My dilema: The more I hang out here, the more I want an S2K. The more I hang out on audiworld.com, the more I want an S4 (although I've been here exclusively for the past week ). So the question is: S4 or S2K and a beater for winter?

With considerable dealer discounts on the S4, the two are actually pretty close in price. Plus I would definitely take advantage of the Quattro when it snows and/or rains.

But practicality aside, (I also have an Odyssey) how do the two compare as sports cars (handling, acceleration, stability)? And in terms of modifications, did you find yourselves needing to upgrade more on one compared to the other? Finally, if you could only have one, which would you choose (you can PM me if you don't want to draw the wrath of everyone else )?

Thanks

 

If I had only 1 car, I think I would get an S4. I always have the family car as a back up although I have to "steal" it from my wife. I got the S2000 because I wanted a play thing - a toy that I could tinker with and drive all year round. I wouldn't tinker with an S4 the way I have with the S2K. The S4, to me, is too sedate, too "stiff upper lip". I wouldn't feel the urge or the need to mod it because I could never make it into something it was never meant to be. In my mind, an S4 can never be a real "sports" car. It will always be a car that "penguins" drive.
ps. No, I don't own an S4 but what the heck, it's a free forum. My 2 cents.

 

Tough call. I've had an A4 in the past and am looking at perhaps getting another one, but the S2000 is just TONS of fun that I never got out of the Audi. I've driven an S4 and while it's fun, it's not nearly the kick in the pants that the S2000 is.

My $.02...

 

If I could only have one I would get an S4. It is way more practical and easier to mod. I love driving both cars. I think possibly my S4 is faster than my S2K. Handling wise there is no comparision (S2K is much better) but in a straightline they are pretty close.

There are some things about the S4 that I like much more than the S2K, the smoothness, quietness, comfort and torque. But you really can not compare the two. They are totally different in ride, comfort and driving pleasure. IMO there is nothing that compares to a 9K redline that feels like you are on rails flying through the twisties.

I drive my S4 once a week and it is not by choice. I have to carpool 3 kids to school. I could drive it everyday but I prefer the S2K. Both cars are awesome and very fun to drive.

 

The S2K, IMHO, is NOT a practical car... its more like a toy that you happen to drive :-)

The S4 is a damn fast sedan... and a very nice car. If I could ONLY have 1 car, I'de get the S4. But, since I have a daily driver (truck), I also have my toy too :-)

Also, since you have a wife (and possibly kids?) The S2K is probably not safe for children (at least not the way its meant to be driven, hehe-- or they way I drive it).

Both are fantastic cars, just depends on your needs.

(If practicality isn't an issue, the S2K is a freaking blast to drive, and its also a convertable too!), but with a few simple mods the S4 would smoke the S2K 0-100... (But the S2K isn't a 1/4 mile car anyway)

-- Aaron

 

FFWD, where in Toronto are you finding S4's for the same price as S2000's? That seems like a very hefty discount!

Here's my take on the two cars (I have been in both). I love the S4 for the fact that it is an AWD sedan with an amazing motor, and it is bloody fast, refined, comfortable, and beautifully finished. However, I feel that to make it what I want it to be, it needs some coilovers, grippier tires, bigger brakes, and even more power from that awesome 2.7T engine.

A K04 Motorsports turbo swap will run you about $8000 including a week's worth of labour to drop and replace the engine. With that, you get about 390hp and 440lb/ft of torque, which is simply rediculous (in a good way!).

I'm a big fan of brute force cars.

The S2000 takes a different approach. It is small, somewhat cramped, a 2 seater, RWD (a really good thing), an awesome gearbox, a high revving 4 cylinder engine mid-mounted. All this stuff adds up to a car that is a blast to drive. It doesn't *feel* as fast as an S4, because you don't have that huge wallop of torque slingshotting the car forward, but it IS damn fast, and damn fun to drive, too. The car's balance is absolutely beautiful.

I've pretty much decided on the S2000. There is still a lot of untapped potential in the motor, and I think within 6-12 months we'll be seeing S2000's with close to 300hp naturally aspirated on the road, providing everything comes together properly!

In short, I'd love to have both cars. If you want the S4, they will be produced in very limited quantities for 2002. Get it quickly, because the next one (which will be simply unbelievable) is still 2-3 years away.

You should come out the next time the Toronto area S2000 owners get together. A really nice bunch of people.

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by S2kRob
[B]FFWD, where in Toronto are you finding S4's for the same price as S2000's?

 

hmmm interesting, i have a A4(2000) and a S2000(2000). am going to be honest with you, if this is your only car thats going to be driving everyday i'll go with the s4. if this is your toy dad you going to mod i'll go for the S. you sound like a mid age guy so if i was you ill get the S4. am only 19 am young with no family so the s2000 is perfect for me.

 

I'd very much like to know where to get an S2000 for $2000 off the list price. Let me know.

 

S4 for practicality hands down! i had a very powerful a4 (k04/16g, t3/t4, and finally the apr 3+) and i miss her every day that i have to drive in the rain or haul people or cargo around. i go kayaking and camping every month and ever since ive sold the a4, its been a big hassle trying to get my kayak to the river, and our camping gear as well. lucky for me i have access to a land cruiser so its not that big of a deal quite yet.

im looking at a used imola 00 s4 that my pal is selling for $30k. im seriously considering this purchase for the winter as well as those days when having the top down isnt feasible.

the s2k is a great weekend and even a great daily driver, but seriously, if youre going to have only one car, get the s4.

the s4/a4 is a great car.. quattro is amazing in the snow, especially with a good set of snow tires. adding power is even easier.. a chip and you have enough "go" to keep that smile plastered on your face. the audi's are also considered a enthusiasts car, and there is a healthy aftermarket for it, just like the s2000.

make more money, rob a bank, win the lottery, kick george w's ass and become president so you can have both!



brian