S4 vs. M3 comparo (thesis length)
08-11-2000, 08:48 PM
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S4 vs. M3 comparo (thesis length)
Well, I’ve put close to 300 miles on the S4 in the passed three days and am ready to give my impressions about it and how it compares to the E36 M3. I will post pictures as soon as I get the film developed and the pictures scanned (yes, some of us still do it the old-fashioned way).
Exterior Styling: The S4’s styling is fresh and smooth, but a bit on the sedate side. It seems to follow the all-too-popular ovoid/rain drop styling theme. Also, I don’t think Audi did enough with the styling of the S4 to differentiate it from the vanilla A4 (lowered suspension, larger wheels front air dam and small badges).
The M3’s design is 10 years old, but it still looks quite good. While obviously based on the 3-series sedan, BMW did a better job with the subtle stylistic cues (more aggressively lowered suspension, double-wide rear wheels, flared fenders, front and rear air dams, side skirts and moldings and M badge) to differentiate the M3 from a vanilla 328 sedan without making it all look tacked on or gaudy.
Interior Styling: This is where Audi makes up a lot of points. The S4’s interior (Onyx Leather/Grey Alcantara w/ Aluminum Trim) is artfully done and very pleasing. The controls are well laid out and within reach. The dials are large and clear and the info display provides the information without distracting the driver. The red illumination with the white needles is quite nice.
The M3’s interior, while well laid out and ergonomically sound, is a little bland and stoic. There are too many straight edges and angles, which gives the interior a rather rigid appearance. The dials are all large and legible with the traditional BMW amber/orange illumination.
The only complaints with the S4 interior are the window switches, which are a bit small and engage the auto-up/down too easily (in fact, it’s quite difficult to “just” lower or raise the windows a little bit) and the set-up of the on-board computer. The adjustment of the clock and date is a bit problematic (the stalks feel a bit flimsy) and the manipulation of the computer is a bit awkward with the stalk-only controls. In contrast, the M3’s on-board-computer unit is nicer and easier to use (a separate unit + stalk control).
Comfort and Room: Well, the S4 is a decidedly compact car. I am 6 ft. tall, but I have long legs and the cockpit legroom is noticeably tighter than in the M3. Also, the rear seat room is much tighter than the M3 (granted, neither car is an LS400). Another interesting point is that while the M3 has manual sports seats, they have a greater range of motion and more adjustments than the power sports seats in the S4. Even when set all the way down, the S4’s chairs sit a bit high. They both offer great lateral and thigh support, but I have grown to love the adjustable lower thigh bolsters of the M3’s seats. I also feel that the S4’s seats are bit too firm. Perhaps they will soften up over time. Also, the rear seat-back of the S4 is a bit more up-right than in the M3, which could get a little uncomfortable over long trips.
Performance: Well, this is the main sticking point everyone has when discussing these two cars. Bimmer-lovers will say the M3 is superior, while Audi-philes will insist that the S4 is the be-all-to-end-all of sports sedans. I happen to be in the unique position of possessing both cars, so here are my impressions. The cars have nearly the same HP, but the S4 has an edge in torque. However, the M3 has an approx. 350 lb advantage over the S4. I have the autobox in both cars, so this is a fair comparison. The S4 has peak torque developed at a very low 1850 RPM, so the engines thrust is felt right away. In the M3, however, peak torque isn’t produced till around 3000 RPM. Thus, the engine’s full thrust isn’t felt till you cross 3000 RPM. Fortunately for the M3, the engine is VERY rev-happy and the superb 5-sp auto will gladly allow you to plumb the depths of the RPM range. Even at half throttle, the launch from a standing start can be down-right frightening. The rate at which the M3 can accumulate speed is truly amazing. The speed rush is even more apparent when you put the tranny in Sport mode (you really can feel the difference between sport and econo settings). In the S4, the speed comes on just as fast, thanks to the two turbos, but the engine does not rev as freely. Also, since the engine is much more muted than the M3, there is less of a “speed rush” feeling in the S4. Despite the differences in low-end power between the two cars, you never get the feeling that you are at a loss for power anywhere in the rev-band in either car. Passing power is plentiful and only a dip-of-the-right-pedal-away.
