I just got an offer to buy a 2001 s4 avant for really cheap from my uncle, but its in really good condition. I know maintenance and parts are more expensive, though.
Ive wanted a wrx for a while, but now this came along and I can't decide which one??

I havent driven an s4, so anybody who has give me your input. I love the feel of the turbo kicking in on the WRX, with that rush of power, but I dont think the s4 will have the same feel, since its a v6. Also, I feel like the s4 would understeer at the limit much more, but maybe I'm wrong. If I'm more concerned about 'driving' and not luxury or status, which should I buy?

Thanks for your input...Itll be very valuable.

 

not really concerned about value...really just concerned with the way each car drives...id be buying either one used anyways

 

S4 has twin turbos.
Very nice.

 

yeah...i guess what i'm asking is which will be more fun to drive?

 

My buddy has an S4 which I have driven. The WRX feels very raw in comparison. The S4 has a much slicker feeling gear box, and smoother engine with a more linear torque curve. According to him, it understeers at the limit, but I have personally never pushed his car that hard...as it is his car. lol
Around town the car feels great, and is a beauty inside. It definitely feels heavier than my WRX wagon. The engine develops torque sooner than the WRX and has a really nice feeling when cruising on the freeway. All things considered, I prefer my WRX for what I want out of a car. Lower maintenance costs, I don't feel so bad when a kid in the parking lot of a ski resort thwacks my car with his skis and snow tires are cheaper for the Subaru's 16 inch wheels.

It really boils down to whether or not you want to pay extra for a more luxurious, heavier car.

 

thanks a lot blingblingblue...

it sounds kinda wierd but i might kinda like that raw feeling that the wrx has. I like how you press the gas pedal, and wait, and wait, and then youre pushed back into your seat a bit...i think it might even make the car feel faster...

which car, in your opinion, 'feels' faster? the audi, according to tests and reviews, is the faster car, but does that very linear power delivery take away that rush?

that could make up my mind for me...

 

I thought in terms of just 0-60 and quarter mile times that the two cars were very close. I'd say from a stop they both feel different, but equally quick if you do a reasonable launch on the Subie, like 2500 clutch slip, not a full blown 4K rpm drag launch. From a roll the Audi's broader torque curve and extra gear is immediately felt whereas in the WRX you need to be above 2800 rpm's or so before she starts to build some nice torque. I think the Audi feels faster at highway speeds and is definitely quieter when travelling at 80+, of course my rig has roof racks and the S4 doesn't. Having said that, I think the WRX is more fun. It feels lighter and easier to throw around...but again, I have never driven Drew's car aggresively, just as I would not expect him to do that with my car. The engine notes are very different, but both are really nice.
BTW, it's a silver 2001 with tinted windows. Very pimp!

I totally agree with you about the turbo lag making the WRX a lot of fun, it really does make it seem like the car is faster than it is. However, the S4 does give a nice rush of power so I'd recommend driving it to see what you think.

 

If you plan to mod both I would go with the S4. A bodykit, new turbos, maybe losing some of the weight with carbon fiber would be nice. Modding a wrx is nice too, hehe, but having a bit more luxury is nice as well.

 

i think im gonna try to go test drive one, the one that i might buy is in south carolina!

bling...can you also tell me...can you hear the turbos spooling when you're driving it?

 

i remember reading a review about the s4 that was talking about the superb engine it has: peak torque at 1850 rpm 258 lbs/feet . they where saying the muscle of this engine could be easily verified by accelerating in fourth gear at 1200 rpm and it just pulled, no clacking, ticking, weid vibrations, it was smooth as silk. I just love the setup: twin fast spooling turbos for maximum drivability copouled to a v6 engine and 6 speed quattro, wow! the only down side is the weight, but think about it as the price to pay for a luxurious solid feeling german cars (once youve lived with that kind of quality you dont want to go back!)

 

Oh yes.

 

just buy the damn car, instead of asking million questions. when the right car comes along you'll know it. You'll knop exactly what to get

 

Dildozer