Audi S4-S5-S6 impressions

[jaxgt]

Any of you gents own an Audi S4 or S5 or S6 ? Been thinking of changing my lovely wife's daily driver. She prefers the Audi's styling to BMW or Mercedes. Wonder if anyone has any impressions on these ?

I tried convincing her "she" wants an Audi R8 or Nissan GTR or 911 or something a bit more fun. Unfortunately, she saw right through that "scheme" and told me I have too many cars. She's looking for something a little bit more practical than these, yet still sporty. I haven't given up hope yet...

Thanks

 

[centerpunch]

I've got a 2004 S4 (the V8), and except for the lousy mileage (19 highway, worse in city), it's probably the perfect car if you could only have one car.

I have a 6-speed, and the gearing on those cars is very short, I keep trying to shift to 7th or 8th on the highway.

The new one has a supercharged V6 with essentially the same power. They've revised the gearing also, and the new one is high 20's on the highway.

The new ones also have a few more inches of legroom in the back, which is not a bad thing. I'd also probably do the automatic next time.

The cars are very civilized, but if you drive them hard, they are very fast- probably 5 second zero to sixty. And cops don't even see them (unless you buy a yellow one).

Here's a good Top Gear clip of the V8 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=paCJXSWt0Pg

 

[S592R]

I know you said she prefers the styling of the Audi over the BMW but, I have a 335xi coupe (black with red interior) and have had it tuned. To be honest it is about the perfect sporty daily driver. Makes 390 hp and 420 ft/lb torque .. top speed is unrestricted now (I have had it over 160 mph) and it gets 22 town and 28 highway (cruising at 85ish)

I keep looking at other cars to see what might top it .. but to be honest I have yet to find one. It's quiet, stable, fast and sure footed. Being 4 wheel drive it goes in any weather. I can not recommend it any higher. Truthfully, it will get me in trouble long before my GT will... speeding wise.

 

[Specracer]

I had a b5 and a B6 S4, the B6 was the same as "punch". Terrible fuel consumption, but they have now moved on to the V-6 which get much better mileage. They also have gotten MUCH bigger, as stated earlier. I personally wanted less of a GT touring type car, which is why I have shifted to the E90 M3 (also a fuel HOG).

 

[jaxgt]

Fortunately, she averages only about 6,000 mi/year so fuel mileage is not too big an issue. Heck, I don't want to up my average of not owning a car that gets more than 15mph. At my height, 6'4", the Audi's were more spacious than the BMW. Also, I believe there is an Audi supported tuner for their supercharged cars, to give a bit more oomph.

 

[Heffner Performance]

I've got an S5 for a daily driver and absolutely love it. It's comfortable, sporty, looks great and has every bell and whistle you could want. Gas mileage is not the best but other than that, no complaints.

 

[PL510*Jeff]

jax - take a close look at the 2010 Ford Fusion Sport AWD.

I've had mine since March and have just passed the 10k mark. Very Tight and Trouble free. Very good performance for a dd. Comfortable. easy on the eyes interior. etc etc.

Car mags were right when they called this Fusion an "Audi" beater. It really wants to run fast.

with all the bells and whistle boxes checked I got mine for a little over $29.

Just got home from a 2 day 1,300 mile trip. Seats are great. Even after two 10 hour + days of driving. And something like 27 mpg.

This is not your Grandma's Fusion.

 

[Empty Pockets]

Just got home from a 2 day 1,300 mile trip.

eek:eek WHAT???!!! You didn't take the GT???!!!eek:eek




It's about TIME that car finally demanded a day off!:lol

 

[centerpunch]

Car and Driver has several articles online about new and previous S4:

http://www.caranddriver.com/search/s4

 

[ChipBeck]

Have her drive...

A new 2010 Taurus SHO! Great looking, great mileage, and it hauls ass! Veronica looked at one and loved it.

 

[S592R]

A new 2010 Taurus SHO! Great looking, great mileage, and it hauls ass! Veronica looked at one and loved it.

Or MKS if you want something a bit more luxurious. Cnet did a podcast test on it last week. nice looking car.. same platform as taurus.

 

[on d bit]

The 2011 mustang gt is going to be one hell of a sports coupe as well! One might say a great competitor to the s5.:wink With the new interior and great handling, good looks you cant go wrong. Oops almost forgot about the 412hp and 390tq the new dohc 5.0 will put out with a mated 6sp.:biggrin:banana

 

[Cyclenirvana]

Test drove the 2010 S4 today with 6 spd manual. Very impressed. The throws are shorter and the clutch significantly lighter (with nice easier engagement) than the previous generation S4. Kinda of reminds me of the 335i, except the shifter is more substantial and typical nice Audi interior. The car drives really well. Lots of low end grunt. Very planted. I really like this car. A year ago I test drove the 2009 Audi S5. In contrast, although I like the looks of this car alot, I did not like the way it drove. Shifter was not smooth, clutch was heavier, and the car seemed heavy...more body roll and not quite as responsive, especially compared to any of the BMW 3-series cars. Backseat was very tight. Actually, the S4 has a very comfortable backseat. I would have definitely considered buying the new S4 had it been available when I bought my 2009 M3. Yes, the M3 is a little more of a car and probably best compared to the RS4. But the Audi S4 is a very nice car, and I was thoroughly impressed. I have driven Audi's DCT, but I decided to see what the manual felt like...and I am glad I did. I would say there is one significant drawback to the new S4...engine note...it's good but it ain't a V8. And it would probably be difficult for me to give up that engine note in the M3 for the supercharged V6 in the S4...but the S4 does come with AWD...anyway, you can't go wrong with this car!

 

[gtinmyblood]

My wife drives a 2006 audi A4 2.0T AWD. It is a fantastic car. The only issue that I have is the turbo lag especially when cold. If I put the car in sport mode it cut down the lag but mileage goes to hell. Handlling is excellent. I often take it over independence pass in the summer on my way to Denver/Colorado Springs. Corners excellent and hits 110 no prob.