RE: Audi RS4 B8 beats B7: Tell Me I'm Wrong
Discussion
"The new car is much bigger. The benefits of this are, the car is much bigger" Um, right...
"The new car has a nicer interior". Of course the newer car will have a slightly "nicer" interior (and have slightly more space, have slightly more power, be slightly more expensive...)
"Automatic gearboxes are great in town and change gear really quickly". No s
t. No manual gearbox enthusiast would ever dispute these facts. It doesn't make it better, however. It's just an automatic gearbox for people who don't like changing gear. Fine.
"There are no suspension/stability/throttle response/exhaust=loud buttons on the old car". Good.
"The new car has a nicer interior". Of course the newer car will have a slightly "nicer" interior (and have slightly more space, have slightly more power, be slightly more expensive...)
"Automatic gearboxes are great in town and change gear really quickly". No s
t. No manual gearbox enthusiast would ever dispute these facts. It doesn't make it better, however. It's just an automatic gearbox for people who don't like changing gear. Fine. "There are no suspension/stability/throttle response/exhaust=loud buttons on the old car". Good.
I'm big fan of the B7 RS4 and I'm normally a BMW fan boy.
There is just something so 'tight' about the way it looks, particularly in estate form. I love the bucket seats which add to the whole experience as does the noise. I remember driving one back in '07 and thinking how wrong it was that a grey, Audi saloon could make such a fantastic noise. Looking at them now, you realise how much cars have grown - they look diddy.
I wasn't really fussed about the B8 when it was released because it seemed to have lost the chunky, but subtle look of the B7. However, it does look good in the flesh...really good. It is quiet a colour sensitive car though.
I've thought about buying a B7 but I guess the high cost for what is quite an old car now puts me off as does the running costs...discs, pads, suspension etc. They're expensive items to resolve and the cars that have had these sorted are pricey. But, that noise...
There is just something so 'tight' about the way it looks, particularly in estate form. I love the bucket seats which add to the whole experience as does the noise. I remember driving one back in '07 and thinking how wrong it was that a grey, Audi saloon could make such a fantastic noise. Looking at them now, you realise how much cars have grown - they look diddy.
I wasn't really fussed about the B8 when it was released because it seemed to have lost the chunky, but subtle look of the B7. However, it does look good in the flesh...really good. It is quiet a colour sensitive car though.
I've thought about buying a B7 but I guess the high cost for what is quite an old car now puts me off as does the running costs...discs, pads, suspension etc. They're expensive items to resolve and the cars that have had these sorted are pricey. But, that noise...
A recent B8 owner here and somebody who last year went though the B7-B8 debate....
A few things missed in the article (and comments so far) is the fact that these cars are generally bought as a compromise due to family commitments, by people who need a good all rounder that are, and I hate the term, 'petrolheads'. To that end there are a number of buying factors that overrule the usual buying requirements of a sports car such as feedback, RWD, 0-60 etc etc
Comfort. The B8 is full auto and has comfort mode. For those times when you're fully loaded up and just want to get home with the least amount of drama possible. But it has the advantage of sports mode and manual paddles/sequential stick on those trips to B&Q or a weekend blat. Those downshifts through the sports exhaust are epic!
Space. The B8 has a longer boot than the B7, something that is imperative when you're carting round a buggy and a dog.
Safety. I'm generally carrying a fully loaded car with my 2yr old son, missus and dog, so the B8's newer safety standard and side airbags etc win again.
Economy. On a motorway cruising at 70-80, fully loaded in comfort mode, my B8 sees 30-35mpg. It's also cheaper to insure than a B7.
The B8 is, for me, an amazing all rounder, that doesn't excell at one thing, but as a package is brilliant. One of the last V8's with an amazing noise, 450bhp, the ability to hit stupid speeds VERY quickly, Quattro, space, sublime yet discreet looks.
Would I be driving an estate if I didn't have a child and a dog? No I wouldn't, so for me the choice was made on much more than just willy waving on-paper figures.
Oh and here's mine the day it landed at the dealer...
A few things missed in the article (and comments so far) is the fact that these cars are generally bought as a compromise due to family commitments, by people who need a good all rounder that are, and I hate the term, 'petrolheads'. To that end there are a number of buying factors that overrule the usual buying requirements of a sports car such as feedback, RWD, 0-60 etc etc
Comfort. The B8 is full auto and has comfort mode. For those times when you're fully loaded up and just want to get home with the least amount of drama possible. But it has the advantage of sports mode and manual paddles/sequential stick on those trips to B&Q or a weekend blat. Those downshifts through the sports exhaust are epic!
