If in fact the b8 S4 stock is going up...AGAIN, it's time for me to take a look at the Scoobie STI. I've been a Subaru fan for many years since owning an SVX awhile back (loved that car).
At $40k ($2k less than what I paid for my b5 S4 9 years ago) the STI rocks.
The hyper pricing of the German performance sedans getting too rich to own, for my blood at least.
DrGP
11-02-2008, 04:57 PM
Looks great, (even if it is the wrong color), sounds great, has a warranty. Subbie will never be a German luxo-performance car. Might go like hell though. But I agree, if the price of the new S4 is not in line with the current model, I will also be looking elsewhere.
bpp
11-02-2008, 05:22 PM
I was making a point about where Audi's pricing is going and what the alernative is. Nobody builds German sedans like the Germans but the pricing is going thru the roof.
A loaded b5 S4 was about $43k.
A loaded b6 S4 was about $56k.
What's the b7's costing nowadays, north of this figure I assume?
See the trend?
I keep thinking about the M3 pricing, very reasonable, we chatted about recently here.
DrGP
11-02-2008, 06:28 PM
The M3 (coupe or sedan)becomes much more of a value. No quattro, but for $62k(as I would want it equipped), a lot more performance and better resale value. Although I don't think the M3 sedan is not a great looking car. Plus it is another gas guzzler. Also, they are not selling well and finance and lease rates have historically been better for BMW than Audi. I can hardly believe that Audi will price the S4 that high especially if it has any thoughts of competing with the 335i.
bpp
11-03-2008, 02:53 AM
the QUATTRO. For me, low mileage (11,500 in 4.5 yrs) and the fact I don't drive the S in winter conditions at all (Passat 4MO is my ticket) maybe the M3 is the way to go. I like its aggressive style.
But the Audi's "robustness", the hunkered down qualities, are a huge factor too. I'd love to have some seat time in an M3 on the track to 'check it out'. :)
I have a big concern for Audi's price schedule and their reasoning. $55k's alittle heavy for an S4 with performance options. More for those who like the bells & whistles is okay.
Only time will tell and for now, my S4 is a keeper...I cannot see ANY reason to depart with it. :)
Rocky-in-Connecticut
11-03-2008, 04:01 AM
target range for what I'm willing to spend for a new car. Plus, no quattro (which I need up here in CT), no new dynamic differential, and an interior that still falls behind the S4 in design and quality. The S4 is also a bigger car and gets better mileage and significantly better Co2 emissions.
The S4 is simply much more practical on an everyday basis for me, as I don't track, need to have adult passengers in the back seat occasionally, and quattro to deal with the snows coming up soon around here. But to each his own. I haven't seen any new M3's around here, which is strange. Plenty of S5's though.
m444
11-03-2008, 05:04 PM
Some alternatives to the new B8 S4 are the 2009 G37 (330HP, 7 speed auto) or the 335i/135i (300HP auto).
The new 2009 G37 auto sedan gets 18mpg in town, 26mpg hwy and does 0-60 in 5sec. The 135i auto gets similar results in a smaller car. The 335i gas mileage is a hair worse (17mpg in town) and slightly worse 0-60.
The Subaru, with only manual, hood scoop and spoiler is not very appealing. The gas mileage is very poor also.
ttkach
11-04-2008, 08:58 AM
Tron (///M)
11-04-2008, 04:28 PM
STI and gas mileage don't go together. Been there done that. The Subaru is a total different beast. The feel and rawness of that car (including new style) will provide a more rewarding driving experience than any German car you can buy. From a style aspect, don't even bother. The new shape is ridiculously toned down when compared to previous generations. Subaru designed their Rally bred car to compete in Rally's. Its the only reason why the switched to a hatch for the STI, frankly its quite the sleeper.
Simply put, you cannot compare 335/STI nor S4/STI on HP alone. There is nothing "LUXURIOUS" or "STATUS" symbol about the STI, its a pure drivers car.
m444
11-04-2008, 05:02 PM
And Subaru gas mileage is bad, so it does not rate.
Likewise the Evo MR does NOT have decent gas mileage and also looks pretty cheesy.
The 335i, 2009 G37, and B8 S4, are much better cars. I will not be taking my car to the track.