B7 RS4 vs B8 RS5

[dgszweda]

Thought this would be a fun thread. I have always loved the looks of the B7 RS4, but have never had the pleasure of owning one. Since we don't get the RS4 here in the States, how many hear are moving from a B7 RS4 (at some time in their past) to an RS5. While the interior is obviously updated (the B7 RS4, still has a fairly nice interior in my opinion), the horsepower is nearly the same (420hp) and the RS4 was lighter.

What are the main performance differences you have seen between both models?

[dgszweda]

Do you think the RS5's will command some of the premium the RS4's do today? A nice 2007 RS4 will go for about $35K today. Most were about $75K-$77K new (which is more than a lot of RS5's today). But that is only about a 55% drop in price after 6 years. Pretty impressive!

[Mops@Nemesis]

Dont get me started on the B7 RS. That is the sexiest sedan ever created in my eyes. There are few other cars I see on the road that get me going as much as the B7 RS. The resale on them is crazy! I had to choose between that car and my current. Went with the 5 because I feel its one of the sexiest coupes ever and wanted a new interior after living with the B6/7 interior for 5 year. Glad I was able to help;)

[B45H1R]

Had an RS4. Updated for the more modern interior and MMI.

If the RS5 numbers remain low and there isn't a twin turbo V8 shoved in the next S5/RS5 it should have a similar 55% drop. The body is very very sexy. Highly desirous to many at a lower price point.

I wish I had the resources to have kept my RS4. Great car.

I really do love this RS5 though. The s-tronic makes getting the most from the engine much easier for us ham-fisted individuals.

[yas]

Considering that the V8TT won't fit on the B8 chassis, I think we're fine. ;)

[MBrock]

RS5 is superior. Not even close…….I've had both and as much as I loved the RS4, I would never go back.

[GotRS?]

I didn't think the RS5 would be so much better to drive than the RS4. Under-steer very much removed to the extent of some oversteer, but you have to drive through the corner, not just drive at it slowing down and gradually pulling away, afraid of the former under-steer, make sense? It may be heavier than the 4 but it doesn't feel it at all, the new engine feels a bit stronger in the lower revs too (and 450hp vs 420hp equals out the weight change).
I use exclusively manual mode, never auto, the S-tronic for the RS is a good alternative to manual for me, pretty sharp thumping changes except 1-2. Cabin is a bit nicer, all the right gizmo's. The 4's steroid-ed look is really the thing I miss, I saw it on the road a while ago and I thought, wow that's looks good... hang on, that was mine!
Original sticker for my '07 RS4 was $73k and I sold for $37.5k to a friend's brother last year (i.e. no big selling hassle for a higher price). I don't see the 5 being any less desirable in years to come.

[DannyDeez]

Heres my opinion: I would take a B7 RS4 over the current RS5 any day. The RS5 doesnt even look widebody to me. Of course, I ultimately chose my S5 over both of them, but thats besides the point. :)

[Vixcan]

Heres my opinion: I would take a B7 RS4 over the current RS5 any day. The RS5 doesnt even look widebody to me. Of course, I ultimately chose my S5 over both of them, but thats besides the point. :)

Doesn't look wide body till you see it in person ;)

[jpenneck]

Doesn't look wide body till you see it in person ;)

Especially if it's parked near an A5 as my RS5 is occasionally - the RS5 looks much more aggressive.

I do miss my RS4 for the manual gearbox fun, but I do not miss it when crawling in traffic! The DCT makes my morning commute so much more relaxing. About the only thing I would like to change on my car would be to have silver Alcantara instead of black, but it wasn't an option :(

[iinviktus]

Heres my opinion: I would take a B7 RS4 over the current RS5 any day. The RS5 doesnt even look widebody to me. Of course, I ultimately chose my S5 over both of them, but thats besides the point. :)

Here are some photos of my RS5 with YelloJello's S5 when we were both stock.

http://www.audizine.com/forum/showth...-amp-Sepang-S5

[YelloJello]

Back in 2007, I was on the fence of getting a used B7 RS4 and B8 V8 S5. I've never driven a B7 RS4 before, but I ended up getting the 2008 S5. Ultimately, the interior and tech is what did it for me, which made me choose the S5 over the M3 too. One of my neighbors always drives by in his B7 RS4 to this day, and I still wish I got the B7 RS4 too. Perhaps it will be in my stable in the future, along with an E36 M3 Coupe.

[Mops@Nemesis]

^We have similar plans. I like your style.


