Is the RS4 that much better than the S4?
Discussion
I am talking about the latest B8 model here and as someone in the market for a fast estate the Audis seem the obvious choice, especially for winter/rural roads with the added security of Quattro.
I am lucky enough to have a couple of other sports cars (1976 911 and a 1992 968) so I am looking for a day to day car that can accommodate the dogs but is also fun to drive and has a bit of interest about it. The congestion we have to endure on todays roads has convinced me that an auto gearbox is the way forward for a car used on longer journeys and any trips near towns. This rules out my initial idea of a B7 model RS4.
I am drawn to the RS4 by the noise of the grunty V8 and the look of the wide arches but for £15K less would the S4 meet me needs whilst, I assume, delivering an extra 6-7 mpgs to boot?
I would be especially interested to hear from anyone who has had both models.
Thanks
I am lucky enough to have a couple of other sports cars (1976 911 and a 1992 968) so I am looking for a day to day car that can accommodate the dogs but is also fun to drive and has a bit of interest about it. The congestion we have to endure on todays roads has convinced me that an auto gearbox is the way forward for a car used on longer journeys and any trips near towns. This rules out my initial idea of a B7 model RS4.
I am drawn to the RS4 by the noise of the grunty V8 and the look of the wide arches but for £15K less would the S4 meet me needs whilst, I assume, delivering an extra 6-7 mpgs to boot?
I would be especially interested to hear from anyone who has had both models.
Thanks
Interesting to read the comments as a lot of points are ones I have found for myself. The RS4 I test drove was great but it was possibly a tiny bit less great than I had expected. I think this is down to the nature of the engine being a high reving V8 and as pointed out in press reviews it needs to be pushed towards the redline to get the absolute best from it - difficult to do though on day to day driving without loosing your licence or looking like a bit of a boy racer! Wide arches look good though.
Kent Phil - how does economy compare between the S4 you had and the RS5 you run? I am quite prepared to live with a car that does early 20's to the gallon (most of my cars have been in that area) but the thing that could be an irritation for me is touring range. I often drive into Europe and if a car can't do a good 300 miles at motorway cruising speed it becomes a nuisance stopping at petrol stations too often and spoils your journey time when trying to beat the satnav!
Kent Phil - how does economy compare between the S4 you had and the RS5 you run? I am quite prepared to live with a car that does early 20's to the gallon (most of my cars have been in that area) but the thing that could be an irritation for me is touring range. I often drive into Europe and if a car can't do a good 300 miles at motorway cruising speed it becomes a nuisance stopping at petrol stations too often and spoils your journey time when trying to beat the satnav!
Some very interesting and useful posts on this dilemma - many thanks.
General conclusions:
Performance - RS4 obviously quicker but S4 more than quick enough for road use
Economy - neither great and only 5-6 mpg difference between them
Sound - RS4 has it unless you get a modified exhaust on the S4
Residuals - one are not mentioned but I suspect in 3 years time the RS4 would have held a greater percentage of its value based on history
Think I need another test drive in an RS4 and a later model S4 as I still can't decide!
General conclusions:
Performance - RS4 obviously quicker but S4 more than quick enough for road use
Economy - neither great and only 5-6 mpg difference between them
Sound - RS4 has it unless you get a modified exhaust on the S4
Residuals - one are not mentioned but I suspect in 3 years time the RS4 would have held a greater percentage of its value based on history
Think I need another test drive in an RS4 and a later model S4 as I still can't decide!
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