[TheRox]

On another note, the Audi S4 had front heavy handling...not that I could feel the handling much.


BTW LofT...why do you need Quattro in California? Here in Canada it is popular...if (and perhaps one day, when) I had/have your kind of weather, I would drive rear wheel drive all the time!!!!

[ALPINE6SPD]

Originally Posted by stressdoc

"Rubbish" is a bit harsh.
I agree that the key difference is feel, but for me the difference in this regard between the 335xi and the rwd 335 is almost as big.

Bottom line: if steering precision and road feel are important to you, get a 335 rwd, and mod appropriately (BMW Perf suspension kit, M3 bits, extreme perf non-rfts, LSD).

If AWD is really vital, go test drive the S4 & xi, they are both great cars IMO, with different emphases as the OP describes.

+10000000000000000
The difference between an AWD 3 series and a RWD BMW with sport package is staggering.

[Nikolas]

Driving feel or not, the numbers don't lie. Around a road course the RWD 335i will not do as well as the new S4. Heck even the latest Hockenhiem times are faster with the 335XI over the 335i.

If the feel is so important than make your choice based upon that and be happy with it. Just don't be upset on a track day when that S4 passes you and the driver says "how'd that feel?"

[jopa489]

The A4 and S4 have always underwhelmed me; I've never understood the attraction. I haven't driven the new S4 yet, but the A4 was a snoozefest. There are certainly worse cars out there (so "rubbish" might be a little harsh) but I agree with your review.

[galahad05]

I've test driven the S4. Potent engine. Great brakes (has a soft pedal feel though), good steering, great stereo. Newfangled stupid electronic parking brake. MMI superior to iDrive.
Roomy, comfortable, great for NY winter weather, potent launches because of AWD. Torque vectoring rear diff a must-have option--not available from BMW short of an M3.
Quieter exhaust than the 335i. Not good.

Liked the optional stainless steel trim--REALLY liked it. Even considered trying to get some sort of custom stainless fit into my car.


Overall, solid car, very good performer.

[nightfx]

So basically it's amazing but it sucks.

[TheRox]

Oh boy...LofT is getting personal.

Apologies buddy, I'm not going to engage in name calling. I reviewed the S4 and compared it to BMW and found it to be subpar, deal with it. Don't try to convince this board.

As far as joy goes, I feel pleasure when I drive my 335 based on the feel for road and curves I get...I did not get this with the S4. In summary, the S4 just didn't make the cut. I explained why I came to this conclusion; you're throwing profanities around like a child -- its nice entertainment.

I have a 60-40 rear split, and it def DOES NOT feel like RWD, as I used to own one.

Btw, I don't know what the prevailing ideology in California is -- but I don't treat everything as equal...there are better cars by the parameters I have defined (BMW, Porsche) and there are subpar cars by the parameters I defined (Audi, Merc, Lexus) -- I refuse to come out saying they are all equal to appease your emotions. I'd figure an American would appreciate this of all people.

Anyways bud, enjoy your car, it has a beaut engine no doubt (love the no lag) -- no one has time for nonsense like this. Cheers.

[Irishace]

I cannot stand the new generation S4 exterior, the previous model is so much nicer. That being said, the S4 is a pretty darn sweet car from a performance perspective but I love my 135i.

My 135i has so much more potential with the correct modifications and the price tag is significantly less. Furthermore, I echo the sentiments of many of the posters, the simple yet elegant interior is a lot more attractive in the BMW.

The M-Sport steering wheel has an incredible feel and gives the driver that feeling of connecting to the car and its power. The S4 just did not take me there. Lastly, rear wheel drive is some much more fun to drive.

[Lexi]

Originally Posted by Irishace

I cannot stand the new generation S4 exterior, the previous model is so much nicer. That being said, the S4 is a pretty darn sweet car from a performance perspective but I love my 135i.

My 135i has so much more potential with the correct modifications and the price tag is significantly less. Furthermore, I echo the sentiments of many of the posters, the simple yet elegant interior is a lot more attractive in the BMW.

The M-Sport steering wheel has an incredible feel and gives the driver that feeling of connecting to the car and its power. The S4 just did not take me there. Lastly, rear wheel drive is some much more fun to drive.

Each to his own, just as many people dislike the 1 series look. Again the 1 series has tonnes of power, and is a highly respectable vehicle, but many people wont buy it because it does not appeal to them.

Loft - some people are just like that... as in some people don't respect other people's decision, much less doo they respect other people's cars. Many people have arguments over which city is better, which state is better, and which country is better.

That's why we have racism and discrimination, this board, is an example of that. People get worked up when another challenges their choices.

In essence you bought your own car, they bought their cars, it's unnecessary to compare.

[mtndog]

Originally Posted by sf_loft

I'm seriously doubting that many people here are enthusiasts. Define enthusiasts. Some are fanboys and you get that with all makes because people want to feel good about their purchase. To say it's not worth the money and its "rubbish" is subjective and a bit ignorant. I loved my e92 335 and I love my new S4. Both great cars and you can't go wrong with either. It's all about personal preference and you can't say that if you drive an S4 you are not a car enthusiast because BMW is the only way you can truly be one. Seriously, most people here just mod their cars, wash it, clear bra it, and drive it to some random meet for photo shoots. Enthusiast? By definition yes because they truly love their cars. When driving in the city or commuting to work, do you really put your BMW to the limit? I take my car out on the weekends and drive it up and down coastal hwy1 to put it into action and honestly I felt the same "Joy" driving the e92 as I did with my past Infiniti and my now S4. They all behave differently in minor ways, but in rear-world driving you are not putting the car to its potential. People get too caught up in reading magazines and regurgitate what editors say.

Well put!

[Saintor]

The S4 hype will pass.

In the R&T 05/2010 comparo, they ranked the S4 1st and 335i 2nd, but at the same time, most of the editors chose the 335i as their favorite. 335i interior styling was ranked above the TL and G37s.

The 335i is just more 'lovable'.

[MediaArtist]

This review is rubbish.

[Brey335i]

Let me just point one thing out: not only is VW, Porsche, and Audi one happy family : ) they also have uncle badass: Lamborghini!!!

And a true enthusiast is not a fanboy. A true enthusiast respects all great cars, which both the 335i and S4 are

[I335]

Loft is right on the money!!!!

[Brunotheboxer]

I think it was a pretty good review. For me personally I would Never buy an all wheel drive car so I will not even consider the new S4. To me its more of a high performance family car. Not too interested in another sedan either.

[ss134]

In almost every review from around the world that i have read the S4 wins against 335i in the overall results but normally gets scored below the 335i in pure driving enjoyment. As an 'all round package' the S4 seems to have the 335 licked but if your main priority is the fun of driving then the BMW is still a better choice.

As for the 135i driver who thiks that the N54 has more potential than the S4's V6- how does the tune only 430bhp MTM S4 grab you? N54 needs a lot more than just a tune to acheive this.

http://www.autospies.com/news/MTM-gi...-Bmw-M3-45805/

[joec500]

From my experience of owning a B5 S4 and highly modified B7 A4, and test driving th B8 S4, I feel that my E92 335i leans a bit more as a drivers car where the Audis were geared slightly towards the passenger car. I feel the Audis interiors are superior in regards to feel, thoughtfulness and richness of materials. Quattro is great for trips to Tahoe, and Audis have some really great technology, especially in the B8's. BUT I just felt my BMW is a bit more balanced and I actually enjoy RWD, especially on track days. Both Great cars, that lean SLIGHTLY in different directions.

And we also have to keep in mind that the B8 Chassis is a newer generation when compared to the E9x chassis .

[2ndBimmer]

Loft, did you compare the new iDrive vs. the new MMI, or are you comparing the old iDrive? Just curious.
Congrats on the new car, I hope you enjoy it. People think Im insane because I loved my Jeep Wrangler so much! To each his own, right? Competition is only good for the consumer.

[jeremicium]

Loft can you please leave E90Post? We have no time for rubbish such as your advocacy of Audi. Your posts are taking up time that could be spent reading about how great our Bimmers are, how crappy Audis are, and how sucky the hpfp problem is. I suggest the moderator make each forum member provide their BMW VIN to safegaurd E90post from intrusive non BMW members...like any other car exists that could compare to my 335.

Maybe some members like seeing auto "enthusiasts" that take the time to post on a BMW forum...in a constructive manner...you know, to create a little diversity on this forum...but not me!

[Bimmer007]

Originally Posted by sf_loft

I looked at the C class when I bought my first e92. They did a lot of cost cutting in the C class and that interior is very cheap looking. The door locks that pop up and down still have the burred ends from the mold it popped out of. The plastics are thin and flimsy. You have to go to an E-class or higher in the MB to really appreciate the quality.

I have to agree, i sat in the c class at the ny auto show and it was underwhelming, cheap, boring, mundane, and not what i expected from a merc. I felt more excited when i sat in a civic si, no joke.

Congrats on the S4! one hell of a car

[chenx15]

i've seen the interior of the s4 it doesn't beat the BMW. then again looks are bias. i'm not a big fan of the s4 exterior because it looks like the honda accord and i already have one. even the s5 coupe looks like the accord coupe. driving experience bmw wins for me.

[Nikolas]

Originally Posted by jeremicium

Loft can you please leave E90Post? We have no time for rubbish such as your advocacy of Audi. Your posts are taking up time that could be spent reading about how great our Bimmers are, how crappy Audis are, and how sucky the hpfp problem is. I suggest the moderator make each forum member provide their BMW VIN to safegaurd E90post from intrusive non BMW members...like any other car exists that could compare to my 335.

Maybe some members like seeing auto "enthusiasts" that take the time to post on a BMW forum...in a constructive manner...you know, to create a little diversity on this forum...but not me!

Yes amen! God forbid we have any opinions other than our own fanboi brethren. I know there is no other car out there that competes with BMW...........the badge on the hood told me so!