Audi B8 S4 Review - Better Than the M3?

[Just_Drive]

Hey Audizine,

I recently put together a video of a B8 S4 and thought this would be the place to share!

I know there are a lot of car reviews out there, but I'd like to do some reviews focusing on the used car market. What can you get for $30k? Well, a E90 M3 or a B8 S4 are right around there and they're a ton of car for the money! Check out my take on the B8 S4.

[Shimmy]

e90 m3 with comparable options is about 10k more where I live... having come from previously owning one, it is no comparison. m3>s4

[sangaroo]

They're in different class. M3 should be compared with C63 or entry level porsche. Apples and oranges.

[AidansDaddy]

Pretty good review. The 9:00 mark pretty much sums it up, all around sporty, yet practical car for family road trips and daily driving in any weather, buy S4. For the track and raw power, buy M3. To recommend improvement, consider equal compliments for both vehicles, discuss more of their strengths and why each car makes sense depending on driver's needs. I thought this was clearly one-sided review. Others are correct, not same class comparison.

I can't find either in $30K range in my area (northern CA). Unless it's a 2010 P+ S4 with high mileage and no warranty.

EDIT: I found (4) under $30K and within 200 miles: 45K, 72K, 80K, and 82K. So I was wrong, there is one P+ that's not high mileage.

Thanks for sharing video.

[Elliott]

M3 is a nice car but Quattro and interior quality make the S4 a clear winner for me. But yes, somewhat apples/oranges argument.

[Just_Drive]

I appreciate the feedback guys!

This started as just a review for the S4, but I couldn't help comparing it to the M3 once I got going as cars of the same segment often are. In the future I'll either keep it car specific or do a true comparison (with both present).

And for those of you wondering, I've owned both so this isn't just a shot in the dark review.. They were both acquired for 30k. 2008 E90 and 2011 S4.

[MrFunk]

I don't know that it's apples and oranges... I'm willing to bet many people shopping used S4's are looking at used M3's also... and a good number of new S4 owners cross shop M3's (I did) when buying new also... simply for that reason alone it's a good compare - even if performance and price point do not match up perfectly.

[Race Shooter]

Its not a bad idea to compare both if they fall into the same used car price bracket. While the cars may be more apples to oranges, if someone is heading out looking for a used sporty car around $30k, they will undoubtedly end up comparing the two. So comparing the two and pointing out the differences and that they are apples to oranges even though they are both touted as sporty German sedans/coupes is not a bad thing.

[chillindrdude]

sorry my F80 M3 destroys my B8 S4 with maybe the exception of snowy road performance.

it's light, nimble, more composed.

it's an red delicious compared to a moldy kumquat.

[saxon]

sorry my F80 M3 destroys my B8 S4 with maybe the exception of snowy road performance.

it's light, nimble, more composed.

it's an red delicious compared to a moldy kumquat.

while i agree, you're also comparing the newest generation m3 to a 6 year old s4

[chillindrdude]

while i agree, you're also comparing the newest generation m3 to a 6 year old s4

so my analogy is apt.


and the OP also left out the generation of M3 out of his title. perhaps in an attempt to stir the pot?

[Race Shooter]

Its in the post, he put an E90 and he's comparing used cars for $30k. You're not getting an F80 for $30k at this point.

[lenf]

I test drove 2015 M3 and M4 when I was looking to replace my B8 S4. Fun cars to drive. But that was before I tuned S4. Now I can compare both cars. And I should say that S4 is better all around car now IMO. And of course I mean stock M3;M4 vs. tuned S4.

[Dr GP]

IMHO, the B8 S4/S5 is a better daily driver. The M3/M4 is a better track and performance car. And it is more expensive and lacks AWD. Both are great cars. Pick your poison

[chillindrdude]

yeah...who wouldn't want a better track and performance car. pffftt...overrated.

for the record, I do drive my M3 to work...daily. and it's an easy cruiser on full comfort modes.

the B8 may be 6 yrs old. but there isn't much difference performance wise with regards to the B8.5. The "B9" isn't much of an interval improvement either...

[AndyLien79]

the M3 and S4 aren't even comparable. there is a 14k price difference and possibly even more depending on the options added. i don't know why this topic keeps coming up...especailly against the newer model M3's. they are a beast doe

[Sailingtime]

yeah...who wouldn't want a better track and performance car. pffftt...overrated.

for the record, I do drive my M3 to work...daily. and it's an easy cruiser on full comfort modes.

the B8 may be 6 yrs old. but there isn't much difference performance wise with regards to the B8.5. The "B9" isn't much of an interval improvement either...

If S4 is so bad, and you're team BMW you're in wrong forum.There are many BMW forums waiting for you with open arms.

You are comparing totally different cars.

[LINDW4LL]

sorry my F80 M3 destroys my B8 S4 with maybe the exception of snowy road performance.

it's light, nimble, more composed.

it's an red delicious compared to a moldy kumquat.

We all know the F80 is a massive step up from the E90 and shouldn't be compared to the S.

Your trolling is unpleasant.

[Tom C]

so my analogy is apt.


and the OP also left out the generation of M3 out of his title. perhaps in an attempt to stir the pot?

Talk about stirring the pot... maybe YOU should actually read posts before replying with indignation.

[s14roller]

IMHO, the B8 S4/S5 is a better daily driver. The M3/M4 is a better track and performance car. And it is more expensive and lacks AWD. Both are great cars. Pick your poison

Pretty much sums it up. I had both the E46 and E92 M3s. Performance wise, they are better. S4 has been a good DD though.

[ENV²]

yeah...who wouldn't want a better track and performance car. pffftt...overrated.

for the record, I do drive my M3 to work...daily. and it's an easy cruiser on full comfort modes.

the B8 may be 6 yrs old. but there isn't much difference performance wise with regards to the B8.5. The "B9" isn't much of an interval improvement either...

I have ridden in and now driven a F80 M4. Great car, not comparable to an S4. Yes the f80 is faster and handles better. Ill see you as I blow past you in a blizzard. LOL.

But in all seriousness the new M4/M3 is comparable to the new C63. And if weather was no issue. Id take a C63 over the M any damn day of the week cause the M looks like a boy racer car in most trims and interior is shit in most trims.

I would have def had a C63 if winters werent awful here.

[AndyLien79]

maybe the new RS3 can compare when it hits the states?

[chillindrdude]

If S4 is so bad, and you're team BMW you're in wrong forum.There are many BMW forums waiting for you with open arms.

You are comparing totally different cars.

i'm far from a fanboi. i enjoyed my S4 immensely. but i also have an objective (i feel) eye for performance.

i will say my biases are for german/euro autos when it does come to performance. I debated keeping the B8S4 and began upgrading it maximally (chassis, suspension, engine).
in the end, i stopped, because i realized that the stock F80 gives me the performance of a tuned S4 AND then some. Plus, i kept my factory warranty.

it was a no-brainer.

and you should redirect your ire at the OP for comparing different cars....

[priceprince]

Oh good another one of these threads. cool video though, OP.

[Race Shooter]

Did anyone here saying this is a bad comparison actually read the OP's post? Its not about what is the better new car. He's comparing two $30k USED vehicles, of which the E90 M3 and S4 can be cross shopped. Read people.

[chillindrdude]

I have ridden in and now driven a F80 M4. Great car, not comparable to an S4. Yes the f80 is faster and handles better. Ill see you as I blow past you in a blizzard. LOL.

But in all seriousness the new M4/M3 is comparable to the new C63. And if weather was no issue. Id take a C63 over the M any damn day of the week cause the M looks like a boy racer car in most trims and interior is shit in most trims.

