So I got this B5 S4 thinking it'd be an awesome daily and I'd be able to be happy with the power, handling, comfort, etc.

I was wrong. It weighs too much, handles like a boat and it does everything in it's power to make 250hp and a ton of torque feel downright slow.

It doesn't help that my GTI kills it in every way except the lack of cold ac and the ability to drive it in winter.

I'm coming up on the replace "EVERYTHING" service which will be turbos, clutch, mounts, etc. 5k+ easy.

So.. I've been thinking about what could possibly be its replacement so I can dump it before failure and not worry about it. Something more like my GTI, powerful but not too much, quicker then the S4 though. Better handling and lower weight, better on gas if I could find it. I'd be willing to sacrifice some comfort in the name of sporty but it's still intended to be a 'daily.'

My first thought would be E36 M3's and honestly that's the only thing coming to mind. Price is about the same, maint similar in cost, but without the huge hit when the turbos go. Should be more tossable and lighter, I lose quattro, whatever.

Any other suggestions?

Or do I just buy another GTI throw 3.94's and a diff in it, some coils and enjoy it? I already have spares

 

I have to drive another one, it's been a while. Last one was a 97 I drove in 2000.. and it felt SOOOOO fast. Probably won't now but it's gotta be better then the B5.

Not enough to give any away but enough to put a spare trans together for a spare if I need it. I'm a hoarder.

No but with 140k and a bone stock clutch and turbos I don't think I want to deal with the disaster that will shortly follow. That and the cost of those chips is bullshit, I'll do a 4bar map and parallel MBC before I do that.

or hell you can buy a 318 ti or what ever

find a crash m3 and swap the motor and then put a twin screw in it and be set. this dude that owns the Mshop down my street has one man that car is ridiculous 

95 m3s are kind of hard to find... I'd go with whatever is cheapest in the e36 m3... you're going to be happy no matter what.   Besides, this is your daily/beater, remember?

not no daily but would be nice

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U8kppNEve0g

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U8kppNEve0g
i wonder how the s4 would handle if you got a nice suspension a set or wheels with nice tires. maybe a chip and a few bolt on and tahts it will make it kinda fun and comfortable and what not

yeah an e36 is your best bet 

simple easy power nice daily pretty reliable as long as you maintain it and fun to drive