which car is a better buy? what are the pros and cons of each car?
Which car is faster, has better handling, etc.

I'd have to take the M3. The pros are better reliability, better gas mileage, slightly better performance, and better looks. The cons and less power potential, a higher price, worse backseats, and higher insurance.

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I'd say the S4. You can seat five people and still travel fast without being a radar magnet. If you arent as concerned in comfort, then by all means, the M3 is the way to go. But the S4 has the advantage for power and comfort.

M3= man who wants performance
S4= man who wants performance that can also haul the family around

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M3 - it's a driver's car. The S4 isn't.

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ahhh... but then what you would chose depends on what you want.....

i don't think "different strokes" could be applied more appropriately to another pair of cars commonly compared.

M3: two doors, creamy na engine, rear wheel drive, (questionable handling), not so friendly dealers who have an anti MB policy.... and the car attracts attention whether you like it or not from a certain type of person.

S4: four doors, thumping turbo engine, 4WD, (questionable handling via steering and nose heavy set-up), slightly better dealers but still up their own arses and always bitter towards VW..... the car doesn't attract the same amount of attention because it is more discreet but the guys in the know will know.... and it has nicer cup holders if that's important to you....

M3 is faster, but some modifications to the S4 can make it no contest which is common sense given the turbos. anyway, the only gripe i have with the B5 S4's are their horrid reputation for reliability, or lack thereof. turbos going bad very early, electronic problems and all that crap. otherwise i'd pick the S4 over the M3 for its awd, more room, more tunability, and the clincher, more bmw's on the road than audis. i still like the M3 though. has some heavy advantages over the S4 - ie better reliability and holds its value better.

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Originally Posted by drunken monkey
always bitter towards VW.

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Originally Posted by Quickshift
that could be a problem cause my cousin (i made this thread for him)wants to trade in his VW GTI in for it. The 01 S4s are putting out 280 BHP, while the M3 put out 333 Hp if i'm not mistaken.

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How about if he could find a used EVO or EVO MR how does that compare with these 2 cars. thier 1/4 miles are really close.

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Originally Posted by Quickshift
that could be a problem cause my cousin (i made this thread for him)wants to trade in his VW GTI in for it. The 01 S4s are putting out 280 BHP, while the M3 put out 333 Hp if i'm not mistaken. Well he has to consider the mileage on them, etc.

How about if he could find a used EVO or EVO MR how does that compare with these 2 cars. thier 1/4 miles are really close.

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Hmmmmm. I'm a little confused. Which M3 are we talking about? The E36 or E46? I can't recall if the E46 was officially stateside in 2000. 2001 might have been the first year for us to get that car. And I think E36 production might have stopped in 1999. I'm not sure if we had an M3 at all in 2000.

Anyway, there is obviously a huge diference between the two- 240hp vs. 333hp. If you want an E46, it's going to cost you a bit more than the S4. For the money, reliability, and just all around, I would actually prefer the E36 M3 to the S4. However, I would rather have the S4 than the E46. Don't get me wrong, If you were to GIVE me one, I would take the E46 in a heart beat. But last time I checked they were going for way expensive prices, even used. And because of the more highly tuned motor, I think the expense of upkeep has gone up a bit on the E46. If I was going for the S4, I think I would actually like to get the avant version (wagon). For my budget though, the 98 or 99 E36 M3 is more plausible. It's not too awful expensive to get into, is an awesome all around daily driver and performer, and you can put loads of miles on it without worrying about things breaking.

Of course, if your pockets run that deep, by all means get the E46. That car is awesome.

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thx for the info

I have to talk to my cousin about it i'll tell you how it turns out if it happens soon enough.

feel free to keep posting

BMW M3

The last real BMW. Probably the last inline 6 3-series M-model too. Get it while you still can.

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If we are comparing the E36 M3, I'd rather own the S4 personally. Performance is pretty much a toss up (I think they are about identical in a straight line with the edge in handling going to the M3). The S4 is slightly more practical because it is a sedan, but I think BMW also released a sedan M3 in 2000 as well. I'd test drive both because even though they are similarly priced and performing cars, they drive very different from what I hear.