Volkswagen Passat Forum banner
Cancel
Create thread New Garage Forums

S4 vs. B5...

Jump to Latest
5.3K views 47 replies 24 participants last post by  AJChenMPH  
E
#1 ·
Hey guys,

For those who may know/remember me, I've been here for a long while now, and already am on my second Passat. Since there are many new members, just a recap of my story...

I started with an amazin 1999 Passat GLX. I loved it to death and she served me very very well. I also modded it a bunch, from body to suspension, etc. I was going to cap it with a beautiful supercharger, (which was/and still is being developed currently by a PES-competitor), and was already ready to go... when I got side-rammed by F-150 who ran a red light
Image
... So anyway, i and my passanger (Ivan, if you remember him: riceboy) were both okay, and luckily enough, the car was not totalled, though there was frame damage, etc...

Anyway, but a reoccuring problem I had with the car since I bought it was about every few months or so, the airbag warning light would go on. Sure enough, in the collision, (though the light was off at the time, indicating normal behavior), the airbags didn't deploy. Well, it probably saved me, because the impact form the airbags would have probably been greater, as I was able to walk out without even a scratch (passat is one hell of a safe car). Anyway, we brought up the airbag issue to VW, and sure enough, after a few calls back and forth, they gave me a brand new 2002 Passat GLX in exchange for my 1999 GLX. So as soon as she was repaired, I sold my mods, and we switched.

So for a little more than a year now, I've had the 2002 Passat. Keeping in mind that she's basically across the country, as I'm in college in Pittsburgh, and she's in Socal, I haven't had much time or even *yuck* passion to mod her to my liking. As in, I did the suspension and wheels the second I got her, but nothing else, except for a S2k antenna here and there. Lately, having driven her more over my breaks, my passion has come back, and I'm ready to spend some dough and get my mods... but... another sexy girl seems to be calling my name, and I don't know what to do...

So my options are,
1) Stay with the Passat, and mod her to my liking. This will include obviously body stuff (probab Votex kit, etc.), the supercharger, video stuff (3 LCDs, with NAV, DVD, etc.), some audio, etc... So, essentially similar stuff that I wanted to do with my first Passat, but was forced stop of doing so...

-or-

2) Get a 2004 S4 when it comes out this Summer. This baby has caught my eye since details first come out, and I'm having a hard time resistin. 340hp roaring V8, sharp looks, great features... it has almost everything I'm going to mod my passat to, but a lot lot more.... especially Quattro, which I think will be invaluable for my winter driving here in freezing Pittsburgh...

So, what do you guys think... I'm stuck almost in the middle now (there are days when I totally want the S4, and vice versa). Sure the S4 will cost me a few extra bucks, but I'll get almost evertyhing I want in one factory sealed package (which means I won't be able to do as many mods anymore ...
Image
Ahh, help!

I appreciate your help... clubb5 has always been awesome, so i'm having a hard time thinkin i'd have to go to clubb6
Image


-evac

p.s. mods, if you think this is more off-topic, please go ahead and move it... i wasn't sure.

p.p.s if something doesn't make sense in my post, i haven't slept for days (damn school!)... so sorry!


<![CDATA[Hey guys,

For those who may know/remember me, I've been here for a long while now, and already am on my second Passat. Since there are many new members, just a recap of my story...

I started with an amazin 1999 Passat GLX. I loved it to death and she served me very very well. I also modded it a bunch, from body to suspension, etc. I was going to cap it with a beautiful supercharger, (which was/and still is being developed currently by a PES-competitor), and was already ready to go... when I got side-rammed by F-150 who ran a red light
Image
... So anyway, i and my passanger (Ivan, if you remember him: riceboy) were both okay, and luckily enough, the car was not totalled, though there was frame damage, etc...

Anyway, but a reoccuring problem I had with the car since I bought it was about every few months or so, the airbag warning light would go on. Sure enough, in the collision, (though the light was off at the time, indicating normal behavior), the airbags didn't deploy. Well, it probably saved me, because the impact form the airbags would have probably been greater, as I was able to walk out without even a scratch (passat is one hell of a safe car). Anyway, we brought up the airbag issue to VW, and sure enough, after a few calls back and forth, they gave me a brand new 2002 Passat GLX in exchange for my 1999 GLX. So as soon as she was repaired, I sold my mods, and we switched.

So for a little more than a year now, I've had the 2002 Passat. Keeping in mind that she's basically across the country, as I'm in college in Pittsburgh, and she's in Socal, I haven't had much time or even *yuck* passion to mod her to my liking. As in, I did the suspension and wheels the second I got her, but nothing else, except for a S2k antenna here and there. Lately, having driven her more over my breaks, my passion has come back, and I'm ready to spend some dough and get my mods... but... another sexy girl seems to be calling my name, and I don't know what to do...

So my options are,
1) Stay with the Passat, and mod her to my liking. This will include obviously body stuff (probab Votex kit, etc.), the supercharger, video stuff (3 LCDs, with NAV, DVD, etc.), some audio, etc... So, essentially similar stuff that I wanted to do with my first Passat, but was forced stop of doing so...

-or-

2) Get a 2004 S4 when it comes out this Summer. This baby has caught my eye since details first come out, and I'm having a hard time resistin. 340hp roaring V8, sharp looks, great features... it has almost everything I'm going to mod my passat to, but a lot lot more.... especially Quattro, which I think will be invaluable for my winter driving here in freezing Pittsburgh...

So, what do you guys think... I'm stuck almost in the middle now (there are days when I totally want the S4, and vice versa). Sure the S4 will cost me a few extra bucks, but I'll get almost evertyhing I want in one factory sealed package (which means I won't be able to do as many mods anymore ...
Image
Ahh, help!

I appreciate your help... clubb5 has always been awesome, so i'm having a hard time thinkin i'd have to go to clubb6
Image


-evac

p.s. mods, if you think this is more off-topic, please go ahead and move it... i wasn't sure.

p.p.s if something doesn't make sense in my post, i haven't slept for days (damn school!)... so sorry!


[Modified by evacboy, 5:48 AM 1/27/2003]
 
L
#3 ·
Re: S4 vs. B5... (Hizay)

I say go with the S4 if you have the money. I test drove a 2003 A4 1.8T sport pkg on friday and the salesman said the projected price on the 2004 S4 is a little over $50 grand and there will be no discounts. Can I have a ride when you get it?
Image
 
R
#4 ·
Re: S4 vs. B5... (evacboy)

not much debate here unless you have two youngins' and need the space, but even that isn't too much of a difference nowadays with the new A4 platform.

If you think about it, performance mods that we do are basically geared to get the car as close to something like an S4 anyway. So, really no debate. Although I'm sure that someone will...
Image


Edward's $0.02
 
Save
Reply Quote Like Like
T
#10 ·
Re: S4 vs. B5... (fl4ian)

Dude, you don't have to be embarrassed that you're wealthy. An S4 or a B5? You knew the answer before you asked the question...buy the S4 and enjoy all the fun and hot chicks that money brings.

If it were me, however, I'd spend the dough on a Bimmer! Like a fully tricked out M3.
Image
 
Save
Reply Quote Like Like
M
#12 ·
Re: S4 vs. B5... (evacboy)

If you can afford the NEW S4, insurance payments shouldn't be a problem. I'd go for it.

I have to agree with Tyrannosaurus and I would go for an M3.
 
Save
Reply Quote Like Like
F
#15 ·
Re: S4 vs. B5... (NoneRock)

I am also considering the New S4 once its available. But don't know if I want to part with my W8 yet. Guess time will tell on my behalf.
Image


As for you Id say do what I going to do. That is wait and see how you feel once the S4 becomes available. If you are still loving the
Image
.5 stay with it. If not then go for the S4. Or you could get the S4 and keep the Passat.
Image
Trust me I am considering this idea as well.

You can't go wrong either way. Good luck on your decision.
 
Save
Reply Quote Like Like
S
#16 ·
Re: S4 vs. B5... (Flippped)

heh, ooh S4. You're gonna have to start driving me to class once I come back.
Image


Personally, I think the S4, and AWD in general is overrated. With the $50k asking price for the S4, I'd spring for the M3. $46,500 base MSRP...though I'm not sure what they're sellin' for. Not to mention that EVERYTHING on it is an option (yes, including different paint colors). The sequential manual gearbox is another $2400 if you opt for that.
 
