I currently own a 2000 A6 4.2 and in the near future (6 months or so) will be buying a new car. I have narrowed to these 3, this is an Audi forum so your opinions might be biased, I am leaning toward the S4, but still have my doubts. For a while there, I was actually thinking of getting an RS6 but I don't like the idea of spending +$60K on a 2003 even though it is a limited production car. Anyone care to share their opinion?

 

IMO I would go with the B7 S4. Out of the three I think its the best looking car overall, and I am not sure where you reside, but with Quattro you won't have to worry about winter at all. That's jsut my .02

 

I reside in NJ (hardcore winters, horrible roads, terrible drivers), yeah I can attest to the wonders of Quattro, it saved my *** a couple of times. The only thing that concerns me about the S4 is that it seems to be less nimble than it's counterparts (it is heavier than an M3 by almost 400lbs and heavier than C55 by almost 200lbs). Also the power, why does the S4's V8, an engine that has been deemed to be a "work of art" by Topgear, only produce 340bhp? I don't know much about possible engine performance upgrades for S4, but if it's anything like my current 4.2L then you're pretty much stuck with stock power.

 

If you lived with milder winters, then it would be tough decision between m3 and s4. Having harsh winters though, no question, S4.

I've posted these pics before, but they make the point between the two. Its no S4, but it plowed right through everything. There was not a singel bmw anywhere.

 

whoops edit

 

the 4.2 v8 fsi in the rs4 was "work of art" by topgear.

 

Mercedes have crap quality these days. Check out a Consumer Reports on the reliability of that car before you make the plunge. I'm not a fan of BMWs. So I say get the B7. If you are more concerned about power/speed, then get a sports car instead of a sedan.

And you are stuck with stock power in the B7 until someone comes out with a turbo or supercharger kits for it. Those will be expensive upgrades though.

 

340bhp for a V8 just doesn't seem to be enough these days. My decision would've been easier if the S4 was closer to 400bhp and 200lbs lighter, but I guess that's asking too much lol. As far as the Topgear I knew I heard it from Topgear, but I didn't remember if they were referring to the S4 or RS4, but they did say on the episode where they compared a S4 vs M3 something similar to that, they basically praised the engine. Reading reviews of BMWs and MBs, I've come to the conclusion that I must've been high to even consider an M3 or C55 AMG, although I found the M3's SMG tranny to be pretty interesting, doesn't Audi have the DSG tranny which is supposedly even better than the SMG?

 

dude with the money your going to spend on these cars just get a ******* b5 s4 and do an rs4 conversion.

 

If you want to make more power from an NA engine, then look to what they do with the Audis that race(in addition to weight reduction). Headers, exhaust, port, polish, performance cams, fuel remap, etc. There is no doubt(think RS4) that a lot more power can be wrung out of that V8. Of course, money is always an issue here.