Love the S2000, but just found out I won't have access to any other car in the fall or winter this year (my sis is taking it to college in Cambridge with her). So I must give up the S2000 for something more practical. Still hope you guys don't mind if I continue posting here off and on.

Now the two candidates: Which would you go for as your first car? Why? Currently, I'm in favor of the Bimmer for its major profilin' points.

Best regards,
SpaceNeedle

 

I mind!

Go away you shameless poser!



J/K man!

I would go for the 330Ci, hands down personally.

 

I had the same decision few weeks ago (S4 or 330ci, not about giving up my S2k, though). I like both cars equally but I chose the S4 for the all wheel drive and the more HP and torque..I like the looks of the bimmer more but for me the S4 was the more logical choice. It will be my daily driver and will definitely be my bad weather car so the all wheel drive was attractive to me. I should be getting my S4 in March or April. Either way I think you are getting a nice ride.

 

I don't consider myself too bias since I admire both so I'll try and post my pos/neg views on both.

330ci postives: I love bimmer styling and the coupe is a real looker... heck that's why I still have my e46 M3 deposits, I'll most likely be getting that later this year when my number comes up. Incredibly great NA engine, above par quality, solid as a rock... great tranny and even the steptronic is a pretty good compromise if you choose the slushbox route.

330ci negatives: minor things like the windows squeeking the wet, outdate NAV system (if you get that $1800 option), 330ci is suppose to be even more disconnected to the road than the 328ci which I found much vaguer than our S2000. Personally I don't like the brushed aluminum treatment on the front compared to the 328ci.

S4 positives: 300+hp from a chip, AWD, 6speed tranny, sleeper profile and for some, the 4 doors.

S4 negatives: I don't like the interior as much as the bimmer, tranny is clunkier than the BMW, more understeer, sleeper profile (unless you get the best S4 color, yellow!!!).

That being said I personally would probably get the S4 before a 330ci. The performance is there and that's foremost in my brain when comparing the two. S4 vs. e46 M3? I'll take the M3 thank you.

 

I don't know in state, but in canada, 330ci MSRP is around $48500 CAD whereas the S4 is somewhere around $58000 CAD, yes the price has gone up a bit for '01 S4 here. Now we're talking about 10k difference and that makes it an even tougher decision to make. I agree with what other ppl said about the pros and cons of each car so it depends on you want a better performance car or a more luxurous car. If I had enough $$ in my pocket, I would go for the S4.

 

Both are too heavy and too expensive, IMHO.

I'd go for the somewhat ugly but great performing and reasonably priced WRX.

...or an A4 1.8T with the right mods.

 

I'd go for the S4 because of its more practical nature. If you're going to have to drive in poor weather, AWD is a nice thing to have...and like everyone else says, just add a chip and you're over 300 hp.

 

Touch decision. S4 would definitely rock a lot of cars out there. The performance is highly attractive, but the styling is not. The interior is really nice, though. The sound system wasn't all that great. My friend's Celica sounds better.

Loki: I'd love to get the M3, but I'm not on a list and I wouldn't be able to afford the insurance with my two tickets on record.

Jay: If you didn't know already, I'm not a very practical guy. The weather here in Seattle doesn't absolutely call for Quattro. It's definitely nice, but not necessary like MI, Chicago, Boston, etc. We rarely get snow here.

 

S3 guys!!!
Oh! I forgot you don't get it in the us...

It's an awesome-looking car, quite similar in terms of price and performance to the s2000, and has 4 seats...

http://www.autogerma.it/audi/mod/s3/s3col.html

[Edited by le car on 02-18-2001 at 10:37 AM]

 

My take. Take the Bimmer. It is rear wheel drive, big and comfortable. The weight distrubtion is great. Compare with S4. The engine sits too far to the front. Weird 6 speed shifting feeling. The quattro when in normal, 100% front wheel drive. When in trouble, it CAN go 100% rear wheel drive. If you are used to rear wheel drive car like I do. Take the BMW. You will feel right at home when you drive BMW. Granted, both car are heavy. In my opinion, BMW coupe is much more stylish than S4. Get sports package if you want 330i or 330ci. Sports package will cure lots of driving problem and look cool. Be ware, those tires are not cheap.