New (B6) A4 1.8T vs Used (B5) S4?
03-20-2003, 09:25 PM
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New (B6) A4 1.8T vs Used (B5) S4?
Greetings all.
I was recently involved in an accident where my Volvo 850 was murdered by an 18-wheeler. So I am now looking for a replacement, and having been a big Audi fan for some time (my first car was teh Audi 5000) they are are the top of my list. Now looking at the model and the prices they are going for I figure that I could get either a new A4 1.8T or a used(certified pre-owned) S4. Now I realize that these are almost two completely different cars as far as how they drive and I not test drove the S4 yet, but I am just wondering what people here think of the two cars. I will be leasing the car so mods are out of the question, but speed isn't a big factor.
My sister has the A4 1.8T and I think it drives really well, however I do like the design of the B5 better then then new B6. But looking at the S4 and the new A4, I can get a fully loaded S for less then a new A4 and get a lot more "sport." Now while I'm not as concered about 0-60 and off the line times, but I am very concerned as to road handling and things like that.
How do these two models (the S B5 and A B6) compare? Discussion is mostly safety and body structure. Coming from a Volvo and an accident where the car flipped several times and I walked away almost fine, safety is a huge factor. As far as structure, the my old Volvo rattled over ever bump, and I'm just wondering more or less if there is any difference in the two platforms besides the obvious appearance and from what I hear back seat space. Is one more "solid" then the other? I do understand that a used car may have a rattle that a new car won't, but I have never driven a B5 so I do not know how the feel is so I'm just looking for any advice you all might have. Thank you, any information is much appreciated!
I was recently involved in an accident where my Volvo 850 was murdered by an 18-wheeler. So I am now looking for a replacement, and having been a big Audi fan for some time (my first car was teh Audi 5000) they are are the top of my list. Now looking at the model and the prices they are going for I figure that I could get either a new A4 1.8T or a used(certified pre-owned) S4. Now I realize that these are almost two completely different cars as far as how they drive and I not test drove the S4 yet, but I am just wondering what people here think of the two cars. I will be leasing the car so mods are out of the question, but speed isn't a big factor.
My sister has the A4 1.8T and I think it drives really well, however I do like the design of the B5 better then then new B6. But looking at the S4 and the new A4, I can get a fully loaded S for less then a new A4 and get a lot more "sport." Now while I'm not as concered about 0-60 and off the line times, but I am very concerned as to road handling and things like that.
How do these two models (the S B5 and A B6) compare? Discussion is mostly safety and body structure. Coming from a Volvo and an accident where the car flipped several times and I walked away almost fine, safety is a huge factor. As far as structure, the my old Volvo rattled over ever bump, and I'm just wondering more or less if there is any difference in the two platforms besides the obvious appearance and from what I hear back seat space. Is one more "solid" then the other? I do understand that a used car may have a rattle that a new car won't, but I have never driven a B5 so I do not know how the feel is so I'm just looking for any advice you all might have. Thank you, any information is much appreciated!
03-20-2003, 10:31 PM
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tough choice.
The B6 is engineered better in everyway. A 1.8T w/stock sport suspension is very nice. The car is more solid. Handling is improved. The controls and interior are much more solid. Placement of some of the controls have even improved over the B5 model (i.e. the headlight switch).
You may like the look of the old B5 now, but as soon as your start riding in the B6 it really starts to grow on you. I know everyday that I see a B5, they look more and more dated.
IMO the 1.8T is a little underpowered for the weight of this car. I've gone with an APR chip, and I really feel that the car should have come this way stock.
Is Quattro a concern? I suspect nyisles is for NY? If you wanted to save $$$ on gas (as this may be an issue because of the rising gas prices), you may want to get a 1.8T for fuel economy as the S4 only comes w/Quattro.) And if you are going to get a FWD, I'd vote for CVT.
If the NY comment is true, do you venture out to NJ? Stay away from that area if you have an S4, stolen headlights, people breaking into cars. The A4 has improved locking mechanisms, so I don't think the way that car thieves are breaking into S4s will work on A4s.
I don't envy the decision that you'll have to make. But with whatever you choose, I hope you still choose an Audi. Good luck. Hopefully, it will soon be a welcome to the club.
You may like the look of the old B5 now, but as soon as your start riding in the B6 it really starts to grow on you. I know everyday that I see a B5, they look more and more dated.
IMO the 1.8T is a little underpowered for the weight of this car. I've gone with an APR chip, and I really feel that the car should have come this way stock.
Is Quattro a concern? I suspect nyisles is for NY? If you wanted to save $$$ on gas (as this may be an issue because of the rising gas prices), you may want to get a 1.8T for fuel economy as the S4 only comes w/Quattro.) And if you are going to get a FWD, I'd vote for CVT.
If the NY comment is true, do you venture out to NJ? Stay away from that area if you have an S4, stolen headlights, people breaking into cars. The A4 has improved locking mechanisms, so I don't think the way that car thieves are breaking into S4s will work on A4s.
I don't envy the decision that you'll have to make. But with whatever you choose, I hope you still choose an Audi. Good luck. Hopefully, it will soon be a welcome to the club.
03-20-2003, 10:43 PM
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Re: tough choice.
Thank you for the advice. My sister has just leased a new A4 1.8TQ and I do like the interior, however the exterior still has not grown on me (granted it took a little while for me to like the A6 at first). Yes I do want the Quattro, I am from the NY area, but fortunately hardly venture to NJ. I spend most of my time in CT. But yes Quattro would be a concern. While I do not enjoy that I have to make this decision, I am sure I will enjoy testing the cars! Thank you.
03-21-2003, 05:43 AM
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I think it will be more of your choice...
These are two different beasts. Granted I've got an Avant so the vehicles are inherently different.
I love how the S4 makes passing on a two lane, a breeze. More power!!
Leg position is different in the B6 as the consol intrudes into the cockpit more. It was noticable at first but now I can't say it bothers me. I have to say the seats in the B6 are more comfortable not as supportive perhaps, as the S4 but on a long haul I'd go for the B6. Tough choice good luck!
Hugh
I love how the S4 makes passing on a two lane, a breeze. More power!!
Leg position is different in the B6 as the consol intrudes into the cockpit more. It was noticable at first but now I can't say it bothers me. I have to say the seats in the B6 are more comfortable not as supportive perhaps, as the S4 but on a long haul I'd go for the B6. Tough choice good luck!
Hugh
