which would you choose BMW E46 M3 or Audi S4 (B6)?

[p1tse]

Quick Stats:
M3 = Engine: In-line 6-cyl, 3246cc, 24v - Max power: 338bhp @ 7900rpm - Max torque: 269lb ft @ 5000rpm - 0 - 60mph: 5.1sec - Top speed: 155mph (limited)


S4 = Engine: V8, 4163cc, 40v - Max power: 344bhp @ 7000rpm - Max torque: 302lb ft @ 3500rpm - 0 - 60mph: 5.4sec - Top speed: 155mph (limited)



S4 comes in more forms, avant, saloon, cabriolet
M3 coupe or convertible

S4 in my opinion more subtle, easier daily with low down torque from v8, grip from quattro

m3 bit more raw, better driver engagement feedback, superb rwd setup

both brilliant in their own rights, but which do you prefer?

[SuperVM]

I think it depends largely on what you require the car for. I have a B5 RS4 because we needed an estate and I wanted something interesting, so in that case of the two I'd choose the B6 S4. If I wanted something with which to go on b-road drives and track days, I'd have the E46 M3 every day of the week. If I had to have only one, I'd find a way to live with the M3.

[CaptainSensib1e]

I think you've kind of answered your own question there. BMW is more the drivers car, S4 is the comfy quick cruiser. Totally depends what you want/need.

Me? I bought an S4 Avant (B7 though) a couple of weeks ago because my wife is due to give birth in a few weeks, and I wanted something practical, safe and with a good turn of speed. If there was no impending baby I would have gone for something more raw, like the M3.

[VinceFox]

M3

[lamboman100]

They are both a both a bit on the slow side these days.

Take the S4 and remap, filter and zorst it (tastefully, of course).

[FussyFez]

As above.

Quick family car? S4.

Proper drivers car? M3

[ewenm]

I'd have to drive both to decide. However, the family car needs to be an estate so I suspect a (R)S4 Avant would be the initial leader.

[scherzkeks]

Both are pretty evenly matched in terms of performance. You obviously need some sort of utility if you are looking at sedans and wagons, so I'd take the S4 as it is the best all rounder -- more space, proper grip for mixed surfaces/conditions, and quite enjoyable to drive when on it.

You can then save up for a proper sports car for the track.

[Efbe]

both send me to sleep.

[p1tse]

Efbe said:

both send me to sleep.

Going off topic for £7-8k what's your thought?

[p1tse]

Efbe said:

both send me to sleep.

Going off topic for £7-8k what's your thought?

[blade7]

M3, the timing chains will fall off the S4.

[H100S]

blade7 said:

M3, the timing chains will fall off the S4.

and the rear sub frame will be cracked on the M3.....

[cerb4.5lee]

S4 for me purely for its engine and I am seriously in the minority but I don't actually like the sound the S54 makes that much as I just find it lacks a little depth and can sound a little tinny at times, the E46 M3 is very hard to beat as an all rounder though.

[Efbe]

p1tse said:

Efbe said:

both send me to sleep.

Going off topic for £7-8k what's your thought?

I bought a 159 sportwagon right in the middle of that price range 3 years ago and still have it. so maybe ignore me

but I honestly do find both of those choices a bit dull. I like a car that does something amazingly.
The 159 is gorgeous; that's what it does. I couldn't find anything more beautiful in that price range.

Nearly all of my car choices have been based on something they do spectacularly well. and that's the problem with this audi and bmw. They do go fast, but in a boring and uneventful way. It's hard to explain, but why have a car that can go really fast if it's going to send you to sleep doing it. Some cars feel fun and exciting when you go fast in them. A skyline for instance, or a Subaru, The japanese equivalents. In either you would have so much more fun, you would stand out more, yes maybe you won't get the 'top-gear approval', but you will look forward to driving them.

Personally I wouldn't spend 7-8k on those jap cars though, you could have that fun for half the price

hmmm, what would I get?... maybe I would test drive a Monaro or s197 mustang if that is in price. Then again it depends on your exact criteria. So long as you don't just want the bragging rights of the workplace collective, I wouldn't go for the bmw or audi.



edit: and for your own sanity forget the specs you posted. you will always lose when playing road top trumps in the end to something half the value; but you won't lose if the quicker car than you is dull as dishwater!

Edited by Efbe on Saturday 2nd August 00:36

[blade7]

H100S said:

blade7 said:

M3, the timing chains will fall off the S4.

and the rear sub frame will be cracked on the M3.....

But BMW will most likely fix it up to 10 years old, try getting Audi to fix a 10 year old S4.

Edited by blade7 on Saturday 2nd August 16:56

[Atmospheric]

lamboman100 said:

They are both a both a bit on the slow side these days.

Take the S4 and remap, filter and zorst it (tastefully, of course).

I struggled to take your comments seriously before.

But "zorst" suggests I was right all along

[Alucidnation]

Nice to see the usual st being spouted on PH, by the usual suspects.


Op, horses for courses really.

Nothing wrong with either car IMO.

Both cars are getting on a bit so there will be some repair work at some point.

It's your wallet, so see if you can get a drive in both and decide what YOU like.

Edited by Alucidnation on Saturday 2nd August 17:03

[Leins]

Personally I prefer the M3, but if practicality was an issue and you wanted an estate, an E46 Alpina B3S Touring could be a nice compormise

[E30M3SE]

As above.