The transmissions of both cars are very nice, but I think the M3’s ‘box is better sorted out. It just seems to know the best times to shift and rarely, if ever, has to hunt for gears. Let’s not forget how smooth it is. The S4’s transmission is also quite smooth, but not as smooth as the M3’s. It also doesn’t shift nearly as “perfectly” as the M3’s. However, the S4 makes up for this partially by the inclusion of the TipTronic gate and steering wheel buttons. It sure is fun to be flippety-flipping thru the gears on twisty roads. The M3 has a manual mode on its transmission, but it is not set up to work like the Tip (BMW’s Steptronic was not available on the M3).
Ride Quality/Handling: The S4 beats the M3 in ride quality, without question. The S4 provides a very compliant ride that soaks up most bumps without giving up too much road feel. However, the compliance of the suspension comes at the cost of handling prowess. The S4 handles great, make no mistake, but there is noticeable body lean and you can feel the extra weight of the car being tossed back and forth.
In contrast, the M3 rides as flat as a skateboard. There is virtually no body lean to speak of and the car's trim weight allows it to be tossed almost at will. There is no question why the M3 was named the best handling car for over $30,000 (it was a C&D or MotorTrend cover story a year or so back. I’m sure many of you have read that article). The flat-riding tossableness of the M3’s suspension comes at the cost of ride quality. While the car runs smooth as Smirnoff on the highway, the low-speed ride over lumpy pavement can get downright choppy. It won’t beat you to death like a Camaro will, but it can be rough nonetheless.
Steering Feel: Well, the M3 wins this one, hands down. In an accompanying article to the “best handling car…” mentioned above, they tried to determine what makes the M3’s steering so good. It turned out that the M3 could transmit the imperfection caused by running over a stack of three quarters. Well, whatever the precise measures say, you just get unparalleled road feel from the M3. The S4’s steering is nearly as precise as the M3’s, but it feels a little dead on center by comparison. You also do not get nearly as good road feel with the S4.
Fuel Economy: The M3 wins here as well. I have averaged about 24 MPG in the M3 driving around Atlanta. However, I have only averaged 19.1 MPG in the S4. I guess the S4’s two turbos are thirstier than the M3’s free revving straight six. Perhaps the S4’s mileage may improve over time.
Value: In this category, I have to give the edge to the S4. The list of standard features on the S4 is quite long. This is where I have my only real quibble w/ the M3. There are certain features that needed to be added as options that really should be standard on a $40k+ car (cruise control, remote door locks). However, as it so happens, both the M3 and the S4 are nearly identically optioned out and I got nearly the same price for them (a hair over $42k). Chalk this up to a really great deal on the M3. The Atlanta area dealers wanted closer to $46k for this car. I went up to Athens, Ga. for that deal.
Well, there you have it. I am not really biased one way or another. If I had to make a choice, I would prefer the M3 by 1 or 2 points, but either car will summon the evil grin. As I mentioned above, I'll post some pictures when I get them scanned.
Exterior Styling: The S4’s styling is fresh and smooth, but a bit on the sedate side. It seems to follow the all-too-popular ovoid/rain drop styling theme. Also, I don’t think Audi did enough with the styling of the S4 to differentiate it from the vanilla A4 (lowered suspension, larger wheels front air dam and small badges).
The M3’s design is 10 years old, but it still looks quite good. While obviously based on the 3-series sedan, BMW did a better job with the subtle stylistic cues (more aggressively lowered suspension, double-wide rear wheels, flared fenders, front and rear air dams, side skirts and moldings and M badge) to differentiate the M3 from a vanilla 328 sedan without making it all look tacked on or gaudy.
Interior Styling: This is where Audi makes up a lot of points. The S4’s interior (Onyx Leather/Grey Alcantara w/ Aluminum Trim) is artfully done and very pleasing. The controls are well laid out and within reach. The dials are large and clear and the info display provides the information without distracting the driver. The red illumination with the white needles is quite nice.
