the first donuts

Hi,

I'm new here. I'm looking to sell my '87 bmw 325i and buying an FC.

I just don't know what the difference between S4 and S5 is. I know that S5 have different (way better looking IMO) rear lights than the S4. Is that it Becuase S5's seem to be quite more expensive and rare.

If I were to get an S4, how much would it cost to convert the rear lights to S5 look?

Can you guys explain Pro and Cons etc of S4 and S5?

I'd really appreciate the help. It would really narrow down my choices when I get to the point of purchasing an FC. Thanks.

Rotary Racer

Wow this could take a while lets narrow it down. Are you looking for a N/A or a Turbo? Coupe or Convertible? Do you want a normal 7 or a special model (I.e. the rare models)? From this I think we can keep the post on this small and lot like 5 pages

poor college student

basically, s4's were lighter, and had less power than s5's, they have different tail lights... there's lots of other little stuff, like the lsd is different and this and that, but i don't know much, just read much... i figure eventually it'll soak in :P

KiyoKix

If you want an N/A car then go for the S4 (best if you get the GXL), if turbo then get the S5 because of the turbo setup they use (twin scroll, no that doesn't mean twin turbo, but it spools better and is better in the long run). That a simple way to help you out.

jacobcartmill

iTrader: (6)

actually they didn't use twin scroll on the s5's. they used twinscroll on the s4 turbos. they took it out of the s5 turbos because they were basically pointless and didnt really help performance.

Rx7Nub

I think S5 has lighter rotors and about 16 more hp?

Rx7Nub

Turbo II, i mean..

Ni5mo180SX

S5 NA has lighter rotors, higher compression, lighter flywheel, and VDI (variable dynamic intake I believe(?)), over the S4 NA. Some of the differences I listed above helped raise the redline on the S5 by 1kRPM (8k rpm for S5). Also the S5 cars had electric OMP and S4 had mechanical OMP. Most members have different opinions on which is better as far as the OMP. I have a slightly modded ( ) S4 and even with the updates to the S5s, I hold ground againist modded S5s.

Ni5mo180SX

S4 NA=146hp
S4 T2=182hp
S5 NA=160hp
S5 T2=200hp

(I think thats right)

the first donuts

sorry guys for not clarifying.

I'm looking at Turbo not N/A and not convertible.
and not really looking at any 'special editon' or 'limited edition' models.

I also read somewhere the compression on the S4's are "better" than S5's whatever that means. Is that just irrelevent stuff I should ignore or is it true?

the info so far is really helpful, thanks a lot~!
I'll probably be doing more research myself ontop of what I've already done.

Anything else you guys think is relevent please add!! I appreciate any and all info.

jacobcartmill

iTrader: (6)

the compression isn't "better" but it is lower. lower is usually considered better when you are running boost because the lower the compression, the farther you are from detonation.

the first donuts

oh i see

So its alien to why mazda decided to raise the compression on the S5 turbo's eh? must be some sort of reason~

anyway, thanks jacobcartmill.

Icemark

No, In stock form the higher compression nets more HP and torque.

Its when you start moding and increasing boost levels that the higher compression becomes and issue.

Icemark

But you would find if you searched that the S5 is considerably heavier, worse stock emissons, slighty softer handling, and has about 20 more HP.

BadBoy

good shot there icemark!

M's

s4 is better because it is lighter and has a better lsd. the s5 fanatics will tell you that it is better but if you plan to mod or even just leave it stock(yeah right) the s4 is better. it is actually also faster in stock form. the s5 has a little nicer turbo and manifold but again, these would be changed when heavily modded. So mod an s4 away. tail lights are around $300 btw. but you can also get them from a t-bird. hehe

Matlock

S5 is probably a better car. Newer, more power, all the really good stuff. But take into consideration finding one is hard and they are more expensive. I'd proabably go S4 cheaper, and basically the same (you can get to the same power levels).

the first donuts

lol. going back and forth.

well, yea I plan to mod it..but no real heavy engine modding...so would that make the S4 strengths somewhat um..can't find word, not exactly irrlevant, but less important. although it weighs less..you can always take weight off by taking things out and adding lighter parts to an S5 (as well as S4).

The weight difference is how much? Its not THAT considerably high that it would actually lean me towards an S4 rather than S5 would it?

the only modding I'd be doing to the engine are little, nothing like brand new huge mother turbo's or anything. Probably just air filter, bov, full exhaust, and some other stuff that may come along to boost the hp a little, possibly intercooler. because if an S5 come stock with 200.. i high flow exhaust increase the hp greatly on rx7 turbos 'cause the exhausts on stock turbos are very restrictive.

I don't want/need anymore than 270 (give or take a few), maybe i'll get greedy and go little higher but definately nothing over 350.

I hope you guys see where I'm coming from. I don't plan on making this some drag mobile or anything. and +/-270 is well enough for autoxing and some occasional track for fun.

Most of performance mods I'd be doing is probably suspension, handling, light weight mods, light flywheel, clutch, lsd etc, and some mods to bulletproof the car more like braided brake lines, new pulley etc, and basic interior stuff. possibly a kit.

Like most of us, we are not that rich, and can't really afford big mods. I'll gradually build up. but With my situation, now that i know the differences, what do you think is better choice. I know an S5 for sale btw
thanks

the first donuts

I see, but like a lot of people have said, when you start modding, the softer handling etc will all be replaced by performance suspension, control arms etc, stock emissions factor will be irrelevant once that exhaust system gets on, and i guess the weight would be the only bad thing.

thanks for the info though, its good stuff to know.

the chances of my car being stock ....
hehe.

Icemark

About 200-250 lbs. depending on options. The Stock US spec S5 T2 almost weighed as much as the manual tranny 'verts.

The only other draw backs are as mentioned above with that the S5 you are stuck with the left over mid-eighties T bird lights and left over mid-eighties Mercury Sable wheels.

the first donuts

okie thanks~ wheels obviously be aftermarket.
Never seen T bird lights. but i assume they are the same. oh well, what can I say, I like em!~

btw, what wheels are these?

i wonder if it'd look good on an FC. Cause i like em.

mintrx7

I think this would have to be a good way to start.

Also if you are going to install a high flow exhaust I would personally go for the S5 if you have the cash, purely bacause the S4 turbo's run into turbo creep problems when these exhausts are intstalled and need to either:
1)have the wastegate ported
2)install a free'er flowing turbo ie S5 turbo

other than that you can install FCD etc but i think the two methods above are more viable options in the long term.

rx7sam

13B2QuIcKNy

why does everybody say they came from a fuccin t-bird?? they came from the original rx-2 and 3's... 4 round tail lights..imo

just to clarify that... S5 is more refined.. and if u find an s5 over an s4 the s5 will probably be in much better condition....

xpLicit Fc3s

Those rims above are Advan RGs. I used to be in love with those rims also but for some reason i am now infatuated with the Ce28ns...