Go with b8 or b8.5 s4?

[ajee622]

Just curious to see some opinions. We just picked up a 2016 sq5 and as much as I was thinking about getting a used c63 or 335 I’m also thinking about a s4 as daily. I could easily do a 2010-2012 but like the body style of the 2013+ and would have to wait a little more till they come down in price. This will be my daily.

Other than exterior differences and I noticed the shifter knob is different anything else? I will be modifying the car so is there anything to look out for from a tuning standpoint?? Thanks


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[Blackstallion]

Steering wheel - flat bottom on b8.5

[jygesq]

The DSG, transmission has been more reliable on 2013 and latter cars.If you are getting a manual transmission , not an issue. I think 2013 updates look better, your money, your choice.

[Dr GP]

The driving experience in both is exactly the same. Major difference is the front end design, flat bottom steering wheel , google maps, built in WiFi, and electronic steering(most prefer the non electric)
I have had both and now back to a B8. I actually prefer the B8 front end,but that's just me. This car is so much better than a 335i (my previous car) . Don't know much about MBs but I think C63s are pretty nice. I recommend getting one with a sport dif. I would not buy one without it.

[AFR1485]

The design of the B8.5 will age better than the B8 imho. Its a reliable engine and the dsg is the major only component to watch out for. Of course a 6-speed takes care of that.


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[Dr GP]

The design of the B8.5 will age better than the B8 imho. Its a reliable engine and the dsg is the major only component to watch out for. Of course a 6-speed takes care of that.


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But the clutch in the MT is a weak link and would not be covered under any warranty.

[GandalfTheIbis]

I would say don't be unanimously scared off the B8 because of transmission issues. They revised the DSG in the S4 in both 2011 and 2012. 2010's seem to account for most of the failures, but I own one and have had no problems so far.

I do think it's fair to say that 2012 is probably the best B8 as it got the most revision.

[AFR1485]

But the clutch in the MT is a weak link and would not be covered under any warranty.

Clutch needs an upgrade if you tune past stage 1. I consider that part of the price of admission.


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[QS4]

I have had no issues with my 2013 DSG drivetrain and the motor does burn a little oil. I would have preferred the 6MT, but the 7-speed is fast and fun! It has super smooth shifts and the Sport Mode is misnomer - I call it Race Mode. I cannot keep it in Sport for an entire trip!

The only true complaint I have with the car can be directed to corporate Audi. My car's sim card is mated to a unit supplied by T-Mobile. This service feeds the car's Google Maps, online searches & WiFi hotspot. In my area, a T-Mobile equipment upgrade has rendered my once 3G service/speed down to 2G-useless for internet services the car can provide! I frequently get the message, "Unable to connect to the server, please try again later" for some navigation searches and there's no point in connecting my phone to the WiFi (my phone tells me that I am not connected to the internet when I in fact I am). AoA has a hardware replacement but my car and I have been deemed unworthy to have it (because I am not the original owner)! So if you'd like your car's WiFi to work it might be something to consider in your area.

I do like the LEDs front and rear, B&O stereo, and the power under my right foot!

You mentioned making mods, and many here will tell you the Sports Differential is a must. Might as well check that out too!

[ajee622]

Good info guys thanks for everything. Forgot about the flat bottom steering wheel and also about sport differential.


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[Audi Advocate]

[QUOTE=ajee622;12821784]Good info guys thanks for everything. Forgot about the flat bottom steering wheel and also about sport differential.


2nd that - The Sport diff is a deal maker - the rest of the differences are cosmetic. Flat bottom steering wheel is not a plus IMHO. Either / or b8 is an excellent choice. After mods there is no other car I'd drive right now until I can find a nice pre-owned McLaren under $150k 😎🙄

[Dr GP]

[QUOTE=Audi Advocate;12821827]

Good info guys thanks for everything. Forgot about the flat bottom steering wheel and also about sport differential.


2nd that - The Sport diff is a deal maker - the rest of the differences are cosmetic. Flat bottom steering wheel is not a plus IMHO. Either / or b8 is an excellent choice. After mods there is no other car I'd drive right now until I can find a nice pre-owned McLaren under $150k 😎🙄

Everyone goes GAGA over the flat bottom steering wheel. I like that it does have a larger diameter and it looks cool. But the round wheel feels better in my hand. And, if your car does not have one, it's an easy swap. I remember a thread about a guy in Europe that was making them custom for each individual at a very reasonable price.

[seandon_792]

The flat bottom isn’t a big deal breaker. I guess it’s a person by person thing. I went from a mkvi R (flat bottom) to a B8 S4 (round wheel) and I can’t say I miss it one bit unless I’m driving at 10/10. The exterior is subjective, I like the individual of the B8. If getting a manual the stainless steel line is a must. Overall you can’t go wrong with either.


