New Audi S4 beats E46 M3

[oliie]

Originally posted by Leo_M3
Audi using a V8 already proves that it isn't as good. Having to use a V8 to compete with a smaller engine?
And 344hp (euro spec) compared to 343hp (euro spec) is identical.

Using a 4.2 V8 for 344hp against BMW's S54 which gives the same amount of power. Thats pathethic.

C'mon guys - where is the analytic side of the arguement?! There are always two sides to the arguement...

A 4.2 litre V8 will obviously produce something that a naturally aspirated straight six 3.2 litre can't produce - more torque.

I've not loaded up the article (i've got dial up) but I can pretty much gaurantee you that the S4 will have a significant amount of torque ontop of the M3.

To say that they needed a V8 to compete with the M3's straight six is a little beside the point - the cars need to have different characteristics so that they can market them.

It's pretty much the main reason why BMW won't put an auto into the M3, and why Mercedes won't put a manual in the C32. Likewise, Audi wants to appeal to the people who want lazy torque figures, for example, around town/towing, a V8 sound and the security of 4wd (for example in snowy regions).

I *do* think it is fair to compare the cars, however, because they are roughly in the same ball park figure, and are designed with each other in mind. You don't think that 1hp over the m3 was accidental, would you!

My only gripe with the article, and I mentioned this before, is that a Euro spec S4 was used to compare against a US spec M3 - one that has smaller brakes, for example, than the Euro M3.

O.

[Etez]

I read the review and i think of course a V8 is going to have more torque than a straight 6. The S4 has 302lb-ft ( no idea what this is in NM ) at 3500rpm and the M3 has about 280lb-ft at 4900rpm. Really the S4 being a V8 should have more but its power to weight figure is against it. Thats where the M3 wins. The M3 pulls alot down low but not as quick as V8 will. The M3 doesnt getting to peak torque until 4900rpm whereas V8's will start pulling hard from around 3000-3500rpm. Thats the advantage V8's have....
Oh by the way..ive never driven a V8 but one day i wil..

[Leo_M3]

Very true that the S4 has more tourque. But the M3 dosn't need that extra tourque, cos its lighter

[BLOWN3]

No matter which car you prefer - you'd better watch out for the new S4 at the next set of lights