2nd Generation Specific (1986-1992) 1986-1992 Discussion including performance modifications and technical support sections.

why is the s4 lighter than the s5?

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Old 08-09-03 | 12:57 AM
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why is the s4 lighter than the s5?

i tried searching but 's4' and 's5' was too short
Old 08-09-03 | 01:00 AM
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The word length minimum is extrememly annoying and illogical.
Old 08-09-03 | 01:12 AM
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The doors and dash. Both have extra bracing, and weigh more for S5 cars.
Old 08-09-03 | 01:26 AM
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but they're stiffer right? then it's not necessarily a bad thing...
Old 08-09-03 | 01:30 AM
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oh is that it ?
i thought S4 got a smaller gas tank or something
Old 08-09-03 | 01:36 AM
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Gas isnt included in the curb weight, so gas tank size has nothing to do with it. But yes, S5's are stiffer. After 4 S5's I wouldnt even own a S4.
Old 08-09-03 | 02:01 AM
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Originally posted by kitchen
The word length minimum is extrememly annoying and illogical.
word
Old 08-09-03 | 02:49 AM
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Originally posted by mazdaspeed7
Gas isnt included in the curb weight, so gas tank size has nothing to do with it. But yes, S5's are stiffer. After 4 S5's I wouldnt even own a S4.
yeah i owned a series4 (turboII) and now i own my series5 NA, i dont plan on owning another series4...
Old 08-09-03 | 02:52 AM
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I own one of each, that way I can praise one and complain about the other, depending on which is broke.
Old 08-09-03 | 03:59 AM
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S5's also have things like more anti-sound material, automatic seat belts and so on.
Old 08-09-03 | 06:11 AM
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also some minor engine differences, and body mouldings, but who knows if they weighed any different.
Old 08-09-03 | 11:06 AM
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I think gas is included in the curb weight of a vehicle. Curb weight is the weight of the vehicle ready to drive, with all fluids and fuel.

I don't think it matters much for this question though, since the difference between S4 and S5 is less than 2 gallons. (16.6 to 18.5)
Old 08-09-03 | 01:22 PM
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wow that much differance between s4 and s5 huh? that's crazy! so why wouldn't yall go with an s4 any more?
Old 08-09-03 | 02:28 PM
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S5s have those stupid automatic seatbelts, so the motors and extra bracing for those is added weight. Better interior aswell, and dont S5s have the heavy spares and jacks, where as the S4s have the AL spare/jack.
Old 08-09-03 | 02:51 PM
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wow that much differance between s4 and s5 huh? that's crazy! so why wouldn't yall go with an s4 any more?
How about a $1,500 '87 TII- thats hard to argue w/ and hard to beat w/ any S5 NA!

Seriously, once you begin to get into any serious modifications the differences basically boil down to differences in appearance- that is why you see so many modded S4 TII- w/ the money saved over S5 TII you can often get stand alone engine management, a fresh rebuild and possibly an upgraded turbo...
Old 08-09-03 | 02:54 PM
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not to mention there are a whole lot more S4 turbos...
Old 08-09-03 | 03:02 PM
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not to mention there are a whole lot more S4 turbos...
Well, yes. I think that goes a LONG way toward explaining the price difference between S4 and S5, which was my point- of course.

It is hard to argue the differences melt away once you are over ~300hp level in mods.
Old 08-09-03 | 06:55 PM
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Originally posted by BLUE TII
Well, yes. I think that goes a LONG way toward explaining the price difference between S4 and S5, which was my point- of course.

It is hard to argue the differences melt away once you are over ~300hp level in mods.
Differences in performance, yes. Differences in the interior quality(where you spend most of your time...) as plain as day, and the S4 definately isnt the winner here.

BTW, Ill take this time to mention that Im a proud owner of an 89 TII as well as my 90 GTU
Old 08-09-03 | 09:49 PM
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I always here people bitch about the seatbelts. Just pull the fuse, problem solved and you will also lose that precious 3oz in weight.
Old 08-09-03 | 10:22 PM
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anybody wanna give some numbers? "lighter" is such a vague term.
Old 08-09-03 | 10:45 PM
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finally a thread where s5's are praised more than s4's
Old 08-10-03 | 01:57 AM
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Chassis stiffness . . . this seems to be a benefit of S5s. How can you tell the difference? I have only driven my S4 and it put my Integra to shame in every way.
Old 08-10-03 | 05:38 AM
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Originally posted by mazdaspeed7
Differences in performance, yes. Differences in the interior quality(where you spend most of your time...) as plain as day, and the S4 definately isnt the winner here.
While I like the way the S5 lights look better at night.. even if they do look like a Merc Cougar.. I like my s4 interior better than an s5. I like the guages and the warning lights.. I also like the look of the radio surround better even if it might be more prone to breakage. I also hate the S5 auto seatbelts so the s4 is a big winner there. I wish I had door speakes but I can live without them as I still have the stock stereo in there.. I like the way it looks.

What besdies those few things are different on the interior? If you want to talk about quality my s4 is in better shape than almost every s5 I have seen even ones with lower milage..

Only thing I really wish my s4 had was the 8K redline and engine to go with. The biggest difference to me is the painted moldings on the car. I think those look sharp!
Old 08-10-03 | 05:45 AM
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Old 08-10-03 | 06:02 AM
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If I gave a flying **** about my interior, I'd drive a lexus or bmw. Weight is the enemy to me, s4's are lighter. Function over form, always. Of course there are some things I like about the s5....higher compression, better turbo manifold design, and a real wastegate.

That's not to say I wouldn't drive an s5, far from it. But for the usual price difference I see between the two, it's hard to justify spending the extra cost, especially like bluetII said, once you start modding you won't be able to tell the difference.



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