Re: s4 s6

[johnc@together.net]

Mark:

> 1. Can these cars be daily drivers?

No doubt.  My friend finds his '93 S4 suspension to be a little hard (more on
this later), but this is Vermont so YMMV.  Keep in mind that the S4/S6 is
really the same as the 200, just upgraded and new nomenclature.

> 2. Any preferences of s4 to s6 models?

S4 to S6 change was pretty much name only.  However, the S6's seem to get much
more $$$, possibly just because of a perception of newerness due to the name
change. (still more later)

> 3. Any models or model years to stay away from?

You already got a mention of tranny issues, spozedly solved mid-93.  Also
changed at that time, suspension purportedly gets softer, I have heard in 2
stages (i.e. they softened it once, and then again).  Confirmation from
listers?  From the sound of your interests, you would be digging this setup.
So the trick is to get somebody with a fiche to see if there's a sweet spot
where tranny changes have been made, yet suspension is still stiff...

Previous note you got about wood is not entirely true, not all '93's were
carbon fiber trim, wood was still available.

> 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.

Not sure if we are on the same page.  The '92-'94 S4 is a big car, successor to
the 200.  As mentioned, S6 is the same thing.  In Euro there is the NEW and
fabulous twin turbo S4 which is a super sport twin turbo V6 A4 (small car).
Can't get this here yet, and when you can (end of this year, maybe?), it
promises to be on waiting lists, over list price, etc. etc.  Typical Audi model
name confusion stupidity...

Check out the S-car pages, BTW, for more details on these cars -
http://www.audi-s-cars.com/
particularly this page for model changes:
http://www.audi-s-cars.com/s4s6/f0024.html

> 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

No problem.  Typical high end late model Audi - extremely fast when you want
it, but very easy to drive.  Car feels deceptively small from the drivers
seat.  I find it feels smaller than the '89 200 that my friend had before the
S4, despite being, I believe, slightly heavier.  Audi, snow driving?  You're
kidding, right? These are incredibly nice cars.  Drive one you'll want it.

> space of the 200. I would like to keep the purchase in the $20,000 US range

If you can find an S6 in this range, I would be suspect of it.  I have seen
them from $25-35k in decent shape, with decent mileage.  This is more early to
mid S4 price range.

JC
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John J Cunningham III           Project Leader / Technical Analyst
                                             Country Home Products
johnc@together.net                            (802) 877-1201 X1242
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