Who has gone from S4 to S6/7 and can share their perspective?

[SilverTT]

I have been hunting for a Certified S6 with sports package, mythos black, black interior for a little while now. Just lost out on a beautiful one at Audi Bellevue with only 7,000 miles on the clock and a late in service date so like 5 more years of warranty. Really bummed I didn't jump on that one as it was loaded even with B&O, $90k sticker.

Anyway, got me thinking since it is so hard to find the right S6, should I just go for an S4 and do the Stage 2 tune with pulley. Would appreciate any perspective from guys who have owned both or at least have spent significant seat time in both.

Obviously the S6 has more refinement, better tech, and when tuned can really pull hard. I have not seen many S4s, even with a stage 2 tune, get in the low 11 sec range but a lot of S6s seem to get there with just a tune.

Most interested in overall ownership experience. Is the S4 a lot more fun on back road twisties, is the S6 too big / heavy or is it just the perfect balance? Thanks guys.

[saxon]

What are you looking for in a car?

If size doesn't matter the s4 is a very fun car and hard to beat the price

The s6 rides much smoother but also shows it's weight around corners

For me I chose s6 due to size and ability for more power and the v8 sound, in the past I had an 11 s4 and absolutely loved the car

[SilverTT]

What are you looking for in a car?

If size doesn't matter the s4 is a very fun car and hard to beat the price

The s6 rides much smoother but also shows it's weight around corners

For me I chose s6 due to size and ability for more power and the v8 sound, in the past I had an 11 s4 and absolutely loved the car

Thanks saxon. I also prefer the ability to to add big power to the V8TT and the higher level of tech / refinement in the S6 vs. S4 as long as the handling is not overly compromised. From reading a bunch it sounds like the S6 is definitely heavier feeling in corners and takes a split second longer to react to throttle inputs, but still is generally preferred by those who have gone from the S4 go the S6.

I was also strongly considered a 2017 M3 Comp Pack as I drove one a few weeks ago and absolutely loved it, but for $84k...a fully loaded S6 is even cheaper and a lot nicer car when just cruising around with the family. Also the wife can drive the S6 and I won't worry about bad weather vs. the M3 which would be terrible in bad weather, even rain.

[fatherdeath]

My last Audi was an 05 rs4 took a family break and had a trailblazer ss and a tuck for a bit but now the s6 . First is stock body roll and compared to my coilovers it's a bit but not terrible for a 4500lb car...I have all the eurocode parts inbound and we will see how that helps. The biggest pro is easy power on these things and all the gizmos and gadgets I only wish I could have gotten an rs6 but the s6 )beat the living pansy off my masarati work car sq4 ghibli

[Roadwarrior]

If you were interested in the M3 comp, the S6 may not suit your tastes. Best to drive it and decide for yourself. I think the M3 handles better than the S4 whereas the S6 is in the opposite direction. None of them are slouches but they do represent entirely different experiences. The S6 works best for my family. If I did not have this requirement, I would skip the M and head straight to the porsche dealership. Everything is a trade-off. Again, go drive it yourself and forget what others think.

[Ze_Nardo6]

I have not seen many S4s, even with a stage 2 tune, get in the low 11 sec range but a lot of S6s seem to get there with just a tune.

There is not a single stage 2 S4 in the world that is a low 11 second car. The fastest S4 on this forum, and maybe the country, is running a very aggressive dual pulley setup (stage 2.5 or stage 3 depending who you ask) with meth, 104 octane, the works and is running 11.2x. Stage 2 S4's are low 12 second cars, very few have touched high 11s.

I love my 2011 S4 with my current dual pulley setup, but after a few rides in the new S6, I couldn't believe how much better of a car it was...hence why I ordered one. I have never seen someone who went from S4 to S6 regret the move...unless they wish to track the car.

[SubaruSTI8]

I went from a b8 s4 to a c7 S6 and it's the best decision I have ever made. My dad has the b8.5 which I drive not so often, and it's fun to drive but it does not compare to the s6.

[maxhawk]

I went from B8S4 to C7S6 and owned both for many many months before trading the S4 for a Q5 TDI. The B8S4 is not a light weight car, but feels like a go cart in comparison to the S6. If handling and cornering responsiveness are important to you, then the S4 is a better choice. The S6 is a luxury car first that happens to be quite sporty, while I feel the S4 is trying to be a sports sedan from the get-go. In all other respects, I think the S6 is better. Besides the obvious differences such interior space and design, upgraded MMI, seating (especially if you want massage/ventilation), etc, a big difference is simply how the car drives. 0-60 and 1/4 mile times aren't everything and you'll find the S6 to be almost effortless while accelerating, especially if you go with a tune. Bigger bumps that were harsh in the S4 are much more controlled in the S6 without feeling mushy or wallowing.

Go test drive both at a dealership and the differences should be obvious. It'll go a long way in figuring out whether you're looking for refinement and understated performance or a more fun-to-drive car.

[Ms.S4]

What are you looking for in a car?

If size doesn't matter the s4 is a very fun car and hard to beat the price

The s6 rides much smoother but also shows it's weight around corners

For me I chose s6 due to size and ability for more power and the v8 sound, in the past I had an 11 s4 and absolutely loved the car

This. Had a 2013 S4 with the 6 speed manual and now have 2016 S6. Wouldn't go back IMO. I like the smoother ride of the big body and the 8 cylinders.

[Webtoker]

I went from a 2014 S4 to a 2016 S6. I was looking for more room and a bit more of luxury. The essential for me was getting a Stage I APR flash. That really made the upgrade worth it from a performance perspective. Everything else about the car was an upgrade but the aggressiveness stock wasn't quite there without APR.

[richib86]

I'll emulate everyones sentiments. i had a stage 2 b8 s4 and a stage 3 b8.5 with upgraded blower and now a stage 3 s6. the s6 is better in every way but the handling department, the air suspension will never do as good of a job as traditional shock and strut setups. My s4's all had coilovers/springs and handling was on rails, very point and shoot. The s6 handling, especially at high speed can be a bit sketchy. hoping the eurocode suite of parts will help alleviate that. I will also say that I absolutely miss having a manual, this is my first auto(not including my wifes q5).

i will be keeping my eyes on the rs4/5 situation for the next car though, would love to get back into a RS model, although one of my slower cars, I really do miss my b7 rs4

[SilverTT]

Really, really helpful feedback here guys. Very much appreciate the perspective which do all seem to corroborate the same general conclusion. Working on getting a good discount off MSRP for a 2017 S6 right now. Noticed there does not seem to be a "dealer discount / price you paid" type thread here but seems 6-10% is the norm. Pumped. Thanks guys.

[richib86]

Really, really helpful feedback here guys. Very much appreciate the perspective which do all seem to corroborate the same general conclusion. Working on getting a good discount off MSRP for a 2017 S6 right now. Noticed there does not seem to be a "dealer discount / price you paid" type thread here but seems 6-10% is the norm. Pumped. Thanks guys.

Where are you shopping for the car, send me a PM and I can help you out, I work at Meadowlands

[Vmax211]

My S4 experience is possibly a bit stale, but I went from a B5 S4 to a C7 S6. I really liked the S4 in terms of size and agility; it had an APR tune, Stoptech big brakes, and coilovers, so it was much more on the sporting side. My wife hated the car because the resonant frequency in the modified suspension made her sick.

The S6 is a completely different kind of car, but I was ready for a change. I still wanted quattro, big power, and the modern tech that newer cars had. So for me, the S6 was a great choice. I have another car for extreme driving, so I didn't need another pocket rocket. THe S6 doesn't get a lot of miles now, but whenever I do take it out, I'm reminded why I like it- the power is really enjoyable, traction is great, and the tech and convenience stuff is really great. It's a great touring car for long trips as well.

I don't think I would have appreciated the car as much when I was a younger guy, but it's a great compromise car for me now.

But whether or not the S6 is a good match for you is something only you can really know.

[AA S4]

Went from B8 S4 to C7 S6. I have two little ones (4mo and 2yrs) so the car seats were absolutely crammed in S4, to the point where it was uncomfortable for me to drive with a car seat behind me. Would not have been able to go for a long ride somewhere like that. While still a bit cramped in the S6 (what's with the huge car seats?) it is definitely livable if I had to take them in my car every day.

[Time4Audi]

In the S6 I feel like an adult in an understated fast car. In the S4 I always felt like people wanted to race me. I had different looks in both cars but the driving experience in the S6 is fast when you want but also cruise around and comfy on the highway. S4 ride was a good but much sportier, as it should be. I ordered both of my cars and went in different directions with the S4 and the S6 so my experience is a bit based on my change in tastes.
lite details on past builds:
2014 S4 - MT6 had sports diff and suspension, 19"also
2017 S6 with sport package and comfort seats, standard wheels

[Roadwarrior]

Impressions from others give you a sense of what to expect. If you had the time to test drive the M3 comp package go test drive the s6. Seriously!!! My other hobby is my 2 channel stereo listening room and that cost far more than my s6. The same logic that works in the audio world works here. Listen/test drive for yourself. If you don't love it, why bother. In the audiophile world we readily accept the fact that we hear differently and love differently. I can almost guarantee that my system with 18 acoustic panels in a professionally treated room won't appeal to many here. I am okay with that because it is my system and I LOVE IT. I find the same to be true with cars. For many, it is the second most expensive purchase you will make. Why in the hell would you care what anyone thinks if you have not personally experienced it. GO TEST DRIVE IT!!

