Audi B8.5 S4 v Mk7 Golf R
Discussion
Audi S4 v Golf R
It’s time to change cars and my other half has given me the green light to spend a little more than usual on my next car.
I was first thinking of the Golf R in 5 door guise with a DSG box. 4 wheel drive, DSG box, 0-60 time – what’s not to like!
However, given that I’m in my late 40’s, and possibly a super hot hatch might not always fit the bill for shuttling around my 4 year old an her loyal canine companion, I started to research the Audi S4. Now that the model is coming up for replacement there seem to be some cracking deals via the Brokers and within the same price territory as a Golf R.
I've done the usual research and mental arguments with myself about depreciation, fuel economy, different driving styles, serving costs etc. and while I have successfully argued myself firmly into the S4 camp (who wouldn't want to say “fire up the Quattro” :-)), one matter does give me a little concern.
By buying the S4 am I buying old technology that will quickly look outdated esp. against the likes of the Golf R and the S4’s replacement?
Which ever car is chosen, it will be used for a the daily commute (circa 15 miles), the odd spirited drive and the occasional driving holiday. I would estimate to do no more than 8,000 miles a year and that car will not be tracked.
Comfort is a consideration and with the S4 I intend to spec Drive Select and the adaptive dampers.
I am intending to buy outright, unless there is a compelling reason to go the PCP route, and I intend to keep the car for at least 4 , possible 5 years.
Any and all opinions welcomed esp. from those that have considered/owned/own both these cars.
Thanks
Michael
It’s time to change cars and my other half has given me the green light to spend a little more than usual on my next car.
I was first thinking of the Golf R in 5 door guise with a DSG box. 4 wheel drive, DSG box, 0-60 time – what’s not to like!
However, given that I’m in my late 40’s, and possibly a super hot hatch might not always fit the bill for shuttling around my 4 year old an her loyal canine companion, I started to research the Audi S4. Now that the model is coming up for replacement there seem to be some cracking deals via the Brokers and within the same price territory as a Golf R.
I've done the usual research and mental arguments with myself about depreciation, fuel economy, different driving styles, serving costs etc. and while I have successfully argued myself firmly into the S4 camp (who wouldn't want to say “fire up the Quattro” :-)), one matter does give me a little concern.
By buying the S4 am I buying old technology that will quickly look outdated esp. against the likes of the Golf R and the S4’s replacement?
Which ever car is chosen, it will be used for a the daily commute (circa 15 miles), the odd spirited drive and the occasional driving holiday. I would estimate to do no more than 8,000 miles a year and that car will not be tracked.
Comfort is a consideration and with the S4 I intend to spec Drive Select and the adaptive dampers.
I am intending to buy outright, unless there is a compelling reason to go the PCP route, and I intend to keep the car for at least 4 , possible 5 years.
Any and all opinions welcomed esp. from those that have considered/owned/own both these cars.
Thanks
Michael
theboyfold said:
This is exactly the same position as me (aside from my age, the age of my kids and the fact I don't have a dog!)
Same as this also http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a...
va1o said:
Same as this also http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a...
See also:http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a...
I had the same dilemma over old v new tech/chassis etc. Have ordered the S4 as with the deals on offer it came in at about £15 a month more than the S4 and the Audi is a far more interesting proposition when the costs are this close. Interior is still miles better despite the older model, proper Torsen rather than Haldex and a supercharged 6cyl over a turbo 4cyl.
I still think the golf is an incredible proposition, and I test drove the hatch alongside the S4 and was hugely impressed. The Audi just felt (and I guess in real terms is) a classier and more expensive/better specced package.
M
theboyfold said:
This is exactly the same position as me (aside from my age, the age of my kids and the fact I don't have a dog!)
Try CarWow for prices, they have offered around £8500 off a nice spec S4 Avant Black Edition for me.
I've managed, for a Saloon and via Carwow, a discount of 13% and just shy of 19% for a PCP deal including the Dealer/Audi contribution of £5k. Similar quotes via Orangewheels and DrivetheDeal. Try CarWow for prices, they have offered around £8500 off a nice spec S4 Avant Black Edition for me.
Redwatches said:
I've managed, for a Saloon and via Carwow, a discount of 13% and just shy of 19% for a PCP deal including the Dealer/Audi contribution of £5k. Similar quotes via Orangewheels and DrivetheDeal.
