Used RS4 vs New Golf-R estate

[tonto1]

Needing a more practical car, I'm currently looking at a few options and two of the current front runners are a new Golf-R estate and a used (14/15 plate) RS4. In terms of equipment, both are very similar (BT, nav, leather,, boot space etc), aware the RS4 is more 'car' (bigger NA engine, 7-speed etc), but still trying to decide if the Audi option is really worth ~£15k more.

Any thoughts, experiences, or inputs to the man maths calculator appreciated.

[andrewparker]

http://www.autocar.co.uk/car-news/new-cars/vw-golf...

[Some Gump]

RS4 by a mile IMO.

Edited by Some Gump on Wednesday 20th January 21:09

[drgav2005]

Another vote for the RS4. I really like the Golf R in hatch form but it's no looker (IMHO) in estate version. Buy the RS4 now whilst you still can - it's a car you'll always have one last look at as you leave it in the car park and it will put a grin on your face when you return.

[Wilmslowboy]

RS4 !!

Love the Golf R and think the estate is cool, but I would say the RS4 is at least two leagues ahead.


Having had two B8 RS4's - I don't recognise the description or driving dynamics of the car described in the autocar article (linked above)

[CerberusRogue]

Really??? Is this even something that can be contemplated. The golf is poo compared to the RS4. And the golf R estate is just plain fugly.

[Chiefbadger]

Why not split the difference and pick up an S4 on a 15 plate for roughly what the golf would be. Depends how you're paying I guess! I'd do this if it's cash, if it's a finance deal the golf may be more preferable.

Either of the audis will feel more special. A 6 or 8 cyl is always going to be nicer than a turbo 4cyl and despite their model age, the audi interiors are still the nicer place to be IMO.

[anonymous-user]

The golf will have more user friendly servicing costs than the RS4, fantastic cars but not cheap.

The RS4 has a torsen based 4wd system versus the golf and its haldex 'when the car thinks you need it' 4wd system..very different beasts.

I would go with the RS4 everytime but they are a different league in running costs compared to the golf.

[MrBarry123]

How much do you want to spend running the thing OP?

If you want something which doesn't cost much more than a Golf, buy the R. If you're happy to spend considerably more, buy the RS4.

[Waitey]

RS3?

[graeme4130]

I'm probably biased as I have the RS4, but having driven a golf R, as much as it's a fun car, it's not even close in terms of noise, power and driver enjoyment of the Audi.
Plus, the Audi looks and feels at least 15k more expensive, so worth the extra outlay IMHO

[NBirkitt]

Full 9-page road test of Golf R Estate in latest ( Feb 2016 ) issue of Volkswagen Driver magazine :-)

www.volkswagendrivermag.co.uk

[zeDuffMan]

Waitey said:

RS3?

Not available as an estate so probably doesn't qualify

[MrDan]

Following this with interest.

I have a DSG R which is going back in May, and Im planning on buying my next one and I want a fast estate.

On the list I have

R Estate
B8.5 S4 Avant
B8 RS4 Avant

common sense tells me to go for the S4, Massive tuning capability and really nice car if you can find one with the extras (Supersports Seats / Drive Select etc) and a low mileage minter can be had for < 25k

But my heart says... RS4

I need to drive both properly but I keep being told the RS4 dosen`t feel any faster than my R - but the noise is better.

[davyvee]

This is also my current dilemma. Albeit with the B7 RS4.

Has all the depreciation gone from a B7 do you reckon?

Drove a manual R yesterday and was very impressed (nee estates/dsg to try. Not sure what to do.

[silentbrown]

MrDan said:

Following this with interest.
common sense tells me to go for the S4, Massive tuning capability and really nice car if you can find one with the extras (Supersports Seats / Drive Select etc) and a low mileage minter can be had for < 25k

Beware that the latest (2014/15, I think) CREC engined cars can't be remapped. External tuning boxes only.

[MrDan]

silentbrown said:

MrDan said:

Following this with interest.
common sense tells me to go for the S4, Massive tuning capability and really nice car if you can find one with the extras (Supersports Seats / Drive Select etc) and a low mileage minter can be had for < 25k

Beware that the latest (2014/15, I think) CREC engined cars can't be remapped. External tuning boxes only.

Yep I had read that, Im looking at a 2011-12.

One really frustrating thing from Audi, Why on earth is adaptive cruise an £2500 option when its included on a GTD/GTI/R

one modern gadget ill really miss when the R goes back

[Some Gump]

Not sure if it works on all models, but when my old man got his A6, he didn't bother with cruise because it's a very expensive option new, but the parts to retro fit are 175 quid...
All done by supplying dealer at the time.

[Waitey]

zeDuffMan said:

Not available as an estate so probably doesn't qualify

The sportback isn't far off the golf r estate

[andrewparker]

Waitey said:

zeDuffMan said:

Not available as an estate so probably doesn't qualify

The sportback isn't far off the golf r estate

In terms of luggage capacity and space inside it really isn't.

R Estate – 605L
R Hatch – 343L
RS3 – 280L