This forum MAY be a bit biased
, but after much research, I'm down to these 2 cars listed in the subject. Here are the mods/breakdown of cost I'm trying to factor in:
2009 BMW 335i X-drive Coupe
Sport Package w/ 18" wheels - for stock oil cooler
AT - needed for the type of driving I do
Would need full suspension (perhaps Eibach/Bilsteins/Sways) ~$1,000
Would need new wheels (for a square setup - 255/35/18) ~$1,000
Would need a set of tires (Dunlop Direzza Z1's) ~$1,000
Procede ~$1,000
Meth Kit ~$500
FMIC ~$600
Total Perf-related Mods: ~$5000
Result: A wicked-fast car that rides/handles very well with good MPG as well. Probably runs in the range of a low 12-second 1/4 mile trapping 117+. The unfortunate side, is this car is $100/month more on my insurance than a 2010 S4
.
2010 Audi S4
DCT - Love this tranny
Stock suspension with ADS (audi drive select) is awesome.
Stock with torque vectoring rear diff
Would need set of tires ~$1,000
APR Tune - $1,400
Total Perf Related Mods - ~$2,500
Result: Nearly the same as the 335xi. The new APR tune is putting down 77awhp more at redline, really wakes the cars up. Stock they are running 12.8's at ~111mph. With this tune, they will be very close to the JB3/V4 335i cars (I can't wait for some of these videos
). I think I would give the handling nod to the Audi, the all-out speed nod to the 335xi, and the drivability nod to the Audi (instant S/C boost + DCT).
APR Tune Vid 6spd (tuned) vs. DCT (stock) -
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WMZvP8u-0do
REMATCH Vid - Both Tuned - Badass! -
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DRM-N-kfIDY
All things considered, I only keep my cars for about 2 years. I would have to put $2500 extra in mods into the BMW, and over 24 months pay roughly another $2500 in insurance. The S4's carry roughly a $5k premium over the '09 BMW's for a mileage to mileage comparison. I can not decide what the hell to get (I still have to test drive the S4). Can anyone add more insight?
