Review: 2010 Audi S4
Lexus Test Driver
Joined: Oct 2005
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From: MA
Pole Position
Joined: Nov 2007
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From: Lake Country, WI
Great review Mike 
... I'd like to test this against the V-8 in the S5 and see how they compare, especially handling... VERY surprised it didn't have Audi Drive Select... would get an S4 or S5 without it... HUGE difference in both S5s and S6s I test drove...
... I'd like to test this against the V-8 in the S5 and see how they compare, especially handling... VERY surprised it didn't have Audi Drive Select... would get an S4 or S5 without it... HUGE difference in both S5s and S6s I test drove...
Thread Starter
Lexus Fanatic
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 94,543
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From: Virginia/D.C. suburbs
Thanks. 
Yes, more and more cars are getting electronic parking brakes today, even some non-luxury ones. The automakers claim it saves space on the console and the levers don't get in people's way. I'd rather have a simple lever myself.....as you note, it is one less gadget to malfunction.
that's weird, no more pull up lever for the parking brake? man, cars are having too much gadgets nowadays.
Thread Starter
Lexus Fanatic
Joined: Oct 2003
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From: Virginia/D.C. suburbs
Thanks, Russ.
The specs list the Audi Drive Select as optional on both the A4 and S4, not standard. The standard set-up, without it, IMO, is fine, ride/handling-wise, except I'd like a little more feel in the steering....the effort/feel is too low, at lower speeds, for my tastes.
... I'd like to test this against the V-8 in the S5 and see how they compare, especially handling... VERY surprised it didn't have Audi Drive Select... would get an S4 or S5 without it... HUGE difference in both S5s and S6s I test drove...
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Thread Starter
Lexus Fanatic
Joined: Oct 2003
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From: Virginia/D.C. suburbs
I haven't reviewed a newer A8, and can't verify that, but it makes sense that the A8 would have a better system than the A4. How it compares to the LS460's ML unit, of course, may be another matter.
Thread Starter
Lexus Fanatic
Joined: Oct 2003
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From: Virginia/D.C. suburbs
Thread Starter
Lexus Fanatic
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 94,543
Likes: 264
From: Virginia/D.C. suburbs
Check out a 335i, and I think you will agree that it is almost as much car for a lot less money. I have said numerous times, that, IMO, it is a far better buy than the M3 for daily driving and non-track use. The M3 has a stiffer, more track-oriented suspension, but, at lower RPM's, the 335i's 3.0 twin-turbo out-powers it, and actually has more peak torque (305 ft-lbs. to 295). I've reviewed both a newer 335i and M3, and at 16K difference between the two cars as tested, I'd take the 335 hands-down.
Check out a 335i, and I think you will agree that it is almost as much car for a lot less money. I have said numerous times, that, IMO, it is a far better buy than the M3 for daily driving and non-track use. The M3 has a stiffer, more track-oriented suspension, but, at lower RPM's, the 335i's 3.0 twin-turbo out-powers it, and actually has more peak torque (305 ft-lbs. to 295). I've reviewed both a newer 335i and M3, and at 16K difference between the two cars as tested, I'd take the 335 hands-down.
Another plus is the lack of a high pressure fuel pump issue,along with fuel injector,turbo,wastegates,sensor issues.
No doubt the 335i is a fun car to drive but it does have it's problems.
The M3 has far less issues and the 414 HP is nice too.
$16K is a bit much but a low mileage '08 can run the same cost or less than a new '09 or '10.
I was looking into a well equipped '08 M3 sedan with 5K miles at a BMW dealer in Springfield,NJ for an asking price of $49995.Too bad it was red.White and I would have probably bought it.
Thread Starter
Lexus Fanatic
Joined: Oct 2003
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From: Virginia/D.C. suburbs
$16K is a bit much but a low mileage '08 can run the same cost or less than a new '09 or '10.
I was looking into a well equipped '08 M3 sedan with 5K miles at a BMW dealer in Springfield,NJ for an asking price of $49995.Too bad it was red.White and I would have probably bought it.
No doubt the 335i is a fun car to drive but it does have it's problems.
The M3 has far less issues and the 414 HP is nice too.
The M3 has far less issues and the 414 HP is nice too.
Pole Position
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 2,794
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From: Lake Country, WI
Appreciate your response on handling as well.... I thought the S5 had slow response as well