RS4 - one hell of a motor. Better than a 911?
Discussion
Just switched from Porsche to Audi. Had 911s and a 996 turbo lats up. Was in line for a GT3, but cancelled my order due to getting tired of waiting 14 months and my wife inconveniently becoming pregnant again. So I shopped around and somehow ended up with a pillar box red RS4 with all the trimmings.
What a spectacular motor. Owned it a week and just come back from smoking a 996 C4S on the M4. The owner must be gutted!!!!!
I am very impressed with this car and Audi as a whole. Better service than Porsche, and much better value for money. In fact, it is my contention the RS4 is a better car than a 997 S, of either varient, and that is notwithstanding 30K more for a 911s. And I have owned a C2S.
I just wondered what other PH's felt. I have loved porkers since I was a kid, and they have been my reward for many long hours of building up my business. But I feel the bubble has burst for me. The accountants have moved in and Porsche are becoming too profit orientated at the expense of quality. Audi are on the button with this motor, and with the R8.
But my question is, is this a better motor, in a real everyday sense, than a 911 or 911s?
What a spectacular motor. Owned it a week and just come back from smoking a 996 C4S on the M4. The owner must be gutted!!!!!
I am very impressed with this car and Audi as a whole. Better service than Porsche, and much better value for money. In fact, it is my contention the RS4 is a better car than a 997 S, of either varient, and that is notwithstanding 30K more for a 911s. And I have owned a C2S.
I just wondered what other PH's felt. I have loved porkers since I was a kid, and they have been my reward for many long hours of building up my business. But I feel the bubble has burst for me. The accountants have moved in and Porsche are becoming too profit orientated at the expense of quality. Audi are on the button with this motor, and with the R8.
But my question is, is this a better motor, in a real everyday sense, than a 911 or 911s?
You cant power drift an RS4 (or at least I cant) But you can a 911 (or at least I can). And that is enormous fun a totally rewarding.
In every other respect, however you want to look at it, the RS4 is a fantastic car and I would say better than the 911. Particularly as an every day vehicle. I PDI'ed a black avant the other day and it was the nicest car I've seen + driven for years. You can lap the ring in it, or drive along five up with a fridge in the boot, I'd light to see that in a 911.
PS
I like the fact the seats hold you tighter when you press the S button.
In every other respect, however you want to look at it, the RS4 is a fantastic car and I would say better than the 911. Particularly as an every day vehicle. I PDI'ed a black avant the other day and it was the nicest car I've seen + driven for years. You can lap the ring in it, or drive along five up with a fridge in the boot, I'd light to see that in a 911.
PS
I like the fact the seats hold you tighter when you press the S button.
Tame Technician said:
You cant power drift an RS4 (or at least I cant) But you can a 911 (or at least I can). And that is enormous fun a totally rewarding.
In every other respect, however you want to look at it, the RS4 is a fantastic car and I would say better than the 911. Particularly as an every day vehicle. I PDI'ed a black avant the other day and it was the nicest car I've seen + driven for years. You can lap the ring in it, or drive along five up with a fridge in the boot, I'd light to see that in a 911.
PS
I like the fact the seats hold you tighter when you press the S button.
I agree Audi is better value (RS4 that is) I too have had porkers, and drove the latest offerings, chose a new RS4 Saloon, great car alround, miles better interior too.In every other respect, however you want to look at it, the RS4 is a fantastic car and I would say better than the 911. Particularly as an every day vehicle. I PDI'ed a black avant the other day and it was the nicest car I've seen + driven for years. You can lap the ring in it, or drive along five up with a fridge in the boot, I'd light to see that in a 911.
PS
I like the fact the seats hold you tighter when you press the S button.
Edited by RS4john on Monday 18th June 09:52
Not owned a 911 and only driven the one so may be a little unfair here. As an everyday car the RS4 is just phenomenal. five up with three sets of golf clubs it'll outsprint most things with just two in. Then when you get home you can pick up the wife and pootle around.
On the twisties it feels amazingly well balanced and good fun. Can't see how i would need another car.
i love it
On the twisties it feels amazingly well balanced and good fun. Can't see how i would need another car.
i love it
jackwood said:
How do you guys find the ride of the RS4 compared to a Porsche?
I'm looking at an RS4 Avant, haven't had a test-drive yet, but was wondering what to expect from the ride. Is the stiffness switchable at all, like PASM on the Porsche?
Thanks
Jack
No not switchable, the Saloon is that bit lighter 70Kg, so that bit quicker, interior finish better IMHO than the porsche.I'm looking at an RS4 Avant, haven't had a test-drive yet, but was wondering what to expect from the ride. Is the stiffness switchable at all, like PASM on the Porsche?
Thanks
Jack
The new gen porsches finish is not so hot, does not look good quality to my eye.
RS4john said:
jackwood said:
How do you guys find the ride of the RS4 compared to a Porsche?
I'm looking at an RS4 Avant, haven't had a test-drive yet, but was wondering what to expect from the ride. Is the stiffness switchable at all, like PASM on the Porsche?
Thanks
Jack
No not switchable, the Saloon is that bit lighter 70Kg, so that bit quicker, interior finish better IMHO than the porsche.I'm looking at an RS4 Avant, haven't had a test-drive yet, but was wondering what to expect from the ride. Is the stiffness switchable at all, like PASM on the Porsche?
Thanks
Jack
The new gen porsches finish is not so hot, does not look good quality to my eye.
Jack
No. The ride is not switchable, but is adaptable. So I gather the dampers stiffen with body roll via computer controlled master cyliders located at the rear of the car. The Porsche PASM is switchable and does inspire more confidence as a vehicle round corners, but not by a huge amount as the RS4 is 4wd.
The ride overall is very good for an Audi as they do have a habit of being rough and numb at the same time - I had a 3.2 TT (07 facelift) for a month and the ride was draining for everyday use. It did have the magnetic ride system which really improved the feel, but the engine was 100 bhp shy of anything near enough to work the chasis.
You can comfortably use the car as an everyday and forget what you are driving. A porsche always reminds you what the road surface is, which I liked, but I have a wife, 18 month old etc and do a lot of motorway miles which makes it all seem pointless as they don't enjoy the constant vibration. However, the RS4 would suffer round a track compared to a bog 911, even though it would win on outright power in the straigts, mainly due to the softer setup and higher centre of gravity.
But here's the thing. RS4 and extras 52k. Ariel Atom (proper race car) 30k second hand. overall spend 82k. GT3 or fully loaded Carrera 4s 80k - 85k if you spec up the GT3. Ariel Atom will demolish a GT3 or CS 430 round a race track. RS4 will be a much better everyday car.
The ride overall is very good for an Audi as they do have a habit of being rough and numb at the same time - I had a 3.2 TT (07 facelift) for a month and the ride was draining for everyday use. It did have the magnetic ride system which really improved the feel, but the engine was 100 bhp shy of anything near enough to work the chasis.
You can comfortably use the car as an everyday and forget what you are driving. A porsche always reminds you what the road surface is, which I liked, but I have a wife, 18 month old etc and do a lot of motorway miles which makes it all seem pointless as they don't enjoy the constant vibration. However, the RS4 would suffer round a track compared to a bog 911, even though it would win on outright power in the straigts, mainly due to the softer setup and higher centre of gravity.
But here's the thing. RS4 and extras 52k. Ariel Atom (proper race car) 30k second hand. overall spend 82k. GT3 or fully loaded Carrera 4s 80k - 85k if you spec up the GT3. Ariel Atom will demolish a GT3 or CS 430 round a race track. RS4 will be a much better everyday car.
jackwood said:
RS4john said:
jackwood said:
How do you guys find the ride of the RS4 compared to a Porsche?
I'm looking at an RS4 Avant, haven't had a test-drive yet, but was wondering what to expect from the ride. Is the stiffness switchable at all, like PASM on the Porsche?
Thanks
Jack
No not switchable, the Saloon is that bit lighter 70Kg, so that bit quicker, interior finish better IMHO than the porsche.I'm looking at an RS4 Avant, haven't had a test-drive yet, but was wondering what to expect from the ride. Is the stiffness switchable at all, like PASM on the Porsche?
Thanks
Jack
The new gen porsches finish is not so hot, does not look good quality to my eye.
Jack
The Cayman S is a brilliant little car. But like the TT, is underpowered and reminds you of that all the time. Balance wise, the Cayman is much better than the 997 or the RS4.
Ali, thanks a lot for the informative feedback.
Final question: Clutch on the RS4, comparative weight to what? My wife will be driving this as her daily driver, but someone mentioned today the clutch was very heavy on the RS4. She drives a 330i and my Cayman S at the moment with zero problem. COuld the RS be an issue for her?
Jack
Final question: Clutch on the RS4, comparative weight to what? My wife will be driving this as her daily driver, but someone mentioned today the clutch was very heavy on the RS4. She drives a 330i and my Cayman S at the moment with zero problem. COuld the RS be an issue for her?
Jack
jackwood said:
Ali, thanks a lot for the informative feedback.
Final question: Clutch on the RS4, comparative weight to what? My wife will be driving this as her daily driver, but someone mentioned today the clutch was very heavy on the RS4. She drives a 330i and my Cayman S at the moment with zero problem. COuld the RS be an issue for her?
