The 32k Question S4, M3, ect?

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whitejavaS500

Member
Hey guys so as I approach the time to buy a car (august at the latest), I am torn on what it is I want. I want somthing I can track, drive daily, and HOPEFULLY drive in the winter, although a winter beater isn't out of question. Also, it must be atleast 4 seats, and MUST BE A MANUAL. What I've filed it down to is either a B6 or B7 S4, or an E46 M3 Coupe, but I'm still open to suggestions. So, because i believe that this fourm will be most unbaised, I ask you!



What car would you buy for 32k?
 
Audi's AWD will be very helpful in the winter, though in either case a set of proper snow tires is absolutely mandatory--AWD can help you go, but won't help you stop or turn. For me, the question comes down to do you want a car with 50/50 or 70/30 weight distribution? For 8 or 9 months of the year, and for the track, the BMW is the better choice.
 
I like the build quality better on the Audi, but it's a given that the BMW will handle better in good weather. It's interior quality vs. looks vs. track time vs. snow time that's going to decide it - they're both great cars.
 
Noting that I only know from pre-E46 M3s, IME the two cars are *so* different that after you have some seat-time in both you'll know which one you prefer.



But I'd sure prefer the Quattro in the winter, and it's not like I dislike RWD cars (with snowtires) in the white stuff. I can basically *ignore* winter conditions in Quattros with snows but the M3 would make ya *work*.



IMO the performance differences between the two cars aren't anything compared to differences in the software behind the wheel ;) Guys in *FAST* cars get lapped by people in *slow* cars all the time. (Yeah, I know, some cars are still a lot easier/more fun to drive hard anyhow, so it gets back to personal preference. Buy whichever you like best.)



Oh, and give some thought to who will service it, there are a lot of shops I wouldn't let touch my car.



FWIW, if I didn't already have a fortune in my E36 M3, I'd buy an S4 ( '04-'05/old grill V8 model).
 
Picus said:
How often are you going to track it, realistically?
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Hmm, 2wice a month?



Its killing me. I want an M3 so bad because I just love everything about them, but the S4 is just a PERFECT suit to fit all my needs. The S4 is the more practical choice, but the M3 is the more fun choice.



What kills me is that I feel like I will wish I got the M3 alot if I get the S4, but if i get the M3 I wont regret not buying the Audi. Ugh. Also, I'm one for personalizing/modifying my car, and in that respect, the V8 S4 doesn have much going for it, while the M3 has everything and more.



Thanks for the responses, keep em comin! :dig
 
My father has a B6 S4, I've been to the track with it on a number of occasions. If you're really going to track ~10+ times a year I'd highly recommend the M3. With winter tires you'll be fine in the snow (I drive a 400+ hp BMW in the snow with winters). The S4 is ok on the track, with the grip being the best part. The steering is light and inaccurate, though, and the center of gravity is high. The car "feels" heavy, whereas the M3 "feels" more nimble, likely because of the stiffer suspension, better weight balance, and much better steering. The oversteer of the M3 is so predictable it (imo) far outweighs any benefits AWD offer on a track.



As for mods, being as they are all naturally aspirated you're options for power are pretty limited (aside from FI or a blower). In terms of suspension the M3 has more options, actually it has more options in general; but neither will be particularly mod friendly on the power front.
 
HMMM... why so expensive for a younger owner. You do realize that insurance will KILLLLLLL you. Trust me i have been thinking about my car and all the aspects of EVERYTHING for a LONG time. Me being the son of a racer i ALWAYS think about the track but luckily i have a track ready race car. Actually one i need to sell also(1974 914 that has been converted into a 914/6). I would choose neither of the two if i were you, but thats just me. Since i have the resources for a track car and everything i cant speak like you but i am buying a mini this summer hopefully. I am going to be tracking my cars a lot also. And you may be thinking tracking it twice a month... but in all honestly you probably wont. Think about tires. I think at last check its 600 a set...? Does that sounds right to all you guys? Dad doesnt ussually let me in on the convos with the kumho guys because they give us great deals because he has been sponsored by them for years. But in all honesty neither of them are too good but durability terms either. With the audi i would expect paying 1,000 a year on maintenance atleast. My uncle just had his belts changed on his a4 avant... 2600... they had to take the whole front end off. Again... MINI S for me. Or think about the miada. For us kids neither are too flashy which is a turnoff but they are both dependable and are able to have fun at the track and on the street.
 
whitejavas500- Heh heh, running it at the track twice a month will get expensive. You *really* gonna do it that often :think:



Anyhow, from the sound of your last post I think the M3 might be an itch you just gotta scratch. You *will* have to dial it back in the winter though, it's not like playing rally driver in the Audi ;)
 
E46 M3 all the way. Get some good snows for winter time and your set. Im planning on picking one up in the next few months as well. They took a pretty decent price hit when the E92 M3 was released.
 
I'll say used CTS-V. S4 is borring in comparison to the E46 M3 and especially CTS-V. Plus the CTS-V is easily modified for power and great on track. But then you have to decide if you really need awd for winter though.
 
Shuskan3 said:
Go drive an E46 M3 and your decision will be easily made...
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it drives VERY well, and it's sexy.



plus there's an abundant aftermarket for it.



aside from the blatan bias by my username, i think they look sexier too:

top1.jpg
 
E46 M3. I looked at both and if it were for *me* with my goals for a vehicle nearing a close parallel to yours, an M3 is almost an "obvious* choice.



Regarding snow, if you can track your car, you can drive it. With snows and 18s, it wouldn't be that hard.



Find a CPO'd example in the colours and tranny you want and pull the trigger.
 
Given your requirements, I would go with the S4. It's a very comfortable car, extremely pracitical and would be a blast to drive in the winter with the Quattro system. Also, it would be cheaper on insurance given the sedan setup as opposed to the 2 door of the M3. M3's just aren't as practical.



As for the track, the M3 would be a lot more fun IMO, but it's hard to compare the two since one is RWD and one is 4WD.



I'd say to go drive them both, beat the hell out of them and then decide.
 
Surfer said:
I'll say used CTS-V. S4 is borring in comparison to the E46 M3 and especially CTS-V. Plus the CTS-V is easily modified for power and great on track. But then you have to decide if you really need awd for winter though.
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Ehh, my neighbor has one, and quite honestley, I can say IMHO its a POS. Just feels like its "loose" and unconnected.
 
whitejavaS500 said:
Ehh, my neighbor has one, and quite honestley, I can say IMHO its a POS. Just feels like its "loose" and unconnected.
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I actually thought it drove better then e39 M5. I almost bought e39 M5 including my buddies Dinan S2 that was awesome but the V really impressed me and so easy to mod.
 
M3 looks great, but the interior is.... bleh. The perfect choice for me would be an M3 exterior/engine with an S4 interior.
 
E46 M3 is a great car, but also consider the E90 (Sedan) / E92 (Coupe) 335i. I see some great deals on craigslist, but $32K is still the exception, not the norm for 335is atm. E46 M3 will handle better, but the 335i is the rave (easy tune at not much $$). You can read up on the 1000 comparisons between the 2, but the 335i is definitely a strong recommendation.
 
orionredwing said:
E46 M3 is a great car, but also consider the E90 (Sedan) / E92 (Coupe) 335i..
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Do those come with limited-slip diffs? I'm not Bimmer expert, but IIRC a lot of them have stability/traction systems instead of a real LSD.
 
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