Fun face off: Audi S4 (B8) vs BMW Z4 Coupe
Discussion
I’ve always loved the idea of a three-car garage and had I the money or space, I’d probably end up with an Audi S4 Avant S Tronic (B8.5), BMW Z4 Coupe and a Honda Integra DC2.
However, sadly I have neither cash nor space right now! So, I have been considering getting a second car to go with my Legacy 3.0 Spec B estate, with the Z4 Coupe topping the list for excitement, usability and style.
However, two sets of road tax, insurance and servicing feels a bit wasteful to me. Hence, I’m wondering whether a manual Audi S4 (B8) saloon could offer 90% of the fun of the Z4 and much of the practicality of the Legacy (probably not the Avant, as if I have one car I want it to be manual and manual Avants cost £200 more per year to tax and are heavier and slower...)
So, has anyone driven both S4 and Z4 - if so, how do they compare? Yes, the Z4 is a sports car and the S4 isn’t, but it sounds like it’s less than perfect for UK roads with over-stiff suspension and imperfect steering, while the S4 is bigger and heavier but potentially better set up for the UK.
I’d happily have both, but since that isn’t possible right now, is the S4 a good one-car alternative?
Thanks.
However, sadly I have neither cash nor space right now! So, I have been considering getting a second car to go with my Legacy 3.0 Spec B estate, with the Z4 Coupe topping the list for excitement, usability and style.
However, two sets of road tax, insurance and servicing feels a bit wasteful to me. Hence, I’m wondering whether a manual Audi S4 (B8) saloon could offer 90% of the fun of the Z4 and much of the practicality of the Legacy (probably not the Avant, as if I have one car I want it to be manual and manual Avants cost £200 more per year to tax and are heavier and slower...)
So, has anyone driven both S4 and Z4 - if so, how do they compare? Yes, the Z4 is a sports car and the S4 isn’t, but it sounds like it’s less than perfect for UK roads with over-stiff suspension and imperfect steering, while the S4 is bigger and heavier but potentially better set up for the UK.
I’d happily have both, but since that isn’t possible right now, is the S4 a good one-car alternative?
Thanks.
They don't compare the Z4 will be a better steer despite it's short comings the S4 can be enjoyable with some chassis work, but there is a worthy alternative that as a steer is on par with the S4.
Take a look at the Insignia VXR they're an underrated steer & a simple map really turns them into a proper performance car, it's not the extra bhp but the torque that helps them seem more cohesive (because Vauxhall decided to take the torque away to make it feel more like an N/A) again a bit of chassis work will release a bit more fun but in all reality neither will get close to a 370z (which is my pick over a Z4) in terms of fun.
Saying that it doesn't mean you can't have fun with them.
Take a look at the Insignia VXR they're an underrated steer & a simple map really turns them into a proper performance car, it's not the extra bhp but the torque that helps them seem more cohesive (because Vauxhall decided to take the torque away to make it feel more like an N/A) again a bit of chassis work will release a bit more fun but in all reality neither will get close to a 370z (which is my pick over a Z4) in terms of fun.
Saying that it doesn't mean you can't have fun with them.
ZX10R NIN said:
They don't compare the Z4 will be a better steer despite it's short comings the S4 can be enjoyable with some chassis work, but there is a worthy alternative that as a steer is on par with the S4.
Take a look at the Insignia VXR they're an underrated steer & a simple map really turns them into a proper performance car, it's not the extra bhp but the torque that helps them seem more cohesive (because Vauxhall decided to take the torque away to make it feel more like an N/A) again a bit of chassis work will release a bit more fun but in all reality neither will get close to a 370z (which is my pick over a Z4) in terms of fun.
Saying that it doesn't mean you can't have fun with them.
Have read that the sport differential is key to S4 driving well, but very few have this. Do wonder how plausible it is to get one fitted.Take a look at the Insignia VXR they're an underrated steer & a simple map really turns them into a proper performance car, it's not the extra bhp but the torque that helps them seem more cohesive (because Vauxhall decided to take the torque away to make it feel more like an N/A) again a bit of chassis work will release a bit more fun but in all reality neither will get close to a 370z (which is my pick over a Z4) in terms of fun.
Saying that it doesn't mean you can't have fun with them.
Watched the Fifth Gear track test with the S4 and the Insignia; the Vauxhall came across well, but Audi seemed better all around. They are quite cheap but top tax band if I remember rightly, which isn’t ideal, and something like 300kg more than my Legacy, I think, which is bonkers.
Not a turbo fan, but might see if I try one out, though. Tiff seemed quite enamoured with it.
I've no experience of an S4, but have plenty with Z4 Coupes!
I can't help thinking an S4 might feel too similar to your Subaru in many ways, with 4 doors, AWD, etc.
