"Voice of C. Montgomery Burns" (voiceofcmb)
04/15/2014 at 17:03 • Filed to: None
3
8|
"Voice of C. Montgomery Burns" (voiceofcmb)
04/15/2014 at 17:03 • Filed to: None | 3
| 8 |
I posted a bit ago asking for advice on what car I should pursue (current car 2007 335i coupe). I am now actively in the thick of the car hunt and am doing test drives. So, here's my thoughts on the new M235i and the 2014 S4.
I kept both test drives under 90mph. Back road driving and highway blasts.
1st drive - BMW M235i ($47k, some options). Well, on numbers and in the seat of your pants this car is quicker than the S4 off the line and during the 40-80mph range from the feel of it. The noise of the M235i is quiet until at least 3000rpm but once you get up in the RPM range the car sounds fantastic, loud and distinct. The handling felt tight but fun. There was noticeable body roll and surprisingly the ride (in Sport mode) felt softer than the default mode of the S4. I felt more bumps in the S4. Exterior styling isn't my favorite aspect of the M235i. Call me crazy but I liked the short muscular look of the 135i. Interior also fell short to inspire. Yes, it's much shinier and updated than my 07 335i but eh, doesn't make you feel special.
2nd drive - Audi S4 ($61k, loaded). A little slower than the M235i. Handling was sharp but the steering was too light for my tastes and had some dead spots just left and right of center. The engine sound of the S4 was louder than the M235i at lower speeds but all-in-all I performed the sound of BMW's I6 to the Audi V6. The car had the Prestige package and the interior was very nice. it made you feel more special inside than the BMW. However, just like with the BMW, I am not impressed with the exterior styling of the Audi S4. It suffers from the same problem I have with the S5, it's hard to tell it from a normal A4/5 car.
So, if I had to choose one of these cars, it'd be the M235i for the performance and price. However, I didn't fall in love with either of them so I keep looking.
Now I'm asking dealers to find me a CPO 335is or M3 :)
rb1971 ARGQF+CayenneTurbo+E9+328GTS+R90S
> Voice of C. Montgomery Burns
04/15/2014 at 17:06 |
|
I might have a 1M that you could probably CPO for sale shortly if you're anywhere near NorCal...
|
Voice of C. Montgomery Burns
> rb1971 ARGQF+CayenneTurbo+E9+328GTS+R90S
04/15/2014 at 17:07 |
|
Thanks man, if I was still living in Seattle I might even take that drive but now I'm on the east coast.
404 Name Not Found
> rb1971 ARGQF+CayenneTurbo+E9+328GTS+R90S
04/15/2014 at 17:07 |
|
I don't know about that. I heard they're hard to find.
|
rb1971 ARGQF+CayenneTurbo+E9+328GTS+R90S
> 404 Name Not Found
04/15/2014 at 17:09 |
|
Well, maybe they are in general, but, like, I'm looking at my 1M right now.
Saracen
> Voice of C. Montgomery Burns
04/15/2014 at 17:39 |
|
When you drive the M3 you'll forget about all those other cars.
davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com
> Saracen
04/15/2014 at 17:47 |
|
Do it.
akant
> Voice of C. Montgomery Burns
04/15/2014 at 17:51 |
|
What transmission did the S4 have? Also, the seats are great in the S4, but are pretty firm. Think about that if you plan on driving for a long time. Not uncomfortable per se, but something to consider.
Do you need the AWD, or the 4 doors that you get with the S4? FYI, the S4 is fantastic and fun in the snow, if you live somewhere with changing weather.
TheBucketOfTruth
> Voice of C. Montgomery Burns
05/10/2014 at 22:15 |
|
Since I don't make over six figures, I'm only looking at used cars for the foreseeable future. Paying $61k for a new S4 based on a six year old platform seems like a bad idea to me (although they are very nice cars; my brother drives a 2013).
Maintenance costs aside, used cars that sound like more fun: E90/92 M3, E60 M5, some 911 or Cayman, and that's all I can think of now.