Jack
My last 5 new Cars have all been (Tip) this retrograde step to manual was a challenge (for one day) now no probs, it's quite light in action, the secret is get the seat height right and all falls into place.Final question: Clutch on the RS4, comparative weight to what? My wife will be driving this as her daily driver, but someone mentioned today the clutch was very heavy on the RS4. She drives a 330i and my Cayman S at the moment with zero problem. COuld the RS be an issue for her?
Jack
Edited by RS4john on Tuesday 19th June 19:05
I have to say i think that the 911 and RS4 are different cars for different people. I love them both (and have owned both) and you can't get away from the fact that the 911 is more of a sportscar than the RS - it's lighter and has more communicative steering. The RS4 does an amazing job of being a sportscar in a sensible body but I know which one I'd take round a track.
I agree with Thorny. Every car you buy is a compromise of some decription. How good a car is depends on how well it fits ur circumstances at the time. I have had an S4 Avant, RS4 Avant and an RS6, the last two were good cars if abit numb! Not driven a new RS4 but to most people its an Audi saloon car so could be a £22k car! Porsches have their nuances but they still turn heads. I was at the bar just up from Main entrance in Le Mnas at the practice in my new 07 plate Black Turbo 997 and I couldn't move for people crowding around. Also my wife in my 07 GT3RS, black and Orange was stopped by the Police last week for no other reason than they wanted to Oggle the car.
Also there is an issue with performance on the Audi's. I just managed to squeeze 170 out of my RS4 even with the aleged limiter! (NOT IN THE UK OF COURSE) my Turbo was blatting down the A28 from Rouen at 190mph more than once.
You don't get that with an Audi rep car look a like!! When I need to take Grandad out I'll come and ask to borrow one from you lads!
Also there is an issue with performance on the Audi's. I just managed to squeeze 170 out of my RS4 even with the aleged limiter! (NOT IN THE UK OF COURSE) my Turbo was blatting down the A28 from Rouen at 190mph more than once.
You don't get that with an Audi rep car look a like!! When I need to take Grandad out I'll come and ask to borrow one from you lads!
Completely agree about the discreteness. Most people don't notice an RS4 as something special, as they are not into cars. However, most people don't notice modern 911's as they look similar to many other cars now to the uninterested man in the street and there are so many around.
As for the Turbo and GT3 comments - yes they are light years ahead of the RS4 - but also ahead of the bog 911's and s's. And they are twice the price. And again they don't look all that - my wife used to think my Turbo was a boxter as it too had side air intakes.
The RS4 would not be much use round a track, in my opinion, but how many people take their 911's round a track. Or their Lambo's, Fezza's or any other performance vehicles. Everyday use and ownership is different from the daydreaming we all suffer from prior to driving the vehicles.
In short, I don't want to sound like I am turning anti Porsche. Not at all - I would love to have my GT3 that I had on order. They are great motors. But having bought this RS4, I can't see why the 911 is 30 grand more and is slower, less practical, and not as well equipped. Sure its better looking, but not like a Gallardo or a 430 is better looking.
Audi have impressed me. Porsche - get the accountants out the board room and make something amazing again. Until then, RS's for me I think!
As for the Turbo and GT3 comments - yes they are light years ahead of the RS4 - but also ahead of the bog 911's and s's. And they are twice the price. And again they don't look all that - my wife used to think my Turbo was a boxter as it too had side air intakes.
The RS4 would not be much use round a track, in my opinion, but how many people take their 911's round a track. Or their Lambo's, Fezza's or any other performance vehicles. Everyday use and ownership is different from the daydreaming we all suffer from prior to driving the vehicles.
In short, I don't want to sound like I am turning anti Porsche. Not at all - I would love to have my GT3 that I had on order. They are great motors. But having bought this RS4, I can't see why the 911 is 30 grand more and is slower, less practical, and not as well equipped. Sure its better looking, but not like a Gallardo or a 430 is better looking.
Audi have impressed me. Porsche - get the accountants out the board room and make something amazing again. Until then, RS's for me I think!
digger2 said:
I agree with Thorny. Every car you buy is a compromise of some decription. How good a car is depends on how well it fits ur circumstances at the time. I have had an S4 Avant, RS4 Avant and an RS6, the last two were good cars if abit numb! Not driven a new RS4 but to most people its an Audi saloon car so could be a £22k car! Porsches have their nuances but they still turn heads. I was at the bar just up from Main entrance in Le Mnas at the practice in my new 07 plate Black Turbo 997 and I couldn't move for people crowding around. Also my wife in my 07 GT3RS, black and Orange was stopped by the Police last week for no other reason than they wanted to Oggle the car.
