All:

Im a very active user over on the Q5 section of the forum however this is my first post on the S/RS Model section of the forum.

Me and my wife currently own a 2010 Q5 3.2, we're "considering" going for a 2010 S4, premium package with navi and B&O and Tech package (identical to our Q5).

I've compared the cars safety ratings side by side and they're almost identical. I am not worried about the slightly more gas consumption on the S4 that's expected with the power. I also understand these cars shouldn't be compared to each other. Two completely different segments but I wanted to get everyone's thought on this consideration.

We don't have any kids just us two, this is mostly a weekend car with the occasional camping/skiing trip up north.

I absolutely love the Q5 however I am a little hungry for performance.

I'd appreciate your thoughts baring in mind resale value and practicality.

For those who on an S4 particularly a 2010, any regrets? Any issues?

Thanks - cheers.

 

I have an older (B7) S4 and absolutely love the car. I have also experienced the new S4 and it truly is a performance monster. I am a bit biased as I have not experienced the Q5.

You are right when you say they are different platforms and shouldn't be compared. My advise is to either join us (GH Club) for a meet where we have two or three B8 S4s or go and take one out for a test drive at a dealership if you haven't already.

The experience will astonish you. On the other hand I would be happy to meet up with you and you can experience my car. Different engine but same sort of performance.

 

BTW.... you have been an awsome contributor on the Q5 section..... Thanks !!

 

Hi Mikeh:

Thanks for your reply. I have heard/read nothing but good things about the S4. I'd love to meet you and give your car a look whenever there is a chance. Can you kindly PM me when you have a moment and tell me what I need to do to join the GH Club?

Thanks again.

 

I certainly appreciate your comment. Thank you.

This is one of the most informative and valuable forums I've ever been a part of filled with many many respectable folks.

 

Warcity, I have not enjoyed a Q5 yet, but I got my 2010 S4, equipped as you are considering, in August, and already have 19000 km on it. I love the car. I have 2 kids, and have taken them skiing (courtesy of the ski pass-through, which was not available on the S5). It sounds like it would really suit your needs. I bought some winter alloys and Michelin snows, and the car has been a delight to drive in the winter.

I have a small issue with the adaptive headlights right now, but otherwise I can't imagine anything I would change on the car. One other perk is that friends with Porsches want to trade for weekends in the spring

 

I picked up my 2010 S4 back in February (ordered in Dec 2009). I think its a great car. Lots of fun to drive and if you're not stomping on the gas pedal, the gas mileage isn't bad either. My only regret is that I barely get to drive it these days as I haven't bought snow tires yet.

Its difficult to compare it to a Q5 as they're totally different cars. I'd recommend you go for a test drive.

In terms of problems, I haven't had any real problems yet but there are problems with the water pump (you should check out the forums on audizine or audi world as there are a bunch of posts). Also with the 2010 you don't get launch control which you get with a 2011 S4 but since I'm not looking to drag race I don't really care about that as its plenty fast enough off the line without launch control.

Not sure about resale value as I haven't looked into it but I doubt that there are many used 2010 S4s to be had - I don't think that they sold that many 2010 S4's in Canada to begin with - I read somewhere that there were only 3,000 for the US.

In terms of practicality, I think its perfectly fine. The trunk is pretty large, its got a great cargo net, there's a pass through as Gourmando noted and the back seats fold down (60/40 I think) for extra cargo room.

 

Forgot to mention, the brakes make a loud squeal at low speeds (almost when you're stopped with light brake pedal pressure) in cold weather. Some people say it goes away with bedding them properly but I'm not convinced since it only happens when its cold out and the pads and discs are cold.

 

Everyone so far, I very much appreciate your detailed feedback. It has greatly helped me in my thinking. Today I test drove an S4 and obviously I love it.

This is what I have on paper and I was hoping you can comment:

2011 S4 Premium Stronic $58,800
Nav: $3,200
Quattro Sport Diff: 1,500
Metallic: $750.00
Carbon Atlas: $500.00
B&O: $1100.00
Total: $65,850.
Discount: $3870.00
Audi care: $750.00
3m: Free

With Freight and PDI, admin fee and all other taxes etc...is $68,800

They have a car just happens to fit all the description we want down to color and option arriving next week.

I have 2 days to decide.

 

That sounds like a fantastic price. My 2006 was close to 80k out the door.