I am about to buy either a 2005 S4 or a 2005 330i ZHP. Any advice on which one to get? I love the 330i's handling and interior, but the low end and top end power doesn't match the S4. The S4 is an auto vs. 6 spd on 330i. The S4 is 21,900..certified and 1 year left on original warranty...BMW no warranty. I am leaning towards the S4, but would love to hear any unbiased thoughts. Thanks

 

Bmw!

 

Unbiased thoughts

Here's one: 6speed > slushbox

If the S4 would be 6speed the comparison would be much tougher. Do you need awd? Will this be your dd (S4's mpg is terrible)? Find 6speed S4, drive it back to back with the ZHP and go from there.

 

S4 will be my daily driver. I am in Ohio so I need some type of snow ability, so if I get the ZHP I will need to get snow tires. Any idea how good the car is with snow boots? I had an '01 330i with the sport package and it was terrible in the snow.

 

Well winter tires do make a huge difference in handling in snowfall etc.... I didn't drive my 330i in snowy conditions before but drove e39 530i in snow (back in EU) and it did just fine. However, quattro with proper tires will be the better bet for Ohio winters.

There isn't significant difference between the ZHP and sport pack 330i. I'm sure you aware of this since you owned 330. It boils down to preferences. To me, the S4 was just too heavy and the mpg terrible. It did have nicer interior tho. ZHP is much more tossable and fun car to drive. More of a driver's car. The maintenance costs on the S4 will also be higher than on the ZHP. As I mentioned earlier, test drive both (6speeds preferably) and see what feels best to you. Both of them are great cars, you can't go wrong.

To make matters more difficult, you should also consider E90 330i or even 335i (since their prices dipped in the high 20's).

 

S4 sounds like an easier choice to be a daily especially if you have to live with snowy winters where you are....Good luck on your decision!

-son

 

The S4 will have more power and excellent inclement weather handling.
The 330i zhp will be more fun to drive, especially with the 6 speed. Has the "specialty" factor, handles great in good weather.
I would check service records on both, because in my experience the Audi maintenance costs can be a little higher than the 330.

As a DD the s4 fits the bill a little better (Quattro and Auto), the BMW with snow tires wont even be in the same ball park as Quattro. If you have another AWD car then I would get the BMW.

 

s4 no regrets

 

I'm pretty sure a ZHP will spank an S4 in competitive driving. The weight and handling of the S4 don't do its power any favors. If fun and driving events are your thing, get the BMW. If you need the quattro for winters and can stand a heavy beast... S4.

But really you're choosing between 2 great options. If you're looking at a B7 S4, that's used M3 territory, and that's a whole 'nother bag. Used S6 S4's and you're back to 330i money.

 

Thanks for all the good advice, really appreciated. I ended up getting a white 2005 S4 with silver leather, carbon fiber trim and 3 years (certified) warranty for $21,900. When it is delivered (next week!) I will post some pics. Thanks again.

 

Congrats!!