I'm at 18%, and 3 of the 4 offers I've had are at that level. So I guess that's the most they can or will do. In terms of the Golf R, I've seen some silly lease deals for the estate and I too have been wondering if I should go for that, but when you try and spec it to match the Audi, the deals run out and the price goes up or brokers don't bother to call you back.
So I'm sold on the Audi on paper at the moment, that along with the Golf I did have wasn't that great (Mk5 Edition 30) and the experience I had with the 2 VW dealers was awful. I am hoping to see an Avant this weekend and check on dull practical elements like space in the back and boot size etc etc.
Hopefully I can help .. I have a 2014 S3 Sportback (S-tronic), and have just placed an order for an S4 saloon. The S3 won't be too far away from the Golf R in day to day driving experiences.
The S3 feels like a hot hatch, it's quick, sounds errrm OK from it's 4 cylinder engine, I'm getting @ 26 mpg combined and will see 35 on a typical dual carriageway run. Lovely minimalist interior.
The S4 feels like a class above, although very similar in terms of pace, the v6 supercharged engine kicks the 4 pot into the dust for response, noise and a feeling of class. The interior also feels weightier, still very classy, and although I too worry it's not as modern, once you sit in it oozes class and quality. I really couldn't differentiate between the actual functionality of the MMI system between both cars.
I much prefer the feeling of the torsen diff to haldex, and I've also gone for the sports differential.
I managed to get @18% discount from my local dealer without much effort.
I'm changing my S3 as I wanted a better noise, feeling of luxury and class. You can feel that it's a step up in terms of size, audience etc.
S4 for me.
The S3 feels like a hot hatch, it's quick, sounds errrm OK from it's 4 cylinder engine, I'm getting @ 26 mpg combined and will see 35 on a typical dual carriageway run. Lovely minimalist interior.
The S4 feels like a class above, although very similar in terms of pace, the v6 supercharged engine kicks the 4 pot into the dust for response, noise and a feeling of class. The interior also feels weightier, still very classy, and although I too worry it's not as modern, once you sit in it oozes class and quality. I really couldn't differentiate between the actual functionality of the MMI system between both cars.
I much prefer the feeling of the torsen diff to haldex, and I've also gone for the sports differential.
I managed to get @18% discount from my local dealer without much effort.
I'm changing my S3 as I wanted a better noise, feeling of luxury and class. You can feel that it's a step up in terms of size, audience etc.
S4 for me.
Avalyn said:
Hopefully I can help .. I have a 2014 S3 Sportback (S-tronic), and have just placed an order for an S4 saloon. The S3 won't be too far away from the Golf R in day to day driving experiences.
The S3 feels like a hot hatch, it's quick, sounds errrm OK from it's 4 cylinder engine, I'm getting @ 26 mpg combined and will see 35 on a typical dual carriageway run. Lovely minimalist interior.
The S4 feels like a class above, although very similar in terms of pace, the v6 supercharged engine kicks the 4 pot into the dust for response, noise and a feeling of class. The interior also feels weightier, still very classy, and although I too worry it's not as modern, once you sit in it oozes class and quality. I really couldn't differentiate between the actual functionality of the MMI system between both cars.
I much prefer the feeling of the torsen diff to haldex, and I've also gone for the sports differential.
I managed to get @18% discount from my local dealer without much effort.
I'm changing my S3 as I wanted a better noise, feeling of luxury and class. You can feel that it's a step up in terms of size, audience etc.
S4 for me.
Can I ask, is the 18% for an outright cash purchase or for leasing via Audi PCP and what delivery time where you quoted?The S3 feels like a hot hatch, it's quick, sounds errrm OK from it's 4 cylinder engine, I'm getting @ 26 mpg combined and will see 35 on a typical dual carriageway run. Lovely minimalist interior.
The S4 feels like a class above, although very similar in terms of pace, the v6 supercharged engine kicks the 4 pot into the dust for response, noise and a feeling of class. The interior also feels weightier, still very classy, and although I too worry it's not as modern, once you sit in it oozes class and quality. I really couldn't differentiate between the actual functionality of the MMI system between both cars.
I much prefer the feeling of the torsen diff to haldex, and I've also gone for the sports differential.
I managed to get @18% discount from my local dealer without much effort.
I'm changing my S3 as I wanted a better noise, feeling of luxury and class. You can feel that it's a step up in terms of size, audience etc.
S4 for me.
Thanks
Micahel
I dont know if you have driven one or not, but I found the S4 to be disappointing. The overall package is good, not a bad place to sit etc - but it did not excite me. I think the culprit was the engine, it didnt feel particularly strong and it felt asthmatic - it also drinks the fuel.
