Battle of 2004: Audi S4 vs. Pontiac GTO

[BltByKrmn]

Yes, a lot of you are going to consider me crazy for cross shopping these 2. If I were to give you $14k, which one would you buy? The S4 is going to have higher miles, worse MPG and questionable reliability. The GTO is going to look a little bland and need upgraded suspension and wheels immediately.

[TJSwoboda]

GTO. I got rid of my E39 because it needed too much money dumped into it, and the S4's reputation precedes it from a parsec away: No way would I buy one out of warranty.

[FlyRide337]

Used to own an 05 S4. Loved it! Cant speak for the GTO but I will say the S4 is a great commuter that is somewhat sporty. Pleanty of power, decent in the turns (slightly nose heavy), mpg's are questionable but I saw about 22-23 mpg out of mine with all highway driving.

[mhjett]

Audi has all-weather mastery; GTO has tail-wagging hoonability. Audi has style; GTO is bland. Both make delicious noises. The more natural comparison would be S4 to G8.

Tough call but I think I'd go S4. Just do your research and make sure you're knowledgeable about what you're getting into.

[zaYG]

GTO all day.

B6 S4s really aren't that exciting, pretty boring looking, and unbelievably expensive to maintain.

[Shomegrown]

GTO all day.

B6 S4s really aren't that exciting, pretty boring looking, and unbelievably expensive to maintain.

I'm pretty underwhelmed with either choice.

GTO isn't that exciting either and they are significantly more expensive to maintain than the average GM product.

It comes down to Audi if you need AWD and GTO if you don't. Or get something else.

[FlashRedGLS1.8T]

With 2 kids, S4.

[invisiblewar]

the GTO pictured does not do it justice.



Somewhat better. This may be an 06 though.

[Mosbius Designs]

You've said yourself that you're really only getting something with four seats to appease the wife.

It's not even close, GTO.

[Numbersix]

GTO, unless trunk space is a concern.

NO way I'd own an early B6 S4. They are notorious for drinking oil and have the pre-revision cam chain guides.

[BltByKrmn]

I'm pretty underwhelmed with either choice.

GTO isn't that exciting either and they are significantly more expensive to maintain than the average GM product.

It comes down to Audi if you need AWD and GTO if you don't. Or get something else.

Feel free to make suggestions.

http://forums.vwvortex.com/showthrea...uot-car-8k-18k

[The Ninja]

I voted S4 simply because I need four doors with at least 4 useable seats.

[invisiblewar]

Backseat of the GTO is pretty roomy. May be a bit difficult getting in and out, but as a 6ft 200lb guy, Ive never had an issue getting in the back seat of one.

[6cylVWguy]

When people start considering the replacement of the entire front suspension as normal maintenance on a particular car, I'll choose the other option by default. And I'm generally a fan of the V8 S4's, even if they don't feel all that fast.

[JustinCSVT]

The Goat.

[vmchurch]

Say No to both and get a MKIV R32


.....or if it has to be one of the two, GTO by a mile

[matches]

[FlashRedGLS1.8T]

the GTO pictured does not do it justice.

...

Somewhat better. This may be an 06 though.

Wait, black trunk and roof improve the look?

[vdubdave]

After looking at and originally wanting the B6 S4 I'd say it's in no way worth the maintenance cost and potential problems you could have with it. It's not really that fast, it doesn't respond well to mods (including even a supercharger), and the timing chains/guides in the rear of the engine are a ticking time bomb. After learning all of this, I decided on an RS6, which I realize isn't any cheaper to maintain but at least it is worth the associated costs. So if your other option is the GTO, I'd say go with that all day long.

And I'm surprised no one posted this yet:

[rustywoodstone]

Is the B7 any better then the B6 as far as reliabilty goes or is it the same because it's the same engine?

[JMTombstone]

the GTO pictured does not do it justice.

No picture can do a GTO justice because they look like a**. But that is just my opinion. Looks are what would keep me away from the GTO, even though it performs well.

[g60rabbit]

FWIW

I had an 04 s6 spd sedan s4. Got it with around 60k miles sold with around 75k miles. As reliable as a car I have had. Drove it for about 1.5 years.

I liked it...but I dont miss it. Kinda did every thing real well but didnt wow me in any one area.

I would describe the car as "nice". And for the potential maintenance/repair issues "nice" just isnt worth it.

I am in the same boat as someone else as far as the RS6 is concerned. Yea it might give me more headaches then an S4. But it will be worth it IMO.

[01tj]

S4 is more car for the money but I would take either. I've driven both and they are both great car's

[IronJoe]

'04 is the LS1.


If you step up to the 2005 MY you get better brakes, LS2 with +35bhp and +50ft-lbs & no MPG decrease, hood scoops, better looking/sounding dual exhaust, better wheels (optional 18" 5-spokes look great IMHO) and a few other little things I'm forgetting.


Honestly the 2005s aren't that much more expensive. Even if the engines were the same, it'd be worth it for the brake upgrade.



As for the comparison to the S4 - if you need AWD and a 4 door, a GTO isn't gonna do it. I'd venture a guess that the reliability/maintenance of the GTO would be cheaper/easier based on the proven drivetrain. (pure speculation as I haven't owned an S4).


Here's what my GTO sounded like with the Corsa cat-back:

[SVTDanny]

I am in the same boat as someone else as far as the RS6 is concerned. Yea it might give me more headaches then an S4. But it will be worth it IMO.

Yes.... but an RS6 will be $10k more than he is looking to spend, and is auto only.

[Lifelong Obsession]

From RockAuto's "Repair Index": "Parts for the 2004 PONTIAC GTO 5.7L cost only 56% of what parts for a 2004 AUDI S4 4.2L cost."

I'm going with the GTO, unless you really need the S4's cargo space.

[vdubdave]

Is the B7 any better then the B6 as far as reliabilty goes or is it the same because it's the same engine?

The B7 is almost exactly the same as the B6, mechanically. Only differences being mostly cosmetic.

[DTMTrini]

GTO. Though I've driven an S4 in every generation beyond B5, and have yet to touch a GTO, i'd choose the GTO...

[SSLByron]

2004 = 5.7L GTO

Sadface.

[invisiblewar]

Wait, black trunk and roof improve the look?

you must of to read the words somewhat.

[FlashRedGLS1.8T]

you must of to read the words somewhat.

Can you reply in English please?

[20VT*J4]

I voted GTO as well. May not be the most exciting car to look at but lets be honest here, neither is the S4. I've been a passenger in a GTO and it rides well, has plenty of space for 4 adults and has plenty of power. The one I rode in was a 5.7L and while the 6.0 would be nicer, it certainly wasn't anemic by any stretch of the imagination.

[BltByKrmn]

It will probably just come down to what I find. If I find a really nice GTO that has been taken care of, I'll buy that. If I find a really nice S4 that was owned by an adult and meticulously maintained, I'll buy that.

[bubbagti]

GTO for me.

I owned a B5 S4 and loved it, never liked the B6 or B7

[71DubBugBug]

The B7 is almost exactly the same as the B6, mechanically. Only differences being mostly cosmetic.

and updated chain tensioners?