98 C43 VS 01'S4-Pro's & Con's
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From: NJ
98 c43 amg, 01 jetta 1.8t, 01 Audi S4
98 C43 VS 01'S4-Pro's & Con's
I am planning in selling my c43 to buy another S4. i am still unsure if this will be the right decision???? my c43 looks great & runs like a champ but i also like the S4 nogaro blue 6sp! my c43 currently has 210,XXX miles on it, and the S4 i am looking at has 126,XXX...i need some advice on this
please help!!!!!!!!
please help!!!!!!!!
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Joined: Mar 2008
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From: Philadelphia Suburbs
2002 C32, 2007 E550 4matic
What happened to your first S4? Don't buy an Audi, they suck. JK. The 2.7t is a blast to drive. The one thing about S4s is the fact that they are mostly always "tuned". This could mean that an enthusiast had the car and took excellent care of it, or it could mean that the previous owner beat the sh!^ out of it. I think the a4/s4 body is very nimble and the quattro is very nice.
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From: NJ
98 c43 amg, 01 jetta 1.8t, 01 Audi S4
it gets me mad when it comes to this part(telling what happend to our first S4)
we had it literally for 3 weeks (i drove it twice) until my wife wrecked the car!(this car was her b-day gift) ------its a long story!!!!!!
well, in order to repair the car i had to put in around 10k..(yea thats how bad it was) thank God nothing major happend to her.&.at the time i couldnt afford it! so i had to let it go. this was 5 yrs ago. now i want to get one for my self! so i am deciding if i should keep my c43 or get rid of it and buy the S4!!!!!!!!!!!
i need pros n cons on both cars! please help me blog buddies
we had it literally for 3 weeks (i drove it twice) until my wife wrecked the car!(this car was her b-day gift) ------its a long story!!!!!!
well, in order to repair the car i had to put in around 10k..(yea thats how bad it was) thank God nothing major happend to her.&.at the time i couldnt afford it! so i had to let it go. this was 5 yrs ago. now i want to get one for my self! so i am deciding if i should keep my c43 or get rid of it and buy the S4!!!!!!!!!!!
i need pros n cons on both cars! please help me blog buddies
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From: MA
Mosselman 190E 16V+ C63S+ Abarth 595
S4- stick, nogora blue B5 S4s make me drool, if it has the black leather/blue suede inserts they are sexiest seats, endless mods for fair prices since the markets so large, the sound, but not the most reliable cars.
C43- Good looking, little quick, but automatic (one that loves to get replaced too)
I'd say nogora S4 slammed on coilovers, tuned with KO4s
C43- Good looking, little quick, but automatic (one that loves to get replaced too)
I'd say nogora S4 slammed on coilovers, tuned with KO4s
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From: Bay Area, CA
98 C43, 15 Alfa 4C LE, 18 Tesla Model 3 DM Perf, 08 Duc S1000, 02 Duc 998, 98 Duc 748, 01 Miata
I have a 98 or 99 Car and Driver with a C43 v M3 v S4 v Viggen. C43 was last and S4 was first. You've owned both, so I would assume you are in a better position than most of us to know the Pro's and Con's. I wanted a V8 more than I wanted a manual transmission, so the C43 was the answer for me. B6/7 S4's are very tempting though.
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From: SCV SoCal
2002 CLK430
How long does the S4 turbo last? I would think that at 125,000 miles, it's due for a rebuild. Anything special about Audi's turbo that would make it tough (expensive) to rebuild? Are rebuilders plentiful where you are? As long as the turbo is being rebuilt, it'll be upgraded, so what are the standard upgrades for the S4?
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c43
Interesting question, I currently own one of each. I am a newcomer to the C43, but I have had an 01.5 S4 Avant for a couple of years. The S4 is more fun to drive than the C43, mainly because it is a three pedal car, the power is very similar between the two. The C43 is a little more comfortable and the automatic is nice for the longer freeway driving I do, but if I am going driving in the curves I think I still prefer the S4.
As far as maintenance, again I am new to the C43, but I understand that other than a few having trans problems, they are pretty bulletproof, the S4 is a different story. I am on my second set of valve cover gaskets, the AC system has been serviced once and needs it again, and I am due for a belt and water pump service soon. The 01.5 supposeadly fixed the oiling problem to the turbos, but mine only has 70K on it, so I still have yet to see.
Bottom line, I think the Audi is a more expensive car to own, but I will let you know more as I build some history with the C43.
As far as maintenance, again I am new to the C43, but I understand that other than a few having trans problems, they are pretty bulletproof, the S4 is a different story. I am on my second set of valve cover gaskets, the AC system has been serviced once and needs it again, and I am due for a belt and water pump service soon. The 01.5 supposeadly fixed the oiling problem to the turbos, but mine only has 70K on it, so I still have yet to see.
Bottom line, I think the Audi is a more expensive car to own, but I will let you know more as I build some history with the C43.
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From: Norcal
43
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From: Philadelphia Suburbs
2002 C32, 2007 E550 4matic
How long does the S4 turbo last? I would think that at 125,000 miles, it's due for a rebuild. Anything special about Audi's turbo that would make it tough (expensive) to rebuild? Are rebuilders plentiful where you are? As long as the turbo is being rebuilt, it'll be upgraded, so what are the standard upgrades for the S4?
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From: San Francisco, CA
1996 C36 AMG, 1995 Volvo 850 Turbowagon
purdy
maybe.. maybe not.. but u have to admit boosted cars offer more flexibilty on the wallet for mods.. although i do like the blue b6 s4. btw, test drove the is300, 328i, and a4 3.2 quattro back to back to back at an event a while back, and found the a4 to understeer ridiculously and refusing to turn in as eagerly as the other 2 rwd. does the s4 exhibit the same traits?
maybe.. maybe not.. but u have to admit boosted cars offer more flexibilty on the wallet for mods.. although i do like the blue b6 s4. btw, test drove the is300, 328i, and a4 3.2 quattro back to back to back at an event a while back, and found the a4 to understeer ridiculously and refusing to turn in as eagerly as the other 2 rwd. does the s4 exhibit the same traits?
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From: MA
Mosselman 190E 16V+ C63S+ Abarth 595
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From: MA
Mosselman 190E 16V+ C63S+ Abarth 595
Since there is such a large market for aftermarket parts for B5s, it is easy to get the suspension how you want it to perform.
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From: Canada
eclectic assortment of cars
I had the same feeling as you - V8 desire. I considered an S4 too, and in my winters, it's probably a better overall driving proposition. But for some reason, I don't think Canada got the B5 S4 Avants, though I've seen one imported. At any rate, I had already owned a boosted car, and wanted something different, ie. large displacement V8. Now I've gone from all Swedish cars, all FWD, mixed with NA and turbo, to an all RWD and NA line up, German and Japanese. The S2000's shift feel puts just about everything to shame, and I think it's just about the most potent corner carving vehicle this side of an Elise/Exige/Atom - and for a fraction of the cost.
For me right now, the C43 and S2k complement each other very well. Both very different in feel. I'm hoping by next year I will then have a a split induction line up when I get a charger for the S2000.
I have a PDF of that article, decent read. It took me a bit of googling and forum surfing to find it, but if anyone wants it, PM me and I can email it.
And I agree with you too about the later V8 engined S4s. Love those. Would love an Avant, but would 'settle' for an RS4. I hate to say it, but the current C-class interiors are just crap in feel of quality. Okay, the 6.2L engine under the hood would go some way to alleviating that, but VAG knows how to do an interior! Even base model CC feels better than a C-Class! And actually Volvo and Land Rover interiors too. I'll have to wait for the depreciation curve to work in my favour before unloading my C43 for a V8 S4 or RS4 though.
For me right now, the C43 and S2k complement each other very well. Both very different in feel. I'm hoping by next year I will then have a a split induction line up when I get a charger for the S2000.
I have a PDF of that article, decent read. It took me a bit of googling and forum surfing to find it, but if anyone wants it, PM me and I can email it.
And I agree with you too about the later V8 engined S4s. Love those. Would love an Avant, but would 'settle' for an RS4.
I hate to say it, but the current C-class interiors are just crap in feel of quality. Okay, the 6.2L engine under the hood would go some way to alleviating that, but VAG knows how to do an interior! Even base model CC feels better than a C-Class! And actually Volvo and Land Rover interiors too. I'll have to wait for the depreciation curve to work in my favour before unloading my C43 for a V8 S4 or RS4 though.I have a 98 or 99 Car and Driver with a C43 v M3 v S4 v Viggen. C43 was last and S4 was first. You've owned both, so I would assume you are in a better position than most of us to know the Pro's and Con's. I wanted a V8 more than I wanted a manual transmission, so the C43 was the answer for me. B6/7 S4's are very tempting though.
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05 c55 silver, 98 Imperial Red C43
Its all about how linear the power is bro
200 hp more means nothing
when ur turbo or supercharger unexpectedly kicks in in the middle of a turn, ur fuked
Last edited by PJmak; Feb 19, 2010 at 03:32 PM.
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From: North Carolina
98 Black C43 , 12’ ML 350 Blutec
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From: Connecticut, New Haven
95' AMG SeeThreeSix
Any REAL "track driver" will tell you that F/I and sprchrged cars are unpredictable, and when you are in a corner its a very weary situation under boost. Most track purists prefer LINEAR power. Like said in a previous post, because the power is predictable, and on tap immediatly. No lag, no all of a sudden spool...then...pin against your seat action, just a linear powerband. On a circuit a N/A Engine is has a much better advantage unless you are very well aquianted and comfortable with your car. A driver comfortable with where and when and you start to spool and produce boost is a good contendor to N/A.