Also there is an issue with performance on the Audi's. I just managed to squeeze 170 out of my RS4 even with the aleged limiter! (NOT IN THE UK OF COURSE) my Turbo was blatting down the A28 from Rouen at 190mph more than once.
You don't get that with an Audi rep car look a like!! When I need to take Grandad out I'll come and ask to borrow one from you lads!
As I said, lots of good cars about, just pay ur money and make ur choice!Also there is an issue with performance on the Audi's. I just managed to squeeze 170 out of my RS4 even with the aleged limiter! (NOT IN THE UK OF COURSE) my Turbo was blatting down the A28 from Rouen at 190mph more than once.
You don't get that with an Audi rep car look a like!! When I need to take Grandad out I'll come and ask to borrow one from you lads!
digger2 said:
digger2 said:
I agree with Thorny. Every car you buy is a compromise of some decription. How good a car is depends on how well it fits ur circumstances at the time. I have had an S4 Avant, RS4 Avant and an RS6, the last two were good cars if abit numb! Not driven a new RS4 but to most people its an Audi saloon car so could be a £22k car! Porsches have their nuances but they still turn heads. I was at the bar just up from Main entrance in Le Mnas at the practice in my new 07 plate Black Turbo 997 and I couldn't move for people crowding around. Also my wife in my 07 GT3RS, black and Orange was stopped by the Police last week for no other reason than they wanted to Oggle the car.
Also there is an issue with performance on the Audi's. I just managed to squeeze 170 out of my RS4 even with the aleged limiter! (NOT IN THE UK OF COURSE) my Turbo was blatting down the A28 from Rouen at 190mph more than once.
You don't get that with an Audi rep car look a like!! When I need to take Grandad out I'll come and ask to borrow one from you lads!
As I said, lots of good cars about, just pay ur money and make ur choice!Also there is an issue with performance on the Audi's. I just managed to squeeze 170 out of my RS4 even with the aleged limiter! (NOT IN THE UK OF COURSE) my Turbo was blatting down the A28 from Rouen at 190mph more than once.
You don't get that with an Audi rep car look a like!! When I need to take Grandad out I'll come and ask to borrow one from you lads!
So you could pay your money and make a choice or you could pay less and buy a caterham too.
Like the quoting yourself thing by the way.
Mikeyboy said:
Yes but some of us don't want to be noticed and sure as hell don't want to be noticed doing 180 on the french motorways. RS4 in those circumstances is the better car. And thats the pint of the thread. its all subjective as to what makes it better.
Totally agree, I don't want the attention, or to drive on tracks, I drive roads and quick.
Chemical Ali said:
Completely agree about the discreteness. Most people don't notice an RS4 as something special, as they are not into cars. However, most people don't notice modern 911's as they look similar to many other cars now to the uninterested man in the street and there are so many around.
As for the Turbo and GT3 comments - yes they are light years ahead of the RS4 - but also ahead of the bog 911's and s's. And they are twice the price. And again they don't look all that - my wife used to think my Turbo was a boxter as it too had side air intakes.
The RS4 would not be much use round a track, in my opinion, but how many people take their 911's round a track. Or their Lambo's, Fezza's or any other performance vehicles. Everyday use and ownership is different from the daydreaming we all suffer from prior to driving the vehicles.
In short, I don't want to sound like I am turning anti Porsche. Not at all - I would love to have my GT3 that I had on order. They are great motors. But having bought this RS4, I can't see why the 911 is 30 grand more and is slower, less practical, and not as well equipped. Sure its better looking, but not like a Gallardo or a 430 is better looking.
Audi have impressed me. Porsche - get the accountants out the board room and make something amazing again. Until then, RS's for me I think!
I would go along with you on the points you have made.As for the Turbo and GT3 comments - yes they are light years ahead of the RS4 - but also ahead of the bog 911's and s's. And they are twice the price. And again they don't look all that - my wife used to think my Turbo was a boxter as it too had side air intakes.
The RS4 would not be much use round a track, in my opinion, but how many people take their 911's round a track. Or their Lambo's, Fezza's or any other performance vehicles. Everyday use and ownership is different from the daydreaming we all suffer from prior to driving the vehicles.
In short, I don't want to sound like I am turning anti Porsche. Not at all - I would love to have my GT3 that I had on order. They are great motors. But having bought this RS4, I can't see why the 911 is 30 grand more and is slower, less practical, and not as well equipped. Sure its better looking, but not like a Gallardo or a 430 is better looking.
Audi have impressed me. Porsche - get the accountants out the board room and make something amazing again. Until then, RS's for me I think!
Gassing Station | Audi, Seat, Skoda & VW | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff