<center><img src="http://pictureposter.audiworld.com/41218/04-05-05_-_drive_1_56_s4__roadside.jpg"></center><p>Gang,

Have any of you ever felt like our S4, even in stock form, is too much car (power wise) for daily use? I've been frustrated somewhat since I got my S4, that I can't really use its power 90% of the time, due to traffic and not wanting dates with cops.

And it really is pretty bad on gas for a car this size, mostly due to its piggy status, which also affects handling.

I'm stock right now, except a boost gauge and Tracksport suspension, which really helps to address its handling and eliminate our dear old friend Gapina. But still I can feel that weight lugging around.

Lastly, there's the reliability. Replacing those pesky K03s aren't cheap by any means, and owning it past warranty is starting to concern me.

All this leads me to the MCS. I drove one last summer and it was fantastic. It's certainly not as fast as a stock S4, but with its slick gearbox and my mad rowwing skillz, I can genuinely use all its power most of the time. And it will run circles around the S4 and most cars for that matter when it comes to handling. Not to mention it's easier on the wallet at the gas pump, and it's just so damn good looking. Some call it cute, I prefer handsome, and you can't ignore it's giant-killing ability and it's point-to-point speed.

If the standard car it's quick enough, the Works package will make it more interesting with 210hp and a pretty good soundtrack. But it comes at a price.

So what do you guys think? I'd like to hear some of your thoughts.

definitely a "more fun" track car than the S4.
if you dont need practical, I'd definitely try out the cooper .

downside: both cars are the about the same price. you wouldnt be saving any money

That was some fun while I owned my S! Dangerous too! Always had my foot into it and taking the corners at incredible speeds. I am surprised I still have my licence!?! Still have a Cooper -wife's car - and my A6.

Long answer is more involved.
Mileage. 26mpg over the last 7 fills. As it's not my DD I figure that's OK for the kick in the pants the turbos give.
Reliability: I think this is a red herring as I'm at 80+Kkm and no peeps from the turbos. Lots of guys on the B5 S4 forum with 100+ miles and no problems. Not an issue for me.
I figure the MCS will attract way more attn from others as well as the Police,especially if you drive it fast.
I like my stealth status.
Oh yeah did I mention Quattro? :)
my 2c
Hugh

I've got a friend who ordered one and I think I may be catching the itch. I was originally thinking of a used Porche but I'm liking the idea of the S more and more. He is planning to garage his in the winter and I'd do the same. If I only planned to have one car, I dunno if it would be a Cooper. Calgary winters are long and they really don't carry that much.

little car, amazing on gas, small, it's called a Smart Car. If you are so worried about the price of gas figure out how much money it will cost you to sell or trade your S4 in on another one. Add that amount to the cost of gas of the new car and you will probably be spending more to get rid of the S4.

Ask your self why did you buy the S4? Then try and trade it in. The S4 is an amazing car, in my opinion best all around car available. I agree that the B5 S4 could cost a lot to repair if the turbo's go but if you are only driving it hard 10% of the time it won't happen any time soon. I was worried about the turbo's on my old B5 S4 as I did a lot of short trips, so I bought the new S4...no turbo's no problem.

Hope we don't loose an S4 guy to a entry level BMW, but if your heart isn't into the Audi then sell it to someone who's is.

<ul><li><a href="http://www.mercedes-benz.ca/mbccustom/smart/safety/event_clips.cfm">http://www.mercedes-benz.ca/mbccustom/smart/safety/event_clips.cfm</a</li></ul>

I drove a normal MCS a while back and had more fun then I care to admit.

Don't worry what other people may think, if the car makes you smile, then get it.

regards,
--RGL

yeah quattro does rock, but I'm slowly thinking perhaps I don't really need quattro. Especially when I have my CoupeQ to get me around in winter, which is a quattro and has plenty of style!

I've been to one driving school and it was awesome, but I don't how that relates to my problem.

I just think it's more fun hauling ass in a less powerful car than lugging along in a more powerful car, with both probably going similar speed.

Calgary winter really isn't that long anymore, this past one was pretty mild. Besides as long as we don't get too much snow, which we don't, a MCS should do ok. Plus I'll be driving my good old trusty CoupeQ as my primary winter car anyways.

Rather I value engineering, design/style, quality, feel, as well as measurable quantities such as speed, handling, braking, much more so than fuel economy and money (within reasonable limits). But that doesn't mean I don't consider those factors.

My major concern is that I'm not able to have fun in my S4 without breaking the law all the time. And you have to admit the running cost and potential repair cost can be scary.

I think hauling ass in a small hot hatch is more fun than just poking along in a fast car, with both doing similar speed. The gas money saving is just icing on the cake.

I agree the S4 is probably the best all-around car ever built, and I lusted for one for so long. But now that I've had it for a while, I know what it's all about, and I feel like perhaps something smaller and lighter is in order.

But yeah, I haven't decided on anything yet, just trying to weigh the pros and cons between my S4 and a MCS, which at this point is the only car I like on the market that is within my financial reach.

It may be fun and all that, but I think you have a better chance of being taken seriously in a Smart.

:)

Styling is a personal preference, I happen to like it a lot.

it's a nice car for a girl....but not the average girl, the really petit asian girls....

So yeah, that's her (and admittedly mine) initial impressions of the car...

it definitely DOES have it's technical merits though, especially the handling. Why don't you just keep the S, and get a go kart to satisfy that part of you?

Aman