Discussion
I am considering changing my R32 at some stage, and a V8 S4 is the current favourite choice. I like the looks of the saloon/avant, but am tempted by the idea of the cabrio as it looks a bit more 'special', and open top motoring might be a nice change.
Question is though, how much performance/handling is lost compared to the saloon? Does it handle crisply, or is it just a boulevard cruiser?
Thanks.
Question is though, how much performance/handling is lost compared to the saloon? Does it handle crisply, or is it just a boulevard cruiser?
Thanks.
If you're after soft top with a soundtrack I'd suggest a TVR, or perhaps a cobra... both would have less scuttle shake and would sound even better.
The RS4 cabrios, m3 cabrios, etc just scream "so solid crew", much better to have a tin top it'd be quicker, handle better and you wouldnt look like a complete bender if you want to take any of your mates out in it with the roof down.
Or are you a member of the so solid crew?
The RS4 cabrios, m3 cabrios, etc just scream "so solid crew", much better to have a tin top it'd be quicker, handle better and you wouldnt look like a complete bender if you want to take any of your mates out in it with the roof down.
Or are you a member of the so solid crew?
Well, really need four seats for the family, so rules out a lot of options. Would take a coupe but the S5 is too expensive! Audi should have been making two doors years ago.
I really like the sure-footedness of the 4WD in the R32 so S4 seemed a good option. Just looking at alternatives to the default M3 really....
Thought the S4 cab might be a bit more interesting than the saloon/avant, which aside from badges and wheels look like any other A4, but then if the cab doesn't drive well, I may need to consider saloons, or even the M3. Hmmm.
I really like the sure-footedness of the 4WD in the R32 so S4 seemed a good option. Just looking at alternatives to the default M3 really....
Thought the S4 cab might be a bit more interesting than the saloon/avant, which aside from badges and wheels look like any other A4, but then if the cab doesn't drive well, I may need to consider saloons, or even the M3. Hmmm.
I have extensive experience of both - I own a B6 S4 saloon and last year spent a fair amount of time driving a mate's Cabrio (also B6). I co-drove it to Le Mans and back and had the use of it whilst detailing it for him (a two or three evening job which ended up taking a fortnight thanks to our 'summer' weather 
).
Performance-wise there is a difference between the two, as you would expect given the extra weight. I wouldn't say it was 'night and day' though, and the extent to which it matters depends on how much you value the roof down experience I guess. The Cab's extra weight makes itself felt whilst cornering and no, it's not as nimble as the saloon but I certainly wouldn't describe it as a barge. I should point out too that my car has Goodyear Eagle F1 GSD3s and his had Conti SC2s which were just as awful on that car as every other I've driven. Mine also has an RS4 rear ARB fitted whereas his didn't.
There was some scuttle shake, but it wasn't excessive and certainly nowhere near as bad as the Saab Cabrio or my ex-girlfriend's W209 CLK Cabrio. I can't comment on the M3 as I haven't driven it but a while ago I spent a few days in an E46 330Ci Cabrio and that had more rattles than a branch of ELC!
My friend's S4 had a Milltek cat-back fitted (as does mine) and as Dr.G points out you won't have the radio on when you've got the roof down.
With the roof up it's nearly as quiet as the saloon thanks to the acoustic hood, but I did miss my Recaros.
Test drive one and let us know what you think. I'd agree that the saloon and Avant are better performance cars but if you really have got your heart set on a Cabrio I don't think its compromises are all that great.
).Performance-wise there is a difference between the two, as you would expect given the extra weight. I wouldn't say it was 'night and day' though, and the extent to which it matters depends on how much you value the roof down experience I guess. The Cab's extra weight makes itself felt whilst cornering and no, it's not as nimble as the saloon but I certainly wouldn't describe it as a barge. I should point out too that my car has Goodyear Eagle F1 GSD3s and his had Conti SC2s which were just as awful on that car as every other I've driven. Mine also has an RS4 rear ARB fitted whereas his didn't.
There was some scuttle shake, but it wasn't excessive and certainly nowhere near as bad as the Saab Cabrio or my ex-girlfriend's W209 CLK Cabrio. I can't comment on the M3 as I haven't driven it but a while ago I spent a few days in an E46 330Ci Cabrio and that had more rattles than a branch of ELC!
My friend's S4 had a Milltek cat-back fitted (as does mine) and as Dr.G points out you won't have the radio on when you've got the roof down.
With the roof up it's nearly as quiet as the saloon thanks to the acoustic hood, but I did miss my Recaros.
Test drive one and let us know what you think. I'd agree that the saloon and Avant are better performance cars but if you really have got your heart set on a Cabrio I don't think its compromises are all that great.
I had a cabrio and it was the best car I have ever owned, extremley torquey, drive one I think you will be impressed. I sold my TVR Chimaera 500 and was going to get an M3 but drove an S4 and had to have one, due to financial constrants I have sold it but would not hesitate to by another when funds are available
Tame Technician said:
The Cabs are really not nice to drive, noisy (trim creaks etc) + the scuttle shake, makes it feel like. the steering wheel is wobbling in your hands, its really bad.
