I'm looking to lease a 2012 S4 premium with nav and B+O, really want to know opinions on getting the $1500 Sports differential or not. My thought is, is there a difference other than being able to switch between ride comfort and throttle response? I do like to drive hard and fast, what would be the difference and all things considered it is just a lease and I will return it at the end of the term.

 

...while I'm yet to take delivery of my S4 (tomorrow!) it seems that the general consensus is this is a must have feature. It doesn't just add the adjustments you are talking about - it adds a mechanical differential that helps reduce understeer (essentially).

 

Before purchasing my car, I test drove one (manual, fully loaded 2011 S4) at a dealer. The salesman took me along the Queensway and told me to go into 2nd or 3rd while taking a hairpin turn ramp onto the highway. I did so and he said, "add more gas...... more..... more......", before I new it, I was going 85 km/hr on this turn and the car stuck like glue to the pavement. I did not feel the car slip or even want to. He said, "that's effect the rear differential has in action". AMAZING demo. I knew at that point I needed that option. To this day, I still take the on/off ramps pretty aggressive, just because of that feeling.

In my opinion, a definite must option.

 

I agree. I have the sport differential on mine, and the car is able to take corners at unbelievable speeds and stay planted. This option is a must!

 

I was privilaged to get to drive the 2012 S4 with the sport diff all day yesterday, red and black leather with red stiching, carbon fiber interior trim.....just beautiful. Needless to say i enjoyed the diff A LOT!

 

Sports Diff shouldn't even be an option, it should be on that car by default, can't it imagine without it.

 

Not looking to fuel the rumour mill but I was told very recently that it would indeed be standard equipment on the 2013 S4. Was also told that ordering would begin in the next 2-4 weeks so all could be revealed soon. Therefore to the OP, it may be wise to hold off ordering a '12 if you can. My current car doesn't have it but from all of the positive press it's received I'll definitely get it on my '13.

 

The sport diff is a must have. I have had mine for over two years. As soon as I get in the car I set her to dynamic. You really notice this in the wet especially with snow. It feels close to my S2000, now that is saying something. I say, dont leave home without it.

 

I agree with Seinsmeld on the diff - its great in the wet and the snow, but it's outstanding at the track. No Sport diff = no sale IMO

 

when you want to put your foot into it, there is no better feeling. Ill leave it in "auto" all day (job requires i drive all day pretty much), so when its home time it is the first button i push!!!