[Chris Morales]

There is not a single stage 2 S4 in the world that is a low 11 second car. The fastest S4 on this forum, and maybe the country, is running a very aggressive dual pulley setup (stage 2.5 or stage 3 depending who you ask) with meth, 104 octane, the works and is running 11.2x. Stage 2 S4's are low 12 second cars, very few have touched high 11s.

I love my 2011 S4 with my current dual pulley setup, but after a few rides in the new S6, I couldn't believe how much better of a car it was...hence why I ordered one. I have never seen someone who went from S4 to S6 regret the move...unless they wish to track the car.

I saw a local S4 (black) run an 11.4@119 last Friday. His other runs were more in the high 11s. Do you know what his setup might be? I'm assuming this wasn't you.

[Ze_Nardo6]

I saw a local S4 (black) run an 11.4@119 last Friday. His other runs were more in the high 11s. Do you know what his setup might be? I'm assuming this wasn't you.

Not me. But he is most definitely beyond just stage 2 (pulley swap and retune) if trapping 119.

[Chris@EPL]

That is a customer of ours with the B8S4. He has previously ran 11.4 and this run was a solid .1 faster 60 foot time, but he was traction limited or it would have been 11.1-11.3.

[andthen]

I saw a local S4 (black) run an 11.4@119 last Friday. His other runs were more in the high 11s. Do you know what his setup might be? I'm assuming this wasn't you.

Might have been me if it was at Royal Purple in Houston.

[Chris@EPL]

Might have been me if it was at Royal Purple in Houston.

Well speak of the devil

[Chris Morales]

Yes, Royal Purple last Friday. I was there in my S8 (call it traction limited as well). What is your setup?

[Ze_Nardo6]

Might have been me if it was at Royal Purple in Houston.

And he is WELL beyond a stage 2 setup

[hinckley]

OP, it sounds as though you've decided on your direction, but I thought I'd throw in one more perspective . . .

I'm a guy in my late-50s and had never owned anything other than an MT car. Since the mid-80s, I drove 5 Series BMW MTs up through the current gen M5. I'm a driving dynamics-first guy, but luxury and technology are very important to me. So when BMW lost its way, I moved to a B8 S4 MT. I loved it. Maybe my favorite car in 35+ years of car ownership. When it was time to move on, I also ended up in an S6. But it was a big compromise for me. The S6's handling is good, but simply cannot compare to the S4's (mostly due to excess weight). The tech is only average (BMW still has the best tech imo). But the luxury is terrific. Far superior to the S4. So as I say, a compromise for me, and one I'm not sure I'd do again.

The S6 is my winter car, so I really wanted Quattro. But knowing what I know now, I may have given up AWD and gone for the M3. It has great handling, great luxury (equipped properly) and great tech. It's just not great in the snow . . .

[andthen]

Yes, Royal Purple last Friday. I was there in my S8 (call it traction limited as well). What is your setup?

57mm upper blower pulley
189mm fluidampr blower crank pulley
Autotech upgraded hpfp
Water/Meth
EPL tuning for Race Gas
Michelin PSS that don't hook for shit on a cold track.
Lighter (not super light) 19" wheels.



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[saxon]

Not me. But he is most definitely beyond just stage 2 (pulley swap and retune) if trapping 119.

I trapped 118 with APR stage 2 on their 104 map

[Ze_Nardo6]

I trapped 118 with APR stage 2 on their 104 map

That's a super aggressive tune and still your car must've been an anomaly. It takes majority of B8 S4s a dual pulley setup to trap near that.

Look at Andthen's setup...and he trapped 119 with a pretty good DA (I'm assuming based on Houston weather lately and near sea level).

[Chris Morales]

Michelin PSS that don't hook for shit on a cold track.

I have PSSs on 21s and I had the same experience that night. It would either spin from the line, or on the 1-2 shift, or both. It's always that way at Royal Purple on cold nights. Not sure how they do it in the NE but I do remember in Oklahoma seeing them use a torch on the track to get it to hook in cold weather. Not surprised they wouldn't bother having that equipment around here.

Look at Andthen's setup...and he trapped 119 with a pretty good DA (I'm assuming based on Houston weather lately and near sea level).

DA was in the -1400 range (!) that night. About as good as it gets.

[Ze_Nardo6]

DA was in the -1400 range (!) that night. About as good as it gets.

Pretty crazy

[andthen]

I have PSSs on 21s and I had the same experience that night. It would either spin from the line, or on the 1-2 shift, or both. It's always that way at Royal Purple on cold nights. Not sure how they do it in the NE but I do remember in Oklahoma seeing them use a torch on the track to get it to hook in cold weather. Not surprised they wouldn't bother having that equipment around here.



DA was in the -1400 range (!) that night. About as good as it gets.

Yeah they didn't prep at all that I saw. And left almost no room to get around the water box.


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