I would have def had a C63 if winters werent awful here.

most Audi Fanbois, speaks to hyperbole of the quattro system. it's good, i agree. but you make it sound like if i would were to venture out in my M3 (even wrapped in blizzaks) it would blow up the moment it touched snow.

like a lowered S4, HP and TQ upgrades, and stiff sways are gonna handle optimally in snow. your reliance on AWD is akin to soccer moms in SUVs driving in snow, but careening off the roadways because they don't modify their driving to suit the conditions.

while i agree the M3 interior lags to the audi. I don't think it's much inferior, and i think it's on par to the MB. i'm about perfiormance, and owning a track capable car. if i wanted a "Maybach-esque" interior, I would have bought a Escalade or the like.

[Zman84]

Thanks OP, glad to see others out there thinking outside the box. I cross shopped the M3 and S4 when buying used in 2012. They were very comparable and the decision was fairly straightforward. If you do not intend on tacking your car, as I did not, the S4 was the clear logical choice, at the very least in terms of performance value alone. I won't even get into the looks/etc which are subjective. While the M3 had more ultimate performance, none of it could/should be utilized on the streets. And there was a price to pay....lower torque, harsher tranny (dct), significantly worse fuel consumption, higher maintenance and insurance costs, and higher outright price when comparing equal years/mileage/options. The S4 on the other hand, excelled in all those areas while still having more than enough performance on the street, not to mention the all weather advantage, FI, and a torque vectoring option - all of which, guess what, are exactly what the M3 ended up evolving into in the current generation.

[GramCracker]

Did anyone here saying this is a bad comparison actually read the OP's post? Its not about what is the better new car. He's comparing two $30k USED vehicles, of which the E90 M3 and S4 can be cross shopped. Read people.

Reading comprehension is apparently difficult for most people.

[Snakeshot]

Another S4 vs. M3 thread: FML

[jokingjimmy]

IMHO, the B8 S4/S5 is a better daily driver. The M3/M4 is a better track and performance car. And it is more expensive and lacks AWD. Both are great cars. Pick your poison

This with my own highlight...

AWD is important. One would think that living here in Florida, quattro/awd wouldn't matter. Sunshine state and all that. No winter "snow tire" season. But I will tell you that the number 1 item on my wife and I's "must have" option list is awd. It rains most afternoons - a deluge or rain that falls so hard, it falls up sometimes. Trust me, try walking in it with an umbrella. Useless. Try driving in it. You would be blown away at the difference in driving in that with 2wd cars, front or rear, vs an awd vehicle. There is a huge difference, from what I've experienced. From a safety stand point it has become a no brainer for our family (my wife has the A5 lol).

I have always been a BMW M series fan and probably always will be. When it came down to it, the reasons I chose the S4, other than the Nogaro Blue color I fell in love with lol, was 1. Quattro (of course). Then, 2. the price. The M series are in a completely different price range, argue all you want. I can't touch a new M3 for within 14k of that price equipped similarly. So, I'm not ashamed to admit I can't afford that beast lol. As a note, I was not impressed with the regular BMW 3 series (the comparable cars to the S4). When I drove them, I was disappointed with the fit & finish, road noise, a few other "comfort" aspects that were noticeably better in my S4, although they handled pretty darned nice. I suppose that the 335 is more of an apple to apple comparison.

If I really need that performance jump, I can go ahead with a Stage 2, maybe some exhaust and intake. Lots of fun to be had lol.

People buy M3s because they want power. People buy S4s because they are touched by angels.

So now to the original OP lol.

If you don't mind some constructive criticism, here goes.

