B6 Audi S4 Avant vs C5 RS6 Avant
Discussion
I've never been a fan of Audi, but as I've got older and increasingly dull I've found myself drawn towards some of the older "sporty" models....well.. two of them. I do find myself checking the classifieds for both B6 S4 Avants (the one with the 4.2 V8), and C5 RS6 Avants (the first RS6 Avant with the Bi-turbo V8)
The S4 is a bit cheaper, is a perfect size and all importantly can be had with a manual gearbox. But, I'm not overly enamoured with naturally aspirated engines (a PH cardinal sin, I know) albeit I've never owned a V8, and the S4 is pretty uninspiring to look at.
The RS6 has a big extra chunk of power, is more dramatic to behold (and presumably drive) but is only available as an automatic.
If anyone here can offer an insight into their experiences of both (a direct comparison would be great) I'd be very grateful.
The S4 is a bit cheaper, is a perfect size and all importantly can be had with a manual gearbox. But, I'm not overly enamoured with naturally aspirated engines (a PH cardinal sin, I know) albeit I've never owned a V8, and the S4 is pretty uninspiring to look at.
The RS6 has a big extra chunk of power, is more dramatic to behold (and presumably drive) but is only available as an automatic.
If anyone here can offer an insight into their experiences of both (a direct comparison would be great) I'd be very grateful.
The 4.2 in the B6 S4 has a tendency to break the plastic/delrin cam chain guides. The subsequent RS engines used an alloy guide with a delrin plate attached. Oil pressure is required to power the chain tensioner, so for the first second or two, the chain slaps around causing mayhem. To rub salt in the wound, it’s a rear mounted chain so it’s an engine out job to sort.
There’s a reason the S4s of that era are cheaper than you think they should be… Find one that’s had the guides replaced and/or has an oil accumulator fitted and you’re good to go though.
There’s a reason the S4s of that era are cheaper than you think they should be… Find one that’s had the guides replaced and/or has an oil accumulator fitted and you’re good to go though.
I had both….saloon versions mind you.
S4 drank oil for fun and after 2 gearbox rebuilds still wouldn’t go into 1st gear ‘nicely’… it annoyed me so much I traded it in for a diesel Lexus.
RS6 was great, when it worked… which was rare… always seemed to have something wrong with it…always had some warning light on, or wasn’t happy about something else.
After my 3rd gearbox rebuild I gave up on that too…. Dropped it into WBAC and I believe a few years later it’s on autotrader for sale - well it was last week anyway..
And nearly gave up on Audi as a brand if it wasn’t for my S8 D2 which is a better car in every way than either of them IMO.
People will have different experiences…yadda yadda…but you couldn’t pay me to have either of them again.
S4 drank oil for fun and after 2 gearbox rebuilds still wouldn’t go into 1st gear ‘nicely’… it annoyed me so much I traded it in for a diesel Lexus.
RS6 was great, when it worked… which was rare… always seemed to have something wrong with it…always had some warning light on, or wasn’t happy about something else.
After my 3rd gearbox rebuild I gave up on that too…. Dropped it into WBAC and I believe a few years later it’s on autotrader for sale - well it was last week anyway..
And nearly gave up on Audi as a brand if it wasn’t for my S8 D2 which is a better car in every way than either of them IMO.
People will have different experiences…yadda yadda…but you couldn’t pay me to have either of them again.
I haven’t owned the S4 from that era but was lucky enough to have a 2003 C5 RS6 avant for a couple of years. Mega experience driving it, looked understated cool and menacing. I serviced twice for not too much money and the front pads and discs were done and cost me about £700. Special order from Germany for the discs as they are big money here. Also check the DRC suspension is ok, most have been changed to HR or KW coil overs and they drive well on them. Wish I had not sold it at the start of lock down in 2020 for £5500! And it had over £20k of service maintenance bills...if you find a clean one, amazing amazing cars! 
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