Drove the 2014 S4 for the first time today..

Coolhydro · 02-08-2014, 09:56 PM

I drove my friend's s4 today, it was fully loaded with lsd, and all bells n whistles. It was waaay better in every way than my 335i f30

He got it for $3k+ compared to my 335i.
Except for the HUD and the nav interface, I loved it every bit driving dynamics wise, acceleration, steering, suspension, the confidence...

If you are planning to buy a 335i/435i MUST test drive the s4.

DesertSmokeBBQ · 02-08-2014, 10:00 PM

Meh, I like my '14 335 better than the '11 S4 I got rid of (for my '13 328 LOL)

OC40 · 02-08-2014, 10:08 PM

I didn't test an S4 but an A4. The looks are meh (to steal @desertsmokebbq line).

Coolhydro · 02-08-2014, 10:28 PM

Desertsmoke:
Did the 2011 have the same engine and stuff..?
Why din't you like it.. Acceleration felt awesome in the s4, am I wrong?

DVC · 02-08-2014, 10:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Coolhydro

I drove my friend's s4 today, it was fully loaded with lsd, and all bells n whistles. It was waaay better in every way than my 335i f30

He got it for $3k+ compared to my 335i.
Except for the HUD and the nav interface, I loved it every bit driving dynamics wise, acceleration, steering, suspension, the confidence...

If you are planning to buy a 335i/435i MUST test drive the s4.

I test drove both, and preferred the 335. The S4 (which had the LSD and all the bells and whistles) was very good, but it had a few shortcomings that took it out of the running for me (wonky steering and too much understeer come to mind... )

Professor///M · 02-08-2014, 11:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DVC

I test drove both, and preferred the 335. The S4 (which had the LSD and all the bells and whistles) was very good, but it had a few shortcomings that took it out of the running for me (wonky steering and too much understeer come to mind... )

I have turned down Audi multiple times for the steering alone. Totally agree with this.

Jmpascual · 02-08-2014, 11:49 PM

I'm pretty sure everything mechanically in the 2014 S4 is the same as the 2011. (They are both in the B8 generation). Only difference is some updated interior
"stuff" and new taillights and Headlights, as well as a trapezoidal grille.

nfwb11 · 02-09-2014, 12:46 AM

Does the 2014 S4 have the same (IMO) cheap quality plastic dash? I test drove a 2012 CPO S5 last year and was shocked at how "chinsy" the interior components were; especially considering the price tag.

DesertSmokeBBQ · 02-09-2014, 12:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Coolhydro

Desertsmoke:
Did the 2011 have the same engine and stuff..?
Why din't you like it.. Acceleration felt awesome in the s4, am I wrong?

Acceleration isn't everything... I did love the Quattro but there's something about RWD that imparts more "connection" to the over-all driving experience. The '14 and the '11 are mechanically & aesthetically (in large part) identical. The F30 platform is a much better package while the A/S4 is dated and on its way out. I would compare the current A/S4 chassis to the E9x technologically (many will disagree). I'm interested in what the next generation A/S4 has to offer...

Bassthe1st · 02-09-2014, 08:11 AM

I test drove A S4 too but was not that impress. Though I must say, at the time I was driving a E90 335XI so I was not impress by how the car handled and the steering feel. ALso, the ergonomics were poor, needing many steps to acheive a simple task. Also, I was looking at a used one at the time and in order to get the car financed with them you had to pay 2500$ for an extended warranty while it's already included at BMW. The Quattro was great and power was there but it did not seem like it was worth it. Plus the styling is blend, even compared to the E90.

fecurtis · 02-09-2014, 09:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nfwb11

Does the 2014 S4 have the same (IMO) cheap quality plastic dash? I test drove a 2012 CPO S5 last year and was shocked at how "chinsy" the interior components were. Especially considering the price tag.

No, they updated the materials since then and the interior looks a lot better.

I test drove a 2014 S4 with all the bells and whistles. The steering, dated styling and the MMI interface were what drove me away and towards the 335i...it wasn't an easy choice though.

auf Deutsch · 02-09-2014, 10:12 AM

Audi mounts their engines ahead of the front axle. Fail. If it's acceleration you want, opt for the mild PPK. The test numbers are identical to the S4.

CHCCubs · 02-09-2014, 10:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PAMidge

I have turned down Audi multiple times for the steering alone. Totally agree with this.

Agreed. While I don't have any experience with the S4, I test drove the 2.0t A4 both in 2009 before I got my previous E90 and also again in 2012 before I got my current F30 and found the steering to be a real turn off. While a lot of folks seem to complain about the light feeling steering on the F30, in my opinion the A4 is far lighter and artificial feeling.

chetman7 · 02-09-2014, 10:43 AM

I literally ended up flipping a coin when choosing between a 435ix or S5

focal · 02-09-2014, 10:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chetman7

I literally ended up flipping a coin when choosing between a 435ix or S5

heads for 435xi, tails for 435xi and if it lands on the edge, S5?

Roki_014 · 02-09-2014, 10:51 AM

I wanted to drive s4 untill i testdrove the tts it was so bad that i didnt even want to look at the s4, steering sucked acceleration as well even thogh 0-60 is like around 5 if not under

justinnum1 · 02-09-2014, 11:02 AM

Overpriced Jetta? Pass.

focal · 02-09-2014, 11:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by justinnum1

Overpriced Jetta? Pass.

the new A3 is the same chassis as the new MK7 Golf/GTI. The audi B8 is quite different than the Jetta chassis, current and past.

The current TT-S and previous A3 are based off the previous MkVI golf/GTI chassis

hinckley · 02-09-2014, 11:56 AM

I currently drive an S4 (winter) and M5 (summer).

When I got my S4, I was comparing it to the E90 (the F30s were not yet introduced), and there was no comparison. The full-zoot S4 interior (with Nappa leather) is/was far superior to the 3's Dakota. And the car has to be spec'ed/driven with the Sports Differential package. It's a torque vectoring system that makes the car handle like a go-kart. But, fwiw, there is one big mechanical difference between my MY12 S4 and the MY13/14 "LCI" - Audi moved from hydraulic to electric steering. That made a big impact on steering feel.

I also totally agree that Audi ergonomics and especially Audi's MMI don't compare to BMW's in general and iDrive in particular. But, as noted by others, the S4 is now a "last gen" product. The B9 A4 is 18 months away, and the new S4 comes a year later.

If I was buying an AWD (winter) sedan with a 6MT today, I'm guessing I'd end up with the F30, but - in the opinion of a 30-year BMW driver - it's just silly fan-boys with little/no experience who just blow Audi off these days.

fecurtis · 02-09-2014, 12:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by justinnum1

Overpriced Jetta? Pass.

Probably the most ignorant thing I've read all day today.

dL. · 02-09-2014, 01:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nfwb11

Does the 2014 S4 have the same (IMO) cheap quality plastic dash? I test drove a 2012 CPO S5 last year and was shocked at how "chinsy" the interior components were. Especially considering the price tag.

The F30 has far worse quality. Can't compare with Audi imo.

dL

bmw-nj · 02-09-2014, 01:08 PM

Not really interested in the S4 until the B9 S4 comes out. They look exactly like a standard A4.

02-08-2014, 09:56 PM	#1
Coolhydro Private First Class 14 Rep 127 Posts Drives: Ducati , f30 335i sport Join Date: Jul 2013 Location: ca iTrader: (0)	Drove the 2014 S4 for the first time today.. I drove my friend's s4 today, it was fully loaded with lsd, and all bells n whistles. It was waaay better in every way than my 335i f30 He got it for $3k+ compared to my 335i. Except for the HUD and the nav interface, I loved it every bit driving dynamics wise, acceleration, steering, suspension, the confidence... If you are planning to buy a 335i/435i MUST test drive the s4.
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02-08-2014, 10:00 PM	#2
DesertSmokeBBQ Captain 39 Rep 933 Posts Drives: 2014 F30 335i M-Sport Join Date: Jan 2013 Location: San Diego, CA iTrader: (0) Garage List 2013 BMW [0.00]	Meh, I like my '14 335 better than the '11 S4 I got rid of (for my '13 328 LOL) __________________ '14 Estoril Blue II F30 - 335i - ZMM - ZPP - ZTP - ZPS - 2TP Traded 9-1-13 '13 Estoril Blue II F30 - 328i - ZMM - ZPP -ZDY - ZTB - 403 - 465 - 494 - 4DX- LC (Black) - 6NL
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02-08-2014, 10:08 PM	#3
OC40 Lieutenant Colonel 51 Rep 1,831 Posts Drives: 335i MSport + MPS/MPPK Join Date: Jan 2013 Location: Irvine, CA iTrader: (0) Garage List 2013 MINI S [0.00] 2013 BMW 335i [0.00]	I didn't test an S4 but an A4. The looks are meh (to steal @desertsmokebbq line).
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02-08-2014, 10:28 PM	#4
Coolhydro Private First Class 14 Rep 127 Posts Drives: Ducati , f30 335i sport Join Date: Jul 2013 Location: ca iTrader: (0)	Desertsmoke: Did the 2011 have the same engine and stuff..? Why din't you like it.. Acceleration felt awesome in the s4, am I wrong?
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02-08-2014, 11:49 PM	#7
Jmpascual Lieutenant 688 Rep 429 Posts Drives: G82 M4 Competition, G05 X5 40i Join Date: Jul 2013 Location: Dover, Delaware iTrader: (0)	I'm pretty sure everything mechanically in the 2014 S4 is the same as the 2011. (They are both in the B8 generation). Only difference is some updated interior "stuff" and new taillights and Headlights, as well as a trapezoidal grille.
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02-09-2014, 12:46 AM	#8
nfwb11 Private First Class 13 Rep 145 Posts Drives: '14 435i M-Sport - SB Join Date: Aug 2013 Location: Los Angeles, CA iTrader: (0)	Does the 2014 S4 have the same (IMO) cheap quality plastic dash? I test drove a 2012 CPO S5 last year and was shocked at how "chinsy" the interior components were; especially considering the price tag. Last edited by nfwb11; 02-09-2014 at 04:52 PM..
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02-09-2014, 08:11 AM	#10
Bassthe1st Private First Class 22 Rep 160 Posts Drives: 2017 330i xDrive M Sport Join Date: Jan 2014 Location: Montreal, Qc iTrader: (0)	I test drove A S4 too but was not that impress. Though I must say, at the time I was driving a E90 335XI so I was not impress by how the car handled and the steering feel. ALso, the ergonomics were poor, needing many steps to acheive a simple task. Also, I was looking at a used one at the time and in order to get the car financed with them you had to pay 2500$ for an extended warranty while it's already included at BMW. The Quattro was great and power was there but it did not seem like it was worth it. Plus the styling is blend, even compared to the E90.
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02-09-2014, 10:12 AM	#12
auf Deutsch Colonel 1913 Rep 2,210 Posts Drives: '17 jackrabbit on crystal meth Join Date: Dec 2013 Location: Philly burbs iTrader: (0) Garage List 2017 BMW M2 [0.00]	Audi mounts their engines ahead of the front axle. Fail. If it's acceleration you want, opt for the mild PPK. The test numbers are identical to the S4. __________________ 2017 BSM M2\|6MT\|Exec\|black kidneys and gills\|full alcantara wheel\|CF spoiler\|Dinan Stage 4\|Dinan COI\|Dinan free flow exhaust with resonator delete\|Fabspeed sport cat DP\|BMS clutch stop\|465 bhp\|4.75/5 stars retired: 2014 435xi\|MPPK\|335 bhp\|3/5 stars
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02-09-2014, 10:43 AM	#14
chetman7 Lieutenant 129 Rep 536 Posts Drives: F80 m3 Join Date: Aug 2013 Location: NY iTrader: (0)	I literally ended up flipping a coin when choosing between a 435ix or S5
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02-09-2014, 10:51 AM	#16
Roki_014 Major 256 Rep 1,297 Posts Drives: 2024 i5 M60 Join Date: Jun 2012 Location: Chicago iTrader: (0)	I wanted to drive s4 untill i testdrove the tts it was so bad that i didnt even want to look at the s4, steering sucked acceleration as well even thogh 0-60 is like around 5 if not under
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02-09-2014, 11:02 AM	#17
justinnum1 Major General 651 Rep 5,803 Posts Drives: 2018 330i Msport 6mt Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: South Florida iTrader: (0)	Overpriced Jetta? Pass. __________________ F30 330i Alpine white/Coral red Msport 6MT
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02-09-2014, 11:56 AM	#19
hinckley Brigadier General 3493 Rep 3,213 Posts Drives: '24 M4C Conv Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: South Florida iTrader: (1)	I currently drive an S4 (winter) and M5 (summer). When I got my S4, I was comparing it to the E90 (the F30s were not yet introduced), and there was no comparison. The full-zoot S4 interior (with Nappa leather) is/was far superior to the 3's Dakota. And the car has to be spec'ed/driven with the Sports Differential package. It's a torque vectoring system that makes the car handle like a go-kart. But, fwiw, there is one big mechanical difference between my MY12 S4 and the MY13/14 "LCI" - Audi moved from hydraulic to electric steering. That made a big impact on steering feel. I also totally agree that Audi ergonomics and especially Audi's MMI don't compare to BMW's in general and iDrive in particular. But, as noted by others, the S4 is now a "last gen" product. The B9 A4 is 18 months away, and the new S4 comes a year later. If I was buying an AWD (winter) sedan with a 6MT today, I'm guessing I'd end up with the F30, but - in the opinion of a 30-year BMW driver - it's just silly fan-boys with little/no experience who just blow Audi off these days. __________________ CURRENT: '24 M4C Conv RETIRED : '23 M8C Conv \| '20 X4 M40i \| '18 M4 6MT \| '13 M5 6MT \| '08 550i 6MT \| '04 545i 6MT \| '98 540i 6MT \| '94 530i 5MT \| '84 528e 5MT Other retirees from Chevrolet, Buick, Subaru, Honda, Acura, Merkur(!), Volvo, Saab, Audi and Porsche
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02-09-2014, 01:08 PM	#22
bmw-nj Captain 99 Rep 700 Posts Drives: 2014 BMW 335 xdrive M sport Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: Hillsborough, NJ iTrader: (1)	Not really interested in the S4 until the B9 S4 comes out. They look exactly like a standard A4.
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