B8.5 S4 vs 335i?

Stopsign32v · 03-03-2019, 11:24 AM

Well the wife really wants me to get the Audi S4. I'm not against either really. I just want something reliable and fast in the 1/4 after modding.

Both seem to fit the bill.

Performance wise what does the S4 have over the 335i and vise versa after the modding begins?

Eddien123 · 03-03-2019, 12:50 PM

Not too sure of the limits of the s4. It's a supercharger vs turbo. You'll get more instant power with the Audi but I'm pretty sure the tuning of the N55 is better than the V6. I know some people who have done underdrive pulleys and a tune and are making decent power. I know the auto box in the bmw is miles ahead of the Audi. If you're going manual then it doesn't really make a difference.

Wires · 03-03-2019, 01:28 PM

You will be happy with both. The BMW will feel more "connected" from a driving experience, Audi a bit more comfortable.

Here is a great comparison video (A4 B9 and BMW G20 though):

willms81 · 03-03-2019, 04:44 PM

I had a B8 S4 before my C63. Loved the interior compared to the e90 I traded for it and the current Merc. Anything past single pulley tune you're looking at adding a bigger heat exchanger. IATs are an issue, especially if you're in a hotter state like I am (Texas). If you're wanting a lot of power it's going to cost quite a bit of money.

I was debating on trading the Merc in on a B8.5 S4 or a F30 335i xdrive. After some research on the aftermarket options I've decided to go with the F30.

T5viggen · 03-03-2019, 05:26 PM

From my experience (and research) you can get some ok initial gains from Audi’s. After the initial tune and breathing (intake/exhaust) it gets expensive quick to tune. The exhaust on my S4 was over $1300 (for limited gains). I can go FBO and gain 80-100whp on my F30 for the same money. On my RS4 it was going to cost ~15-20k to get to the next level (supercharger and supporting mods). Long of the short, if you’re into tuning, go BMW. I know my RS example was an extreme example.

jmack · 03-04-2019, 11:33 AM

If you do end up with the S4, make sure it has the Sport Differential. S4's without the diff will understeer noticeably due to nearly 60% weight being over the front axle. It might as well be FWD.

Jay440 · 03-04-2019, 12:30 PM

The 3.0T motor is very responsive to map tuning. That motor in my S5 gave 457 hp at the crank with just an intake pipe and modded airbox plus map.

03-03-2019, 11:24 AM	#1
Stopsign32v Private First Class 122 Rep 198 Posts Drives: 2003 Mach 1 Join Date: Mar 2018 Location: SC iTrader: (0)	B8.5 S4 vs 335i? Well the wife really wants me to get the Audi S4. I'm not against either really. I just want something reliable and fast in the 1/4 after modding. Both seem to fit the bill. Performance wise what does the S4 have over the 335i and vise versa after the modding begins?
	Appreciate 0 Tweet Quote

03-03-2019, 12:50 PM	#2
Eddien123 Colonel 1855 Rep 2,554 Posts Drives: F30 335 6MT Join Date: May 2013 Location: New Jersey iTrader: (0)	Not too sure of the limits of the s4. It's a supercharger vs turbo. You'll get more instant power with the Audi but I'm pretty sure the tuning of the N55 is better than the V6. I know some people who have done underdrive pulleys and a tune and are making decent power. I know the auto box in the bmw is miles ahead of the Audi. If you're going manual then it doesn't really make a difference.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

03-03-2019, 01:28 PM	#3
Wires Brigadier General 1646 Rep 4,876 Posts Drives: 2016 340i xDrive Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Calgary iTrader: (0)	You will be happy with both. The BMW will feel more "connected" from a driving experience, Audi a bit more comfortable. Here is a great comparison video (A4 B9 and BMW G20 though):
	Appreciate 1 BEM-S44515.50 Quote

03-03-2019, 04:44 PM	#4
willms81 New Member 2 Rep 20 Posts Drives: 2011 C63 AMG Join Date: Aug 2014 Location: Houston TX iTrader: (0)	I had a B8 S4 before my C63. Loved the interior compared to the e90 I traded for it and the current Merc. Anything past single pulley tune you're looking at adding a bigger heat exchanger. IATs are an issue, especially if you're in a hotter state like I am (Texas). If you're wanting a lot of power it's going to cost quite a bit of money. I was debating on trading the Merc in on a B8.5 S4 or a F30 335i xdrive. After some research on the aftermarket options I've decided to go with the F30.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

03-03-2019, 05:26 PM	#5
T5viggen Second Lieutenant 212 Rep 231 Posts Drives: F30 335i Join Date: Feb 2019 Location: North East iTrader: (0)	From my experience (and research) you can get some ok initial gains from Audi’s. After the initial tune and breathing (intake/exhaust) it gets expensive quick to tune. The exhaust on my S4 was over $1300 (for limited gains). I can go FBO and gain 80-100whp on my F30 for the same money. On my RS4 it was going to cost ~15-20k to get to the next level (supercharger and supporting mods). Long of the short, if you’re into tuning, go BMW. I know my RS example was an extreme example.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

03-04-2019, 11:33 AM	#6
jmack First Lieutenant 549 Rep 384 Posts Drives: OG M2, E70 X5M Join Date: Oct 2018 Location: TN iTrader: (0)	If you do end up with the S4, make sure it has the Sport Differential. S4's without the diff will understeer noticeably due to nearly 60% weight being over the front axle. It might as well be FWD.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

03-04-2019, 12:30 PM	#7
Jay440 New Member 3 Rep 13 Posts Drives: 440i Join Date: Feb 2019 Location: Uk iTrader: (0)	The 3.0T motor is very responsive to map tuning. That motor in my S5 gave 457 hp at the crank with just an intake pipe and modded airbox plus map.
	Appreciate 0 Quote