How well performing is the Audi S4 compared to the BMW M3 or M5? I want the best performing one.

5

Asked by dk005 Oct 21, 2008 at 08:17 PM about the 2009 Audi S4

Question type: Shopping & Pricing

I am deciding which one to buy and I want the better performing one.

3 Answers

105

well the S4 isn't even in the same class as an M3 or M5. If you want to compete with the M3 the RS4 is what you want, really you could go with either one theyre both great vehicles with very similar performance (Audi has 4wd, keep that in mind, but M3 is a bit lighter) so its a matter of which you think is cooler not how they perform. As for the M5 the RS6 is its competition but is much better. The RS6 has a twin turbo V10 and quattro 4wd which makes it much faster than an M5, but a bit more expensive.

1 people found this helpful.
105

Well first off where are you? Because the current/next RS6 will not be introduced to the American market or so the last reports I read where saying. Also, performance can be subjective. Numbers wise the M3 beats out the RS4, but as said already the Audi is all wheel drive as opposed to rear. Also the edge is minor. Some reviews have placed the RS4 ahead of the M3 in turns of handling, with some of them saying the M3 oversteers. Lastly if performance is your main point then look to the Mercedes Benz competitor for the RS4 and M3, it was described as the Racer's car, as opposed to the M3 being the Driver's car and the RS4 being balanced between the two. I'll also mention that the RS4 is a number of years old and will be replaced by the next model soon, for buying an out going car your main bonus is not paying the ridiculous deal premiums placed on M3s. At the end it's your choice.

315

+1 - The direct competitor the the M3/M5 is the RS4/RS6. Tests tend to run the S4/S5 against the M3 because the S-series is so good, but it's still not really a competition. Generally speaking, even though Audi has recently improved their game in the performance market, they're considered the more stylish and luxurious option over BMW and MB who offer a deeper performance experience. Audi tends to make their cars heavier and softer than BMW/MB and therefore most Audi's offer a more isolated driving environment. Audi's are still great drivers' cars, but BMW and Mercedes usually have the edge from a performance perspective. I'd still buy an Audi though.

Your Answer:

S4

Looking for a Used S4 in your area?

CarGurus has 89 nationwide S4 listings starting at $11,995.

Postal Code:

CarGurus Experts

  • #1
    richm58
    Reputation
    1,540
  • #2
    ptkilbo
    Reputation
    750
  • #3
    Gene Arnett
    Reputation
    620
View All

Find great deals from top-rated dealers

Search

Related Models For Sale

Used Audi S5
6 Great Deals out of 126 listings starting at $11,995
Used BMW 3 Series
71 Great Deals out of 1,176 listings starting at $1,995
Used Audi S6
22 listings starting at $27,995
Used BMW M3
8 Great Deals out of 90 listings starting at $15,995
Used Audi A4
43 Great Deals out of 698 listings starting at $4,750
Used BMW 5 Series
19 Great Deals out of 321 listings starting at $4,500
Used Mercedes-Benz C-Class
98 Great Deals out of 1,455 listings starting at $3,799
Used Audi A6
5 Great Deals out of 117 listings starting at $3,950
Used Ford Mustang
65 Great Deals out of 1,259 listings starting at $4,995

Content submitted by Users is not endorsed by CarGurus, does not express the opinions of CarGurus, and should not be considered reviewed, screened, or approved by CarGurus. Please refer to CarGurus Terms of Use. Content will be removed if CarGurus becomes aware that it violates our policies.