Is the RS4 that much better than the S4?

Is the RS4 that much better than the S4?

Author
Discussion

TGJR

Original Poster:

750 posts

227 months

Monday 13th October 2014
quotequote all
Some very interesting and useful posts on this dilemma - many thanks.

General conclusions:

Performance - RS4 obviously quicker but S4 more than quick enough for road use
Economy - neither great and only 5-6 mpg difference between them
Sound - RS4 has it unless you get a modified exhaust on the S4
Residuals - one are not mentioned but I suspect in 3 years time the RS4 would have held a greater percentage of its value based on history

Think I need another test drive in an RS4 and a later model S4 as I still can't decide!

Adrian E

3,248 posts

175 months

Monday 13th October 2014
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If you're looking at used examples but with a healthy budget I suspect buying a late pre-facelift/early facelift S4 Avant would end up costing you a lot less in depreciation than an RS4 purely because the RS would be much newer to start with. The RS will still depreciate, it just depends where on the curve you start - there's nothing under £45k in the classifieds that I spotted.

I know you're not looking at Sportbacks but that's what we've ended up with and it's vaguely relevant and interesting ref values! Ours had a new list price of £55k with options in 2011. It had lost near enough half its value in less than 3 years/28k miles when we bought it. The Sportback was more money than the S4 new as the standard spec is higher than the S4 and residuals are slightly better as well for the same spec/age/mileage. Buying an S4 well you shouldn't lose a fortune and the better specced cars sell quickly when they do appear on the market. Problem being there's not a lot about to choose from.....

If you can justify the RS the noise alone is worth it after listening to a few pile round Castle Combe on Saturday smile

Blue62

8,750 posts

151 months

Monday 13th October 2014
quotequote all
Personally think they're chalk and cheese mate, the RS is a rather different proposition to the S4. If you're genuinely weighing them both up it suggests to me that your head is saying one thing and your heart another, a dilemma we all know well and one which usually only has one outcome, regardless of the words of wisdom posted on here.

TGJR

Original Poster:

750 posts

227 months

Wednesday 22nd October 2014
quotequote all
Thanks for all the comments.....

Bought an RS4 - 2012 car, collect on Friday. Will update my thoughts after a couple of weeks ownership.

Think I got a reasonable deal from Audi main dealer.

Adrian E

3,248 posts

175 months

Wednesday 22nd October 2014
quotequote all
Heart rules smile

Well done - glad you found one you liked. Happy with the spec?

TGJR

Original Poster:

750 posts

227 months

Wednesday 22nd October 2014
quotequote all
Happy with spec.

It was a launch car specced by Audi so has a good level of equipment. I like the fact it is quite understated in Daytona grey with the light grey leather that gives the cabin a nice airy feel.

Looking forward to seeing how it performs this winter!


djc206

12,248 posts

124 months

Wednesday 22nd October 2014
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My RS5 was ok in the snow but don't expect too much from 265 summer tyres!!

EC2

1,447 posts

252 months

Thursday 23rd October 2014
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TGJR said:
Happy with spec.

It was a launch car specced by Audi so has a good level of equipment. I like the fact it is quite understated in Daytona grey with the light grey leather that gives the cabin a nice airy feel.

Looking forward to seeing how it performs this winter!
Torsen quattro has great traction in snow on summer tyres but the trouble comes when you want to stop....winter tyres are a cheap option for four months of the year IMHO.

Adrian E

3,248 posts

175 months

Thursday 23rd October 2014
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Yeah, we've gone for 245/40R18 Dunlop Winter 3Ds on 8.5x18 s-line rims so we don't experience the delights of non-existent stopping performance on the 20s!

djc206

12,248 posts

124 months

Thursday 23rd October 2014
quotequote all
I was under the impression that's 18's don't fit over the RS4+5 brakes and thats 19's were the minimum?

Adrian E

3,248 posts

175 months

Thursday 23rd October 2014
quotequote all
Could well be the case - mine are both S's with 20s from the factory but tyre pressure plate indicates 18s are the smallest for that. The plate on the RS will tell you the recommended tyre size for winters (probably at the bottom) and will say M+S next to it. Usually a higher load index than the standard tyre too

djc206

12,248 posts

124 months

Thursday 23rd October 2014
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Ah ok. Yeah I've found suitable tyres for mine but I think I'll wait and see as last winter was a non event and I'm not here at all in January so £1000 might be better spent elsewhere. I'm aware I've probably just tempted providence!

Adrian E

3,248 posts

175 months

Thursday 23rd October 2014
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I bought a used set with part worn winters - far less than the cost of new sets quoted by dealers! I wouldn't have been able to buy 1 rim for what the whole set cost me!

There's a couple of German eBay shops that specialise in wheel sets with winters already mounted. I was looking at the 19" 3 segment spoke rims before the 18s came up at too cheap a price to turn down

djc206

12,248 posts

124 months

Thursday 23rd October 2014
quotequote all
Thanks for the pointer