Space. The B8 has a longer boot than the B7, something that is imperative when you're carting round a buggy and a dog.
Safety. I'm generally carrying a fully loaded car with my 2yr old son, missus and dog, so the B8's newer safety standard and side airbags etc win again.
Economy. On a motorway cruising at 70-80, fully loaded in comfort mode, my B8 sees 30-35mpg. It's also cheaper to insure than a B7.
The B8 is, for me, an amazing all rounder, that doesn't excell at one thing, but as a package is brilliant. One of the last V8's with an amazing noise, 450bhp, the ability to hit stupid speeds VERY quickly, Quattro, space, sublime yet discreet looks.
Would I be driving an estate if I didn't have a child and a dog? No I wouldn't, so for me the choice was made on much more than just willy waving on-paper figures.
Oh and here's mine the day it landed at the dealer...
Nicely written and balanced article, although personally painful to read at times with all the love for the B7 as I posted a 'for sale' ad for my Avant yesterday after 3.5 years as my daily driver!
I've only put it on the RS246 forum at the moment but it will likely appear on PH in due course. Wonderful car as mentioned by many others, and with a Milltek exhaust and pre-cat delete on mine it's the noise I will miss most - fabulous at any speed so that any journey is special.
I've only put it on the RS246 forum at the moment but it will likely appear on PH in due course. Wonderful car as mentioned by many others, and with a Milltek exhaust and pre-cat delete on mine it's the noise I will miss most - fabulous at any speed so that any journey is special.
kmpowell said:
A recent B8 owner here and somebody who last year went though the B7-B8 debate....
A few things missed in the article (and comments so far) is the fact that these cars are generally bought as a compromise due to family commitments, by people who need a good all rounder that are, and I hate the term, 'petrolheads'. To that end there are a number of buying factors that overrule the usual buying requirements of a sports car such as feedback, RWD, 0-60 etc etc
Comfort. The B8 is full auto and has comfort mode. For those times when you're fully loaded up and just want to get home with the least amount of drama possible. But it has the advantage of sports mode and manual paddles/sequential stick on those trips to B&Q or a weekend blat. Those downshifts through the sports exhaust are epic!
Space. The B8 has a longer boot than the B7, something that is imperative when you're carting round a buggy and a dog.
Safety. I'm generally carrying a fully loaded car with my 2yr old son, missus and dog, so the B8's newer safety standard and side airbags etc win again.
Economy. On a motorway cruising at 70-80, fully loaded in comfort mode, my B8 sees 30-35mpg. It's also cheaper to insure than a B7.
The B8 is, for me, an amazing all rounder, that doesn't excell at one thing, but as a package is brilliant. One of the last V8's with an amazing noise, 450bhp, the ability to hit stupid speeds VERY quickly, Quattro, space, sublime yet discreet looks.
Would I be driving an estate if I didn't have a child and a dog? No I wouldn't, so for me the choice was made on much more than just willy waving on-paper figures.
Oh and here's mine the day it landed at the dealer...
Agreed. Pretty well why I chose mine. I simply couldn't think of another car that did all the things it can do. I still can't. I don't like vulgar cars that shout about speed and power, and the V8 does that for me perfectly. It is seriously rapid, the only complaint is in dynamic mode its far too stiff for our roads, although on track it's race car firm, and huge fun with the paddle shift and blipped downchange. Great car. Expensive on discs and pads though!A few things missed in the article (and comments so far) is the fact that these cars are generally bought as a compromise due to family commitments, by people who need a good all rounder that are, and I hate the term, 'petrolheads'. To that end there are a number of buying factors that overrule the usual buying requirements of a sports car such as feedback, RWD, 0-60 etc etc
Comfort. The B8 is full auto and has comfort mode. For those times when you're fully loaded up and just want to get home with the least amount of drama possible. But it has the advantage of sports mode and manual paddles/sequential stick on those trips to B&Q or a weekend blat. Those downshifts through the sports exhaust are epic!
Space. The B8 has a longer boot than the B7, something that is imperative when you're carting round a buggy and a dog.
Safety. I'm generally carrying a fully loaded car with my 2yr old son, missus and dog, so the B8's newer safety standard and side airbags etc win again.