Either way I FREAKING LOVE that moment boost hits, the turbo screams a sick whistle, you become pinned to your seat and you just fly. Just an amazing natural high that anyone that likes to drive would become addicted to hands down. I need a E30 or something as a project car...
. or go through with my modest C36 3-4psi setup..............
Either way I FREAKING LOVE that moment boost hits, the turbo screams a sick whistle, you become pinned to your seat and you just fly. Just an amazing natural high that anyone that likes to drive would become addicted to hands down. I need a E30 or something as a project car...
. or go through with my modest C36 3-4psi setup..............
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From: Boston
1995 E320(daily driver), 2005 S4(summer toy)
I never had a C43 but I have had a 94 E320 and I am currently on my second S4. My first S4 was a tip and it was stage 2+, awesome car to drive....I love S4's but they certainly do tend to break the wallet. I always have loved mercedes and I do plan on getting back into a w210 E55 within the next year or so. Personally keep the C43 and if you can get the S4. You can pick up a stage 3 with under 130k for about 9-14k depending on the mods and what color and if its been well taken care of. Be prepared to spend at least 2-5k per year depending on what it needs in terms of maintenance and what you plan to do to the car.
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From: Seattle, WA
'03 CLK 55
I used to have B5 S4 avant,
I had it for 3years and now I drive CLK55..
My s4 was stage 3ed (k04 plus all kind of ****), and yes, it was faster than CLK, and more fun to drive. On the other hand, I was tired of endless modding thing, and worrying about all little bad things that could happen (transmission, turbo, and oil leak).
Pros: Fun to drive, can be really fast, stick.
Cons: Because its an old car, fit and finish isnt as good as newer audi, B5 body isnt as stiff as newer S4s, worrying about clutches... (Mine was around 450hp and it is easy to burn clutch if you mess up) and if you looking at 125k mile S4, check for syncro either they are bad or they will go bad soon..
Engine block itself is bulletproof, but turbo isn't... especially stock K03...
Good Luck, I still miss my S4, but I don't regret
I had it for 3years and now I drive CLK55..
My s4 was stage 3ed (k04 plus all kind of ****), and yes, it was faster than CLK, and more fun to drive. On the other hand, I was tired of endless modding thing, and worrying about all little bad things that could happen (transmission, turbo, and oil leak).
Pros: Fun to drive, can be really fast, stick.
Cons: Because its an old car, fit and finish isnt as good as newer audi, B5 body isnt as stiff as newer S4s, worrying about clutches... (Mine was around 450hp and it is easy to burn clutch if you mess up) and if you looking at 125k mile S4, check for syncro either they are bad or they will go bad soon..
Engine block itself is bulletproof, but turbo isn't... especially stock K03...
Good Luck, I still miss my S4, but I don't regret
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c43
Any REAL "track driver" will tell you that F/I and sprchrged cars are unpredictable, and when you are in a corner its a very weary situation under boost. Most track purists prefer LINEAR power. Like said in a previous post, because the power is predictable, and on tap immediatly. No lag, no all of a sudden spool...then...pin against your seat action, just a linear powerband. On a circuit a N/A Engine is has a much better advantage unless you are very well aquianted and comfortable with your car. A driver comfortable with where and when and you start to spool and produce boost is a good contendor to N/A.
Either way I FREAKING LOVE that moment boost hits, the turbo screams a sick whistle, you become pinned to your seat and you just fly. Just an amazing natural high that anyone that likes to drive would become addicted to hands down. I need a E30 or something as a project car.... or go through with my modest C36 3-4psi setup..............
Either way I FREAKING LOVE that moment boost hits, the turbo screams a sick whistle, you become pinned to your seat and you just fly. Just an amazing natural high that anyone that likes to drive would become addicted to hands down. I need a E30 or something as a project car...
. or go through with my modest C36 3-4psi setup..............I instruct for trackmasters racing and at least half of our staff uses forced induction cars, a properly tuned turbo car is linear and predictable in throttle response and they can be signifigantly lighter than N/A cars that make the same power. Furthermore companys like Porsche, Nissan, Saleen, Ferrari, Audi, etc have all been extremely successful in road racing using F/I powerplants. I think that most people relate the power output of Turbo cars to those built for drag racing, and yes that sort of setup is quite explosive when boost come on, but road race cars are usually setup to be very linear. The 2.7TT Audi engine even with the larger Ko4's is also very linear, and other than reliability issues, makes a great track engine.
Again please don't take offense, just giving you some insight from inside the road race circle.