I only have an M135i daily at the moment, but I was happy to get in it, to me the engine is in a different league. Feels stronger in every aspect and much more willing to rev...
Not driven the Golf R yet, but from the sounds of it the fuel consumption isnt much difference. Id just get out there and drive them back to back.
I only have an M135i daily at the moment, but I was happy to get in it, to me the engine is in a different league. Feels stronger in every aspect and much more willing to rev...
Not driven the Golf R yet, but from the sounds of it the fuel consumption isnt much difference. Id just get out there and drive them back to back.
russy01 said:
I dont know if you have driven one or not, but I found the S4 to be disappointing. The overall package is good, not a bad place to sit etc - but it did not excite me. I think the culprit was the engine, it didnt feel particularly strong and it felt asthmatic - it also drinks the fuel.
I only have an M135i daily at the moment, but I was happy to get in it, to me the engine is in a different league. Feels stronger in every aspect and much more willing to rev...
Not driven the Golf R yet, but from the sounds of it the fuel consumption isnt much difference. Id just get out there and drive them back to back.
Interesting, I have an M135i at the moment but need something bigger.I only have an M135i daily at the moment, but I was happy to get in it, to me the engine is in a different league. Feels stronger in every aspect and much more willing to rev...
Not driven the Golf R yet, but from the sounds of it the fuel consumption isnt much difference. Id just get out there and drive them back to back.
RS Grant said:
Quick question, are the S4/S5 with the V6T engine S-Tronic only??
Cheers,
Grant
Yep, unfortunately, Audi discontinued manual when the S5 changed from the V8 and the S4 was only available with manual until the B8.5 facelift but very few were sold as most were in the £500 tax band.Cheers,
Grant
One point that occurred to me earlier, is that the S4 is a mature product with the wrinkles ironed out of it.
It has had its issues with the mechtronics for the clutch packs, the water pump, and so on, and these have been sorted out. Contrast that to the Golf R, where if you were to believe the forums, the EA888 stands a good chance of going pop inside 10 miles.
The OP is a good question though, as it's something I'm always asking myself -'what would I replace this with'.
Having been looking at VW's (including the Golf, though not the R) for the wife, I do think the S4 is a nicer and more refined place to be in. Performance wise, and in terms of mechanical and electronic functionality, I don't think there's much in it. Given the discounts available on the S4, I'd say it comes down to personal preference. Alternatives would be to wait for the new S4 or the R400 - but these are going to be a lot more expensive when they're initially released.
I went from an Evo IX to the S4 as I wanted more comfort and practicality with similar performance. I've not regretted it; the Audi is by far the better car.
If I had the cash, I'd have something more wafty, and something else smaller and lighter for the weekends, but as a one size fits all solution the S4 was the best I found.
I did go for the adaptive dampers, and they're occasionally nice, but if you find yourself stretched for cash, I'd get the sports diff ahead of them.
It has had its issues with the mechtronics for the clutch packs, the water pump, and so on, and these have been sorted out. Contrast that to the Golf R, where if you were to believe the forums, the EA888 stands a good chance of going pop inside 10 miles.
The OP is a good question though, as it's something I'm always asking myself -'what would I replace this with'.
Having been looking at VW's (including the Golf, though not the R) for the wife, I do think the S4 is a nicer and more refined place to be in. Performance wise, and in terms of mechanical and electronic functionality, I don't think there's much in it. Given the discounts available on the S4, I'd say it comes down to personal preference. Alternatives would be to wait for the new S4 or the R400 - but these are going to be a lot more expensive when they're initially released.
I went from an Evo IX to the S4 as I wanted more comfort and practicality with similar performance. I've not regretted it; the Audi is by far the better car.
If I had the cash, I'd have something more wafty, and something else smaller and lighter for the weekends, but as a one size fits all solution the S4 was the best I found.
I did go for the adaptive dampers, and they're occasionally nice, but if you find yourself stretched for cash, I'd get the sports diff ahead of them.
