Torn between Audi S3 and S4

[Scug_]

Hey everyone I'm new to the forums around here. Forgive me if I posted this on the wrong section of Audizine.

I need help on deciding my first car, my options are the 2016 Audi S3 8V and the 2013/14Audi S4 B8.5. I have test drove both vehicles. The S4 pulls a lot more obviously cause it's a v6 supercharged. The S3 is great compact vehicle feels like a little go-kart based on how small it is and enjoy the turbo noise when it's kicks in. The S3 is gult orange is I think is a rare unique colour which I like and the S4 is in Ibris white which is very clean and classy as well. I really like how the S3 has almost full warranty and S4 is ending its warranty. The S3 has 30km (Canada) and the S4 has around 60km, Both vehicles are fully loaded too.

I would like to know others opinions about these cars and tell me how you feel/enjoyed them?

Thanks, Scug/Josh

[lastig21]

I cross-shopped these same two vehicles when I was looking last fall and purchased an S3. The LED headlights/taillights were a big factor for me, and made the car look that much more modern. The updated interior on the S3 was the biggest factor in my decision. The S3 will be less common on the road, and I enjoyed the feel & toss-ability quite a bit more. I came from a large quiet car, and the sportier feel and louder cabin scratched the itch at the time. At the same price point, I found the S3 to provide fewer miles and much more warranty.

The S4 is a smoother ride and quieter cabin, which would help when having others riding with you. It will be further into its depreciation cycle, and will lose less value over ownership vs the S3. The V6 has proven itself reliable, and the 2.0T in the S3 still has awhile to go before its long term reliability will be proven. I think the S4's body lines, headlights, and interior is starting to show its age, but I frequently catch myself taking second looks at them on road. Ibis White with Titanium Rotors is drool worthy.

You can't go wrong either way! Is the S4 CPO with extended warranty?

[jiannu]

S3 is quicker.

[larbel]

A friend of mine got a '15 S4 around the same time as my '15 S3, we switched cars a couple of times and my S3 (Was stock then) was quicker, it felt quicker and it IS quicker, and no contest on twisty as well. IMO, the 8V S3 still has couple years to go, and EA888 Gen III is pretty solid as it is. S4 while really really sweet, but like lastiq21 said, it's showing it's age and B9 is already in it's 2nd year as well, at least the 8V is still in the current gen. But at the end of the day, it's really your call, for me though, it's S3 all the way unless you really need the backseats, S4 isn't much better but the S3 is just inhumane...

[BirdmanQ5]

I've had both. Loving my new 2017 S3 for all the tech and pep but I do miss my S4. 2016 S3 vs B8.5 S4 I would go S4 as it is a much more special car. Really comes down to drive and tech and options either way you can't go wrong.

[Wr3ks_S3]

I thoroughly enjoy my S3, but that Supercharged V6 sounds great!! I picked the S3 as the fuel economy was better and I didn't like the more subtle lines of the S4.

[ChrisF1]

Have owned both. S4 was lemon'd back to Audi. S3 is current daily driver.

Depends on what you want.

S4: bigger, more room; heavier, less nimble. Slightly better interior fit/finish/materials; Tons of bottom end torque if stop light racing is your thing. Falls on it's face up high.

S3: smaller, less room; lighter and very nimble; handles a lot better IMHO. Slightly lower fit and finish interior but still very good. Good pull stock; awesome with tune or JB1.

I've had S3 now for about the same time as the S4 and I prefer it to the S4 by a mile. It is a great dual purpose car.

[will13k7]

flip a coin. haha. I'd go with the newer car.

[Scug_]

I cross-shopped these same two vehicles when I was looking last fall and purchased an S3. The LED headlights/taillights were a big factor for me, and made the car look that much more modern. The updated interior on the S3 was the biggest factor in my decision. The S3 will be less common on the road, and I enjoyed the feel & toss-ability quite a bit more. I came from a large quiet car, and the sportier feel and louder cabin scratched the itch at the time. At the same price point, I found the S3 to provide fewer miles and much more warranty.

The S4 is a smoother ride and quieter cabin, which would help when having others riding with you. It will be further into its depreciation cycle, and will lose less value over ownership vs the S3. The V6 has proven itself reliable, and the 2.0T in the S3 still has awhile to go before its long term reliability will be proven. I think the S4's body lines, headlights, and interior is starting to show its age, but I frequently catch myself taking second looks at them on road. Ibis White with Titanium Rotors is drool worthy.

You can't go wrong either way! Is the S4 CPO with extended warranty?

The S4 isn't CPO. Ripperino

[SASKCHAUCH]

From a 2015 s4 tecknik to a 2017 s3 tecknik.... I prefer the s3 size, power and new technology

[Scug_]

Thanks for everyone's input as I really appreciate it :) I think I'm gonna try and get the orange S3 *fingers crossed*


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[BirdmanQ5]

I think we can all agree, those of us that went B8/8.5 S4 to an S3 are pretty content, but we always remember how special the S4 was and miss it sometimes. Or is that just me lol

[sean_entrust]

I didn't have an s4 but I had an a6 with the 3.0t before the S3. I do miss the instant power of the 3.0t at times but I love the s3. I've never felt the way about a car as I feel about the s3. The handling is just amazing! plus the b8s now will just feel even more dated with the b9s out now. if you don't need more room go with the s3!

[Hawkdriver]

I crossed shopped both as well. I was moving from an Audi A6. I wanted something that could really be thrown around and to me the S3, even with the Haldex vs the S4's Torsen, was the better "sports car" of the two. Now, I take it to the track at least once a month and it is highly modified at this point. It's basically a 4 door TTS. Not only that, you'd be surprised how much room there actually is in the backseat. My oldest boy is 6'3" and he can sit in the back just fine. Finally, I think I read that the S3 sill had warranty left and the S4 is a '13 with no CPO. That's the nail in the coffin for me. Warranty, newer car, newer style and tech, plus it's just a ton of fun. Now, if the mod bug hits you that warranty might be out the window. I'll tell you I am at Stage 2 and I am beating M2s at the track. Best of luck and welcome to the family!

[yeedub]

How much better in terms of fuel economy is the S3 in real life ?

[diztek]

How much better in terms of fuel economy is the S3 in real life ?

cant imagine it being any better than the s4. although, im sure on the highway it is significantly better.

[tyler180]

Also worth noting. If you have a kid(s), or they're in the future I'm not sure you could fit a car seat very well in the S3. That was the deciding factor for me. It's tight enough in the S4 I couldn't imagine trying to get it in there with the S3. I'm also 6'3", so every inch counts with a car seat in the back.

[sean_entrust]

How much better in terms of fuel economy is the S3 in real life ?

I didn't have an s4 but had an a6 with the same engine. I do miss the 20 gallon fuel tank in the a6 but fuel economy is noticeably better on the s3. I probably spend $50+ less a month on gas with the amount of driving I do.

[Scug_]

Hey guys, just an update for everyone. I sided with the S3 in orange


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[Scug_]

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[GhostBlaze]

Why does it have A3 mats lol


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[Scug_]

Why does it have A3 mats lol


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They came from the dealer like that, doesn't bother me. Greatly they're like a winter mat as oppose to just carpet mat


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[markn1689]

dang that orange is sweet! the one color that doesn't need euros (but it would look better with them)
:-)
curious how you got the black optics package yet you have the non BO magride wheels?

[JonnyBravo!]

They came from the dealer like that, doesn't bother me. Greatly they're like a winter mat as oppose to just carpet mat


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Just FYI, Audi recently released S3 rubber mats. They're the next purchase on my list.

[n8vs3]

Just FYI, Audi recently released S3 rubber mats. They're the next purchase on my list.

Got mine..well made and cheaper than weathertech.

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[Mr.Tan]

dang, that looks pretty sweet in orange! Was it an audi exclusive order to get that color? i dont ever remember seeing it as a factory color

what made you decide on the s3? Just curious. I had a b8 s4 previously before i picked up my S3 recently and I am greatly enjoying it. Its a lot more nimble and fun to drive, i just miss the bigger feeling interior and the engine most

[Scug_]

dang, that looks pretty sweet in orange! Was it an audi exclusive order to get that color? i dont ever remember seeing it as a factory color

what made you decide on the s3? Just curious. I had a b8 s4 previously before i picked up my S3 recently and I am greatly enjoying it. Its a lot more nimble and fun to drive, i just miss the bigger feeling interior and the engine most

It is an audi exclusive colour but I purchased the car used with around 30km on it. Was suppose to get an 2013 S4 but they sold it on me and it had 94km and. I've driven both, the S4 is a lot nicer in terms of the engine and the materials used on the interior. The colour really pulled me for the S3 as dumb as it sounds

[Scug_]

dang that orange is sweet! the one color that doesn't need euros (but it would look better with them)
:-)
curious how you got the black optics package yet you have the non BO magride wheels?

No clue mate, the car was purchased used

[Nachos Libres]

No clue mate, the car was purchased used

You got the best combination - black optics with those wheels look amazing. I should see if I could find someone to switch with me as well.

[The_Black_Gecko]

I just bought a used 2016 S3 Premium and had been looking at the S4 for a long time prior to my purchase. I think that me being 51 and no longer desire to have anymore kids was my deciding factor. The highway mileage was the other plus for me. I upgraded from an 08 MKV GTI and can tell you I have no regrets whatsoever, this is a totally different car and better driving experience. Only exterior upgrade/mod I am going to do is new shoes, Neuspeed RSe102 in gloss black to match the rest of the car (including new black oem center caps and nut covers). I love those seats by the way, I have them in mine and they are tits.

[Scug_]

I just bought a used 2016 S3 Premium and had been looking at the S4 for a long time prior to my purchase. I think that me being 51 and no longer desire to have anymore kids was my deciding factor. The highway mileage was the other plus for me. I upgraded from an 08 MKV GTI and can tell you I have no regrets whatsoever, this is a totally different car and better driving experience. Only exterior upgrade/mod I am going to do is new shoes, Neuspeed RSe102 in gloss black to match the rest of the car (including new black oem center caps and nut covers). I love those seats by the way, I have them in mine and they are tits.

Very true, highway mileage is a big factor for me. Cause I commute for school everyday

[Ordie]

Even though, you got the S3, I'm going to post my experience going from S4 to S3 so others in the same place can see.

A little background on me. I'm a 5' 10", 215 lbs 40 yrs old guy. I'm a huge fan of 93-95 RX-7...had a few. This made me very interested in small light turbo cars. Few cars ahead I couldn't find that itch since leaving the RX-7s. Had my 2012 S4 for almost a year. Great car, very comfortable. Here is how I compare them.

The B8 S4 is bit more roomier, softer ride and you can tell the weight difference. The seat adjustment and armrest adjustment are great but you have to reach out a bit to get to some of the controls. The instant torque is awesome....but after 5000 rpms is flat on its face a tune does help. DSG is softer than the S3 also. The lack of music Bluetooth capability sucks (this only applies to B8 though). The exhaust note is really nice almost exotic like. It can cost a bit more to mod on some areas and it is harder to work on. Launch control is AWESOME. Gas mileage wasn't bad at all. My 55 mile daily commute is 98% highway and I was averaging about 26mpg.

My 2018 S3 is fully loaded minus S Sport seats (not a fan of the G. I. Joe/Cobra seats). It is smaller in the inside. My 6' 1" 16 155lbs son fits behind me in the back seat but head room is a bit short. Love the location of all the controls. I don't have to move my arms much to get to something. The lack of memory seat SUCKS!!!! Find myself driving in M mode more for 2 reason. The shifter feels more natural and easier to use in the location and because I don't have that instant torque anymore...so I downshift more. I have no problem downshifting though, like to hear the "sport" exhaust. Got to get used to the turbo lag though which is minimal but it is there. Love the ability to change suspension settings and you can tell the difference when you do. There is a weight difference and it is noticeable. It isn't RX-7 feather weight but it is noticeable. The powerband feels to be a bit higher on the RPM range and seem to last longer. Steering inputs are more noticeable and can be touchy. Don't know if it is the shorter wheel base or the steering in general. I'm assuming is the steering because my wife's Q5 feels about the same. Got to get used to the flat bottom steering wheel. I seem to not find it when turning. The virtual cockpit take a learning curve and can be distracting. Don't play with it till you get home. Gas mileage is pretty good. In my commute with some spirited driving, I was averaging 34mpg. My insurance went up only $3 a month and that's including MBI which I didn't have in the S4.

Overall for what I was looking for, I'm happier with the S3 than the S4. Love the looks and the gizmos. B8 was starting to look outdated already.

[bmoreS4]

S3 is quicker.

Thanks for this amazing contribution, unfortunately its incorrect.

2014 S4 1/4 - 13.2
2016 S3 1/4 - 13.4

Both great cars, but lets stick to facts.

Good buddy of mine has an S3 and its a great car, it comes down to what you really use the car for and what you value.

[Speedybrit]

Thanks for this amazing contribution, unfortunately its incorrect.

2014 S4 1/4 - 13.2
2016 S3 1/4 - 13.4

Both great cars, but lets stick to facts.

Good buddy of mine has an S3 and its a great car, it comes down to what you really use the car for and what you value.

Showing numbers doesn't really justify anything. If you looked at a few of the new threads in the S3 section you would have seen that a guy with a stock S3 just broke 12.9 in near perfect conditions. So numbers are just numbers unless they were run at the exact same time/day, same weather, and with the same driver.

You are correct though, we can have this arguement all day long, it comes down to what everyone wants in their car.

[bmoreS4]

Showing numbers doesn't really justify anything. If you looked at a few of the new threads in the S3 section you would have seen that a guy with a stock S3 just broke 12.9 in near perfect conditions. So numbers are just numbers unless they were run at the exact same time/day, same weather, and with the same driver.

You are correct though, we can have this arguement all day long, it comes down to what everyone wants in their car.

I think you missed my point, they are both great cars that are quick stock, his decision should be based on what he values in a car.

A half sentence post saying one is faster is pointless.


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[BUD001]

To the OP: mileage and age matters. In your case i would recommend the S3 if it does not have a lot of miles. When comparing 2 used cars you always take one that has the remainder of factory warranty

[Jsalicru]

So I'm going to give you my experience from driving a tuned S3. I own a 11 S4 with a EPL Stage 1 tune and TCU tune and resonator delete

I saw my brother's post up there and specifically because of the tune I will disagree in certain points. In sport mode the shifts feel about the same. The S4 has some theatre with the upshifts with some pops. The S4 is significantly quicker. At first it doesn't feel like much so (both of them being tuned cars) but from third up it's very obvious. Try a 3-4 shift on a tuned S4 and you know what I mean... the S4 shows that it's got major grunt at that point.

I will say that the S3 felt a LOT nimbler than my S4. I'm on H&R Sports and the S3 I drove was on springs too. HOWEVER, the S3 had adjustable shocks, my S4 doesn't. I'm sure that if I had Bilstein Sport shocks or something like it perhaps the story would be different.

One thing is super for sure though... the steering rack ratio on the S3 is WAY faster than the B8 S4 rack. I liked it.

Overall, I love how my S4 sounds and goes... and there is a lot more overhead when it comes to power. The S3 I drove felt very nice, but sitting where it was at, it's close to its limits without really getting some serious upgrades that are either costly on unavailable.. but it's just beyond Stage 2+... My S4 is on Stage 1 and it's faster... I haven't even gone the Stage 2 Dual Pulley route, which I will soon. I do wish the driving dynamics were closer to the S3. I also wish that I had the virtual cockpit (because it's AWESOME) and I REALLY love the foldaway screen in the middle.... like, a LOT.

[S3DUDE]

Thanks for this amazing contribution, unfortunately its incorrect.

2014 S4 1/4 - 13.2
2016 S3 1/4 - 13.4

Both great cars, but lets stick to facts.

Good buddy of mine has an S3 and its a great car, it comes down to what you really use the car for and what you value.

S3 did a 12.9@108mph according to car and driver: http://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/...ed-test-review

[bmoreS4]

S3 did a 12.9@108mph according to car and driver: http://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/...ed-test-review

Since you must have missed it:

I think you missed my point, they are both great cars that are quick stock, his decision should be based on what he values in a car.

A half sentence post saying one is faster is pointless.


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[VWVW]

Nice car, but I am very curious...

How did you find a 2016 MY car with only 30 km used in late 2017.........???