SVX Comparison

[JIM_WARREN@HP-FtCollins-om4.om.hp.com]

Item Subject: cc:Mail Text
I drive a 92 S4, and in my opinion the engine/turbo/transmission are 
rock solid.  I have previously owned an 87 5KCSTQ and never had any 
problems in this area.  The things that break are usually small 
annoyances, like switch illumination bulbs, power seat controls, power 
window controls, gas pedal, etc.  These are unreasonably expensive at 
the Audi dealer, and third-party sources are hard to find.  Normal 
wear items (brake pads, filters, etc.) are reasonably priced from 
third-party sources.  I also believe that excellent preventative 
maintenance and high-quality  fluids help.  For example, change 
antifreeze and hydraulic fluids regularly, which the factory says
are permanent fluids.

I have never driven an SVX, but here's what I like most about my Audi:

  * Great long-distance highway car, quiet, stable, solid, fast
  * I cannot justify having multiple vehicles for my normal 
    transportation, so I want an all-season, all-weather, fun-to-drive
    car which is big enough to haul my family, luggage, and
    weekend trips to Builder's Square.  The S4 fits this bill
    perfectly!  You can even carry 2X4s in the ski sack.
  * Turbo is great for high-altitude use.  I can blast up I-70
    west of Denver into the Rockies as fast I want (as long as
    there are not too many Lexus and BMWs in my way)  Also gets
    excellent gas mileage for a 227 hp car.
  * AWD quattro system is great in the snow, and once you get used 
    to having it all of the time, it is hard to switch back to FWD/RWD
    (I didn't believe this until I have experienced this; probably a
    big reason for us quattro fanatics who keep buying them over and
    over.)
  * I like to shift gears.  Try to list performance sedans with FWD or
    AWD with 5-spds, and the list is pretty short.
  * Also, I believe that German cars become more enjoyable the more
    you drive them.  I am not sure exactly how to say this, but the
    driver and car "bond" and you appreciate the car more and more
    as you drive.  I have never experienced this feeling with
    Japanese cars.
  * As far as performance, if 227 hp is not enough, spend $800 for a
    ship and get 275+.
  * Lastly, these cars are mechanically good for 200K+ miles, and they
    depreciate quickly in the first few years.  So you can buy a great
    2-4 year old car for a reasonable price.  I bought a 2 year old S4
    for less than a new Millenia S, SVX, Maxima, etc.

Jim Warren
Fort Collins, CO

>I am currently driving an SVX (subaru).
>I got into hang-gliding, and since SVX cannot
>be fitted with a roof rack to carry a glider, and I am
>a AWD FANATIC, I am considering buying a 92/93 S4
>and I wonder if you can help me with info about its
>(engine/turbo/transmission) reliability (I drive 30Kml/year).
>
>Also, how does it compare to the SVX in performance
>(I test drove one used 92 S4, and it did not appear to be much faster
>(probably my unskilled shifting is to blame), and the steering felt 
>VERY light).