Sent from my iPhone

[superswiss]

Doesn't look wide body till you see it in person ;)

+1. The moment I walked up to mine it was very obvious that most pictures don't do it justice, but there is the rare exception. Looks plenty wide-body to me here.

[scmguru]

RS5 is superior. Not even close…….I've had both and as much as I loved the RS4, I would never go back.

2nd... Loved my RS4.. The minute
I drove the RS5, I listed it for sale.

Bought my 08 RS4 in 2010.. Sold it 3 years later for about $5k less than I paid for it.

[DannyDeez]

Doesn't look wide body till you see it in person ;)

We'll be putting that to the test in a couple weeks I hope

[NOFEARCT]

I must admit the B7 RS had an epiccc widebody but when it comes to the "total package" the RS5 really ticks all the boxes in a way few cars can. Ultimately the car for me would be the B8 RS4 Avant, but i digress...

[salmjo1]

I cried nightly after I sold my RS4, and at one point even asked to buy it back. Was at VIR and my car was there too. My sprint blue S4 - same color - was parked nearby with it's much better seats and MMI and bells and whistles but those flares on the RS4 are just to die for. Kicked myself and cried more.

Then drove my B8S4 on track. Came back with a wide grin and wished the new owner of my RS4 many happy miles. There is no comparison in the drive.

I have not driven an RS5, but it is rumored - despite some bad press - to be absolutely epic, and certainly well beyond an S4. Oh, and it also looks mega super gorgeous (though I have always agreed that they didn't go wide enough; the A5 and S5 are both stunningly pretty cars).

[essfour]

^ most bad press was written about the pre-facelift RS5 which lacked a few clearly benificial tweaks. Since the testing of the 2013+ RS5's nearly all of the review's have been positive.

Other than the numb steering, largely remidied by the AluKruez, the RS5 really does tick all of the right boxes right from the factory. Coming from a tuned B8 S4, APR pulley and software etc, I have found that there is something to be said about a car that comes perfect from the factory. The S4 was a great car and does have the potential to make equal and sometimes more power than the RS but it took a lot of work to get it to that point, with bigger brakes, stiffer coil-overs, tuning etc.

But compared to the B7 RS4 - the RS5 is the better performing car and the one with newer tech. BUT it hasnt been seen, yet, if the RS5 will age into the classic that the B7 RS4 has already become.

[Shook1]

thanks for your post essfour, always wanted a B7RS4 but could never afford it so went with a B7A4 and took it to APR stage 3 over the years--but am now finally ready to sell it, move on and am stuck in that debate of mod'ing an S4 vs going with a the RS5. Any differences in the 2013-14 models? heard they were looking at increasing the amount of aluminum/decreasing body weight but not sure if it happened or not. thanks

[essfour]

thanks for your post essfour, always wanted a B7RS4 but could never afford it so went with a B7A4 and took it to APR stage 3 over the years--but am now finally ready to sell it, move on and am stuck in that debate of mod'ing an S4 vs going with a the RS5. Any differences in the 2013-14 models? heard they were looking at increasing the amount of aluminum/decreasing body weight but not sure if it happened or not. thanks

I know that they added lighter weight alu fenders to the RS5 Cabriolet - not sure about the coupe though. There shouldn't be any major changes between the 2013 and the 2014.

[NOFEARCT]

I know that they added lighter weight alu fenders to the RS5 Cabriolet - not sure about the coupe though. There shouldn't be any major changes between the 2013 and the 2014.

I'm sure the weight on the cab is still higher though? Or maybe they did enough to offset the usual drop top weight gain (?)

[jlifschutz]

I cried nightly after I sold my RS4, and at one point even asked to buy it back. Was at VIR and my car was there too. My sprint blue S4 - same color - was parked nearby with it's much better seats and MMI and bells and whistles but those flares on the RS4 are just to die for. Kicked myself and cried more.

Then drove my B8S4 on track. Came back with a wide grin and wished the new owner of my RS4 many happy miles. There is no comparison in the drive.

I have not driven an RS5, but it is rumored - despite some bad press - to be absolutely epic, and certainly well beyond an S4. Oh, and it also looks mega super gorgeous (though I have always agreed that they didn't go wide enough; the A5 and S5 are both stunningly pretty cars).

