RE: Audi RS4 (B5) Avant: PH Heroes
Discussion
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12 years ago I test drove the RS4 back to back with the E39 M5. On boost it was a rocket ship and had same pull as the M5 can only deliver in the final 1500-2000 revs before redlining.
Engine sound and steering feel were better in the M5.
Ride, interior, seating position, handling and braking were all ball park similar.
Looks, entirely subjective, I called it a draw.
I was equally drawn to both of them, they are 2 of the best uber barges ever made IMO.
However as I planned to keep and drive for a good few years the simplicity of large capacity NA engine and RWD won it for the M5. 70k miles later I still think I made the right decision (apart from those few days when it snows).
Engine sound and steering feel were better in the M5.
Ride, interior, seating position, handling and braking were all ball park similar.
Looks, entirely subjective, I called it a draw.
I was equally drawn to both of them, they are 2 of the best uber barges ever made IMO.
However as I planned to keep and drive for a good few years the simplicity of large capacity NA engine and RWD won it for the M5. 70k miles later I still think I made the right decision (apart from those few days when it snows).
Love the B5 RS's, back when RS's where proper. The new ones just don't have the same magic. It's not covered it chintzy tat, just those flared arches are enough to give it the presence it requires.
I really don't understand why Audi seem to be shy with their arches now, as far as I am concerned it's a signature of an RS. It also has a properly characterful engine. This and the B7 saloon are the high-points in the RS line up for me.
I really don't understand why Audi seem to be shy with their arches now, as far as I am concerned it's a signature of an RS. It also has a properly characterful engine. This and the B7 saloon are the high-points in the RS line up for me.
Great cars, loved the look of them too. Taken many photographs of this one!
Audi B5 RS4 at Reims GP Circuit, France by Khalid Bari, on Flickr
Audi B5 RS4 at Reims GP Circuit, France by Khalid Bari, on FlickrI have owned 3 of these (including the same 1 twice) plus S2 Avant, RS2 Avant, 3 C5 RS6 Avants and am now on my 2nd C6 RS6 Avant - all of which have been modified!
The B5 RS4 is in my view THE single best car that Audi has ever made (and I have owned most including a supercharged R8) so am qualified to comment.
When I bought my current C6 (18k miles and MRC'd to 756.9bhp and 1,040nm!) I contemplated buying another B5 instead.
On reading this, I wish I had!
Simply the best PRACTICAL super car ever made.
The B5 RS4 is in my view THE single best car that Audi has ever made (and I have owned most including a supercharged R8) so am qualified to comment.
When I bought my current C6 (18k miles and MRC'd to 756.9bhp and 1,040nm!) I contemplated buying another B5 instead.
On reading this, I wish I had!
Simply the best PRACTICAL super car ever made.
Love these and have sat in that particular car as it was at Goodwood FOS 2 years ago I believe...
I was very tempted by an Avus Silver one earlier in the year for c.£16k which looked very nice but house renovation meant I went for the less flashy (and perhaps more grandad) D2 S8. Not as quick but V8 loveliness for less than £5k seemed a decent compromise.
All a matter of opinion but I actually like the interiors of these. I had a 2004 Audi TT until earlier this year which was a late 90s design and for me it was a lovely place to sit. Well thought out buttons and felt much better built than an A5 my wife had a few years ago.
Oh and as commented still very much a time when Audi did the silver mirrors. Solid aluminium in the S8's case...
I was very tempted by an Avus Silver one earlier in the year for c.£16k which looked very nice but house renovation meant I went for the less flashy (and perhaps more grandad) D2 S8. Not as quick but V8 loveliness for less than £5k seemed a decent compromise.
All a matter of opinion but I actually like the interiors of these. I had a 2004 Audi TT until earlier this year which was a late 90s design and for me it was a lovely place to sit. Well thought out buttons and felt much better built than an A5 my wife had a few years ago.
Oh and as commented still very much a time when Audi did the silver mirrors. Solid aluminium in the S8's case...
I stretched my budget to the max to own mine. Chipped to 415bhp with a short shifter and B7 Brake upgrade. I loved it.
It all ended in tears though.
Turbo replacement is an engine out job, and they must be done in pairs (££££££). I got it back on the road but just couldn't risk any further big bills. Of course, sods law, it ran trouble free for many years in the hands of its next owner.
It all ended in tears though.
Turbo replacement is an engine out job, and they must be done in pairs (££££££). I got it back on the road but just couldn't risk any further big bills. Of course, sods law, it ran trouble free for many years in the hands of its next owner.
MrHooky83 said:
Love these and have sat in that particular car as it was at Goodwood FOS 2 years ago I believe...
I was very tempted by an Avus Silver one earlier in the year for c.£16k which looked very nice but house renovation meant I went for the less flashy (and perhaps more grandad) D2 S8. Not as quick but V8 loveliness for less than £5k seemed a decent compromise.
All a matter of opinion but I actually like the interiors of these. I had a 2004 Audi TT until earlier this year which was a late 90s design and for me it was a lovely place to sit. Well thought out buttons and felt much better built than an A5 my wife had a few years ago.
Oh and as commented still very much a time when Audi did the silver mirrors. Solid aluminium in the S8's case...
Ah also lovely. I do miss this era, the latest Audis don't do it for me aesthetically.I was very tempted by an Avus Silver one earlier in the year for c.£16k which looked very nice but house renovation meant I went for the less flashy (and perhaps more grandad) D2 S8. Not as quick but V8 loveliness for less than £5k seemed a decent compromise.
All a matter of opinion but I actually like the interiors of these. I had a 2004 Audi TT until earlier this year which was a late 90s design and for me it was a lovely place to sit. Well thought out buttons and felt much better built than an A5 my wife had a few years ago.
Oh and as commented still very much a time when Audi did the silver mirrors. Solid aluminium in the S8's case...
Enjoyed watching/listening to an Ordi S8 in Ronin earlier today...
Andy20vt said:
Really wanted a blue or red one but finding one in good condition proved problematic, bought on condition so hence ended up with the Avus below - don't regret it for a minute, love the colour and it probably draws less attention than blue/red which I prefer these days.
There's no colour I don't like. As you say though, these days it's all about condition and history, if you end up with a color that's more to your liking, that's a bonus.GregorFuk said:
Turbo replacement is an engine out job, and they must be done in pairs (££££££). I got it back on the road but just couldn't risk any further big bills. Of course, sods law, it ran trouble free for many years in the hands of its next owner.
That was the only big bill I didn't experience, the others which are fairly typical being replacement of worn cams, and a gearbox rebuild due to worn 1st and 2nd synchros..And since others started posting..
Agreed, what a great spec with the Recaros and alcantara wheel! The B5 RS4 is probably, for me, the best looking RS model.
However, i found it a case of being don't meet your heroes! Terrible ride and no appreciable dynamic qualities. The M3 was a much better car but of course not an estate, so not apples for apples. I also heard the RS4 engine had its issue and was generally very expensive to run, so never bit the bullet. Happy to appreciate from afar though!
However, i found it a case of being don't meet your heroes! Terrible ride and no appreciable dynamic qualities. The M3 was a much better car but of course not an estate, so not apples for apples. I also heard the RS4 engine had its issue and was generally very expensive to run, so never bit the bullet. Happy to appreciate from afar though!
Nogaro Blue for me please 
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