1. I agree with several people this is a fair comparison. Even though technically they are slightly out of range of each other, as Race Shooter said, people will be most likely looking at both when shopping pre-owned. Doing the used car comparison is pretty great.
2. I might not have heard it clearly, but I wasn't catching the whole "used car" vibe, and the comparison to another used car. Maybe mentioning E90 M3 or 2009 M3 or something to remind the viewer this is a review of pre-owned cars. Using the term Used Car or Pre-owned more during your dialogue will help as well.
3. Camera shake in the car during the talky segments/shots is a tad distracting. Getting a firm mount will help.
4. Flow of editing is pretty nice. I like the cut shots you use, and you seem to have a good handle on timing and amount of them.
5. I like the rear trunk shot. You don't see those often, and although it doesn't show the car (hence why people don't often use it) I still like it. Not over used, but included.
6. Watch out for the technical like going through those shadows. Having you in complete shadow (02:30ish, a couple other places) is pretty distracting.
7. I think you might want to enhance your video by including other types of "talky" shots. Maybe have yourself walking around the car, or actually looking at the engine, under the hood, as you talk about the engine. Maybe the car driving by as you talk about the exterior. Stuff like that.
8. In the outside shots (opening intro) watch out for the standing on the balls of your feet you were doing. Keep your feet planted, it helps give the feeling of confidence onthe information presented. Also the waving of the hands. In television, one of the first things talent learns to do is "business" - something to do with their hands. Just keep an eye on the hand action :D
9. Sound was pretty nice. Sound is the secret killer of any video project, and you were able to be heard well, understood, etc. Nice job there.
10. I agree with you. If you're going to compare two cars, it's much better for the viewer if you have them both there. Otherwise, maybe just stick to reviewing the car on hand until you can get your hands on the comparative vehicle.
11. All in all a pretty solid piece. You should definitely do more.

[AidansDaddy]

Great post, JokingJimmy!

[Just_Drive]

Thanks for all the feedback all. This was a first attempt as I've never done video/editing before. Lots of room for improvement so look for more videos soon!

[ENV²]

most Audi Fanbois, speaks to hyperbole of the quattro system. it's good, i agree. but you make it sound like if i would were to venture out in my M3 (even wrapped in blizzaks) it would blow up the moment it touched snow.

like a lowered S4, HP and TQ upgrades, and stiff sways are gonna handle optimally in snow. your reliance on AWD is akin to soccer moms in SUVs driving in snow, but careening off the roadways because they don't modify their driving to suit the conditions.

while i agree the M3 interior lags to the audi. I don't think it's much inferior, and i think it's on par to the MB. i'm about perfiormance, and owning a track capable car. if i wanted a "Maybach-esque" interior, I would have bought a Escalade or the like.

No way. i am not saying that you cannot venture out on blizzaks. I am just saying I would pass you lol. I drove RWD cars through terrible NY winters on All seasons. I know it can be done. Especially on a BMW where tq isnt huge. The c63 woujld be a little hairy but I would still do it too.

Speaking honestly though. BMW interior is not on par with the AMG interiors nor Audis interiors.

[Brother Owl]

Nice post OP - I cross shopped used S4/M3/C63 and am extremely happy with my eventual purchase.

most Audi Fanbois, speaks to hyperbole of the quattro system. it's good, i agree. but you make it sound like if i would were to venture out in my M3 (even wrapped in blizzaks) it would blow up the moment it touched snow.

like a lowered S4, HP and TQ upgrades, and stiff sways are gonna handle optimally in snow. your reliance on AWD is akin to soccer moms in SUVs driving in snow, but careening off the roadways because they don't modify their driving to suit the conditions.

while i agree the M3 interior lags to the audi. I don't think it's much inferior, and i think it's on par to the MB. i'm about perfiormance, and owning a track capable car. if i wanted a "Maybach-esque" interior, I would have bought a Escalade or the like.

So - you sold your S4 and bought an M3? Good for you. Yet you think it necessary to troll AZ and extoll the virtues of your new car over the previous?
Methinks someone has a complex. I'm sure all the fanboys on Bimmerworld would love to compare cup sizes with you.

People buy M3's because they want power. People buy S4's because they are touched by angels.

ROFL - Well said my friend!

[snig]

maybe the new RS3 can compare when it hits the states?

The M2 will take a dump on that car. It is literally the Second Coming.

[chillindrdude]

Nice post OP - I cross shopped used S4/M3/C63 and am extremely happy with my eventual purchase.
So - you sold your S4 and bought an M3? Good for you. Yet you think it necessary to troll AZ and extoll the virtues of your new car over the previous?
Methinks someone has a complex. I'm sure all the fanboys on Bimmerworld would love to compare cup sizes with you.
!

word to the wise, Bro Owl. Why don't you look through my past threads and posts (since 2013), I think I can honestly say I don't "troll".

The OP posted about a topic that's been beaten half to death. At best, universally agreed upon as apples to oranges; but decides to extols the virtues of the S4 over M3, which frankly most objective auto enthusiasts/writers/reviewers opine is somewhat delusional.

I would similarly point out mindless fanboy-ism on the BMW forums as well.

Why do I hang around AZ then? 1) like i said, i enjoyed my S4 when i had it. i hope to return to Audi in the future when AOA gets their heads out of their asses and actually offer the RS4 in the US, and engineer a car that would blow the M3/4 out of the water

2) the banter on the mid-atlantic regional forum and the chatterbox entertains me during downtimes at work.

[riegeraudi]

so my analogy is apt.


and the OP also left out the generation of M3 out of his title. perhaps in an attempt to stir the pot?

Are you dense? The post says E90 M3, then he posted a picture of the E90 M3 that he is comparing the S4. Also he clearly says in the first post that he was comparing cars in the USED market place for $30k,

The current M3 is atleast $15-20K more than S4 so you comparing the current F80 M3 to the B8.5 S4 is the dumbest thing going on.
Why don't we compare your M3 to a Corvette which is closer to the same price as your M3 but will destroy it performance wise and you can daily a Corvette also.

Stop wasting your fathers money on cars and go get yourself an education, and learn to read and process properly.

Watch the video over again and the OP states that the E90 M3 is a better track car but he prefferred the S4 as a daily. This is nothing new as 335i owners have debated this on the BMW forums many times already because they indicated that they liked the torque of the turbo engine more than the NA V8.

[Hofahome]

it's an red delicious compared to a moldy kumquat.

you are coming off as a moldy kumquat.

[chrisngrod]

A few cars from work. I'm happy with my A7 and S4 despite the E90 and F80 M3 coworkers have. The A7 is used and financed with BMW, but I don't see myself picking up a BMW anytime soon. I track vehicles, but I spend a lot more time driving to work unfortunately. I'm also a Texan stuck in Iowa so I value the AWD.

F80 is a beast, but I love Audi interiors. I'm sure these will all be on the track together shortly. Well my S4 and not the A7.

[Brother Owl]

word to the wise, Bro Owl. Why don't you look through my past threads and posts (since 2013), I think I can honestly say I don't "troll".

The OP posted about a topic that's been beaten half to death. At best, universally agreed upon as apples to oranges; but decides to extols the virtues of the S4 over M3, which frankly most objective auto enthusiasts/writers/reviewers opine is somewhat delusional.

I would similarly point out mindless fanboy-ism on the BMW forums as well.

Why do I hang around AZ then? 1) like i said, i enjoyed my S4 when i had it. i hope to return to Audi in the future when AOA gets their heads out of their asses and actually offer the RS4 in the US, and engineer a car that would blow the M3/4 out of the water

2) the banter on the mid-atlantic regional forum and the chatterbox entertains me during downtimes at work.

. . .

You do realize that making quotes like these:

it's an red delicious compared to a moldy kumquat.

the OP also left out the generation of M3 out of his title. perhaps in an attempt to stir the pot?

yeah...who wouldn't want a better track and performance car. pffftt...overrated.

i'm far from a fanboi. i enjoyed my S4 immensely. but i also have an objective (i feel) eye for performance. . .
and you should redirect your ire at the OP for comparing different cars....

most Audi Fanbois, speaks to hyperbole of the quattro system. Your reliance on AWD is akin to soccer moms in SUVs driving in snow, but careening off the roadways because they don't modify their driving to suit the conditions.
if i wanted a "Maybach-esque" interior, I would have bought a Escalade or the like.

are exactly what's considered trolling?