I ran two 3.0Si Z4 Coupes for over 5 years alongside a few dailies - E46 325ti Compact, E91 325i Touring and E90 330i Saloon. And despite some chassis short-comings (that can be improved with new springs and dampers and non run-flat tyres) the Z4 Coupes always felt like a sports car, whereas the various 3 series just didn't. Maybe partly because you sit low and just in front of the rear wheels, but the Z4s just felt special instead of capable.
Then in December I bought a Z4M Coupe and it's in a different league altogether! If one of those might be in budget I'd recommend trying one, but be prepared to want one.
Good luck whatever you decide to do.
I can't help thinking an S4 might feel too similar to your Subaru in many ways, with 4 doors, AWD, etc.
I ran two 3.0Si Z4 Coupes for over 5 years alongside a few dailies - E46 325ti Compact, E91 325i Touring and E90 330i Saloon. And despite some chassis short-comings (that can be improved with new springs and dampers and non run-flat tyres) the Z4 Coupes always felt like a sports car, whereas the various 3 series just didn't. Maybe partly because you sit low and just in front of the rear wheels, but the Z4s just felt special instead of capable.
Then in December I bought a Z4M Coupe and it's in a different league altogether! If one of those might be in budget I'd recommend trying one, but be prepared to want one.
Good luck whatever you decide to do.
Mr Tidy said:
I've no experience of an S4, but have plenty with Z4 Coupes!
I can't help thinking an S4 might feel too similar to your Subaru in many ways, with 4 doors, AWD, etc.
I ran two 3.0Si Z4 Coupes for over 5 years alongside a few dailies - E46 325ti Compact, E91 325i Touring and E90 330i Saloon. And despite some chassis short-comings (that can be improved with new springs and dampers and non run-flat tyres) the Z4 Coupes always felt like a sports car, whereas the various 3 series just didn't. Maybe partly because you sit low and just in front of the rear wheels, but the Z4s just felt special instead of capable.
Then in December I bought a Z4M Coupe and it's in a different league altogether! If one of those might be in budget I'd recommend trying one, but be prepared to want one.
Good luck whatever you decide to do.
Well, in most ways I love the Subaru, so that’s no bad thing! I just wish it were a little torquier/quicker and a bit plusher inside. I can't help thinking an S4 might feel too similar to your Subaru in many ways, with 4 doors, AWD, etc.
I ran two 3.0Si Z4 Coupes for over 5 years alongside a few dailies - E46 325ti Compact, E91 325i Touring and E90 330i Saloon. And despite some chassis short-comings (that can be improved with new springs and dampers and non run-flat tyres) the Z4 Coupes always felt like a sports car, whereas the various 3 series just didn't. Maybe partly because you sit low and just in front of the rear wheels, but the Z4s just felt special instead of capable.
Then in December I bought a Z4M Coupe and it's in a different league altogether! If one of those might be in budget I'd recommend trying one, but be prepared to want one.
Good luck whatever you decide to do.
I bought it for practicality following a house purchase, it’s been incredibly useful and I like it a lot more than I thought - it drives incredibly well for a 2005 estate. An S4, however, would cover the upmarket and power bases a bit better in one car. Or I simply keep the Legacy and get a Z4 for dedicated sports car fun...
I’m sure the Legacy and Z4 would cover more bases better, I just don’t really want two sets of running costs with a new mortgage, ideally, hence then S4 idea.
I always liked the low driving position of my 130is, so the Z4 appeals here. I’ve just always been put off by the cheap interiors, ugly, fat steering wheel connected to electric steering and dials that look like they come from a computer game. Funnily enough, I used to love the look and dials of the Z4 M, but very much sold on lighter, purer 3.0 Si now.
Think this probably requires a back-to back drive; know I like the Audi interior and not the BMW one, but have never driven either, so it’s down to the feel...
Mr Tidy said:
I've no experience of an S4, but have plenty with Z4 Coupes!
I can't help thinking an S4 might feel too similar to your Subaru in many ways, with 4 doors, AWD, etc.
I ran two 3.0Si Z4 Coupes for over 5 years alongside a few dailies - E46 325ti Compact, E91 325i Touring and E90 330i Saloon. And despite some chassis short-comings (that can be improved with new springs and dampers and non run-flat tyres) the Z4 Coupes always felt like a sports car, whereas the various 3 series just didn't. Maybe partly because you sit low and just in front of the rear wheels, but the Z4s just felt special instead of capable.
Then in December I bought a Z4M Coupe and it's in a different league altogether! If one of those might be in budget I'd recommend trying one, but be prepared to want one.
Good luck whatever you decide to do.
