[WilliCO]

Truly different cars, as many have said.

I think that the average person will envision themselves more favorably in an S4 - carving the canyons, running laps on the track - but in real life most may find that the 5 series is a more satisfying car.

I've got an '05 545 sport, which at this point I'd have to say is a little high strung for what I want in a car.

For me, the lamented softening of the F10 over the E60 isn't necessarily a bad thing. A car that will coddle me at 11:30 PM on the way home from the airport, blow my mind with a great stereo, be fast enough to let me pass easily 95% of the time, handle well enough, and look as good as the F10 looks - that sounds like a good choice for me.

Of course, those who really do track their car and want a smaller form factor might choose the S4, which really is also a fantastic car. Horses for courses.