Economy. On a motorway cruising at 70-80, fully loaded in comfort mode, my B8 sees 30-35mpg. It's also cheaper to insure than a B7.
The B8 is, for me, an amazing all rounder, that doesn't excell at one thing, but as a package is brilliant. One of the last V8's with an amazing noise, 450bhp, the ability to hit stupid speeds VERY quickly, Quattro, space, sublime yet discreet looks.
Would I be driving an estate if I didn't have a child and a dog? No I wouldn't, so for me the choice was made on much more than just willy waving on-paper figures.
Oh and here's mine the day it landed at the dealer...
kmpowell said:
A recent B8 owner here and somebody who last year went though the B7-B8 debate....
A few things missed in the article (and comments so far) is the fact that these cars are generally bought as a compromise due to family commitments, by people who need a good all rounder that are, and I hate the term, 'petrolheads'. To that end there are a number of buying factors that overrule the usual buying requirements of a sports car such as feedback, RWD, 0-60 etc etc
Comfort. The B8 is full auto and has comfort mode. For those times when you're fully loaded up and just want to get home with the least amount of drama possible. But it has the advantage of sports mode and manual paddles/sequential stick on those trips to B&Q or a weekend blat. Those downshifts through the sports exhaust are epic!
Space. The B8 has a longer boot than the B7, something that is imperative when you're carting round a buggy and a dog.
Safety. I'm generally carrying a fully loaded car with my 2yr old son, missus and dog, so the B8's newer safety standard and side airbags etc win again.
Economy. On a motorway cruising at 70-80, fully loaded in comfort mode, my B8 sees 30-35mpg. It's also cheaper to insure than a B7.
The B8 is, for me, an amazing all rounder, that doesn't excell at one thing, but as a package is brilliant. One of the last V8's with an amazing noise, 450bhp, the ability to hit stupid speeds VERY quickly, Quattro, space, sublime yet discreet looks.
Would I be driving an estate if I didn't have a child and a dog? No I wouldn't, so for me the choice was made on much more than just willy waving on-paper figures.
Oh and here's mine the day it landed at the dealer...
Agreed. Pretty well why I chose mine. I simply couldn't think of another car that did all the things it can do. I still can't. I don't like vulgar cars that shout about speed and power, and the V8 does that for me perfectly. It is seriously rapid, the only complaint is in dynamic mode its far too stiff for our roads, although on track it's race car firm, and huge fun with the paddle shift and blipped downchange. Great car. Expensive on discs and pads though!A few things missed in the article (and comments so far) is the fact that these cars are generally bought as a compromise due to family commitments, by people who need a good all rounder that are, and I hate the term, 'petrolheads'. To that end there are a number of buying factors that overrule the usual buying requirements of a sports car such as feedback, RWD, 0-60 etc etc
Comfort. The B8 is full auto and has comfort mode. For those times when you're fully loaded up and just want to get home with the least amount of drama possible. But it has the advantage of sports mode and manual paddles/sequential stick on those trips to B&Q or a weekend blat. Those downshifts through the sports exhaust are epic!
Space. The B8 has a longer boot than the B7, something that is imperative when you're carting round a buggy and a dog.
Safety. I'm generally carrying a fully loaded car with my 2yr old son, missus and dog, so the B8's newer safety standard and side airbags etc win again.
Economy. On a motorway cruising at 70-80, fully loaded in comfort mode, my B8 sees 30-35mpg. It's also cheaper to insure than a B7.
The B8 is, for me, an amazing all rounder, that doesn't excell at one thing, but as a package is brilliant. One of the last V8's with an amazing noise, 450bhp, the ability to hit stupid speeds VERY quickly, Quattro, space, sublime yet discreet looks.
Would I be driving an estate if I didn't have a child and a dog? No I wouldn't, so for me the choice was made on much more than just willy waving on-paper figures.
Oh and here's mine the day it landed at the dealer...
Edited by Banjo47 on Thursday 6th August 16:01
The problem I have with this numbers approach, is that several years of 'a little bit faster, a little bit comfier, and only a little bit more numb' have got us to where we are now: fast but dull cars with automatic everything, crap throttle response and numb steering.
We must fight back!!
We must fight back!!
Adrian E said:
B8 has neither - auto only and chain driven cams. Box replacement ain't cheap though....even on S models you're looking at £6k+ if it's anything beyond the mechatronics unit.
