So, I am in the process of getting rid of my 1998 camaro z28 for something a little safer and more practical. A few others aside, my two main ideas are a g35 coupe, and a 2000-2002 audi s4. I don�t necessarily need the four doors, a 2+2 coupe would suffice. The pros of the s4 would be the handling, safety, and confidence of the Quattro system, the capable 2.7T engine, and the luxury/prestige. However, as is the case in all newer German cars, the mechanical parts are very reliable, while the electronic components leave much to be desired. While I can repair mechanical stuff myself, electronics diagnosis is very difficult, and expensive. The G, on the other hand, would get better mileage, and I would assume, being Japanese, much better reliability. Performance is similar, as is the level of luxury and panache. The modification expense is also similar, both being fairly expensive. The G is actually, to me, better looking, as it is more rare, and the s4, to the untrained eye, looks just like its lower-class sibling, the a4. Anyone have any thoughts on this? How is the general reliability of the G? How does the G perform in the snow/ice and poor weather conditions? Coming from a camaro with its light rear end, high power, and no traction control whatsoever, I can assume it will be better. The s4, of course, is all wheel drive. That would be my only reason to consider it over the G35. Thanks guys...

 

When I purchased my G i was in the same dilema u are right now! It was an Audi S4 Bi-turbo or a G35.

The G35 hanndles good in the snow as long as long as u have snow tires on em. But also keep in mind its rear wheel drive. Luxury, performance speeks for itself. Quality im kinda iffy on.

The S4 on the other hand. Its 4 wheels drive. Quattro. Handles great even in snow. But w/ german cars there seem to be lots of electronical probems. Plus all the parts and labours are expencive.

The G35 is a way better lookin car. turns more heards then the S4 thats why i choose my G..

Keep in mind U cant go wrong with G 35
Hope it helps...

 

If you do a search, you'll find that those with snow tires can do quite well.

 

Well, first of all, I am a fan of the Z28 and the sound of a good tuned engine, so I hope you don't miss that too much if it yours is modded at all.

The few friends that do have the S4 that I know have each had their share of little electrical problems here and there. Overall they don't let it ruin their overall love of the car. Personally for me, it would have irritated me, but it depends on the person I guess. And yes, the electrical problems can get pretty pricey if it's not under warranty. Modded correctly those cars are very fun to drive.

On average, I get about 18-21 MPG on the G with slightly aggresive driving. I haven't had any issues with the car in the year that I have owned it, but I am however, a bit let down in the fact that it has several rattles already, and sometimes you can feel the body flex when you enter or exit steep driveways. But the performance and sound of the car more than make up for it. Once you get used to the heavy rear end, this car is actually very fun to play around with.

If it matters to you what other people think of your car (as far as mistaking the S4 for an A4), you might be better off getting the G since it can't be mistaken for much else out there.

The G actually handles pretty well for me in the rain here in San Francisco, but I have never dealt with snow, so I can't comment on that.

Overall, like what others will most likely say, test drive both cars and see which one puts a bigger smile on your face. At the end of the day, it shouldn't matter what others think. Which ever one makes you happier to get in and drive should be the one you get.

Good luck with whatever you get, and which ever one you do get, please don't turn into one of those people that think all because you own an Audi or an Infiniti, all other cars are crap and have no comparison...becuase I tend to be seeing that a lot on these forums lately. There is a fine line between having much love for your car and being just stupidly snobby about it.

Gernard

 

As a previous Audi owner, get the G35. Unless you get a CPO warranty with the Audi, plan on setting aside $$$ for nusance repairs. In addition, the resale on Audi's is very poor compaired to the G35 Coupe.

 

The G have chit load of problems...creaking, rattling, window motor, brake pad/rotor wearing out quicker than norm... But nothing so far, that I could tell from reading this forum that G have much of major mechanical issues(engine, drive train...), I had an 03 G with 37k when I trade it in, not a single "mechanical" problem....B5/6/7 S4 like you said, it look like any other A4(not really a bad thing tho ) and they are cheaper and somewhat easlier to mod, have you drove the G yet? I tend to think G handles on par with the S4 excpet of course on snow/wet conditions, If you dont need an back seat? you might want to consider the Z.

 

The s4 is really easily modified because it's got Turbo's that can you turn the boost up on.

But as far as mechanically I don't think they are too reliable. One of my friends has one under warranty...and it's always got the check engine light on for one reason or another.

 

Rs4!

 

I drive a G coupe 6MT as my daily driver with snows on it - and though we haven't been hit too bad this winter (so far), the G has really impressed me with how well it handles with snows on, and the VDC ON. You can try to have some fun in an icy turn, and the VDC helps straighten you out and keep you between the ditches. I also have 2 small kids, and they fit nicely in their seats in the back. I'm 6', and don't have to adjust my seat much at all to accommodate my almost 4 year old that sits behind me (on occassion).

We have an Odyssey van for "family" trips to the cottage, or visiting relatives, but as a part-time "fun" ride for the family, it is an excellent choice, and is a ton of fun to drive - even in the winter.

Haven't driven the S4 - but I have driven the A4, and I found it a bit snug for my frame, and the backseat seemed less generous somehow.

Just my opinion. Good luck with your decision!

 

Thanks, its good to hear someone else made the same decision, and didn't regret it. I think Im learning to the G for lower maintenance (probably), and better looks. plus, its more of a sports car.

 

Thanks for your input man. I love my z28 too, but I just need something more practical, and its getting to the point where i need to get rid of it, or dump a bunch of money into it. Im relaly looking for something a little more luxurious. Being able to carry on a conversation in the cabin while on the highway will be nice. lol. I will miss the ls1 v8/t56 6 speed combo though. AWESOME drivetrain. Have to spring for a c6 someday, I guess. Oh ya, and theres no way I would ever trash on people for what they drive, or be snobby about mine. I love cars, all cars. Except maybe mustangs and civics

 

If you're looking for an awd, why dont you give the G35x a look. The attesa awd system is pretty nice in the snow and i love the handling on mine.

 

wait for 2008 camaro
daam its nice 400hp 6.0
sick...... I was it at LA auto show
pics here...http://www.automobilemag.com/auto_sh...amaro_concept/

 

I thought the s4 was a 4.2 liter v8 hmmm

http://www.audiusa.com/features_spec...specifications

 

+1

That'd be more comparable to the Audi. G35x's are neat.

And I'd avoid a 5 year old Audi like the plague. You're looking at a new car with a great warranty versus a money pit with no warranty.