To be fair the difference between an S3 and an S4 is not as critical, it would be worth a look if you can accept a manual (only S4/Max/5/Coupe/SS/Plus 8 offered Auto with the 4.8)
The S3 had the uprated nose with normal eyeballs, the 4.4L was a nice engine and rev'd really well. Worth a visit if a manual is an option?