Good point, in hindsight i knew it probably had a chain so i best amend that post. And again for the box, suppose i shouldn't use generic terms then.
mr sagman said:
Great write up.. Summed both cars up very well.. The manual gearbox seperates the cars for me in such a way that means I love the B8 for all its newer gadgetry and extra Bhp.. But I adore the B7 for its simplicity and pure aural magic.. Audi really nailed it with the B7 and it really proved be a very hard act to follow.. Hard to seperate them but if pressed, the B7 would get my vote.
Yup,Audis fitting of auto boxes on all their big engined cars to allow lower emissions to be quoted for the same engine has taken the attractiveness off their later cars.
Owning one I can say the auto box is the only negative, i would happily have paid the extra car tax for it.
Slightly bias...
Never having driven a B8 RS4, i probably shouldn't compare the two but i will stick up for the B7 - a true machine, not a modern day barge like so many super saloons nowadays.
It feels nimble, light (even though it's not really), massively chuckable, fast, powerful, sounds good, looks great and gets a great reception. I imagine a far better 'presence' and recognition than the B8, a real head turner where the B8 could easily blend in a bit.
The brakes are expensive to replace, budget £1500 all in.
The DRC suspension is great however yes, known to fail - £1200 fix for coilovers but believe it or not, some stories of Audi goodwill are STILL floating around...
Coking up - It happens but i believe it is overplayed, many cars are decoked and no difference is felt or recorded.
I've owned mine longer than any other car i've had, its got everything i need, i doubt for the money -18-25k, you will find a better all rounder than the B7 RS4. Great cars, maybe the last one Audi done properly, as many claim.
Never having driven a B8 RS4, i probably shouldn't compare the two but i will stick up for the B7 - a true machine, not a modern day barge like so many super saloons nowadays.
It feels nimble, light (even though it's not really), massively chuckable, fast, powerful, sounds good, looks great and gets a great reception. I imagine a far better 'presence' and recognition than the B8, a real head turner where the B8 could easily blend in a bit.
The brakes are expensive to replace, budget £1500 all in.
The DRC suspension is great however yes, known to fail - £1200 fix for coilovers but believe it or not, some stories of Audi goodwill are STILL floating around...
Coking up - It happens but i believe it is overplayed, many cars are decoked and no difference is felt or recorded.
I've owned mine longer than any other car i've had, its got everything i need, i doubt for the money -18-25k, you will find a better all rounder than the B7 RS4. Great cars, maybe the last one Audi done properly, as many claim.
I drove an B7 RS4 a few months ago, it rode and steered nicely but the engine and gearbox were not great to me, didn't seem that quick or keen to rev, perhaps it was coked up? The gearbox wasn't a rifle bolt style unit either whilst positive it was overly light and lacking in any feel.
Perhaps it wasn't a good example.
Perhaps it wasn't a good example.
Good article and I always felt the B8 RS4 got a raw deal in the motoring press. Saw one today and thought it looks absolutely cracking.....
I was wondering if I might be able to stretch to the B7 next year, but am put off by the potentially ruinous running costs and yes, £20K or more is quite a bit for a 9 year old car. So, I've been looking at the S4 instead, which is at least half the price of the RS4 and still an impressive all rounder....more than quick enough for British roads....
I was wondering if I might be able to stretch to the B7 next year, but am put off by the potentially ruinous running costs and yes, £20K or more is quite a bit for a 9 year old car. So, I've been looking at the S4 instead, which is at least half the price of the RS4 and still an impressive all rounder....more than quick enough for British roads....
Dunno what the hell you were doing, i've done 30k miles in a b7 and averaged 21mpg. Motorway is 25. Is the "delightful example" knackered?
Worse i've EVER done is 13mpg on 1 tank, but that was a day in wales debating whether an exige or an rs4 is quicker point to point.*
The thing that made the b7 special for me is the manual box. Go to auto, personally i'd have m3 / isf / s6. Can't see the benefit of rs4 auto over the s6 with that truly awesome v10.
Worse i've EVER done is 13mpg on 1 tank, but that was a day in wales debating whether an exige or an rs4 is quicker point to point.*
The thing that made the b7 special for me is the manual box. Go to auto, personally i'd have m3 / isf / s6. Can't see the benefit of rs4 auto over the s6 with that truly awesome v10.
- ps - it's the rs, by a country mile. Even on reasonably twisty roads. We were both suprised.
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