While I was at the dealer picking up my 97 1.8TQ<br>after the 45000 service, the service person<br>mentioned the A4 S4 as an alternative to buying<br>the TT. I got a brochure for the S4 and this car<br>looks fabulous on paper. Any body have any<br>thoughts on the pros and cons of both ? I am<br>considering "upgrading to/getting" a new car.<br>Thanks.<p>Simmonds Mathews<p>PS. If this topic has been discussed, any pointers<br>to the posts will be appreciated.<p>

also the TT to get will be the 225hp. If it were me with the money I would go with the S4. Don't forget that there is quite a price difference between the two cars.<p>Reggie<p>98.5 30vQMS

Why would you go with the S4 over the TT ?<br>

the tt and the s4 are completely different cars. Besides the obvious difference in size, function is the main diff. Do you need/want a true sport sedan that will seat four comfortably and get you to your destination with lot's of time to spare as well as a huge grin on your face, OR, do you want/need a sporty get around/commuter which you can enjoy alone or with that special friend? Keep in mind the S4 will get you through a snowy winter far better than a tt (if that's a concern for your). Finally, the S4 ought to do all that the tt promises but with a little more discretion.<p>If it was me, I would sooner wait one year and get the 4motion NB with the chipped 1.8T (or similar performance engine) than to shell out the bucks for the TT. But I never liked the styling of the TT too much and I am hoping to get the S4 before they restyle it to look more like the a6/tt.... provided the xenons are available (but that's an entirely different rant).

Limited production cars keep their value more too. <p>The Quattro on the S4 is more advanced than the one on the TT due to engine layout (I think they borrowed synco from VW) but someone correct me if I am wrong.<p>The S4 should beat the TT and can be easily modified for more hp if needed by a chip change. <p>S4 should be more comfortable for long trips and has a back seat that can be used by folks older than 12. <p>In the end - I think it is one word "performance" the makes me like the S4 more.

Both the S4 and the TTQ 225 are limited production cars, both will retain value over time. <p>The Haldex system in the TT is much more advanced than the Torsen system in the S4. In fact CAR magazine noted that they wished that the Audi A6 4.2Q had the Haldex system rather than the torsen system. The Haldex system is programmable - can you say "chip"? It can also transmit up to 95% or the power to the rear wheels and induce power oversteer. <p>The S4 is faster than the 225hp TT stock and can be modified to make serious hp, but not without significant changes. The 225hp version of the TT can handle 29psi of boost and 400hp shouldn't be a problem, but will also require significant changes. It has been reported that the S4 will be capable of 500+hp without internal modifications to the engine. Can you handle either car with that much horsepower? <p>The S4 is definitely the more practical of the two, but quite frankly, the TT is a much more interesting car overall. There is simply nothing like it on the road. Most people - other than enthusiasts - couldn't tell the difference between an S4 or an A4 or even a Passat for that matter. <p>They are both great cars, I would take either in a heartbeat. The 225hp TTQ will be less expensive than the S4, by maybe as much as $3000 or more.

Thanks to all for the insight. The only other<br>issue is handling, and I believe that would be a<br>matter of choice.