s4 s6

[Mark Switek <msswitek@pcpros.net>]

Hello Q listers,

After convincing myself that my 89 200 was just fine for a couple of years
of commuting to work, 60 miles one way on two lane state highway, a friend
showed up at work with an 98 M3. He put me in the drivers seat and within 3
miles of road course driving I had to get out of the drivers seat. I
instantly realixed that a sport touring or sport sedan was in order. 

The 200 was purchased after totaling my 88 90 fwd by attempting to share
the same space with a deer and needing a car immediately. Although the 200
has been a good highway cruiser, I've not cared for the suspension at all.
The soft ride and body roll of a boat just doesn't make it. It is also an
automatic and I still like to shift. 

Now here is where I would like your input. Even before I bought the 200 I
was thinking of acquiring an s4 s6 for my commute. I've never driven either
one and will have to travel to find one. So here is my list of questions.
1. Can these cars be daily drivers?
2. Any preferences of s4 to s6 models?
3. Any models or model years to stay away from?
4. What to look for for potential concerns when shopping?
5. Any other questions that I should be asking?

Here are a couple of my conciderations. 
1. My wife has an A4tq sport suspension and I like the way tihe car drives
  although the steering is dampened a little too much. Purchase a car like
  this and chip, lower, ect? Two of the same cars in the garage?
2. Purchase an s4 and have the package I think I would like. Two of the
same size cars in the garage?
3. Purchase an s6, have a larger car with great handling capability. Is the
 s6             too lage of a car to have a go cart feel. Now remember I've
never driven                   either the s4 or s6.
4. Is the torque curve of the s4 s6 smooth enough for winter driving. I
could       be driving in snow from November to April. I can't imagine this
being an    issue but I just had to ask.
I've typically liked smaller cars although I've grown to enjoy the interior
space of the 200. I would like to keep the purchase in the $20,000 US range
and that is a bit short for what I see the s6's going for. 

For a fleeting second I think that suspension work on the 200 would be ok
but then I'm stuck with fwd and an automatic so that is dismissed as soon
as the idea rolls into my head. 

Any input would be welcome.

Mark Switek
msswitek@pcpros.net
mswitek@nicolet.tec.wi.us