Discussion
Hi all,
Had my RS4 B7 Avant for 3 years and love it to bits, and having covered 135k miles I'm considering replacing her with an RS3. I love the pace and noise of the RS4, so can any owners give me an insight into their experiences with RS3s?
I had an S3 before the RS4, but have not driven an RS3.
Thanks.
Had my RS4 B7 Avant for 3 years and love it to bits, and having covered 135k miles I'm considering replacing her with an RS3. I love the pace and noise of the RS4, so can any owners give me an insight into their experiences with RS3s?
I had an S3 before the RS4, but have not driven an RS3.
Thanks.
I had a drive of a TT-RS. Obviously rather different, but have experienced the same running gear.
I found the 5 pot Turbo was more pleasing lower down because of the greater torque compared to the RS4.
I once discovered an S-tronic TT-RS would pull about half a car length on the RS4 form 30 to 140mph, so definitely quicker.
However pleasantly characterful the 5 cylinder engine note, it was no V8.
Also, the 4's 8,000rpm redline is certainly addictive.
One major plus point is fuel consumption. I had a spirited drive in the TT RS on roads I commonly use. In the TT at least, fuel economy was a good improvement over the RS4.
Due to the better torque delivery, the "real world" driving was a little less frantic. That may be the wrong word to use, but you can use the in gear acceleration rather than changing down and wringing out the motor (my demo TT was a manual).
With the RS3's S-tronic, it may be even easier to drive, exploiting the torque.
A friend recently purchased a facelift 8P S3. While Audi interior quality is simply wonderful, I did find some of the plastics weren't quite up to the feel of the RS4.
Perhaps this is different with RS3.
Mind you, I stress VERY far from anything resembling terrible, as those A3 interiors are a lovely place to spend some time.
The infotainment system isn't too much a step up from the RS4 - high def and "Bird's Eye" map views are a noticeable improvement.
If production "pedigree" is important, I recently discovered the TT-RS and RS3 aren't built in same place as other RS products - that wouldn't bother me and may not you, but thought it worth a mention
I'm certain many owners will be along to tell me I've got it all wrong, but just some thoughts from a long term RS4 owner
Darren
I found the 5 pot Turbo was more pleasing lower down because of the greater torque compared to the RS4.
I once discovered an S-tronic TT-RS would pull about half a car length on the RS4 form 30 to 140mph, so definitely quicker.
However pleasantly characterful the 5 cylinder engine note, it was no V8.
Also, the 4's 8,000rpm redline is certainly addictive.
One major plus point is fuel consumption. I had a spirited drive in the TT RS on roads I commonly use. In the TT at least, fuel economy was a good improvement over the RS4.
Due to the better torque delivery, the "real world" driving was a little less frantic. That may be the wrong word to use, but you can use the in gear acceleration rather than changing down and wringing out the motor (my demo TT was a manual).
With the RS3's S-tronic, it may be even easier to drive, exploiting the torque.
A friend recently purchased a facelift 8P S3. While Audi interior quality is simply wonderful, I did find some of the plastics weren't quite up to the feel of the RS4.
Perhaps this is different with RS3.
Mind you, I stress VERY far from anything resembling terrible, as those A3 interiors are a lovely place to spend some time.
The infotainment system isn't too much a step up from the RS4 - high def and "Bird's Eye" map views are a noticeable improvement.
If production "pedigree" is important, I recently discovered the TT-RS and RS3 aren't built in same place as other RS products - that wouldn't bother me and may not you, but thought it worth a mention
I'm certain many owners will be along to tell me I've got it all wrong, but just some thoughts from a long term RS4 owner
Darren
They have a fantastic powertrain but everything else feels like an expensive S3 (sorry!). Whilst well screwed together the A3 did start to feel a bit dated by the end. The don't have the 'occasion' feel of the RS4 either, the TTRS is more engaging because they feel hilariously over engined.
You'd buy one because you want one; very much a heart rather than a head purchase.
You'd buy one because you want one; very much a heart rather than a head purchase.
Try an S5 convertible; if you buy a car that's trying to be an RS4 but not as good then you'll likely miss it but if you get something you'll enjoy in a different way you won't worry about it and will enjoy the qualities it does have. Mid 20s buys a decent S5 cab and they're easily fettled to have the shove you're used to. They do actually have a nice sounding engine but the standard exhaust is quite limp.
Have a read of the B8 S4 owners thread as they're much the same car. If you need the practicality the S4 Avant itself is a bloody good car too.
Have a read of the B8 S4 owners thread as they're much the same car. If you need the practicality the S4 Avant itself is a bloody good car too.
A lot depends on budget as well - if the whole super quick estate thing is what you love about the RS4 then the '6 would be a solid choice, albeit if you're doing mega miles a fairly expensive one to live with!
I've not known anyone who really 'loved' their RS3 - they bought because it was a practical alternative to a TTRS, but those I know who've had one haven't kept it long term. One was written off due to Pole Position seat theft and associated damage.....defo one to try on a decent test drive before committing. Also know of one that's had a failed gearbox, albeit after repeated use of launch control, and a remap!
The S4/5 is a decent everyday choice, although minute fuel range is an issue. From memory the B7 doesn't go far on a tank, having said that? The flappy paddle upshifts are quite amusing when you're giving it beans
Must investigate RS style oval back boxes for ours.....
I've not known anyone who really 'loved' their RS3 - they bought because it was a practical alternative to a TTRS, but those I know who've had one haven't kept it long term. One was written off due to Pole Position seat theft and associated damage.....defo one to try on a decent test drive before committing. Also know of one that's had a failed gearbox, albeit after repeated use of launch control, and a remap!
The S4/5 is a decent everyday choice, although minute fuel range is an issue. From memory the B7 doesn't go far on a tank, having said that? The flappy paddle upshifts are quite amusing when you're giving it beans
Must investigate RS style oval back boxes for ours.....
andrewparker said:
And did they find them as disappointing as the motoring press would have you believe?
I read this a lot on PH but the motoring press have never been particularly negative about the B8 RS4. Their criticism is the steering doesn't have the feeling of an M3, well it would have would it.In fact I've seen reference to the improved weight distribution over the B7. It's not a game changer like the B7 admittedly but if it ain't broke don't fix it.
Edited by djc206 on Friday 13th March 16:28
Gassing Station | Audi, Seat, Skoda & VW | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff