Consumer reports says S4's handling is not much better than that of the A4. Is this true?
Thread Starter
AudiWorld Member
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 167
Likes: 3
Consumer reports says S4's handling is not much better than that of the A4. Is this true?
Other than positive notes about the S4's power, CR pretty much dogs the ergonomics, ride quality, and roominess of the car.
Never driven an A4, so I need your input. Is the only difference between the quattro A & S models the V8?
Never driven an A4, so I need your input. Is the only difference between the quattro A & S models the V8?
Senior Member
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 7,809
Likes: 0
Are we talking B5 (old) or B6 (new)?
In my mind, the B5 A4 with OE Sport package actually handles better than the B5 S4 with OE suspension.
I haven't sampled a B6 A4, but the B6 S4 feels pretty good, in stock form.
I much prefer a tuned B5 S4 to a stock B6, though.
I haven't sampled a B6 A4, but the B6 S4 feels pretty good, in stock form.
I much prefer a tuned B5 S4 to a stock B6, though.
Junior Member
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 864
Likes: 0
Many A4 owners invest lots of money into their cars in an attempt to approach the handling
and suspension of an S4. So if you ask me that assesment really doesn't make alot sense. I guess if you're not planning on driving the car very aggressively you might not notice how much difference their actually is. But yes, there is a big diffence IMO.
New Member
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 45
Likes: 0
Re: Consumer reports says S4's handling is not much better than that of the A4. Is this true?
This is simply ridiculous. Read what C&D, R&T, MT, Topgear wrote about the handling of S4. It is vastly superior to A4 and competitive with M3 and better than CTS-V (whatever Automobile magazine thinks).
Junior Member
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 1,337
Likes: 0
As an A4 owner...what is the difference in the suspension on the S? I have an 02 Sport...
I know you have more weight in the front due to the V8, but how is this corrected via suspension? Do you know the spring rates, etc on the S vs the A? Same Quatto systems also correct?
AudiWorld Super User
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 15,117
Likes: 0
They say the settings are the same as the A4 sport just beefed up for the extra weight...
yet the S4 seems to generate better test numbers. It could be down to tires, different drivers, or locations but who really knows. The only way to tell would be same day, same driver, and a real tight autocross.
Trending Topics
AudiWorld Stories
Bringing Audi to Life for Audi Fans
10 Strangest Audi Designs That Actually Made Production
Joe Kucinski
2027 Audi Q7 and SQ7: Audi Upgraded EVERYTHING!
Michael S. Palmer
Audi Unveils Absurdly Cool New Supercar: 10 Things You Need to Know!
Verdad Gallardo
The Highs & Lows of Every Audi C-Class Generation
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 Most Expensive Audis Ever Sold on Bring-A-Trailer
Brett Foote
10 Audi Features & Options We Miss the Most!
Joe Kucinski
Audi Recreates Crazy-Looking Speed Record Breaker From 1935
Verdad Gallardo
Coachbuilder Recreates the 1995 Audi TTS Concept
Verdad Gallardo
Every Audi V10 Car Ranked!
Joe Kucinski
New Member
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 57
Likes: 0
Having both an A4 B6 tip 3.0 and S4 B6 6sp for daily use, I wonder if CR actual drove the S4.
That is not to say that all A4 B6 are the same, the ability to order several suspension packages and wheels size impact the cars handling. Many stock A4 owner wanting sports car handling wish for the S4.
On the other hand, my wife, thinks it is stiff and rough. She perfers her A4 with stock suspension and 17" 5 spoke wheels. We test drove most all the combinations of suspension and wheels, except the Ultra, before she choose the 17" wheels.
On the other hand, my wife, thinks it is stiff and rough. She perfers her A4 with stock suspension and 17" 5 spoke wheels. We test drove most all the combinations of suspension and wheels, except the Ultra, before she choose the 17" wheels.