I can agree with the above. The RS4 was literally the perfect car for me. I drove it for 40k miles stock (which is VERY rare for me) and then did everything under the sun to it through JHM. After the tunes and tweaks, the car was an absolute beast. We have some serious performance cars in the family (CTS-V, M3's, M5;s, Turbo S, 1M, etc.) and the RS4 would easily stand its ground. The short shifter and lightweight fly-wheel made it an absolute pleasure to drive aggressively, but when I started only commuting a mile in LA it wasnt worth it.

Traded up for an RS5 and couldnt be happier. All the new tech toys and slightly more luxurious interior makes it a true touring car. The second you downshift and accelerate there is TONs of power just waiting for you. I can honestly say the modded RS4 and stock RS5 are about the same in terms of acceleration, however I would prefer the RS5 on the track becuase it feels lighter on its feet. I think we can attribute that to the 40/60 split.

Since Audi releases these in limited numbers and I never see many RS cars on the road, I have no doubt in my mind that it will become a heritage touring car just like the RS4 did. I bought my RS4 for high 60's and sold it for mid 30's after 70k miles and a minor accident. Was happy with the residual value after so much time and am even happier I jumped up to the RS5.

I do have some sellers remorse, as anyone would expect after pouring so much time and love into a car, but can sleep at night knowing that a true enthusiast in Utah bought it and plans to install a custom turbo-charging system...

[salmjo1]

Gotta admit, just got back from a drive in the RS4 cab, which is often not as well reviewed as the sedan. But hot damn that's a great car. That motor and transmission are fabulous, and in the real world on crappy pavement the suspension is actually very well done. It does make me wonder whether it will be worth it losing the manual transmission, as it is one of the last 4-passenger convertibles with a proper gear box.

[HAWKiS5]

Gotta admit, just got back from a drive in the RS4 cab, which is often not as well reviewed as the sedan. But hot damn that's a great car. That motor and transmission are fabulous, and in the real world on crappy pavement the suspension is actually very well done. It does make me wonder whether it will be worth it losing the manual transmission, as it is one of the last 4-passenger convertibles with a proper gear box.

I assume you mean you test drove the RS5 cabrio?

Did you drove in Manual mode also? I am a manual gearbox addict, and was really sad the S5 and also the RS5 could not be ordered with a manual (overhere), but took the jump, and I must say the Manual mode isn the RS5 is much better than in the S5. Downshifting it will do when slowing down, but for the rest it stays where it is. It is better than drive in Dynamic (too loud/high revs for optimal driving) or Auto (too boring, no torque, really no fun when overtaking a car.........either it is slow, or it downshifts 3 gears very unsubtle with many noise...............).

[J0E]

Test drove an '08 RS4 and my '11 tuned S5 back-to-back and to be honest, my wife and I were not impressed with the RS4 at all looks or performance wise. Can't really explain it. The acceleration was underwhelming (and did not feel like 420hp) and the interior/exterior seemed a bit dated (compared to the B8).

[mmmham]

Test drove an '08 RS4 and my '11 tuned S5 back-to-back and to be honest, my wife and I were not impressed with the RS4 at all looks or performance wise. Can't really explain it. The acceleration was underwhelming (and did not feel like 420hp) and the interior/exterior seemed a bit dated (compared to the B8).

Cause it is dated

[illusive45]

Somewhat old thread but I'd love to see a H2H race between a B7 RS4 and the B8 RS5. Searched and searched youtube and found nothing. Curious to see how close(or far) they are from a dig and 60 to top end. I figure from a dig the RS5 gets a good 1 or 2 car lengths with the aid of the S-tronic's launch control, but top end it would be interesting.
I agree, the super flared arches on the RS4 are hard to ignore. The more subtle box flares on the RS5 are not as noticeable to the naked eye, but if you're a keen Quattrosnob like myself you will notice the styling nuances of any Audi. I drool almost daily walking into the office and passing by my co-worker's gray RS5. The "plain" B8 A5/S5 already look stunning, but the RS5 just puts the icing on the cake, really. Would love to own either some time down the line. I know the hooniganistic auto journalists(esp in the UK) always knock the RS models(or any Audi for that matter) for their tendency to understeer and not feel as engaging as its RWD Merc and BMW counterparts, but lets get real. How many ppl who buy any of these uber GT coupes or sedans is gonna go out and wanna get sideways around every street corner or canyon road regularly? NONE. Maybe 0.000001%. Maybe. The other 99+% drive our cars at 8/10ths, at most and that's where the Audis shine. Cheers, fellas.