I've had two Cabs (not S4's mind), and the scuttle shake is not a problem IMO, in fact it hardly shakes at all. Same with the steering wheel. On the whole, I think it's a great car to drive. I agree with the trim creaks though.sleepersix said:
Well, really need four seats for the family, so rules out a lot of options. Would take a coupe but the S5 is too expensive! Audi should have been making two doors years ago.
I really like the sure-footedness of the 4WD in the R32 so S4 seemed a good option. Just looking at alternatives to the default M3 really....
Thought the S4 cab might be a bit more interesting than the saloon/avant, which aside from badges and wheels look like any other A4, but then if the cab doesn't drive well, I may need to consider saloons, or even the M3. Hmmm.
That's the beauty of the Avant though. We have an S4 V8 Avant in black & it really is the ultimate sleeper. Looks no different from a 1.9Tdi to the untrained eye, but goes like a fookin rocketship when prodded.I really like the sure-footedness of the 4WD in the R32 so S4 seemed a good option. Just looking at alternatives to the default M3 really....
Thought the S4 cab might be a bit more interesting than the saloon/avant, which aside from badges and wheels look like any other A4, but then if the cab doesn't drive well, I may need to consider saloons, or even the M3. Hmmm.
To me, the S4 cab kind of has the same "caribbean drug dealer" image as the M3 cab.
schmalex said:
sleepersix said:
Well, really need four seats for the family, so rules out a lot of options. Would take a coupe but the S5 is too expensive! Audi should have been making two doors years ago.
I really like the sure-footedness of the 4WD in the R32 so S4 seemed a good option. Just looking at alternatives to the default M3 really....
Thought the S4 cab might be a bit more interesting than the saloon/avant, which aside from badges and wheels look like any other A4, but then if the cab doesn't drive well, I may need to consider saloons, or even the M3. Hmmm.
To me, the S4 cab kind of has the same "caribbean drug dealer" image as the M3 cab.I really like the sure-footedness of the 4WD in the R32 so S4 seemed a good option. Just looking at alternatives to the default M3 really....
Thought the S4 cab might be a bit more interesting than the saloon/avant, which aside from badges and wheels look like any other A4, but then if the cab doesn't drive well, I may need to consider saloons, or even the M3. Hmmm.
Incidentally, I've only driven an Avant S4. With the standard exhaust the engine noise is very muted. Window down and much more audible. So, roof off and it must sound good. I saw an S4 Cab down at Le Mans this year and I have to say it sounded excellent!
TeaVR said:
schmalex said:
sleepersix said:
Well, really need four seats for the family, so rules out a lot of options. Would take a coupe but the S5 is too expensive! Audi should have been making two doors years ago.
I really like the sure-footedness of the 4WD in the R32 so S4 seemed a good option. Just looking at alternatives to the default M3 really....
Thought the S4 cab might be a bit more interesting than the saloon/avant, which aside from badges and wheels look like any other A4, but then if the cab doesn't drive well, I may need to consider saloons, or even the M3. Hmmm.
To me, the S4 cab kind of has the same "caribbean drug dealer" image as the M3 cab.I really like the sure-footedness of the 4WD in the R32 so S4 seemed a good option. Just looking at alternatives to the default M3 really....
Thought the S4 cab might be a bit more interesting than the saloon/avant, which aside from badges and wheels look like any other A4, but then if the cab doesn't drive well, I may need to consider saloons, or even the M3. Hmmm.
Incidentally, I've only driven an Avant S4. With the standard exhaust the engine noise is very muted. Window down and much more audible. So, roof off and it must sound good. I saw an S4 Cab down at Le Mans this year and I have to say it sounded excellent!
Tame Technician said:
The Cabs are really not nice to drive, noisy (trim creaks etc) + the scuttle shake, makes it feel like. the steering wheel is wobbling in your hands, its really bad.
V8 S4, got to be and avant for me. But as long as it has a metal roof, fantastic car.
bV8 S4, got to be and avant for me. But as long as it has a metal roof, fantastic car.
ks mate.I've still got my S4 cab.
Used it on a couple of track days, its a great car.
Its also very quiet on the motorway, with very little wind noise.
The steering wheel does not wobble in your hands! I've never heard so much s
t in all my life.JPF40 said:
Tame Technician said:
The Cabs are really not nice to drive, noisy (trim creaks etc) + the scuttle shake, makes it feel like. the steering wheel is wobbling in your hands, its really bad.
V8 S4, got to be and avant for me. But as long as it has a metal roof, fantastic car.
bV8 S4, got to be and avant for me. But as long as it has a metal roof, fantastic car.
ks mate.I've still got my S4 cab.
Used it on a couple of track days, its a great car.
Its also very quiet on the motorway, with very little wind noise.
The steering wheel does not wobble in your hands! I've never heard so much s
t in all my life."wibble wobble, wibble wobble, jelly on a plate" - iirc.
Thorny said:
JPF40 said:
Tame Technician said:
The Cabs are really not nice to drive, noisy (trim creaks etc) + the scuttle shake, makes it feel like. the steering wheel is wobbling in your hands, its really bad.
