2001 S4 Vs. 2001 330i

[Live_the_Curves]

A 2001 S4 compare to a 20001 330i, with about 100000 km sell for about the same price. The S4 howerver is more powerfull and faster. However overall whats a better car, handling wise also. I need feedback from someone who has driven both the cars.

[doughboyea]

Drove a 2000 S4 once... it was sweet off the line, once it hit highway speeds it just died... meaning there was no power to back it up at those speeds. You hit max torque around 1500 rpm in those cars... BUT at low end... you get sucked into your seat. Especially since you can get one chip and gain an extra 60hp to achieve 310HP from that twin turbo. Another thing though are those turbos, they over heat.. I think that was the problem.... I would've gotten that S4 I test drove, beautiful dark blue with the sport seats and tip tronic. IT was SOOOO nice. Just couldn't afford the $26,000 price tag. That all wheel drive would've helped me out ALOT in the winters.
I don't know how well the 330i would've been against it, like i said, the S4 dies off at higher RPMs, so my best guess is that off the line, and probrolly hitting 60mph would come sooner to the S4, the 330i would catch up around 100mph... then again... i've never really had a chance to drive the 330i, i'm just speculating based on my experience with the S4 and my own 328i.
Dough

[2001BMW330iRob]

Not sure about the drive of an S4, I do know the drive of a 330i, what a great drive it is.
One problem with the S4 is it looks identical to an A4 so you are paying a huge premium for a car that looks exactly the same as an A4.
There is a guy with an S4 at work who parks next to a couple A4's they look exactly the same (plain jane cars in my eyes).
No prestige whatsoever, BMW's are much nicer looking cars.
As well, I would stay away from early models of the Audi S4 before they changed to the 4.2L V8, if those turbos go bad your talking big bucks to fix them.
Good luck whatever you decide.

[Live_the_Curves]

Anyone who has driven a S4 (B5) give your opinions.

[white 330ci]

i have not driven a s4 but i think that car and driver compared them a few times, look online, i remember somthing about the audi being very heavy.

my 330ci is fantastic

[ProShifter #1]

me me me me me

I drove one, my cousin has one, I've given it a wizz in car parks, he won't trust me on the road with it.

I can't tell you about comfort, because I've only driven it in 10 minute bursts. It felt comfortable for those 10 minutes, I don't what it would feel like if I drove it for hours. I'll try and remember to ask my cousin, he can give a better insight.

I quite liked the interior.
Although the dials are ugly - the steering wheel, dashboard curves, etc, all seemed to fit well and looked good. The gear lever felt very comfy. I have big hands though, if your hands are a bit small, you will hate it.

Engine sound - smooth, very "purrrrr" like - and no funny creaky noises in the car when you drive.

Handling, well, again, have not driven it on many different types of roads, so can't comment - but was alright in the car park.

Oil ....my cousin complained a lot about having to top up the oil too often

Speakers... if you want better music, you will have to change the stock player/ or add better speakers - good if you just want "normal" music

I like the bass, so :P

If you want more info, I'll ask my cuz for ya, just ask

[Smokeybimmer]

My roomate this summer had a 01 S4 and it gave him all kinds of problems. He sold it and got an 04 S4 and that thing is a beast. I got arrested driving it within the first week he had it. I also got my 330ci this summer but we didn't get a chance to race the 01 S4 and the 330. Just from what i've seen in the 01 S4 I would def. get the 330. I'm glad I did!

