2007 Audi S4 Quattro M

An "S" on the rear end of an Audi signifies a pumped-up version of a given model. The 2007 Audi S4, packing a 340-horsepower V8 within its relatively small dimensions, shows that the gentlemen from Ingolstadt mean business in the compact sport sedan segment. Aimed at the BMW M3, and to a lesser degree, the considerably more costly Mercedes-Benz C55, the 2007 S4 is a serious enthusiast's machine. Somehow, Audi has managed to shoehorn its 4.2-liter V8 from the A6 and A8 into an engine bay best served by a 4-cylinder -- and cramped even with a 6. And "shoehorned" is not the least bit exaggerated. Audi literally had to redesign the engine to shorten it some 2 inches; chains mounted in the rear now drive camshafts once run by a forward-facing rubber belt. Both the oil and water pumps have been relocated lower and to the side. Total output for this normally aspirated V8 is an impressive 340 horsepower and 302 pound-feet of torque, and Audi fills out the car's abilities with a sport-tuned suspension, big wheels, sticky tires and more powerful brakes.

In addition, the S4 also offers a few things the competition doesn't: all-wheel drive (AWD) and a variety of body styles to choose from. The benefits of the increased grip that Quattro provides on slippery roads won't be lost on enthusiasts who live in rainy or snowy climates. Just make sure you have the All-season or winter tires as I found out during last month's snow storm. The performance tires do not perform well in snowy conditions. Buyers also have a choice of transmissions, manual or automatic, whereas some rivals offer an automatic only. Apart from the performance potential, the Audi S4 maintains the qualities we've admired for a long time in Audi's jewel of a small car -- a stylish and functional cabin, very supportive seats (in this case, Recaro sport seats) and excellent build quality. Compared to its closest peer, the M3, the Audi is not quite as visceral, but in the real world of rush-hour traffic, potholes and precipitation, the S4 looms as the more practical choice for a compact super sport sedan.

All Audi S4s are fitted with a 4.2-liter 340-horsepower V8 that sends the power through either a 6-speed manual gearbox or a 6-speed Tiptronic automatic. The Quattro all-wheel-drive system, which is standard on the S4, is unlike most other Audi Quattro offerings. It has a 40/60 front-to-rear power split in normal situations to give the car a more dynamic attitude when cornering. Audi claims that an S4 sedan equipped with the manual tranny can sprint from zero to 60 mph in 5.3 seconds. As one would expect with a 340-horse V8, performance is thrilling, and on winding mountain roads, the S4's top-notch underpinnings result in excellent handling while still providing a supple ride. While the Audi S4 isn't quite as razor-sharp as BMW's M3, the extra grip afforded by its all-wheel drive could justify the tradeoff for many enthusiasts, particularly those of us who live in the foothills where snow-packed roads are a part of life.