Audi RS4 (B5) | Spotted
As we wait and see about the future of fast Audis, there's no better time to revisit a stonecold classic
There’s a lot of change going on at Audi right now. We know there isn’t a sports car or a supercar in the line-up, and the RS range is looking severely depleted: the UK site features only the RS3 and 6, then the Q8 SUV and the e-tron GT. Having been used over the years to an Audi catalogue bursting at the seams, it certainly feels a bit odd.
That being said, there’s surely not long to wait for future fun stuff, given the cars that have been seen testing - including an RS3 GT and RS4-shaped estate - as well as the new Concept C. Something like that could surely slot into showrooms very neatly indeed; every suggestion is that it will, too.
Nevertheless, without any new cars imminent, the old Audi icons are in the spotlight like never before. More than 30 years after its launch, the RS2 still draws a crowd like no other small estate, and its successor - the original RS4 just like this one - can do much the same. Both had S models beneath them, yet the pitch-perfect RS overhaul (along with the substantial performance gain) meant they were lusted after to an entirely different degree.
To this day, a quarter of a century after launch, those paying attention know they’re looking at something special. The B5’s ride height, arches, wheel design and exhausts conveyed just the right amount of intent; obviously in Imola Yellow people would know. But in something like this Ming Blue, the understated menace could hardly have been better judged.
You all know by now the significance of the first RS4. Much like the ‘2, it might not have been the most delicate driving device, but the combination of a monstrous turbo engine, unimpeachable purchase, and the build quality of a Swiss watch won it plenty of fans. The previous owners of this one have all enjoyed tens of thousands of miles each, testament to its enduring quality. And qualities, for that matter.
It’s being sold with ‘stacks of history’ as well as £6,000 spent on a big service, tyres, and brakes less than a year ago. A classic Audi RS will likely cost a whole lot more than a new one to keep running, but if recent trends are anything to go by, then they seem unlikely to lose much money. After all, what on earth could Audi do with another RS4 to match the impact of this one?
SPECIFICATION | AUDI RS4 (B5)
Engine: 2,671cc V6, twin turbocharged
Transmission: 6-speed manual, all-wheel drive
Power (hp): 381@7,000rpm
Torque (lb ft): 324@2,500-6,000rpm
MPG: 23.4
CO2: 288g/km
Year registered: 2001
Recorded mileage: 94,000
Price new: £46,500
Yours for: £34,995
But this car’s white seats are grim and I loathe sunroofs with a passion.
Looking at PH’s UBG, the article warns of alarming borkage potential and fragility.
Yet, owner comments don’t seem to correlate – or am I being naive?
https://www.pistonheads.com/news/ph-buying-guides/...
Edit: just noticed the following in the dealer’s description:
“£6,000 spent in November 2024” – ah, OK, that’ll be the borkage, then
The V8 was nearly enough to swing that balance, just for the engine, then they dropped back to V6.
I guess that was the beginning of the rot we see today.
The B5 and C5 shapes, especially in Avant form, are so distinct and understated and functional. Even in lower trims they still catch my eye.
While I love the B7 and the jump in.. well.. everything, the turbo lump in the B5 is quintessentially 'Quattro ethos', and many of the foibles outlined by other posters can be rectified by a host of respected tuners across the country. And then theres power gains.. some real fire-breathing monsters out there!
Serial Audi-ist here, so maybe I've just got a thing for inert and aging dailies..
Ideally I'd like one in that purple or green they did, but Ming blue is really quite nice here too. Add an R8 RWS and I'd be a happy, happy boy.
I test drove one of these back to back with an E39 M5. I liked the interior more on the Audi, and the almighty shove when the Turbos kicked in was fun, otherwise the big beemer had it beaten in every department, noise, ride, steering and power delivery.
12 years on and 21k miles later I’ve still got the car. At 68k it still feels pretty taut and is a joy to drive. I periodically contemplate selling as I’m averaging just over 1k a year, but every time I take it out for a run…
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