[nobodeuno]

My son has one, (6spd) visit our website below for pics. They are very fast and all around excellent handlers. They do pull extremely hard in a certain powerband range, but at high speeds the turbo's in stock form spool up and then torgue drops off. My 2.5 will almost hang at 70 and above speeds...don't tell our wives but we have cruised together at 100 plus MPH...As far as handling the S-4 blows me away in twisties below 60mph, and off the line takes the hole shot easily for several car lengths! A 330 would fair better I'm sure. Bump one up a stage or two and the S-4 becomes a monster....only an M-3 could begin to handle

http://nobodeuno.dyndns.org/gallery/

[320CDI]

cool web site nobodeuno

[gateway]

Originally posted by Live_the_Curves@Sep 30 2004, 06:04 PM
A 2001 S4 compare to a 20001 330i, with about 100000 km sell for about the same price. The S4 howerver is more powerfull and faster. However overall whats a better car, handling wise also. I need feedback from someone who has driven both the cars.

[snapback]202408[/snapback]

I have owned an S4 now have a 330i sport.
If your sole aim is to get from a to b as quick as possible an S4 is the machine but if you want to enjoy the drive have some in put a 330 gives much more back.

[nobodeuno]

Thanks for the compliments on the site..my son is responsible for that mostly. Yes I agree, while both cars are fun to drive and I would be very proud to own an S4...I have realized that I have become attached to the feel of a bimmer! I feel more in contact with the road and whole driving experience than with any other car I have had the pleasure to drive.... I'm hooked..although a Porche will someday come...?

PS: there is some good wallpaper on the site!

[jayce17]

That’s my S4 in the pictures that “nobodeuno” posted and I have to say that the assessments so far are pretty much correct. I just figured I would add a bit more to the conversation...no trolling intended here.

- There are a lot of 330i's out there and I chose the S4 because I wanted something that was stealthy but different at the same time.

- I agree that there is less feedback in the S4's drive however this can be easily overcome by adding suspension. I previously owned a Contour SVT which is very similar in nature to the BMW's handling and design only its not as luxurious, so I was wanting something a bit more plush of a ride.

- I tended to like the interior of the Audi better but this is all subjective.

- I realize they look a lot like the A4's but to those who know what they are the differences are pretty glaring. Slightly different Front/Rear Facias, Wheels, Grill, Brakes, Interior, badges....You can definately pick them out....To me that is prestige. The B5 body style is very classic and subtle...but I have to say that I absolutely love the E46 body style...it is very aggressive but tasteful!

- The S4 is a super deal considering the current resale values and I doubt they will drop much more since they have depreciated quite a bit. The turbo's do go out on these cars so keep that in mind and make sure you have a warranty or a well maintained car.

- The interior of the car is very quiet and smooth...no creaks and engine noise is unheard....Turbos on the other hand are audible with windows down The exhaust note gets better as the car warms up but I think it could use a more aggressive sound, probably one of the first mods on my list!

- If your looking to modify the S4 is definitely the car for you since, as others have said, you can add a chip for around or under $1k and be at 340hp/380tq at the crank....The S4 is definately adequate in every way "out of the box" but there are quite a few mod options out there for those who want to improve the cars handling and power...etc

- AWD is nice but it adds weight, but I like being able to drive the car in the winter with no worries. And AWD launches own however the S4's clutch is a bit on the soft side to protect the Quattro so it won't take too many mods before your going to need a new one

- I have to disagree with what has been said regarding the power at higher speeds...It has penty of power due to 6speeds however the torque does die off at higher rpms. I have found that around town it is very easy to drive due to the amount of low end torque available.

- Regarding the Stereo, I have to say that I'm pretty impressed....it has some hidden EQ features which really allows you to adjust the sound. But in stock for its very adequate...this coming from an audiophile. I'll probably add a sub for extra base but the stock controls are very nice and I don't like the look of aftermarket radios that others have installed. However, I would like to add a Euro Nav+

- The S4's rear seats are somewhat tight but very usable and I have had 5 ppl fit comfortably in the car....it has a huge trunk though. The Front seat is not in the most optimal position and it can sometimes feel cramped due to the knee positions. But I have become used to that...

Anyways again don't mean to troll. The 330i is a great car choice as well and trust me you'll be happy with either of them...its really a question of what you want. I definitely suggest test driving both of the cars to see which you would like....Good luck and I hope my comments have helped!

Later