The M3’s interior, while well laid out and ergonomically sound, is a little bland and stoic. There are too many straight edges and angles, which gives the interior a rather rigid appearance. The dials are all large and legible with the traditional BMW amber/orange illumination.
The only complaints with the S4 interior are the window switches, which are a bit small and engage the auto-up/down too easily (in fact, it’s quite difficult to “just” lower or raise the windows a little bit) and the set-up of the on-board computer. The adjustment of the clock and date is a bit problematic (the stalks feel a bit flimsy) and the manipulation of the computer is a bit awkward with the stalk-only controls. In contrast, the M3’s on-board-computer unit is nicer and easier to use (a separate unit + stalk control).
Comfort and Room: Well, the S4 is a decidedly compact car. I am 6 ft. tall, but I have long legs and the cockpit legroom is noticeably tighter than in the M3. Also, the rear seat room is much tighter than the M3 (granted, neither car is an LS400). Another interesting point is that while the M3 has manual sports seats, they have a greater range of motion and more adjustments than the power sports seats in the S4. Even when set all the way down, the S4’s chairs sit a bit high. They both offer great lateral and thigh support, but I have grown to love the adjustable lower thigh bolsters of the M3’s seats. I also feel that the S4’s seats are bit too firm. Perhaps they will soften up over time. Also, the rear seat-back of the S4 is a bit more up-right than in the M3, which could get a little uncomfortable over long trips.
Performance: Well, this is the main sticking point everyone has when discussing these two cars. Bimmer-lovers will say the M3 is superior, while Audi-philes will insist that the S4 is the be-all-to-end-all of sports sedans. I happen to be in the unique position of possessing both cars, so here are my impressions. The cars have nearly the same HP, but the S4 has an edge in torque. However, the M3 has an approx. 350 lb advantage over the S4. I have the autobox in both cars, so this is a fair comparison. The S4 has peak torque developed at a very low 1850 RPM, so the engines thrust is felt right away. In the M3, however, peak torque isn’t produced till around 3000 RPM. Thus, the engine’s full thrust isn’t felt till you cross 3000 RPM. Fortunately for the M3, the engine is VERY rev-happy and the superb 5-sp auto will gladly allow you to plumb the depths of the RPM range. Even at half throttle, the launch from a standing start can be down-right frightening. The rate at which the M3 can accumulate speed is truly amazing. The speed rush is even more apparent when you put the tranny in Sport mode (you really can feel the difference between sport and econo settings). In the S4, the speed comes on just as fast, thanks to the two turbos, but the engine does not rev as freely. Also, since the engine is much more muted than the M3, there is less of a “speed rush” feeling in the S4. Despite the differences in low-end power between the two cars, you never get the feeling that you are at a loss for power anywhere in the rev-band in either car. Passing power is plentiful and only a dip-of-the-right-pedal-away.
The transmissions of both cars are very nice, but I think the M3’s ‘box is better sorted out. It just seems to know the best times to shift and rarely, if ever, has to hunt for gears. Let’s not forget how smooth it is. The S4’s transmission is also quite smooth, but not as smooth as the M3’s. It also doesn’t shift nearly as “perfectly” as the M3’s. However, the S4 makes up for this partially by the inclusion of the TipTronic gate and steering wheel buttons. It sure is fun to be flippety-flipping thru the gears on twisty roads. The M3 has a manual mode on its transmission, but it is not set up to work like the Tip (BMW’s Steptronic was not available on the M3).
Ride Quality/Handling: The S4 beats the M3 in ride quality, without question. The S4 provides a very compliant ride that soaks up most bumps without giving up too much road feel. However, the compliance of the suspension comes at the cost of handling prowess. The S4 handles great, make no mistake, but there is noticeable body lean and you can feel the extra weight of the car being tossed back and forth.
In contrast, the M3 rides as flat as a skateboard. There is virtually no body lean to speak of and the car's trim weight allows it to be tossed almost at will. There is no question why the M3 was named the best handling car for over $30,000 (it was a C&D or MotorTrend cover story a year or so back. I’m sure many of you have read that article). The flat-riding tossableness of the M3’s suspension comes at the cost of ride quality. While the car runs smooth as Smirnoff on the highway, the low-speed ride over lumpy pavement can get downright choppy. It won’t beat you to death like a Camaro will, but it can be rough nonetheless.