[superswiss]

^^ You might be surprised by how much the RS5 feels like an RWD car. Traditionally, the quattro system shifted torque between front and back as a consequence of one axle losing traction. The RS5 introduced the next generation quattro system, featuring a self-locking crown gear center differential. The major advancement is that this diff can redirect torque at will, without any of the axles actually losing traction. For example, under acceleration, it can redirect up to 85% of the torque to the rear axle, essentially making the car feel like an RWD car. I managed to get mine sideways on several occasions by simply accelerating hard out of a 90 degree turn. So far this next-gen quattro system is only fitted on cars with the s-tronic. Manual transmission cars are stuck with the previous-gen quattro system like the one on the RS4.

[illusive45]

^^ You might be surprised by how much the RS5 feels like an RWD car. Traditionally, the quattro system shifted torque between front and back as a consequence of one axle losing traction. The RS5 introduced the next generation quattro system, featuring a self-locking crown gear center differential. The major advancement is that this diff can redirect torque at will, without any of the axles actually losing traction. For example, under acceleration, it can redirect up to 85% of the torque to the rear axle, essentially making the car feel like an RWD car. I managed to get mine sideways on several occasions by simply accelerating hard out of a 90 degree turn. So far this next-gen quattro system is only fitted on cars with the s-tronic. Manual transmission cars are stuck with the previous-gen quattro system like the one on the RS4.

Oh yeah, I understand the cool techno of the sport differential, but because Audi's(except the R8) are cursed with front engine overhang, they inherently understeer when coming in too hot into a corner. Just way too much of the car's weight over the front axle. Although, 4+ years ago, the infamous Chris Harris did back up your claims that an Audi fitted with the sport diff CAN oversteer "in extreme circumstances", as he proudly displays in this old Drivers Republic vid in what is now his own B8 S4 Avant:



I would love to see an RS5 slideways! That would be poetry in motion.

[salmjo1]

Just got back from taking the family out in the RS4 cab. The wife is not completely convinced, and she actually just suggested that I get rid of my DD B8S4 and keep both her RS4 cab and the incoming RS5 cab (which would become my DD).

I think that is just insanity, but I dig the sentiment!

The manual on the RS4 is fantastic. It is better than the manual on the B6/B7 S4, and better than the B8 S4. The motor revs so well, heel-toe downshifts are just fabulous, and they sound epic (especially with the Tubi). I think it's interesting how different the RS5 sounds from the RS4. I have only heard video, but the 5 sounds very polished. The 4 just burbles and crackles and pops like an old-school V8.

[rlarsen462]

Just got back from taking the family out in the RS4 cab. The wife is not completely convinced, and she actually just suggested that I get rid of my DD B8S4 and keep both her RS4 cab and the incoming RS5 cab (which would become my DD).

I think that is just insanity, but I dig the sentiment!

The manual on the RS4 is fantastic. It is better than the manual on the B6/B7 S4, and better than the B8 S4. The motor revs so well, heel-toe downshifts are just fabulous, and they sound epic (especially with the Tubi). I think it's interesting how different the RS5 sounds from the RS4. I have only heard video, but the 5 sounds very polished. The 4 just burbles and crackles and pops like an old-school V8.

Get the RS5 really hot and then pop some downshifts up to 6-7+...it loses the refinement pretty quick. :)

[superswiss]

Oh yeah, I understand the cool techno of the sport differential, but because Audi's(except the R8) are cursed with front engine overhang, they inherently understeer when coming in too hot into a corner. Just way too much of the car's weight over the front axle. Although, 4+ years ago, the infamous Chris Harris did back up your claims that an Audi fitted with the sport diff CAN oversteer "in extreme circumstances", as he proudly displays in this old Drivers Republic vid in what is now his own B8 S4 Avant:

I would love to see an RS5 slideways! That would be poetry in motion.

I'm actually not talking about the sport diff. The sport diff is on the rear axle and vectors torque between the rear wheels. I'm talking about the center diff. Two very different things. They complement each other extremely well. Yes, the RS5 still has its weight over the front axle and it tends to understeers if you come in too hot or under breaking, but its very easily controlled with the throttle. One learns how to drive it. Most reviewers are hell bent on trying to demonstrate the understeer. If you want to, you can even get a well balanced BMW to understeer. Maybe one of these days I get a GoPro and shoot a video of taking it sideways. There are a few YouTube video reviews, where you see the RS5 throwing out the tail around a track or twisty mountain road. Don't have the links handy at the moment.

