MikeLa02A4

The 540i is cpo's until 7/2009 and has 20K miles. I'm currently driving a 2002 A4 3.0 6MT Quattro. I live in AZ. I was looking for a 2003 M5 but but can't find one in my price range.

Performance and handling is first priority but the additonal room of the 540 would be nice.

Anyone have experience with both vehicles? Compare and contrast?

Kimchee

both are fun cars to drive.

MikeLa02A4

obviously with more torque than my current 2002 A4 3.0. Additional room would be good but not in exchange for performace. I've test driven the S4, but I haven't had a chance to drive a 540. I would be purchasing an out-of-state car. Low mileage, 2003 540 6MT are not the easiest cars to find.

bplat

Larger, yes, but also more refined/substantial, with a much better ride, never harsh. S4 I believe is sportier and more youthful, has a better tranny, is perhaps a little faster, and has the edge in updated electronics/gee-whiz features (sd slot, etc). Kinda depends what you're looking for ...

MikeLa02A4

gee-whiz not a factor, what do you mean by better tranny - smoother.

nirad

<ul><li><a href="http://www.track-challenge.com/comparison1_e.asp?Car1=67&amp;Car2=3">comparison</a></li></ul>

doctorno

i'm in the market as well; how can u compare a 3-year-old car to a new one?

BHairstoS4

the S4's linkage is much smoother, much less vague and has shorter throws. I can't make that determination with any certainty b/c I haven't driven a 540, but my M3's stock shift linkage felt like crap (easily fixed with a short shift kit, though).

Zach, USM

I was doing something similar, 01 M5 vs 05 S4...going w/ the S4

bplat

...short shifter helps, but you can also improve the S4 tranny with a short shifter.