A4/ S4 Newbie Question

[Cabber]

Thinking about purchasing an S4, but thought I'd ask here how close to S4 performance you could push an A4 (1.8T/ 2.8?) w/ the various aftermarket enhancements that are available. In short, is the S4 worth the extra $8-9? TIA, Cab

[DustysA4]

There are several people with APR stage 3 which is ~280hp and there is a stage 3+ out with ~310hp. I think it runs around 6-7k bucks. Performance is suppose to be somewhere in the ballpark of a chipped S4, but I can't testify to that. That is just what an article in European Car claimed. I believe it stated if you are looking for "straight line" performance, go with the S4, but if your looking for an all around perofrmer, go with the A4 because it is lighter.

Also, there are some kits that are coming soon from 8vturbo.com that supposedly use a T3/T4 setup and the power will start at 260hp, then there will be a 350hp kit that will be upgradable to 450hp. The prices on these are fairly competitive with the 450hp kit costing $4500. The thing about this is that nobody has tried it yet, maybe you can be the guinea pig=)

There are upgrades like chips which give you lots of power for the dollar value. Many people go this route. Then there is also the K04 upgrade offered by lots of tuners which should put you somewhere in the 230-240hp area. It cost about $1700.

Just depends on what you're looking for. If I had to do it again I would still get the A4 because of the popularity it has been taking on. There is a market growing slowly but surely for this car. But then again, the S4 market is growing too and there are advantages of a 6-cyl over a 4-cyl. Good luck with whatever you decide.

[WClark]

First off let me say that the S4 is one hell of a car out of the box. If I had no intention of doing any "tuning" that is what I would have bought.

An A4 1.8 has great potential and you can get to stock S4 acceleration and stock S4 beating handling for less than the S4 price. The downsides are that the aftermarket goodies arent worth much when it comes time to sell unless thay are in good shape, still in damand and you care to part them out, and the BIGGIE: AoA absoutely HATES aftermarket upgrades and they look for any excuse to deny unrelated warranty coverage (which you then have to fight if they are wrong).

The A4 2.8 with a supercharger is in the S4 performance territory but little else will help much and given the cost of going there and by the time you have upgraded the suspension and brakes as well, an S4 seems like a better decision.

[Cabber]

I was hoping for a few more posts, but perhaps all the important ground has been covered.

Still having trouble deciding ... We'll see how things shake out.

Thanks again,

Cab

[kingshad]

I love my A4...but I would get the S4...if u have the cash

I wish I had saved some extra cash...and gotten an S4 Avant

later