[rlarsen462]

I'm actually not talking about the sport diff. The sport diff is on the rear axle and vectors torque between the rear wheels. I'm talking about the center diff. Two very different things. They complement each other extremely well. Yes, the RS5 still has its weight over the front axle and it tends to understeers if you come in too hot or under breaking, but its very easily controlled with the throttle. One learns how to drive it. Most reviewers are hell bent on trying to demonstrate the understeer. If you want to, you can even get a well balanced BMW to understeer. Maybe one of these days I get a GoPro and shoot a video of taking it sideways. There are a few YouTube video reviews, where you see the RS5 throwing out the tail around a track or twisty mountain road. Don't have the links handy at the moment.

On my test drive, I was coming into an S-turn really hot (scared the shit out of the saleman), and since it's been awhile since I drove AWD I wimped out and lifted the throttle...car immediately starts going for the far curb, massive understeer. Then in a flash I remembered how to drive and put the throttle to the floor, car immediately hooked up and tracked through the turn like it was on rails. That's how good this AWD system is, even with 60% over the front axle.

[Celiot29]

Heres my opinion: I would take a B7 RS4 over the current RS5 any day. The RS5 doesnt even look widebody to me. Of course, I ultimately chose my S5 over both of them, but thats besides the point. :)

I'll take ur rs5

[KurtP]

Heres my opinion: I would take a B7 RS4 over the current RS5 any day. The RS5 doesnt even look widebody to me. Of course, I ultimately chose my S5 over both of them, but thats besides the point. :)

And, of course, by "chose", you mean "couldn't afford"




Im curious what the changes to the RS5 motor consist of that caused the power change. Not just peak numbers, but shape of the curve. The RS5 keeps making power all the way to redline, where the RS4 peaks and starts to round off and level out around 7500 or so....the change in curve would indicate there are changes within the head of the motor, not just the addition of the dual TB set up. Different intake manifold?

[Mops@Nemesis]

Well that's a douchey fuking comment.

[DannyDeez]

And, of course, by "chose", you mean "couldn't afford"




Im curious what the changes to the RS5 motor consist of that caused the power change. Not just peak numbers, but shape of the curve. The RS5 keeps making power all the way to redline, where the RS4 peaks and starts to round off and level out around 7500 or so....the change in curve would indicate there are changes within the head of the motor, not just the addition of the dual TB set up. Different intake manifold?

Lmao get over yourself and spare me your assumptions on what I can and cant afford. I wrote that post 7 months ago and my opinion is still the same. The current RS5 still does not look widebody to me and the automatic transmission is a total deal breaker. I would still choose B7 RS4 any day over the current RS5.

[ToddCowles01]

I had a RS4, sold it, bought a e92 M3, sold that and bought the RS5. I dearly miss the RS4. For what it lacked in navigation/tech, dear lord that awful navigation, it was and will always remain an instant classic. Heavy, yep, 420HP doesn't feel like 420HP...until you have the carbon cleaning done. I fitted it with the AWE downpipes and exhaust, sounded like a monster. I think for many of us, it's the nostalgic piece of the RS4. Not many of us had photos of Mustang's on our walls...we had the RS4. What it represented was huge. The car was designed/engineered for the Autobahn's...not necessarily 0-60, but 60-120. Though it may not be "zippy" enough for some, if you've ever had a buster test you on the highway, all they saw was exhaust tips after their feeble attempt to challenge. It did most things ok, but what it did better than any other vehicle, when it was released, was dust on the highway. And for that fact alone, with the J-Lo in her prime rear end , it will always remain a sad affair for many of us that owned one, then sold it.

The RS5, I'm digging it. Feels nimble and zippy. I'm not apt enough as a driver to know what over or understeer is, nor do I think "this RS5's understeer/oversteer is ruining my driving experience". What I do know is I can smash it through a turn, white knuckle the steering wheel while doing so and smear a huge grin across my face; which in fact, makes me nostalgic all over again.

[essfour]

Well that's a douchey fuking comment.

+1 dude. I'm always surprised when people assume that the type of car someone drives is directly related income/networth or whatever. The amount of billionaires still driving beat up early 2000's E class wagons is ridiculous, I believe MB even pointed out that the E wagon (excluding the AMG) is sold to their wealthiest customer base. I prefer the notion at people buy the car that speaks to them most, such as people who prefer the looks of the wider bodied B7 RS4 or people that cannot get over the hurdle of letting go of their stick-shifts and choosing to buy a S4/5 for that very reason, not for affordability reasons...