Audi RS2; I'm lucky enough to also have a Caterham Superlight R and Porsche GT3 for those occasions when multiple passenger and luggage carrying isn't a requirement. Previously I have owned TVRs in Chimaera and Cerbera forms, an Aston Martin DB7 Vantage and a smattering of hot hatches.
Why I bought it:
There was no real need to change my much loved RS2 (featured as a PH Hero here); it was a known quantity, brilliantly reliable and still capable of making every journey an event, with all of the associated grins that brings a petrolhead joy.
It was probably more of a desire to simply own an RS4 that prompted the switch (and that I needed a V8 in my life again). Not that it was a snap decision mind you: I had been watching the market and lusting after a B7 Avant since they were launched - I had a well-worn PH classifieds query to single out candidates for my regular browsing! An opportunity to drive one down to Monaco in 2007 served only to cement my need, confirmed again when I had an opportunity to see Smita's lovely example up close during the Fast Wagons feature.
My regular browsing of the classifieds threw up an example that appeared to be my perfect specification and a hastily arranged trip to the dealer confirmed it met all my needs - the rest, as they say, is history. So "UMM" was mine (replacing "UMO the Uberwagen"), resplendent in Sprint Blue with the black optics pack, bucket seats and flat-bottomed steering wheel.
Having researched for so long I'd like to think I was pretty clued-up on most aspects of the model and its foibles. There is a great body of knowledge (and buying guides) on www.rs246.com as well as the Audi forum here on PistonHeads that meant I had a checklist of items to look at when viewing. It is early days yet, but thankfully there are no signs of the DRC suspension issues that many have suffered - a full Audi service history and comprehensive warranty from the supplying dealer hopefully mean I'm covered even if the honeymoon period ends.
The ever-higher levels of equipment fitted to cars in the 13 years between the RS2 and RS4 mean I'm still learning how to use all the gadgets, and indeed still discovering new capabilities and options: only the other day I spotted the cruise control stalk hidden behind one of the steering wheel spokes!
Things I love:
For me the RS4 is all about the powerplant: a high-revving, naturally aspirated V8 that throbs you down the road in a manner reminiscent of the pod racing scene in Star Wars - both in noise and accelerative terms. The relentless propulsion is a complete contrast to the old-school turbo lag of the RS2: both are fast, both are characterful, but the RS4 is certainly the easier to drive fast. As well as the NASCAR soundtrack, there is a lovely mechanical whine as an overlay which points to close-tolerance gears and chains synchronising the orchestra.
A welcome surprise has been the handling and the overtly rear-wheel drive nature exhibited by the '4: sharp turn-in and mobility of the rear certainly confirms most of the torque is vectored to the rear wheels by default. The RS2 was much more understeery and drove more like a front-wheel-drive car that could use the rear for grip if and when needed. Both exhibit very high levels of mechanical grip and corner like no estate car should, but the RS4 is certainly more fun.
Things I hate:
My tenure has been too short to imbue me with out-and-out hatred of anything, but a frustration (one common with many other cars) is that the mode of the sport button is not remembered when the ignition is turned off. It is clever enough to remember what I was listening to, and the air conditioning settings, so why not the fact that the sport button has been pressed? As it is, my start sequence has to include the mandatory pressing of the steering wheel button, presumably a practice frowned upon by those new-car noise regulations.
Stepping out of a Caterham or GT3 is never going to make it easy to offer objective analysis of steering feel, but the RS4 certainly has a touch of vagueness to it, not helped by the 255 section rubber on the front. It's not bad, and certainly no worse than the RS2, but in my book one can never have too much feedback!
Costs:
The single most noticeable cost for both the RS2 and RS4 is fuel - both like a drink! So far, the newer car is proving to be slightly more economical, but only by 3 or 4mpg.
It will be interesting to see how servicing costs pan out, with the RS4 being on a 'longlife' schedule, which seems to only demand a visit to the dealers every 20,000 miles or two years, compared with the annual service required by the RS2. Mind you, I'm probably only one of very few owners who have had two cambelt changes as part of looking after their RS2!
The first outing of any note was the Sunday Service at Silverstone; subsequently a 2,200-mile driving holiday around Scotland has really given me the opportunity to bond with the new arrival, and it didn't disappoint at all. There were a number of favourable comments from fellow Hoonees who enjoyed following the big blue bus and remarked on its plantedness and ability to steamroller any road into submission.
What next?
I don't generally swap cars regularly, so I can see myself owning the RS4 for several years. I am lucky that it is a low-mileage example (currently only 25,000 miles) so hopefully there is plenty of scope for me to extend that. All I ask is that it provides as much pleasure, fun and memorable motoring as the RS2 did.