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[Oloung1]

Good info guys thanks for everything. Forgot about the flat bottom steering wheel and also about sport differential.


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if you are considering the SD then consider only the b8.5 + dsg since the crown center diff was specifically designed to extract all performance out of the SD. http://www.audizine.com/forum/showth...1#post12722216

[doug97gxe]

sports diff is not a deal breaker .. keep it at the bottom of your list.. its really not all that.. its like having an outdoor pool in the arctic circle

[mmm def]

Nobody mentioned hydraulic steering in b8 vs electric in b8.5

[doug97gxe]

Nobody mentioned hydraulic steering in b8 vs electric in b8.5

it was mentioned

[Dr GP]

sports diff is not a deal breaker .. keep it at the bottom of your list.. its really not all that.. its like having an outdoor pool in the arctic circle

Sport dif WOULD be a deal breaker for me and many others.

[doug97gxe]

Sport dif WOULD be a deal breaker for me and many others.

You guys need to drive a high hp rwd car to understand that sports diff isn’t all that


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[LeadToRome]

wtf? These aren't rwd cars, and they benefit from the sports diff, your comment isn't even relevant.

[Audi_Andrew19]

I would personally prefer a B8, I think the front end looks more unique with the individual LED’s and the less chunky/squared front nose. I don’t think the differences are really enough to warrant a 8.5, especially if you think you can pick one up now. All personal preference and can’t go wrong with either, especially if you’re modding.


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[trip'n]

Stock 6 MT clutch will take more then you might think.
If your going that way, install a SS clutch line. Had a stock clutch with stage 2 for years no issue and that was with out a SS line at the time-

Sports diff helps a ton. Look for a B&O sound system and Audi drive select for sure-
Good luck

[RCFC89]

B8.5 all the way. B8 front end is hideous and too aged. Prefer the sleeker LED design on both headlights and tail lights on the 8.5. B8 rear lights look like some aftermarket LED shit you'd buy on Ebay. B8.5 also worked out all the mechanical flaws that plagued the B8. End of the day the 8.5 will age much much better. The B8 front end already looks 10 years old.

[Pyromatic177]

I’d say b8.5 as the changes from the 2 are imo significant and much nicer. For me it’s the front end design, FBSW, push button start (B8 prestige has that) keyless entry and also the 3G+ MMI. And a little thing that I also like is being able to put the DSG in sport by just clicking back on the shifter vs having to put the B8 in dynamic mode or individual to get it.

[Dr GP]

B8.5 all the way. B8 front end is hideous and too aged. Prefer the sleeker LED design on both headlights and tail lights on the 8.5. B8 rear lights look like some aftermarket LED shit you'd buy on Ebay. B8.5 also worked out all the mechanical flaws that plagued the B8. End of the day the 8.5 will age much much better. The B8 front end already looks 10 years old.

I beg to differ. IMHO, the B8.5 grille is horrible the RS4 style even more hideous. But both can be easily improved. I had the filler plate painted the body color on both of my B8s (see avatar). The oem B8.s grill can greatly improved by using either black out tape or vinyl strips on the center section as wwell.

[GandalfTheIbis]

I find the B8 more classic and think it will be the better aging as well, but you know what they say about opinions. Besides, I'm sure we all have our biases.

[Blue S4]

The lighting upgrades alone in the B8.5 were enough for me. The individual bulb-style LED head and tail lights of the B8's look so dated to me.

[doug97gxe]

wtf? These aren't rwd cars, and they benefit from the sports diff, your comment isn't even relevant.

How?


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[Casual Friday]

B8.5 all the way. B8 front end is hideous and too aged. Prefer the sleeker LED design on both headlights and tail lights on the 8.5. B8 rear lights look like some aftermarket LED shit you'd buy on Ebay. B8.5 also worked out all the mechanical flaws that plagued the B8. End of the day the 8.5 will age much much better. The B8 front end already looks 10 years old.

I'm going to disagree with you on that and since you were so blunt with your opinion, I'll reciprocate;

IMO the b8 styling has a lot of personality and will hold up over time. I'm sure the 8.5 will hold up as well but it looks so boring, and those headlights look like every other car on the road these days. When a b8.5 drives by I hardly notice, and never give them a second glance.

Also as for the "B8.5 also worked out all the mechanical flaws that plagued the B8." - simply not true, the b8 wasnt "plagued" with problems for a start. The b8 did have some problems with the dsg in the early years and the b8.5 also had dsg problems. In fact, the 2012 b8 is considered the least problematic of the entire line.

[PopTart]

C63 AMG sounds amazing, but you'll regret it. You'll be at the gas station every other day. I prefer the B8, it has those iconic Audi headlights.