Steering Feel: Well, the M3 wins this one, hands down. In an accompanying article to the “best handling car…” mentioned above, they tried to determine what makes the M3’s steering so good. It turned out that the M3 could transmit the imperfection caused by running over a stack of three quarters. Well, whatever the precise measures say, you just get unparalleled road feel from the M3. The S4’s steering is nearly as precise as the M3’s, but it feels a little dead on center by comparison. You also do not get nearly as good road feel with the S4.
Fuel Economy: The M3 wins here as well. I have averaged about 24 MPG in the M3 driving around Atlanta. However, I have only averaged 19.1 MPG in the S4. I guess the S4’s two turbos are thirstier than the M3’s free revving straight six. Perhaps the S4’s mileage may improve over time.
Value: In this category, I have to give the edge to the S4. The list of standard features on the S4 is quite long. This is where I have my only real quibble w/ the M3. There are certain features that needed to be added as options that really should be standard on a $40k+ car (cruise control, remote door locks). However, as it so happens, both the M3 and the S4 are nearly identically optioned out and I got nearly the same price for them (a hair over $42k). Chalk this up to a really great deal on the M3. The Atlanta area dealers wanted closer to $46k for this car. I went up to Athens, Ga. for that deal.
Well, there you have it. I am not really biased one way or another. If I had to make a choice, I would prefer the M3 by 1 or 2 points, but either car will summon the evil grin. As I mentioned above, I'll post some pictures when I get them scanned.
08-12-2000, 08:54 AM
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OK...FINALLY a good M3 vs S4 post! Here’s what to do...
get the GIAC race tip chip. Even if you don’t chip the engine (and get that OMG extra .9 seconds 0-60), the tip chip speeds up the shifting dramatically and makes the transmission more obedient...and more sporty.
Some advantages of the S4 you didn’t mention are the 4WD...which will ASTOUND you in the wet. And the M3 has nasty trailing throttle oversteer, where the S4 will rotate and point with trailing throttle but won’t get you looking the wrong way at traffic. This is a car I’d let my wife drive, the M3 is “sporty” but too skittish and unforgiving for a street car IMHO (yes I’ve driven both). I love the compliant S4 ride and save the dramatic handling for the race track.<p><img src="http://pictureposter.audiworld.com/AudiWorldPics/2000/carssmall4.jpg">
00 S4 tip
Silver/Black
GIAC ECU/tip chips
V1
Some advantages of the S4 you didn’t mention are the 4WD...which will ASTOUND you in the wet. And the M3 has nasty trailing throttle oversteer, where the S4 will rotate and point with trailing throttle but won’t get you looking the wrong way at traffic. This is a car I’d let my wife drive, the M3 is “sporty” but too skittish and unforgiving for a street car IMHO (yes I’ve driven both). I love the compliant S4 ride and save the dramatic handling for the race track.<p><img src="http://pictureposter.audiworld.com/AudiWorldPics/2000/carssmall4.jpg">
00 S4 tip
Silver/Black
GIAC ECU/tip chips
V1
08-12-2000, 09:38 PM
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I forgot to mention that...
I had the M3 with me this passed winter in Indiana (I got to Purdue) and, let me tell you, the M3 behaves like a two-dollar BIATCH in the snow. We got about 6" of snow in one afternoon and the nightmare began. I must have worn off 6,000 miles worth of rubber from the rear wheels just getting out of the parking lot (I was parked at the stadium, for those familiar w/ the Purdue campus). Then I had to drive home! It took me 4.5 hours (this is not an exageration) to make a trip that normally takes 15 min. I was pulling 360's at 10 MPH in the middle of the road. Thank God that there were very few cars on the road. And lets not get into the whole sliding thru stop lights thing. Of course, this is primarily due to the fact that I was riding on the stock Pilot SX MXX3 summer tires. It wouldn't have been that bad had I had real snow tires.
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