Edited by jimmyjimjim on Tuesday 19th May 20:02
Hi,
My wife and I have both and so have experienced each extensively (manual R with 6k on and S4 avant Black edition DSG with 9k) the S4 is undoubtedly a nicer place to be in. Beautifully built, great HiFi and nav etc. it's quick although I would prefer a manual box some of the time or a full manual mode like the RS models as even in manual mode the car changes up automatically before the redline. I find the DSG in auto too eager to change to the lowest gear possible in kick down which I feel is unnecessary and more importantly then gives a noticeable delay before taking off. This can be negated if you select your own gear for the overtake with the paddles so is not the end of the world. I drove an R8 DSG late last year and the software on that box was great, throttle blips on down change, no up shifts on manual etc. If the warranty was not an issue I would look at getting this done. The other thing with the Audi is its big and is better suited to demolishing A roads rather than B road scratching. The Golf on the other hand, now that is a fantastic all weather B road car, I use it predominantly for a cross country commute of 18 miles to work and back. The grip is immense and the speed it is able to carry through corners is superb. In tight corners any hint of under steer is easily checked with a little more throttle which then seems to make the car dig in. Equipment wise the spec is good as standard and again well built though not as nice as the Audi. We both agree though that it is a more fun car for a quick blast. Also it is returning a genuine 32mpg with a best of 35 on a run, something not possible in the S4 which manages around 27 in day to day use (not in traffic) and maybe 31 on a journey if taking it easy. Overall if it's mainly shorter trips I would not hesitate saying the Golf ( my border terrier loves it!) if you do regular longer journeys then I would choose the Audi. Which ever you do get, you won't be disappointed.
My wife and I have both and so have experienced each extensively (manual R with 6k on and S4 avant Black edition DSG with 9k) the S4 is undoubtedly a nicer place to be in. Beautifully built, great HiFi and nav etc. it's quick although I would prefer a manual box some of the time or a full manual mode like the RS models as even in manual mode the car changes up automatically before the redline. I find the DSG in auto too eager to change to the lowest gear possible in kick down which I feel is unnecessary and more importantly then gives a noticeable delay before taking off. This can be negated if you select your own gear for the overtake with the paddles so is not the end of the world. I drove an R8 DSG late last year and the software on that box was great, throttle blips on down change, no up shifts on manual etc. If the warranty was not an issue I would look at getting this done. The other thing with the Audi is its big and is better suited to demolishing A roads rather than B road scratching. The Golf on the other hand, now that is a fantastic all weather B road car, I use it predominantly for a cross country commute of 18 miles to work and back. The grip is immense and the speed it is able to carry through corners is superb. In tight corners any hint of under steer is easily checked with a little more throttle which then seems to make the car dig in. Equipment wise the spec is good as standard and again well built though not as nice as the Audi. We both agree though that it is a more fun car for a quick blast. Also it is returning a genuine 32mpg with a best of 35 on a run, something not possible in the S4 which manages around 27 in day to day use (not in traffic) and maybe 31 on a journey if taking it easy. Overall if it's mainly shorter trips I would not hesitate saying the Golf ( my border terrier loves it!) if you do regular longer journeys then I would choose the Audi. Which ever you do get, you won't be disappointed.
18% discount was for a PCP deal, 48 months ..
I've been given a September delivery schedule, but no official build week yet, they think it may be here a few weeks before the new Sept plates are out.
It's a feeling thing S3 vs S4. Pretty much the same pace in a straight line, the S4 gets away quicker but you naturally change up @ 5.5K revs. The S3 has a softer throttle response but feels more eager to the redline. There is absolutely no comparison in sound though, the v6 has a resemblance to a flat6 sound wise and a nice howl to it.
I'd suggest you test drive both, the S4 feels more solid, heavy, it's a cruiser than can move when it wants to. The S3 is more hyper, darty, lighter. The S3 feels like a hatch, the S4 feels like a grown up car ..
I've been given a September delivery schedule, but no official build week yet, they think it may be here a few weeks before the new Sept plates are out.
It's a feeling thing S3 vs S4. Pretty much the same pace in a straight line, the S4 gets away quicker but you naturally change up @ 5.5K revs. The S3 has a softer throttle response but feels more eager to the redline. There is absolutely no comparison in sound though, the v6 has a resemblance to a flat6 sound wise and a nice howl to it.
I'd suggest you test drive both, the S4 feels more solid, heavy, it's a cruiser than can move when it wants to. The S3 is more hyper, darty, lighter. The S3 feels like a hatch, the S4 feels like a grown up car ..
Chiefbadger said:
The order book has now closed for the S4 so this might aid your decision?! Sure there will still be a few in the dealer network though if you're flexible on spec.
My dealer quoted me today and I asked if the order book was closed and he said he was still able to order as of today. Gassing Station | Audi, Seat, Skoda & VW | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff