RS3 or S4

[itr325]

Currently looking to upgrade from my B8 S4 to either an RS3 or new S4. I like both, but have a hard time dropping 50ish on a car without power seats and sparse interior with the RS3. The S4 is bigger, heavier, slower out of the box. Mainly going to be used as a daily car, with a handful of track days scattered in there. What's going to be the better package for mods? Don't like that I have to send the ECU in to be unlocked on the S4. Just looking for thoughts and opinions.

[18GlacierS4]

I daily an 18 s4, so far i have JB4 on MAP 6 with a cts turbo inlet and ecs intake, and have an ecs intercooler to install as well. Love every minute of it. My car is CPO so that is why i went with the JB4.

APR also just announced that any APR dealer can do the flash without having to send in the ECU as well, so if you have an APR dealer close to you, it can be done through them.


https://www.goapr.com/blog/post/dire...sch_mg1_ecus_/

[Rossida92]

I believe s4 would be a better choice for a daily driver. That is what my car was before the pandemic since now I wfh. The car is comfortable but still a blast to drive! EPL and APR now have the ability to flash stage 1 without sending your ecu in for the b9 s4. Epl allows you to do it from your home and apr you still need to visit a dealer. I have the epl stage 1 93 tune and it made a huge difference. I love the way the car pullls and this is how it should have felt from factory. I like Audi interior over the other cars I looked at which was amg c43. The rs3 would be great if all you care about is being fast imo.

You should drive both. Get a feel for how they drive and remember it will be a daily driver. You wouldnt want to spend 50k and not be able to flex massage seats haha

[itr325]

I've driven both...and like both! Oddly I like the ZF in the S4 over the DSG in the RS, it feels like it more responsive. RS is quite a bit quicker out of the box, or at least it felt like it. I'm not really a 1/4 guy, more of a handling/track day, but I do like it when I can pull a GT350R up the hill at Road America! Can't go slower than what I currently have, that just doesn't compute.

[SleeperCar]

rs3 with $10k in mods will be running close to 9s qtr mile. S4 wont come close. If you are chasing speed, rs3 all day. If you want a comfortable daily thats also zippy, S4 all day.

I test drove both, the fit and finish of the s4 is miles ahead of the rs3. No one can make that choice for you, you gotta consider whats most important to you. /thread

[Yousef@LR]

Kinda (but not really) was in the same boat as you. I went from a '18 S3 to a '19 S4. My situation may differ since I have two small kids. The S3 was just too small in the backseat to fit child seats comfortably, the trunk opening was too small to fit anything big(ish), way too loud on the highway and rode too harshly. BUT fucking hell it was fast (APR Stage 1 tune) and handled like it was on rails! I seriously looked into a RS3 but the packaging just doesn't work for me but damnit to hell if I didn't have a family...done and done! The S4 is perfect for me though. I have EPL Stage 1 (may or may not go with APR if they ever do an 'at-home' tune), AWE FMIC, Eventuri Intake and muffler delete. First thing I did was drop-kick the Contis out the door and got a set of Michelin PS4S and immediately transformed the car. It feels faster than the S3, sounds a crap ton better, rides like a dream, interior is at another level and massaging seats.

[Drawblood]

I'm daily driving an 18 S4 with a Rev 9 intercooler and EPL stock tune and have 28K with zero issues. You can safely get a lot more power out of a V6 motor. If you're tracking (as mentioned): I would recommend an intercooler, drilled rotors and a tune. Stock pads are fine, but won't last long on the track. Yes the S4 is heavier, but you'll have move room in the backseat and truck for your daily driving. The V6 makes up for the weight difference.

[DOCEVG]

Have both (although S4 is not a B9) and love both, but they are very different cars with very different experiences.
Lots of mods on S4; none, yet, on RS3, but would think you get more for your modding dollar on the RS3 than the S4.

[East_Coast_S4]

Currently looking to upgrade from my B8 S4 to either an RS3 or new S4. I like both, but have a hard time dropping 50ish on a car without power seats and sparse interior with the RS3. The S4 is bigger, heavier, slower out of the box. Mainly going to be used as a daily car, with a handful of track days scattered in there. What's going to be the better package for mods? Don't like that I have to send the ECU in to be unlocked on the S4. Just looking for thoughts and opinions.

Like others have mentioned, S4 = Style, interior, comfort and space however it will never catch an RS3 in speed or sound.

RS3 accidentally Audis fastest car made when modded right it's a super speed go kart able to hit 9s on stock turbo and block.


I love my 2019 S4 and it's great for track but we'll probably never break 10s in the 1/4.



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[will13k7]

If the interior doesn't bother you, the a3/s3/rs3 is way more nimble around the corners too. that thing just darts around like nothing, the turn-in is crazy. its also a fine daily driver, just not lux. It has a little bit of an econo-car look and feel inside and out, it's hard to unsee once you notice.

The s4 is a big mid-sized sedan that keeps getting bigger. You really feel the weight switching between an 8V and B9, but the b9 also looks and feels more upscale. I might be biased, but the 2018 P+ version is also Audi's cleanest looking sedan ever, interior and exterior.

good luck choosing!

[hunter_killer]

Like others have mentioned, S4 = Style, interior, comfort and space however it will never catch an RS3 in speed or sound.

RS3 accidentally Audis fastest car made when modded right it's a super speed go kart able to hit 9s on stock turbo and block.


I love my 2019 S4 and it's great for track but we'll probably never break 10s in the 1/4.



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Why would you say that? There’s plenty B8 S4’s hitting mid to low 10’s already. There’s no reason a B9 won’t go faster with some more time and people pushing the platform. The thing holding the B8’s from going faster is the lack of supercharger options compared to an array of turbos to change to and a better transmission with a B9.


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[entaille]

I had the same consideration.. I reallllllly like the 5 cyl, the power and sound are great. it's more of a daily driver for me however, and I really dislike the haldex system. I had a golf R a few years back and want quattro.

[javbomb]

I had a 500+HP Stage 2 RS3.

Needed a slightly bigger car for growing family so grabbed an S4 Avant, and I can honestly say I think its a much better car.

Yes some power gone, but man the S4 freaking goes too! Especially the low end torque I reckon the S4 around town would more than keep up with an RS3, that had a fair bit of turbo lag compared.

Interior is significantly better in the S4. The Quattro is noticeably better too, the RS used to kind of do these really odd mid corner movements when the haldex kicked in properly and it never felt natural, the S4 handles corners really surprisingly well and balanced.

I dont regret it at all, miss that catless RS3 sound though, but I can work on that.

[East_Coast_S4]

Why would you say that? There’s plenty B8 S4’s hitting mid to low 10’s already. There’s no reason a B9 won’t go faster with some more time and people pushing the platform. The thing holding the B8’s from going faster is the lack of supercharger options compared to an array of turbos to change to and a better transmission with a B9.


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Breaking 10s, not breaking into 10s....

11s isn't fast anymore, neither are 10s

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[itr325]

I had the same consideration.. I reallllllly like the 5 cyl, the power and sound are great. it's more of a daily driver for me however, and I really dislike the haldex system. I had a golf R a few years back and want quattro.

Yea..that was the other thing, that haldex setup. Not a fan. But apparently it's been "improved" to act more like a rear drive under power on corner exit. My B8 is a terrible pig mid corner and pushes like hell on exit. I had the Stasis center diff on my B5 and that was a game changer. I'm gonna have to think on this some more.....

[itsjustjed]

I had a 2018 S4 for two years, really liked it, but never felt excited to jump in and go for a drive. It was enjoyable on long trips, great space, the interior is beautiful, but it was numb and nothing about it was visceral. The Dynamic steering didn't help, so drive both a standard steering and dynamic rack if you can. I traded it in for a 2018 RS3 last year.

Quick take: If you're going to tune or tweak, RS3 all day. If you want the better daily driver, S4 is a no-brainer.

Some additional thoughts:

Brakes: Great in both cars, I have the carbon ceramic brakes on the RS3 and with a car that weighs a bit over 3,540lbs, the brakes stop time. They'll be soul crushing to replace at some point, but they are scary powerful on the street. S4 brakes are really strong and have good modulation as well.

Steering: Edge goes to the RS3, but I've driven few non-dynamic steering S4s, so this might be personal preference, given my two cars.

Ride: I had the S Sport Package on the S4, so dynamic chassis and adaptive damping. It rides well, is compliant in comfort and firm and sporty in dynamic. Never had any complaints. I have the Dynamic Plus Package on the RS3 - fixed suspension, CCB brakes, higher top speed, etc. Not really a fair comparison. I also never drove an RS3 with adaptive damping, so can't speak to how it is, I know it was trash in the S3 in early iterations. I’m now on coilovers, which was my plan and why I wanted a fixed suspension car, so apples to oranges on this one.

AWD: Quattro forever. Haldex gets the job done, but it's the worse option for anything other than drag racing, which I don't care about.

Engine/Transmission: The RS3's motor is special, the sound alone is intoxicating. If you like power to redline, the RS3 delivers, torque is there from 2K and power doesn't die until 7K. The combination of multiport injection and direct injection is what gives the engine such high power potential. You buy an RS3 for the engine and transmission. The ZF8 in the S4 is great, but comparing it to the DQ500 isn't fair. The DSG is a masterpiece, can handle huge power and is far more engaging than the torque converter.

Interior: S4 is premium, luxurious and a comfortable place to spend time. The RS3 is bare bones, other than the same exact digital dash (with added RS features), if you option for the virtual cockpit. In defense of the RS3, all of the touch points, steering wheel, gear shifter, MMI knobs, they all feel solid and on par with the S4’s controls.

Exterior: Push, to each their own. My S4 was nice, loved the Florett Silver, but the RS3 looks better to me. It's tarted up, on coilovers and wheels, but I do catch myself turning around in parking lots to look at it.

Enjoyment: I have zero regrets about moving down in comfort, refinement and convenience from the S4. I decided after having it for two years it was a great car, but too clinical. It did everything well, but never left me excited to drive it. It's the clear choice for A to B needs. On the other hand, I love the RS3. I wake up early to take drives with the sunroof cracked to listen to the exhaust, the sound is raucous, it's fun, it's sophomoric. The car pops and bangs on warm start ups, it scares children at gas stations, it's a sleeper and it's the most unique production engine being made today. The car is edgier, feels more connected and is great for weekend driving. With that being said, I have no kids, my wife has an X3 for road trips and grocery runs, and the rear visibility is so poor in the RS3 I removed the rear headrests. I never have passengers in the back seats and now couldn't in good conscious. So, not at all practical for most.

Final Verdict: Drive both. See what you prefer. You can 100% daily drive an RS3, but it would be less enjoyable than the S4. If you care about tuning and making the car your own, the RS3 is the primary focus of the aftermarket at this time. It's a low volume rocket. To compete with the beautiful wagon above, here’s my RS3.

Good luck.

[hunter_killer]

Breaking 10s, not breaking into 10s....

11s isn't fast anymore, neither are 10s

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What are you getting at with breaking 10’s? And idk about you but low 10’s are still impressive without spending a huge amount out right for a car or building a drag orientated car while sacrificing creature comforts....


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[itr325]

I had a 2018 S4 for two years, really liked it, but never felt excited to jump in and go for a drive. It was enjoyable on long trips, great space, the interior is beautiful, but it was numb and nothing about it was visceral. The Dynamic steering didn't help, so drive both a standard steering and dynamic rack if you can. I traded it in for a 2018 RS3 last year.

Quick take: If you're going to tune or tweak, RS3 all day. If you want the better daily driver, S4 is a no-brainer.

Some additional thoughts:

Brakes: Great in both cars, I have the carbon ceramic brakes on the RS3 and with a car that weighs a bit over 3,540lbs, the brakes stop time. They'll be soul crushing to replace at some point, but they are scary powerful on the street. S4 brakes are really strong and have good modulation as well.

Steering: Edge goes to the RS3, but I've driven few non-dynamic steering S4s, so this might be personal preference, given my two cars.

Ride: I had the S Sport Package on the S4, so dynamic chassis and adaptive damping. It rides well, is compliant in comfort and firm and sporty in dynamic. Never had any complaints. I have the Dynamic Plus Package on the RS3 - fixed suspension, CCB brakes, higher top speed, etc. Not really a fair comparison. I also never drove an RS3 with adaptive damping, so can't speak to how it is, I know it was trash in the S3 in early iterations. I’m now on coilovers, which was my plan and why I wanted a fixed suspension car, so apples to oranges on this one.

AWD: Quattro forever. Haldex gets the job done, but it's the worse option for anything other than drag racing, which I don't care about.

Engine/Transmission: The RS3's motor is special, the sound alone is intoxicating. If you like power to redline, the RS3 delivers, torque is there from 2K and power doesn't die until 7K. The combination of multiport injection and direct injection is what gives the engine such high power potential. You buy an RS3 for the engine and transmission. The ZF8 in the S4 is great, but comparing it to the DQ500 isn't fair. The DSG is a masterpiece, can handle huge power and is far more engaging than the torque converter.

Interior: S4 is premium, luxurious and a comfortable place to spend time. The RS3 is bare bones, other than the same exact digital dash (with added RS features), if you option for the virtual cockpit. In defense of the RS3, all of the touch points, steering wheel, gear shifter, MMI knobs, they all feel solid and on par with the S4’s controls.

Exterior: Push, to each their own. My S4 was nice, loved the Florett Silver, but the RS3 looks better to me. It's tarted up, on coilovers and wheels, but I do catch myself turning around in parking lots to look at it.

Enjoyment: I have zero regrets about moving down in comfort, refinement and convenience from the S4. I decided after having it for two years it was a great car, but too clinical. It did everything well, but never left me excited to drive it. It's the clear choice for A to B needs. On the other hand, I love the RS3. I wake up early to take drives with the sunroof cracked to listen to the exhaust, the sound is raucous, it's fun, it's sophomoric. The car pops and bangs on warm start ups, it scares children at gas stations, it's a sleeper and it's the most unique production engine being made today. The car is edgier, feels more connected and is great for weekend driving. With that being said, I have no kids, my wife has an X3 for road trips and grocery runs, and the rear visibility is so poor in the RS3 I removed the rear headrests. I never have passengers in the back seats and now couldn't in good conscious. So, not at all practical for most.

Final Verdict: Drive both. See what you prefer. You can 100% daily drive an RS3, but it would be less enjoyable than the S4. If you care about tuning and making the car your own, the RS3 is the primary focus of the aftermarket at this time. It's a low volume rocket. To compete with the beautiful wagon above, here’s my RS3.

Good luck.

Damn!!!! Thanks for that review, very helpful. Thanks it gonna be an RS, if it doesn’t work out, I can always sell it and get the S4 and put a little cash in my pocket.


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[GFRRS3]

The RS3 is a bit more special in addition to all the great responses above.

I take my little ones to school in the morning in the RS3, its a bit tight but I throw their backpacks in the trunk.

Both are fantastic cars for sure, good dilemma to have!

[East_Coast_S4]

Yea..that was the other thing, that haldex setup. Not a fan. But apparently it's been "improved" to act more like a rear drive under power on corner exit. My B8 is a terrible pig mid corner and pushes like hell on exit. I had the Stasis center diff on my B5 and that was a game changer. I'm gonna have to think on this some more.....

There is an add on that let's you control the Haldex and set the balance any way you want rear to front.... turns it into a quattro basically.

Lookup the fastest RS3 they use it.

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[will13k7]

not a flattering pix of the cars, but this angle shows the lower+wider look of the b9 versus the higher+skinnier look of the 8v. both look great though.

[danaeroS4]

When i made my decision it was pretty easy once i seen the cars in person....to me the RS3 just look too small compared to the S4, it was unattractive. Again my opinion and i never like small cars, not that the S4 is a big car in any means just when comparing the 2.


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[jdel]

It comes down to how you want to use the car. Sit in the interior of the RS3 for 30 seconds and you will notice just how far off fit/finish is compared to the S4, but no one buys the RS3 for comfort, the interior or anything else. It's strictly for that engine (and it's definitely worth it). If you want to track the car, RS3...if you want to be quick while also being able to do long road trips/commutes comfortably, S4.

[nycaudi]

With a couple mods you can get up to the rs3 stock performance minus that 5 banger melody......can you add s4 comfort to the rs3?

The rs3 interior looks very jetta-ish to me ...but that motor is a fucking beast.

[javbomb]

My mate works for Audi, and brought over a new RS3 Hatch with less than 1000km on the clock. Nardo, Carbon edition. OPF Filter.

Read above you will see I used to have a stage 2 RS3, and now have an S4 Avant.

Since it had been since Jan when I last drove my RS3, I couldn't resist... Took it for a proper good burn to see what I was missing.

Well, aside from the sound (what is left of it with the OPF), there was basically not ONE thing about the RS3 I liked compared to my stock S4.

The S4 had more guts down low (read as usable torque) for tighter streets, corners, roundabouts etc, the RS3 had quite a bit of turbo lag, the S4 interior is MILES ahead of the RS. The S4 you sit IN the car, the RS felt like I was sitting in an SUV, or ON the car, I kept thinking the seat was all the way high in its adjustment, but nope. After getting used to the gear lever in the S4, it felt like I was pushing the gear lever in the RS into the next solar system.

The steering in the RS is more nippy at first but it ends there immediately, the steering in the S4 is overall much better especially putting down power in a sweeping corner, its predicable and actually rotates like a normal car should when you put the power down. Haldex is just crap and does this mid corner hip swing thing every time, I hated it.

I am really happy I took that drive, sure once the turbo spooled it had a little more power up the top, but the gap was not big in any way shape or form in real driving stock vs stock, really happy with my S4. Now if I drove my old stage 2 RS, things would be different that car was an animal, but the interior, driveability, cornering etc, honestly in all cases the S4 is just a better car.

[oc cc]

As I picked up my S5 yesterday I got to test drive the RS3. Never had worse buyers remorse - the RS was cheaper and a god damn freaking hoot to drive. It was tight, light, with tons of engine might. My S5 drives fat, sluggish, and overall feels and looks like a tank. Saving my pennies for a CPO Cayman or RS3.

[itr325]

Thanks all for the input, very much appreciated. Gonna grab an RS when the right one becomes available.

[drifto614]

Thanks all for the input, very much appreciated. Gonna grab an RS when the right one becomes available.

Not trying to cause problems here but this is just a hair away from dropping into the 7's.... Thought i'd share.
https://www.instagram.com/p/CGztZl7B...=1oyu1o7ewkqc3

[Dais0948]

If I had to do it again I would get an RS3 or RS5. RS3 has a much better platform for tuning.

My friend just got one and I just admit I'm a bit jealous. His is fully loaded too with BO pack.

[itr325]

Well I’ll have my RS3 on Monday. Found a Daytona Grey with every option aside for the Dynamic Plus. For the price I couldn’t pass it up.


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[AR_Motorwerkz]

Well I’ll have my RS3 on Monday. Found a Daytona Grey with every option aside for the Dynamic Plus. For the price I couldn’t pass it up.


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Nice choice, OP. Send pics when you get her!

[S3DUDE]

Oh.... I am arriving to this topic too late. My first question is : why not a S5? it definitely clicks more boxes on style and appeal, not me saying but it is the truth, the A4/S4 from the past have similarities, predictable design pattern but the S5 is new, unseen before, the S5 body style is a hell more unique than the sedan S4. If you want a better daily driver read no more, grab a S4, it will be vastly more rewarding than the RS3 with its unbreakable clonky suspension and poor choice of low profile tires. I dislike the Haldex system, I didn't like it on my A3, my S3 nor my RS3 but on a different note I love the Quattro on my A6(C7), A4(B9) and S5 (B9).

I also don't like the DSG, it suppose to be strong but the irresponsive TCU is mediocre. The Audi S4 with the ZF and that awesome torquey engine allows you to pull through smoothly even if you are 2 gears taller. We can go on an on but the people already highlighted most if not all the pros and cons. The seats on the RS3 are ok but the seats on the S4 are from a space ship, specially if you have the optional kappa leather like the ones that I have. They also come with massaging.

The S4/S5 comes with better sound proof windows double paned. As far is the interiors, The RS3 is not bad at all, it is just more simplistic in design but not necessarily a lower quality, both cars have hard surfaces and soft surfaces on the same spots, the RS3 comes with Alcántara on the door panels, shifter and steering while the S4 comes with leather on the steering. It looks like you already made your mind, you will love the RS3 because of the engine (mainly) but the S4 is the car that I would buy if I have to commute everyday to work and take to family trips.

[itr325]

Nice choice, OP. Send pics when you get her!

Here she is, swapped those ugly black optics wheels for my S5 peelers. Now just need to drop it!
IMG_5334.jpg
IMG_5333.jpg


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[timmyzr1]

I sold my stage 2 rs3 E85 to get a B8 S4 manual 6MT! The RS3 was useless with the family, and was sick and tired of the POS sounds catless!! I was ashamed every time time i left a stop!! Always sound like some bolts was flying around in the exhaust! And the Haldex system is litteraly useless in snow! With the 2 open diff, got stuck many times last winter! Cant beat quattro with sport diff! Also, even tho if the RS3 make more powee, the stage 2 blower S4 torque down low makesit more faster AND fun around town! I couldnt care less about 1/4 times so i ditched the RS3! Bottom line is i absolutely HATED the sound of the RS3 catless!!each of his own!IMG_20200429_141931.jpgIMG_20200429_142155.jpg

[itr325]

I’ve got a B8 S4 with test pipes...sounds like absolute sh!t!!! Makes a ton of power, but horrible to drive. After a week in the RS...I like it, the power delivery is like any other turbo I’ve owned, slight lag but nothing too bad. Not like my 2nd gen eclipse with a super 16g turbo!!! Lag for days and then a punch in the chest.

All in all, I like it for now. We’ll see what happens when the snow starts.


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[timmyzr1]

Catless B8 S4 sounds horrible!!! But a catted MT6 with a polo exhaust!!! Heaven!!! Last winter i got stuck in less than 6 inc of snow!!! One front and one rear was spinning hopelessly on ice !! I couldn't believe how shitty the haldex setup was on the snow!! Of course all my friends was there and making fun on me... Also front brakes froze twice!! I had to throw hot water on them to be able to drive off!! Dead serious!!

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[timmyzr1]

Btw i know lag!! I had 4built mkiv single turbo supras! And one greedy turbo dc5 Integra type rreceived_190533078762165.jpgreceived_380023113134480.jpgreceived_1826938020947092.jpgreceived_1450931035080943.jpgreceived_186084949115706.jpgreceived_174898640270776.jpg

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[itr325]

Catless B8 S4 sounds horrible!!! But a catted MT6 with a polo exhaust!!! Heaven!!! Last winter i got stuck in less than 6 inc of snow!!! One front and one rear was spinning hopelessly on ice !! I couldn't believe how shitty the haldex setup was on the snow!! Of course all my friends was there and making fun on me... Also front brakes froze twice!! I had to throw hot water on them to be able to drive off!! Dead serious!!

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Fair enough!!! I’ll update once we get snow here. I’ve had a few haldex awd cars and never had any issues I’d snow, although I’ve always had snow tires.


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[itr325]

Btw i know lag!! I had 4built mkiv single turbo supras! And one greedy turbo dc5 Integra type rreceived_190533078762165.jpgreceived_380023113134480.jpgreceived_1826938020947092.jpgreceived_1450931035080943.jpgreceived_186084949115706.jpgreceived_174898640270776.jpg

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Very nice!!!


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[timmyzr1]

I guess is all about what you are looking for! If going as fast as possible is your thing, then RS3.... For everything else S4!

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