I always found the Z4 coupe interesting. It's a nice alternative to a Nissan Z or even a Porsche. I agree that they are indeed special. I guess it's easy in this current environment where sports cars are so rare. I can't help thinking an S4 might feel too similar to your Subaru in many ways, with 4 doors, AWD, etc.
I ran two 3.0Si Z4 Coupes for over 5 years alongside a few dailies - E46 325ti Compact, E91 325i Touring and E90 330i Saloon. And despite some chassis short-comings (that can be improved with new springs and dampers and non run-flat tyres) the Z4 Coupes always felt like a sports car, whereas the various 3 series just didn't. Maybe partly because you sit low and just in front of the rear wheels, but the Z4s just felt special instead of capable.
Then in December I bought a Z4M Coupe and it's in a different league altogether! If one of those might be in budget I'd recommend trying one, but be prepared to want one.
Good luck whatever you decide to do.
What I could never get past is the styling. I wish Bangle had not have his way with it. I can even forgive the blend steering. But I can't forgive the styling. It's funny because I should love it, as it has all the elements I love. Coupe, slopping roof, long bonnet. But the lines just doesn't do it for me in the way an AMG GT for example does. Real pity as the Z4 coupe is the definitive affordable special sports car. A Z car is just not special enough, a Porsche way too boring and common and a AMG GT is expensive.
Shifter1 said:
I always found the Z4 coupe interesting. It's a nice alternative to a Nissan Z or even a Porsche. I agree that they are indeed special. I guess it's easy in this current environment where sports cars are so rare.
What I could never get past is the styling. I wish Bangle had not have his way with it. I can even forgive the blend steering. But I can't forgive the styling. It's funny because I should love it, as it has all the elements I love. Coupe, slopping roof, long bonnet. But the lines just doesn't do it for me in the way an AMG GT for example does. Real pity as the Z4 coupe is the definitive affordable special sports car. A Z car is just not special enough, a Porsche way too boring and common and a AMG GT is expensive.
That special and unusual factor is one of the selling points for the Z4 for me. What I could never get past is the styling. I wish Bangle had not have his way with it. I can even forgive the blend steering. But I can't forgive the styling. It's funny because I should love it, as it has all the elements I love. Coupe, slopping roof, long bonnet. But the lines just doesn't do it for me in the way an AMG GT for example does. Real pity as the Z4 coupe is the definitive affordable special sports car. A Z car is just not special enough, a Porsche way too boring and common and a AMG GT is expensive.
Definitely appeals in a way the 350Z doesn’t and over the Porsche, despite that being better in several ways.
Funnily enough, I absolutely love the looks of the Z4, but find the AMG, bulky, graceless and ugly! It’s the interior quality and design that makes me hesitate. The ones I’ve sat in feel cheap and a little heavy handed compared even with the 1 Series interior in my eyes. A small thing for a sports car, but a surprisingly irritating one for me...
Interesting conundrum to have!
I've got a S4 manual avant, Im not sure of exact figures but most websites have the avants either the same or +0.1s of a manual saloon 0-60 but yes it does come at the tax cost. I've driven both and my avant certainly didn't feel any slower.
Interestingly though I had it on the rollers at MRC recently and it was at 349bhp so about 20 up on the book figures (it is completely standard) and they reckon this is not uncommon on the manuals and various tests (inc. road and track) have clocked them under 5s to 60.
I've got a S4 manual avant, Im not sure of exact figures but most websites have the avants either the same or +0.1s of a manual saloon 0-60 but yes it does come at the tax cost. I've driven both and my avant certainly didn't feel any slower.
Interestingly though I had it on the rollers at MRC recently and it was at 349bhp so about 20 up on the book figures (it is completely standard) and they reckon this is not uncommon on the manuals and various tests (inc. road and track) have clocked them under 5s to 60.
im in a similar conundrum, im considering either a family estate/hatch (civic/volvo, even a campervan!) and a z4/mr2 mk3, or going for a compromise do everything car which either wont be big enough for the family (mk2 focus ST), or exciting enough for me (Octavia vrs). either way I need something with 5/6 cylinders, lol
an S4 is just out of my budget and sounds almost ideal, but I might have to stretch if I cant find another do it all car. (I just cant bring my self to like the VXR)
could you go for the pricey S4 now as an only car, then in a couple of years save up and if you get bored pick up a cheap second car like MR2/Z4 for a few grand? which is what ill prob end up doing until we get a house move sorted..
an S4 is just out of my budget and sounds almost ideal, but I might have to stretch if I cant find another do it all car. (I just cant bring my self to like the VXR)
could you go for the pricey S4 now as an only car, then in a couple of years save up and if you get bored pick up a cheap second car like MR2/Z4 for a few grand? which is what ill prob end up doing until we get a house move sorted..
