If you owned a V8 S4 (me), and now a new S4 (maybe me), pls share your thoughts!
01-16-2010, 12:57 AM
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Looks - better from every angle, other than maybe dead side-on: I loved the profile of the B6 - nice & squat; B8 is longer and can appear a little barge-like. Looks far better in the flesh than in pics.
Interior - features improved (MMI etc), more special, particularly if you choose one of the funky combos (white/grey, red/black etc). Far better (and safer) seats (with the headrest part of the seat rather than a separate entity)
Engine - reviewers always mention the shame of dropping the V8. I actually prefer the V6, both in terms of in-cabin noise (sounds wilder when gunning it accompanied by that fantastic 'burp' from the exhaust on upshifts), and its incredible flexibilty and superb torque spread. The only time I ever really appreciated the V8 in the B6 was with the windows down
. Power on tap everywhere. The performance figures Vs the B6 speak for themselves. Slightly better frugality (B8 @ 15k miles, ~24mpg, B6 ~23mpg)
Ride - far more composed. No more severe jolting over uneven road surfaces. Probably the most improved aspect over the previous generation.
Handling - when the B6 surfaced, I remember reviewers marvelling at its handling (especially when pitched against its then-rival, the E46 M3). As the years progressed, I started reading descriptions of it handling "like a pig" etc, to which I vehemently disagree. Nose-heavy with a tendency to understeer, sure, but IMO, for what it was (basically a souped-up 4-door saloon), it was pretty decent. The B8 definitely handles better (especially a Sport-Diff spec'd model) but I would love Audi to have shaved quite a few pounds off it, which would make it phenomenal. It's a heavy car and you do feel it, particularly on corner entry.
I could go on, but in short, it's better. If you like your B6/7 (?), you'll kill for the B8
Interior - features improved (MMI etc), more special, particularly if you choose one of the funky combos (white/grey, red/black etc). Far better (and safer) seats (with the headrest part of the seat rather than a separate entity)
Engine - reviewers always mention the shame of dropping the V8. I actually prefer the V6, both in terms of in-cabin noise (sounds wilder when gunning it accompanied by that fantastic 'burp' from the exhaust on upshifts), and its incredible flexibilty and superb torque spread. The only time I ever really appreciated the V8 in the B6 was with the windows down
. Power on tap everywhere. The performance figures Vs the B6 speak for themselves. Slightly better frugality (B8 @ 15k miles, ~24mpg, B6 ~23mpg)Ride - far more composed. No more severe jolting over uneven road surfaces. Probably the most improved aspect over the previous generation.
Handling - when the B6 surfaced, I remember reviewers marvelling at its handling (especially when pitched against its then-rival, the E46 M3). As the years progressed, I started reading descriptions of it handling "like a pig" etc, to which I vehemently disagree. Nose-heavy with a tendency to understeer, sure, but IMO, for what it was (basically a souped-up 4-door saloon), it was pretty decent. The B8 definitely handles better (especially a Sport-Diff spec'd model) but I would love Audi to have shaved quite a few pounds off it, which would make it phenomenal. It's a heavy car and you do feel it, particularly on corner entry.
I could go on, but in short, it's better. If you like your B6/7 (?), you'll kill for the B8
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