started looking at the 330i. I guess you know the result.
I didn't want to wait for another one to become available, so I just got the new car.

Advantages of the 330i over used S4:

30 mpg vs 20 mpg highway (adds up over the years)
Same price but the 330i was new car
Audi resale is typically way lower percentage wise
Handling is probably better overall on dry roads with the 330i
I didn't need all wheel drive (though I really wanted it)
Insurance cost is probably higher on the S4
Fewer dealerships (service centers) in my area

The S4 is a great car (I drove about 6 of them), and has some advantages:

Fewer of them on the road in 1 year from now anyway (exclusivity)
All wheel drive (if you live in snowy area)
Lots more standard equipment (but the car costs 10k more new)
Stealth factor (does not look much different than an A4)
The V8 is SWEET!

In the end, it was an economic decision for me to get the 330i over the S4. I kind of regret it, but I spent a lot of time on the Audi boards and reliability seemed to be not so hot. It remains to be seen what the reliability of the e90 will be, but so far, so good.

[batmanwagon]

Hey CC 330i - we seem to have similar taste in cars . I've also been scheming about the S4 on and off for a while, and then I happened on the 330i and really liked what I saw - obviously enough to place an order. I don't think that this would have come up for me again if the Audi dealer hadn't called, but he did ...

As far as insurance is concerned, a while back I got a quote on an S4 and amazingly enough it turned out to be $10/year less than my VW GTI - go figure.

Complicating the issue for me is that I haven't driven the 330i with sport package (I'm hoping my dealer will get one in soon so I can try it out) - I've driven the standard 330i. I also haven't driven the S4, so I don't even know if I will like the way it handles. I'm going to try get a test drive this weekend on the S4 ...

[Gnosis]

Sounds dangerous for you 330 order....

I hope you're not a power addict - then it'll be hard to like the 330i after that V8.....

But like I said - test drive a E39 M5 before you buy that S4!! The M5 is a monster and handles better than both the S4 and 330i. More feel, more power.... you can't go wrong.....

[ward]

the S4 handles poorly when pushed, but it's going to be faster than a 330

what's more inportant, a monster motor or a great chassis?
I'm a chassis guy, and probably most of us here are too but there is something about a strong motor too

[voltron1011]

'Top Gear' did a comparo of the E46 M3 and S4.... The 6 cylinder M3 was faster than the 8 cylinderS4 in a straight line. The S4 did edge out the M3 .001 of a second in their road course. I think if you want to compare preowned cars, then you need to factor in the E46 M3 as well. I am not really brand loyal, so I can say that the S4 is a really awesome car, as is the E46 M3, and the E90. You'll have to drive them all and find the one that 'talks' to you. Also remember that only enthusiasts will be able to tell the difference between a $25,000 A4 1.8t and a $50,000 S4. At least the M3 looks the part. As mentioned earlier, quality is also an issue with Audis. Quattro = complicated/costly, RWD = simple/fun.

[Athos]

I also thought about getting a used S4 and found a pretty good price on one about 7 weeks ago. Before anyone dismisses the S4 they should drive it. I drove one on the Infineon Raceway last summer and it was an impressive car. It clearly had more power than the E90 330 but the E90 is still plenty powerful for me. The S4 handled well, but not as well as the E90 with the sport package. The handling and the driving dynamics on the 330 are truly impressive.

The Audi had a nicer, better finished interior.

The S4 gets poor gas mileage (15 mpg overall from R&T test) and I put a lot of miles on a car.

A used S4 is also not the current body design. I prefer the older design but I like to have a current model for this much money.

For me personally, this all adds up to a preference for the E90.

[romeo26]

for all you people who compair cars by hp then go with the s4 but to tell you the truth you can have all that hp but if you dont know how to drive with that power then whats the point? sure it might have more hp then 330 but stick a good driver in the 330 and someone who doesnt know how to drive very well in the s4, and the 330 will probally win. hp some times doesnt matter(only in drag, it matters i think)

[batmanwagon]

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 ...

romeo26: the nice thing about the S4 is its torque and overtaking acceleration ...

[EVO_S4]

My wife currently driving the 04 S4, and I can tell you its a blast to drive. I like the pretty much everything about the car execpt for the weight. Its fast and handle pretty well

[AudiA4]

Wow...I struggled with this very decision (along with a used Cadillac CTS-V). As a previous Audi A4 owner, I really debated the issue. I opted for an '06 330i Sport, Manual for the following reasons:

1 - The E90 is an all new model (I was contemplating a used B6 S4, which is already not the current body style - though it is VERY attractive - especially the satin trim/side mirrors).

2 - I've already owned an Audi - which I liked - so I was ready for something new

3 - Fuel mileage much better in the E90

In fact, I had even considered a new '06 3.2 liter A4, but alas, no manual so no sale. The CTS-V is an impressive car, but believe it or not I was somewhat underwhelmed after a test drive whereas with the 330i I was overwhelmed - led to a sale (and I wasn't even planning on purchasing this year!).

p.s. On the Audi's side, a used S4 could have been cheaper than my 330 ($36K vs. $41K), the exclusivity of an S-model would have been nice, and oh....the power of that V8....I slightly regret this aspect!

[AudiA4]

Speaking of the devils, ironically, the new, free electronic issue of "Winding Road" (www.windingroad.com) - 4th issue - contains an article comparing these exact 2 cars!!! Interesting read. Winding Road is an electronic, sister-publication of a major automotive periodical (Car & Driver I believe). Subscribe and download the .pdf issue!!!!

Basically stated that the E90 is sophisticated like a great novel, and that the S4 wins you over like a great action movie. Still a tough choice!

[Pangearox]

hey...check this out...mine and my bro's new cars....

p.s. i was the smart one and got the E90...haha

[res_ipsa]

Both awesome cars!! Heh your brother must like the color yellow So since you're lucky enough to have both cars in the family, help out the discussion in this thread - how do they compare?

[Pangearox]

honestly i have only driven the S4 once...around the block...so i cant really talk much about the drive...it is definetly faster than the 330i but that is a given.

what i can say is that the BMW in my opinion is much nicer inside...seems to have more legroom in the back...and the technological stuff in the BMW is far superior. I love my Idrive and everything that goes along with it, ie. the voice recognition....its just so amazing...and i love the bluetooth in my car....i feel that audi didnt keep up in that department.

Also...i would have to say that Audi didnt keep up on the styling either....the BMW is a brand new car...it resembles the the E46 but it really is a new car....the S4 still looks like lasts years A4 quite a bit....yes the grill is different and there are a few changes...but i dont think they did enough to keep up with the E90...

but of course...thats why i bought the e90!!!...

when i get a chance to drive his car a bit more, i'll let you know more about the driving of the car

[AudiA4]

Wow, what a lineup! Nice cars both. This on top of a friend of mine showing up at church today in his new Cadillac CTS-V...all three of my final choices.

I believe that I made the best decision (E90 is the "newest" model, better mileage, less expensive), but its amazing how many great products are on the market now....I even considered the Chrysler 300C SRT-8 (decided I wanted something smaller, and something in which I could row my own gears)!

[Mark]

wow great pic ! seeing them like that side to side, you can tell the styling of the E90 is really far ahead of the audi, and dont get me wrong, I love the way audi's look. But the E90 is just way ahead...


bonus !!

[Jason]

Thanks to AudiA4, we get to read a magazine review ("Winding Road" magazine) directly comparing the 330i to the S4. You can download the review in the magazine section (link posted below):

http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?p=11136

[voltron1011]

:mad: :mad: I HATE Audis 'Big Mouth Bass' design philosophy!!! :mad: :mad: