RS5 or M4?

[audinoob45]

So i know i might get a bias opinion on this, but im in search for a used 2014/2015 rs5, or the M4. Not too sure which year to look into yet. They're both around the $50k mark for a used one in good condition. I have a 2013 s4 b8.5 prestige right now and i loved it, but i want something a little more faster and more attractive. I love the v8 in the rs5 and the wider body, along with the headlights and grill. I love the AWD but i dont mind a RWD. The reason i am hitting this obstacle is because i have looked at LOTS of reviews and stats on both m4 and rs5. lots of people say that the m4 is better all around (interior, exterior, speed, ect.) ..

Im kind of stuck since my mind was SET on the rs5 and i was going to go look at one to purchase. The reason im confused is because i dont know much about m4's, but its sounding to me like they're actually faster and better. Are there different types?

Is the reliability better on one over the other? Arent bimmers known to have cheap OEM parts that break easily? I am expecting bias since this is an Audizine forum, but hopefully not too much. And hopefully i get some clarification.

Note: Looking for used m4 or rs5 around $50k with around 25-30k miles on it.

[seandon_792]

Having never driven either vehicle I can say the M4 will be faster due to it being lighter and it’s tuning potential, also those seats feel wonderful.

The RS5 looks much better (subjective) and will make glorious noises with that high reving v8 but is limited in the tuning department.

Hp per dollar it will definitely cost more to make the RS5 go faster. If more speed is what you’re looking for why not modify the S4 you currently have, this platform has proven to be pretty impressive even with a simple Stg 1 tune.

Tl Dr if buying something else get M4. Preferred option tune current S4.

[Works2shoot]

M4.

[RWD2quattro]

M4 to me gets the win, lots of options, just depends how far you want to go with tuning options/suspension/turbos but they do have some issues such as a spun crank hub.
RS5 has good looks, few aftermarket suspension parts, AWD and exhaust that’s it. That’s why I never bought one.

[audinoob45]

Not expecting this type of feedback at all! haha thanks for the honesty. I was thinking m4 also after reading all the forums. But which year? Theres so many different types that im just kind of lost. Whereas there is only 1 RS5 v8 (2013-2015). Are there sub models within the m4? (like camaro ss/zl1/ect)

[bajan01]

Will this be your daily driver, weekend track car, 1/4 mile car,...? My good friend has an M4 and I can tell you that he won’t stop talking about how good BMWs perform (specifically “M cars”), even after I put distance on him in my SQ5 on a highway pull, but that’s a story for a different day.🤫

I can’t really argue the point too much though as I am biased the same way with VWs/Audis. I vote for the RS5 or the other option of modifying your S4. Perhaps even a newer, less mileage S4 with a pulley(s) upgrade and tune.

[dculber]

Go drive both, either will be a great a great choice. I have not researched how much it costs to add HP for each car but I’m guessing it’s so close go with the one that you connect with better. Whether it’s looks or the way it drives will be your decision maker


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[Thurston]

In terms of reliability one vs the other idk but the spun crank hub issue on the auto m4's is something that I can't have in the back of my mind whatsoever however I hear it's a non issue w 6mt. Again, probably totally overblown by and large but I know of one m4 owner that went a different route as a result.

[Corradobrit]

Save up and get the new RS5. It's body styling to die for. Those wheel arches....drool
I'm hoping it filters down to the upcoming RS3 facelift model as the current version is an absolute dud in the looks dept and as much as I love the 5 cylinder motor, can't get over the styling.

[audinoob45]

Save up and get the new RS5. It's body styling to die for. Those wheel arches....drool
I'm hoping it filters down to the upcoming RS3 facelift model as the current version is an absolute dud in the looks dept and as much as I love the 5 cylinder motor, can't get over the styling.

couldnt agree more. the new audis after 2016 i believe, have horrible fronts and rears. arguably. But i personsonally hate what they did to the headlights and rear lights. Could have gone a much better route. The new mercedes c63 look so much better from both front and rear. I think even bmw went the correct route for their newer models.

[Corradobrit]

couldnt agree more. the new audis after 2016 i believe, have horrible fronts and rears. arguably. But i personsonally hate what they did to the headlights and rear lights. Could have gone a much better route. The new mercedes c63 look so much better from both front and rear. I think even bmw went the correct route for their newer models.

And whats with those stupid little plastic wheel arch add ons to pass DOT requirements. Why not put wider wings from the get go alla the Clubsport and make it look like a real RS car. Hope the new model fixes the design faux pas.

[audinoob45]

This car I am getting will be used as my DD and will be an automatic with a dct or dsg.

[waxxonMTL]

your s4 is faster than the RS5. i can't speak for the M4 don't really know those cars too well.

[LP700-4]

Not expecting this type of feedback at all! haha thanks for the honesty. I was thinking m4 also after reading all the forums. But which year? Theres so many different types that im just kind of lost. Whereas there is only 1 RS5 v8 (2013-2015). Are there sub models within the m4? (like camaro ss/zl1/ect)

2015 was first model year
2016 few ecu changes like exhaust valves being controlled by driving mode instead of throttle input and introduction of the competition pack (~20hp bump, new seats, new suspension and exhaust burbles)
2017 i think a new idrive system was introduced
2018 the current one is the LCI (mid cycle refresh) model with new taillights

Get one with the adjustable suspension for sure (big difference between comfort and sport +) and competition package if you can swing it

[audinoob45]

2015 was first model year
2016 few ecu changes like exhaust valves being controlled by driving mode instead of throttle input and introduction of the competition pack (~20hp bump, new seats, new suspension and exhaust burbles)
2017 i think a new idrive system was introduced
2018 the current one is the LCI (mid cycle refresh) model with new taillights

Get one with the adjustable suspension for sure (big difference between comfort and sport +) and competition package if you can swing it

Is there one without a crank hub problem ? Or is that persistent throughout all of those years

- - - Updated - - -

By the way ide like to add i just replaced the crank on my s4 because of that same problem. I think its just car acceleration abuse, but i might be wrong.

[adkmooserider]

Our RS5 is a glorious car. Our stock s4 is a better dd. With a chipwerke set at only 3:1, my wife preferred the S4's torque over her rs5 in around town use because of the tractable nature of the power curve. No idea about the M4. After about 10k miles of ownership with 35k on the clock, cost of ownership is a real consideration with the rs5. Audicare is a good idea. Rs5 definitely sounds better/looks better than the S4.

[303 Spartan]

I've never driven either but my preference is for the M4, as well. It's just one of the few cars I can't help but stare at every time one drive's by or I see one in a packing lot. It's such a beautiful freaking car. To me, it almost has a super car type appearance when it drives by you.


The RS5 just looks like a 2 door S4, which really just looks like a slightly more aggressive A4 in the eyes of the common man. It just doesn't stand out enough for what it is, in my opinion. Some love that, but not me. Granted, I haven't done much of my own research into the M4, in terms of tuning and reliability. But I've heard nothing but great things.

[audinoob45]

My choices before i got my s4 were either a 335i, or a 370z, or this s4. The reason i got an s4 is because i wanted to be different from the crowd. Everyone owns nissans and bmw's, you see those badges everywhere here in california. You even see a4's here and there. but its very rare that an s4 passed by you. Whereas m4's, and even 370z are common, although they do stand out because of the look. But i wanted something people look at and think "what is that" . I wanted to be lowkey but at the same time, grab peoples attention. Thats what i think the rs5 does also. It looks mean and sounds like a beast, and I almost never see one, and i drive often so that says something.

Thats why i cant decide, is because the rs5 is my go to car, thats the one ive always wanted because it matches exactly what im aiming for. But then, the thought of wasting money comes along. Am i wasting money because i could be getting something a lot better for the same price? (m4)

This is a debatable topic considering that these two cars weren't built to specifically compete for each other. the 2018 q50s red sport might also be a consideration in all black. But i want to see the interior and feel the transmission in person first.

[b8audis4]

M4.

[97B518TQM]

It’s obvious in my opinion. The RS5 has a few styling advantages, which are all about taste, a good awd system, and....maybe slightly better interior. Again, subjective point. The M4 has tons of potential even with just a tune, handles significantly better, will probably have a more active online community too than the rs5 owners, and subjectively it might look better since it also has fairly wide rear arches and it’s not ugly by any means. I would most definitely go with the M4, and that may also be because I’ve had Audis for the past 12 years so maybe I’m itching to try something different.

I also drove a 335xi that belongs to my boss and while it’s significantly slower than my DP S4 I have to admit that it handled better.

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[303 Spartan]

My choices before i got my s4 were either a 335i, or a 370z, or this s4. The reason i got an s4 is because i wanted to be different from the crowd. Everyone owns nissans and bmw's, you see those badges everywhere here in california. You even see a4's here and there. but its very rare that an s4 passed by you. Whereas m4's, and even 370z are common, although they do stand out because of the look. But i wanted something people look at and think "what is that" . I wanted to be lowkey but at the same time, grab peoples attention. Thats what i think the rs5 does also. It looks mean and sounds like a beast, and I almost never see one, and i drive often so that says something.

Thats why i cant decide, is because the rs5 is my go to car, thats the one ive always wanted because it matches exactly what im aiming for. But then, the thought of wasting money comes along. Am i wasting money because i could be getting something a lot better for the same price? (m4)

This is a debatable topic considering that these two cars weren't built to specifically compete for each other. the 2018 q50s red sport might also be a consideration in all black. But i want to see the interior and feel the transmission in person first.

This is completely region dependent. In Colorado, I see at least 2 other B8 - B8.5 S4's just about every time I drive. A4's are at just about every traffic light, as well. Hell, there are 2 older RS4's who live within just a couple miles of my house. I see both of them on a weekly basis.

Meanwhile, In the last 6 months I have seen exactly 2 M4's and both of them have been over 300 miles and at least 2 months apart from each other.

But I definitely get your point. And it's probably the reason why I picked the M4 over the RS5.

[B8Addict]

M4 with competition package. Only thing is that the car doesn't sound very good but is definitely more performance oriented than the RS5. Though I personally prefer the M3 over the M4.

[superswiss]

What kind of driving do you do that will allow you to stretch the legs of either one? The M4 is an excellent track machine, but the RS5 is better everywhere else. Here's the thing. There is performance/speed on paper and then there is real world speed. The M4 while being faster on paper is traction challenged. Only two wheels to put that power down. Anything other than bone dry roads and you'll be significantly slower than an RS5. If you like to hit up the canyons like I do, watch out for gravel and wet leaves if you don't wanna end up down a cliff. The reality is most people will be faster on public roads in an RS5 year around, simply because of quattro. It's rear biased, so it has part of the RWD fun and you can even slide it around, but it honkers down around the corners and carries corner speeds that you'll have a hard time matching with an M4 if you don't want to crash. I've owned my RS5 for the past 5 years and I have driven the M4, as well as even faster cars like the R8 and even the new RS5. I wouldn't trade mine for any of those. I'm kinda shopping at the moment for a replacement, but nothing has caught my eye yet. There's just something about the RS5 package that other cars have a hard time to match. The RS5 is not the fastest car, but it doesn't have to be. There's more about driving passion than 0-60 in a straight line. For the track I would most likely go with an M4, but otherwise not really. I've had BMWs in the past and my biggest frustration was the lack of traction during the winter when it trains.

[F80Dreamer]

I recently sold my 2017 M3 so I have a pretty good feel for that car. Overall, a terrific car on many fronts. Two drawbacks....
First, being such a high powered car with rear wheel drive (actual dynos have the stock M3/M4 around 500 HP as BMW under rates output) had a very hard time putting the power down, second, the sound of the car is not great, no matter what you do with exhausts, etc...

[TEB]

Sounds like a fun search to me! Drive them both for sure. Where I live, I see M3/4's every day -- while badass for sure, they are pretty common. RS5's are a treat to see -- they just seem so much more special. Obviously, this probably isn't the best criteria to evaluate cars, but it is one of the reasons I've owned 3 Audis and 0 BMW's.

[msilva2405]

RS5 interior is going to be pretty much the same as your S4. Not saying M4 interior is better but it will definitely be different from your S4.

[Oloung1]

M4 with competition package. Only thing is that the car doesn't sound very good but is definitely more performance oriented than the RS5. Though I personally prefer the M3 over the M4.

I recently sold my 2017 M3 so I have a pretty good feel for that car. Overall, a terrific car on many fronts. Two drawbacks....
First, being such a high powered car with rear wheel drive (actual dynos have the stock M3/M4 around 500 HP as BMW under rates output) had a very hard time putting the power down, second, the sound of the car is not great, no matter what you do with exhausts, etc...

can you imagine a car with the most commonly complained negative characteristics of that chassis is the engine note? if you are coming from a 3.0t going to comp pack m3/m4, i doubt you would be loosing any sleep about the sound.

What kind of driving do you do that will allow you to stretch the legs of either one? The M4 is an excellent track machine, but the RS5 is better everywhere else. Here's the thing. There is performance/speed on paper and then there is real world speed. The M4 while being faster on paper is traction challenged. Only two wheels to put that power down.

x2, if you are tracking, m3/m4. if you are not tracking, rs5. i've driven f80/f83 but not the rs5.

[Corradobrit]

can you imagine a car with the most commonly complained negative characteristics of that chassis is the engine note? if you are coming from a 3.0t going to comp pack m3/m4, i doubt you would be loosing any sleep about the sound.




x2, if you are tracking, m3/m4. if you are not tracking, rs5. i've driven f80/f83 but not the rs5.

Isn't it synthesized on these cars now anyway

[twin_turbz]

My choices before i got my s4 were either a 335i, or a 370z, or this s4. The reason i got an s4 is because i wanted to be different from the crowd. Everyone owns nissans and bmw's, you see those badges everywhere here in california. You even see a4's here and there. but its very rare that an s4 passed by you. Whereas m4's, and even 370z are common, although they do stand out because of the look. But i wanted something people look at and think "what is that" . I wanted to be lowkey but at the same time, grab peoples attention. Thats what i think the rs5 does also. It looks mean and sounds like a beast, and I almost never see one, and i drive often so that says something.

Thats why i cant decide, is because the rs5 is my go to car, thats the one ive always wanted because it matches exactly what im aiming for. But then, the thought of wasting money comes along. Am i wasting money because i could be getting something a lot better for the same price? (m4)

This is a debatable topic considering that these two cars weren't built to specifically compete for each other. the 2018 q50s red sport might also be a consideration in all black. But i want to see the interior and feel the transmission in person first.

Before my s4 I did own a 335xi. The car was quick but i always felt like something was missing.
Everyone has certain driving preferences.
I’d test drive both to see which feel of car fits best.





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[TFSI]

Sorry Audi... M4 would be my choice.

[Corradobrit]

I owned an E46 M3 Competition package, purchased with 3K on the clock. Apart from the awful SMG tranny, the interior design and build quality was uninspiring. Hard leather and plastics. I also didn't like the VANOS system and how it boosted power in a non linear way. We parted company after about 4 months and I haven't felt like owning a Beemer since. Maybe they're better now.

[SanS4]

Will this be your daily driver, weekend track car, 1/4 mile car,...? My good friend has an M4 and I can tell you that he won’t stop talking about how good BMWs perform (specifically “M cars”), even after I put distance on him in my SQ5 on a highway pull, but that’s a story for a different day.🤫

I can’t really argue the point too much though as I am biased the same way with VWs/Audis. I vote for the RS5 or the other option of modifying your S4. Perhaps even a newer, less mileage S4 with a pulley(s) upgrade and tune.

LOL at this !! SQ5 fasten than an M4 on a roll LMAO

[SanS4]

OP, if you want high revs and a V8 get an E9X M3 or the RS5 !! If you want POWER and an engine capable of handling 600hp+ get the M4 !! An M car will always be more reliable compared to non-M bimmers !!

[mikey7182]

If I was going to get an Audi that I could mod and was tired of my S4, I'd be looking at an S6 vs. an M4, unless you have your heart set on a coupe. If you like the styling of Audis, get something that already comes with a twin turbo V8 and make it faster. Or get a TTRS if you want to stick with a 2 door sports car. The RS5 never impressed me much, especially since Audi has come a long way since the NA V8 in terms of making power and the mods that are available. You get an RS5, and you're basically stuck with the way it is aside from inconsequential bolt-ons, unless you dump a TON of money into it.

[AvusPdx]

as a car enthusiast, the RS5 commands more respect and more exclusive. Especially in my area Portland OR, I probably see an M4 every other day. I see an RS5 maybe every other month.

Unless you are semi-pro track junkie, you won't be able to drive either of the cars to its full potential, other than highway pulls and 1/4 mile drag strips.

Everyone is going forced induction and a high revving n/a V8 6mt is very rare now (Mustang GT350R is another choice).

If AWD isn't a necessity and love the RWD characteristics, hands down M4.

Other than both cars being a 2 door coupe, theres quite a difference with the 2 cars, and cross shopping them would indicate that the deciding factor isn't purely performance based but rather which on is cooler.

[bajan01]

LOL at this !! SQ5 fasten than an M4 on a roll LMAO

She’s quick...just calling it as I saw it from out front.🤫

[850tgul]

M4 with competition package. Only thing is that the car doesn't sound very good but is definitely more performance oriented than the RS5. Though I personally prefer the M3 over the M4.

Me as well. To my eye, the M3 is better looking and more practical. Proportionately, the M4 looks like a German Mustang, IMO. M3 has the more traditional BMW M look with the large greenhouse and prominent rear fender flares