V8 S4, got to be and avant for me. But as long as it has a metal roof, fantastic car.
bV8 S4, got to be and avant for me. But as long as it has a metal roof, fantastic car.
ks mate.I've still got my S4 cab.
Used it on a couple of track days, its a great car.
Its also very quiet on the motorway, with very little wind noise.
The steering wheel does not wobble in your hands! I've never heard so much s
t in all my life."wibble wobble, wibble wobble, jelly on a plate" - iirc.
Sure their is some scuttle shake, but not in the way that some people like to think.
Too many people get so anal about how scuttle shake. Ooooh f
k me I felt some scuttle shake, its the end of the world and I'll never be able to enjoy my car again. An of course EVERYTHING I read in magazines is 100% gospel and NEVER to be questioned! LOL!!I'm putting an engine in one right now. Its a 54 plate and the steering wheel moves in your hands when you go over bumps and stuff. RS4 cabs do the same, almost worse with the stiffer suspension. I've driven 20 or so different ones and to a degree they all do it.
Am not slating it as a convertible, all convertibles do that, I used to work on jags and £55k XKR's are the same. Compared with say a 306 cab, the A4 is positively solid.
I was comparing against a saloon or avant, in with case, I stand by my comments. Drive a cab every day, it probably becomes unnoticeable, but drive a number of saloons then try a cab and it feels honorable.
Dont get me started on the convertable hood electrics.
Am not slating it as a convertible, all convertibles do that, I used to work on jags and £55k XKR's are the same. Compared with say a 306 cab, the A4 is positively solid.
I was comparing against a saloon or avant, in with case, I stand by my comments. Drive a cab every day, it probably becomes unnoticeable, but drive a number of saloons then try a cab and it feels honorable.
Dont get me started on the convertable hood electrics.
Having had both an S4 avant and an S4 cab in the family and driving lots of sportscars - going to the ring this week in a GT3RS and Scuderia with some mates, I would say this - and by the way this is just friendly advice and not meant to piss the other posters off.
If you are even considering an S4 you are not going to drive it on the limit and oversteer all over the place. Its a wonderful wonderful car - both of them - and you are going to get a super stable very quick car with a big and unbelievably smooth V8. It can go very quickly through corners with little risk of crashing and you have lots of power to accelerate everywhere, but it's not a hooligan.
Unless you drive like an idiot you are not, ever, going to be bothered with the scuttle shake through the steering wheel. The hood is perfectly quiet at motorway speeds and it doesn't flex as much as some of the other posters complain about. Obviously it flexes a bit more than a 2 seater convertible simply because it is that much longer, but trust me it's not an annoyance.
As long as you drive it 9/10ths you won't be bothered its a bit heavier and a bit less brilliant handling wise - but you will get the beautifully discrete design, the wind and sun in your hair, and that AK47 sound coming from the exhaust.
In fact, thinking about it and seeing the prices they have dropped to, I might be tempted back into one this coming spring!
Hope it helps, test drive both the cab and the avant and see for yourself what you think.
Good luck and I hope you enjoy the car.
If you are even considering an S4 you are not going to drive it on the limit and oversteer all over the place. Its a wonderful wonderful car - both of them - and you are going to get a super stable very quick car with a big and unbelievably smooth V8. It can go very quickly through corners with little risk of crashing and you have lots of power to accelerate everywhere, but it's not a hooligan.
Unless you drive like an idiot you are not, ever, going to be bothered with the scuttle shake through the steering wheel. The hood is perfectly quiet at motorway speeds and it doesn't flex as much as some of the other posters complain about. Obviously it flexes a bit more than a 2 seater convertible simply because it is that much longer, but trust me it's not an annoyance.
As long as you drive it 9/10ths you won't be bothered its a bit heavier and a bit less brilliant handling wise - but you will get the beautifully discrete design, the wind and sun in your hair, and that AK47 sound coming from the exhaust.
In fact, thinking about it and seeing the prices they have dropped to, I might be tempted back into one this coming spring!
Hope it helps, test drive both the cab and the avant and see for yourself what you think.
Good luck and I hope you enjoy the car.
I forgot: the manual gearbox is geared around 10% lower than the automatic which is still a 6 speed gearbox. The automatic is actually claimed to be more economical as a result. 6th gear in the manual is quite low which is good for acceleration and suited to the topspeed of the car at the moment of most bhp. I haven't driven the automatic version though so can't comment on that one though.
Christoffer said:
I forgot: the manual gearbox is geared around 10% lower than the automatic which is still a 6 speed gearbox. The automatic is actually claimed to be more economical as a result. 6th gear in the manual is quite low which is good for acceleration and suited to the topspeed of the car at the moment of most bhp. I haven't driven the automatic version though so can't comment on that one though.
Ous Avant is the Auto (with the flappy paddles). The gearbox is well suited to the car. When in "normal" mode, it is a 6 speed box, but when in "Sport" mode, it reverts to a 5 speed box with much, much crisper changes. The flappy paddles are a bit of a gimick to be honest, as you never really use them on the road, but they do add a little more control when you are driving quickly.Gassing Station | Audi, Seat, Skoda & VW | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff