[GTIdriver01]

I've been reading posts on here about the T5 lately. I've seen the commericals on tv, but never really paid attention to them until i realized the 247-hp engine. Anyway, I may get biased opinions here, but honestly what is the better all around car? I don't want a sports car that has a harsh ride, yet I want luxury. I've always had VW/Audi's (currently driving an '01 VW GTI GLX).

The two cars above are my two choices for my next car in the fall. Yes, i've only had the GTI for less than a year and i'm already looking to replace it. There's absolutely nothing wrong with it, but i want a bigger car.

Thanks...

 

[[email protected]]

Well, there's a big difference between the two cars. The S60 is larger, front-wheel-drive, cheaper in price and does not have the same power as the S4.

The S4 is smaller, particularly inside, and has the awd system. If you aren't in a hurry, I'd wait. Why? If you are prepared to pay the price of an S4, you will probably be seeing the following in the next year to year and a half.

Next Winter - there'll be an S60R with higher hp levels and the Haldex awd system also seen in the Audi TT.

Next Summer - okay, timing on this may be a little off, but the next A4 iteration will spawn an S4 that will most likely be hotter than the current version, and the new A4 is much roomier in the back seat area in particular. Granted, I am fairly certain that Audi will raise the price on the next S4, so it could come in out of your price range.

 

[JWKC]

Is there a link already for the upcomeing S60 R???
Thanks
JWKC

 

[S.R.]

According to reports, the S60R will make its debut in June of 2002. The 298hp, Haldex AWD, and Active Suspension should make for a very sweet combination.

The 3rd generation S4 will probably be much more expensive than the 2nd generation S4 and next S60R, approaching E46 M3 and W302 C32 AMG levels in price. The debate still seems to be whether it will use a V8 or biturbo V6. The next S4 should be a sweet car as well.

-Drew

 

[745TRBOBRK]

George- You said the S60 didn't have as much power as the S4. This is true but I wouldn't make that a big issue when it is only 3hp. S60 247 vs. S4 250. One thing that was not touched on was the weight difference. The S60 is 363 pounds lighter than the S4.

My dad might be getting a new car soon so we are looking around. I went with him on a test drive in an S4 last weekend. He liked the S60 more than the S4 because he thought the suspension was better on the Volvo. I liked the interior of the Audi better than the S60 but I don't really like any of the interiors as much as my 745. It seems to much of the dash comes down between the seats and takes up room where my knee wants to be since I have long legs.

 

[[email protected]]

I've noticed that about Audis also. The A4/S4 and TT both crowd my right knee.

I would check the torque curve on the two cars if I were you. I've driven a spaceball equipped S60 and an S4, and the S4 has a considerably more aggressive seat of the pants feel. A wide torque curve is a VW/Audi trademark of late.

The S60, BTW I think it is a great car, just isn't as aggressive as the S4. I think that's what the R will accomplish. The S4's tranny is a little smoother, though I think manuals are a bigger part of the Audi business than they are Volvo.

 

[stone]

I am trying to get a S60 for my father too

Nice car, good price.

 

[ch7656]

Two totally different cars. I just sold my "chipped" (GIAC) w/exhaust (BORLA) 2000 S4 for the S60. While I do miss the performance (I have a base S60) I don't miss the S4. Too much trouble for a stock HP rating of 250hp and if you mod (like I did) you're almost too nervous too enjoy the extra hp because you're worried something is going to break.

The A4/S4 body has been around now for 5+ years...the new body will be out shortly. And while the current A4/S4 body is still gorgeous you won't be able to get around the fact that very soon you'll be the "old-kid-on-the-block" Granted the new S4 won't be out for a few years but it's still going to date the body. If you're only buying for performance…then you don't care. But then you need to examine my original two points.

The Volvo is new…solid and very fast, and for me the right choice (after owning 6 Audi's). I will buy the next S4 when it comes out (if I don't buy the S60R) but the current generation S4 just wasn't the right car for me.
Just my $.02 you can't go wrong with either car.

 

[ESSSIXTY]

Without starting a war--what's the big deal about all the hp? 0-60MPH in a S60 T5 is great. And cruising on the interstate at any speed doesn't really require the hp numbers. For all practical purposes we're talking about a 4-door sedan with a performance car personality which is a great mix. But-for all out sports car features, might as well get a two-seater and quit trying to compare apples and oranges. My 2 cents only.