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The boss needed my truck this weekend, so I borrowed his '93 Audi S4. It is based on the A6 (or was is 100?) chassis, not like the new S4 which is based on the A4 chassis. I guess this would compete with the E34 M5 of that time. It is a 5-cyl (yes 5) turbo. He has it chipped to ~270 hp (they claim).
Overall, I really like this car. No, I won't be looking for an Audi, but it is very nice. I have no idea what the sticker price was back then, but probably less than the M5 was.
The turbo is addicting. I don't like the turbo lag, but when you get above 3500 rpm, it really comes to life. Shifting is great, interior is excellent (carbon fiber trim is cool), leather sport seats are excellent. Stereo is very good, brakes are fair - they don't match the performance of this car. I like my mooshy E28 brakes better than these. Steering is WAY overboosted (think those E46 guys are complaining? Try this). I give the steering feel a "D-". It feels like a Honda Accord. The engine and exhaust are very quiet - not quite sporty enough for me, but I guess that could be changed. It is, however, very smooth and tight for a car with 136,000 miles.
Other than that, this is a great car. I was prepared NOT to like it, but for an every-day driver (or a winter car), this is a great choice. Personally, I don't want the heft of 4wd and am not sure how it would handle at the track - can you get a 4x4 to oversteer? It seems like you could only understeer (due to front wheels pulling).
All other things being equal, I'd lean towards the M5 or 540i, though. I think the BMW edges out Audi in driving experience and driver involvement (if those can be quantified!?) I'm no professioal automotive analyst, but those are my intial impressions.
And it is a LOT more fun to drive than my 7,000 lb truck :)
Doug
'87 535is
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