[dad]

I have to concurr on the value of a Subie. I am activily seeking an '04 Audi S4, I have currently had four of them out on test drives and I must tell you this machine is far better than "people in the know" understand. Like P51 (Rob) I dont just consider myself a good driver I know I am , and more importantly with similar mechanical prowess as P51 , albiet generated from different learning curves I know a capable piece of machinary when I drive it.
Having said that the only reason I dont buy an STI , and I mean the only reason is that at this time in my life I want a level of refinement with a 340 hp rocket that the STI does not offer. The STI will very likely out perform marginally the '04 S4 in most if not all catagories except for overall level of finish which I am sad to say (being a huge Subie fan) does not hold a candle. For example a very good example of an '04 S4 will sell in the mid 50k area, an excellent example of the STI can be had for up to 20k less.....all things considered that is amazing value.

There is some argument about the quattro drive system being better than that of an STI (the name they give it illudes me at the moment) I have not fully got my head around some of the tech here so I will only comment to the extent that both of these systems clearly represent excellent engineering implimented in such a way that maintenece and overal longivity of the product are incredible on both designs.The rest of the commentary in this respect may be a moot point unless you are an all out track fanatic and are a capable enough driver to even take and exploit these systems to the edge .....

Now, just for giggles , here are a few of the things that as a driver , and having driven both of these vehicles, I find "different" between the two cars. Remember the Suaru is 15-20k less money.
- the driver position in the S4 is the very best in any car I have ever driven, the
STI does not fail here by any comparison, but is not as good.
-pedal position , weight of pedals when applied , position of your feet when your
driving "street aggressive" (read as , as fast as a test drive permits)is better in
S4.....but not by much.
-the lenear quality of the power in the S4 is intoxicating if not falsely confidence
inspiring, you have to be carfull because this car wants to go and before you actually know it is your try to scrub off speed to get through a twisty....the power of the STI is just plain thrilling ....period
-the chasis of the STI "feels" stiffer but that could just be the weight, seat time would tell the truth here.
-with tighter sway bars I believe the S4 would by a long shot be a better , more well behaved all around sport sedan...but will never "handle" as good as an STI
-The interior of the S4 rocks....the interior of the Sti almost rocks...
-both cars a very safe in all considerations fo such
-the S4 has a wolf in sheeps clothing apealls to me....evan when you change the exhaust and open it up it still has a refinement not offered in the STI, or many other cars for that matter.
-both feel torquey, more so in the S4 (read as the car with the V8)


Icould go on but the general point is that despite the fact that I prefer the S4, it in no way equates to any kind of value when compared to an STI....not even close. great car for a great price...