S4 Vs. S5
12-18-2002, 11:07 PM
#1
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Join Date: Jul 2002
Posts: 2,315
So is the s/4s lighter than the s/5s? Hypothetically if i was going to get a good deal on a gxl of either series how much weight reduction could i realistically do. ( power options and what not ) i would like a decent interior but don't care about stripping the hatch portion. OR would i just be better off getting a base model. reason is, because i can get a good deal on a gxl and it is a s5 but no engine (better looking in my opinion, bigger brakes what not) but then i could get an older BASE model for a little more with a somewhat newly rebuilt engine. i'm trying to start a project car to go as fast as possible and i don't have the priveilege of having a TII within 100 miles of me......so what u think 
12-19-2002, 06:07 AM
#2
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Join Date: Aug 2002
Location: Eastern PA
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I don't think there is a big difference in S4 to S5 weight... its more in just what model it is. Most of the info I've seen around the net just has a general weight for N/A's of around 2625 lbs. The lightest model would be an 86-88 Base with manual steering, and aluminum hood, and no A/C (or remove it yourself). I didn't get a chance to weigh my 88 SE at the track yet but I'm sure it's lighter than the GXL with power sunroof, cruise, wing, etc.
I had an 86 base about 6 years ago with manual steering and an aluminum hood.... that thing was bare bones... it even had stock 14" wheels with hubcaps instead of phone dials which is unusual.
If you can find a base with an aluminum hood and manual steering, don't pass it up unless you really need the 4 piston calipers and sport suspension.
I had an 86 base about 6 years ago with manual steering and an aluminum hood.... that thing was bare bones... it even had stock 14" wheels with hubcaps instead of phone dials which is unusual.
If you can find a base with an aluminum hood and manual steering, don't pass it up unless you really need the 4 piston calipers and sport suspension.
12-19-2002, 09:49 AM
#4
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Location: Peoria, AZ
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I have always been under the impression that the s5 weigh about 200lbs more than the s4, and even with the 14hp power gain s4 are faster at the track. 2625 is the weight for the 86-88 SE and GTU, the Gxls weigh in the 2800lb range.
12-19-2002, 10:16 AM
#5
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so we know that the gxls are always going to be the heaviest besides the converts.and they have the lighten rotors in the s5 up the hp a little. but what about the suspension, aren't they different too? would it be worth it to buy a s5 with the heavy goods that i can just take out but also have the better brakes, better lookin front end, and possible suspension...?
12-19-2002, 10:41 AM
#6
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Join Date: May 2002
Location: California
Posts: 22,465
the only differnces in the suspensions are that the non-sporty models get thinner sway bars, the shocks and springs are all the same (except the vert), and all of the arms and stuff are the same. if it was me i would find the most base 86-88 i could, and swap the 5 lug brakes on it, find an al hood etc.
my 1988 t2/20b wieghed in at 2860 with a full tank of gas btw, i think for a 2 rotor na car 2300lbs is doable
mike
my 1988 t2/20b wieghed in at 2860 with a full tank of gas btw, i think for a 2 rotor na car 2300lbs is doable
mike