Save
Reply Quote Like Like
E
#17 ·
Re: S4 vs. B5... (stealthx32)

Jimmy,

Yah, I was considering the M3 also... but 1) I'm worried about it's winter driving capabilities out here, compared to the S4... (Top Gear recently did a comparo between the new S4, M3, and Volvo S60R... tho the M3 did win, the overall flavor was that for summer driving, M3 is the way to go... but for year round, all weather driving, S4 was their pick...

2) Also, price wise, I've heard S4 will be a few grand cheaper than M3 (when compared with similar options anyway), so that might be a consideration also...

Time will tell best...

-Chi
 
T
#18 ·
Re: S4 vs. B5... (evacboy)

yeah, but in the S4 you'll have a nice car...in the M3 (properly outfitted) you'd have a BADASS!
Image
 
Save
Reply Quote Like Like
S
#21 ·
Re: S4 vs. B5... (BluPassat)

I really don't think there is a question as to what a rational person would choose if given the choice. The S4 is an awesome car, just a bitch to work on with a shoehorned V8. Even worse than the old S4 with the 2.7T. Dude, honestly, for that kind of money, why not go for an A6 2.7T?? Bigger car, pretty fast (mid 6's to 60MPH), 6 speed manual and less money. Also, a chip would give you 300+ HP, so you'll never feel underpowered....
Image
However, if you want a small car, then I can't argue with the S4, though the BMW 330Xi does present an interesting alternative.....5.8sec to 60, AWD, ah well.....dammit, I'm drooling!!!
Image
Image
 
Save
Reply Quote Like Like
A
#22 ·
Re: S4 vs. B5... (sentraSR20)

Two questions, and they should be self-explanatory:

1) Do you plan to invest anything for later, or do you just have an urge to spend money?

2) Would you consider modding to be a hobby (habit)? Would you really keep the S4 "stock"?


I don't know your financial situation, but you said you're a student--and being debt-free after college is one of the best places to be
Image
 
Save
Reply Quote Like Like
S
#23 ·
Re: S4 vs. B5... (ashman78)

Bah, Chi? Not mod? That's like telling the sun not to shine.
Image
 
Save
Reply Quote Like Like
E
#24 ·
Re: S4 vs. B5... (ashman78)

<BLOCKQUOTE>quote:<HR>Two questions, and they should be self-explanatory:

1) Do you plan to invest anything for later, or do you just have an urge to spend money?

2) Would you consider modding to be a hobby (habit)? Would you really keep the S4 "stock"?


I don't know your financial situation, but you said you're a student--and being debt-free after college is one of the best places to be
Image
<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

1) I'll stay debt free even if I go with the S4... so money isn't too big a consideration...

2) This is the million dollar question... I guess modding is an addiction, but the S4 already comes with so so much, there won't be much to mod (at least in the first couple of years). By the time there is mod worthiness, say two years down the line, I'll be out of college and hopefully earnin some big bucks from my CMU degree, with enough spare cash to mod again.

Thanks for your input!

-Chi
 
H
#26 ·
Re: S4 vs. B5... (evacboy)

<BLOCKQUOTE>quote:<HR>

I don't know your financial situation, but you said you're a student--and being debt-free after college is one of the best places to be
Image


1) I'll stay debt free even if I go with the S4... so money isn't too big a consideration...
<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

All I have to say is YOU SUCK!

You are either:

A) A drug dealer

B) Pimp of the Year

C) Dad's favorite child

How about donating $20K to charity or something?

I guess if you are going to do it (buy an S4) you will end up being "Pimp of the Year" even if you weren't before.
 
Volkswagen Passat Forum
posts
3M
members
167K
Since
2002
Passatworld is a forum community dedicated to Volkswagen Passat owners and enthusiasts. Come join the discussion about mods, Quattro, Turbo Diesel, reviews and more!
Full Forum Listing
Explore Our Forums
Volkswagen Passat B5 Discussion B5 Garage Anything Auto The Showroom New Member Introductions