Edited by browna on Friday 14th February 10:45
ZX10R NIN said:
I'm not sure what your budget is but have you tried a 370Z?
Nope. Always struck me as thirsty, heavy and high-taxy. Did toy with the idea of the 350Z, but has similar issues compared with Z4. Oddly some people rave about the Nissan and others hate it; never knew a Nissan could be so divisive!
Raddors said:
Interesting conundrum to have!
I've got a S4 manual avant, Im not sure of exact figures but most websites have the avants either the same or +0.1s of a manual saloon 0-60 but yes it does come at the tax cost. I've driven both and my avant certainly didn't feel any slower.
Interestingly though I had it on the rollers at MRC recently and it was at 349bhp so about 20 up on the book figures (it is completely standard) and they reckon this is not uncommon on the manuals and various tests (inc. road and track) have clocked them under 5s to 60.
Tell me about it. Weighing up completely different cars is always tricky!I've got a S4 manual avant, Im not sure of exact figures but most websites have the avants either the same or +0.1s of a manual saloon 0-60 but yes it does come at the tax cost. I've driven both and my avant certainly didn't feel any slower.
Interestingly though I had it on the rollers at MRC recently and it was at 349bhp so about 20 up on the book figures (it is completely standard) and they reckon this is not uncommon on the manuals and various tests (inc. road and track) have clocked them under 5s to 60.
The Avant is more than fast enough, it's mainly the tax that puts me off. Don't reeeeally need an estate and would be nice to have something a little lighter...
Sounds like your car lives up to the VAG stereotype of being underrated power-wise. Fine by me! Motorweek in the US has a good manual S4 video - think that was 4.9 secs to 60mph.
browna said:
im in a similar conundrum, im considering either a family estate/hatch (civic/volvo, even a campervan!) and a z4/mr2 mk3, or going for a compromise do everything car which either wont be big enough for the family (mk2 focus ST), or exciting enough for me (Octavia vrs). either way I need something with 5/6 cylinders, lol
an S4 is just out of my budget and sounds almost ideal, but I might have to stretch if I cant find another do it all car. (I just cant bring my self to like the VXR)
could you go for the pricey S4 now as an only car, then in a couple of years save up and if you get bored pick up a cheap second car like MR2/Z4 for a few grand? which is what ill prob end up doing until we get a house move sorted..
May I recommend a Subaru Legacy Spec B as a fast, cheap, enjoyable six-pot estate!an S4 is just out of my budget and sounds almost ideal, but I might have to stretch if I cant find another do it all car. (I just cant bring my self to like the VXR)
could you go for the pricey S4 now as an only car, then in a couple of years save up and if you get bored pick up a cheap second car like MR2/Z4 for a few grand? which is what ill prob end up doing until we get a house move sorted..
Edited by browna on Friday 14th February 10:45
My logic is that if I have only one car I can afford to spend a bit more on it, since there's only one set of running costs.
I think that makes sense. Save up a bit for an S4 saloon, sell Legacy and then see whether I still have Z4 cravings or if S4 is good enough to compensate.
I hear what you're saying. As good as VXR probably is, I just don't want one. I'd rather keep Subaru, the more I think about doing that.
Annoyingly I've found a practically perfect S4 fir me now. Just not in a position to buy one for a few months. Doh.
RoVoFob said:
Nope. Always struck me as thirsty, heavy and high-taxy.
Did toy with the idea of the 350Z, but has similar issues compared with Z4. Oddly some people rave about the Nissan and others hate it; never knew a Nissan could be so divisive!
If you want divisive and in the Z4 coupe category it has to be a Crossfire. The personification or marmite. Did toy with the idea of the 350Z, but has similar issues compared with Z4. Oddly some people rave about the Nissan and others hate it; never knew a Nissan could be so divisive!
RoVoFob said:
ZX10R NIN said:
I'm not sure what your budget is but have you tried a 370Z?
Nope. Always struck me as thirsty, heavy and high-taxy. Did toy with the idea of the 350Z, but has similar issues compared with Z4. Oddly some people rave about the Nissan and others hate it; never knew a Nissan could be so divisive!
I've had a Z4M Roadster and I currently have a 370Z GT Roadster and I much prefer the 370Z. The 370Z has a better chassis/ride and manual gearbox for me.
I usually prefer V6 engines but I have to admit that the S54 straight six engine in the Z4M is far smoother than the VQ engine in the 370Z. The VQ engine feels a fair bit more torquey though but the S54 isn't too bad either.
Both the Z4M/370Z are heavy though and are a similar weight, mpg wise the 370Z is doing 22mpg whereas the Z4M did 23mpg in my hands. The tax is a kick in the nuts in both though!
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