Thoughts from anyone that moved from an RS4 to an RS5?

[Blake-O]

Hi,

I am contemplating moving on from my RS4 to an RS5. The only reason would be for a newer car with less miles and a warranty. I love my RS4, warts and all, and have no real complaints.

I am wondering if any members in this subforum moved from an RS4 to an RS5, and if so, what are your overall thoughts about the change in driving experience/happiness with the move?

To be clear, I know all about the technical and specification differences between the two models. I am looking more for subjective, personal thoughts on the overall driving experience compared to the RS4 and if you are happy you made the move, or regret it.

Thanks,

[dgszweda]

I had an RS4 and moved to the RS5. The car is quicker than the RS4. Mainly do to the extra horsepower and the Dual Clutch. It isn't a massive difference, but you can feel it. I loved my RS4, but for me it was the looks, the bit quicker feel, and the newer interior/electronics. Sometimes I miss the manual and sometimes I don't. In terms of handling, I would say it is probably the same. It handles a bit better, but feels a bit harsher. Both are supremely capable vehicles and ones in which you will not be able to get to the limits on the street. I would say if you are looking for the performance, they are both pretty close. To me it really comes down to the coupe look (which I find is really classic looking) and the interior. I had a bright blue with white interior RS4 that was flawless. I can tell you that I get more compliments in my RS5. I don't know why, but people seem to really comment on the car, much more than the RS4, even though I thought the RS4 was more in your face. I was happy with the move, but at the end of the day I would have also been happy sticking with my RS4. I know this is a quasi answer, but to me, it isn't a slam dunk decision.

[Blackstallion]

@V8S4 and one guy from Colorado with a ibis one aswell come to mind who made the move..

[Blake-O]

Thanks for the input guys. This is helpful. I guess I am just a bit on the fence and rather than being enthusiastic about the potential move, I more trying to convince myself it is the right move. I was thinking that if the driving experience was just a bit better than the RS4, it might help put me over into the RS5 camp. The newer car and warranty is a definite bonus.

From a looks perspective, I like certain aspects of each model and no clear winner for me on that front. I also don't care much about upgraded navigation and those sorts of technology improvements. I actually enjoy getting away from technology, iphones, computers, yada yada when I drive, so the more "analog" world of the RS4 doesn't bother me. I don't even listen to the radio in the car. I just enjoy the sound of the engine. I am currently leaning toward making the move, but if anyone else has input, keep them coming.

Much appreciated.

@dgszweda: Glad to read the RS5 feels a bit quicker. From zero, the RS4 feels very heavy and sluggish. That is my only real complaint about the car. Slow off the line.

[DOCEVG]

I sort of made the reverse move, from RS5 to RS4, but kept the RS5 because I like it so much. I made the backwards move as it became clear that a 4-door car with a high revving V8 and 6MT is an increasingly rare commodity, and the RS5, of course, is shy 2 doors and the MT.
I think they are very different driving experiences but, if it tells you anything, I basically rotate back and forth between the two models on a daily basis (at least when its not snowing, as the RS5 is lowered and I won't put snows on it). I'm very happy with both. The RS5 feels quicker than a near-stock RS4, but probably is a dead heat 0-30, 0-60 and 0-90 with a tuned RS4 (at least at altitude, which I think you have some of). The RS5 motor clearly revs to the limit more quickly than the RS4's. The overall driving experience in the RS4 is a bit more visceral, and crude, than in the RS5, but thats not necessarily a bad thing. Even though I'm a 6MT person at heart, the DSG in the RS5 is a work of art that needs to be driven to be appreciated. The RS4 is pretty stealth in appearance, at least to those not in the know, whereas the RS5 (especially in Sepang blue) is more in your face and seems to attract a lot of attention, even though the model has been in the US market for 3+ years, which, if the attention is from women, and it often is, is not at all a bad thing. [I get paid by the comma!] My RS5 handles a bit better than the RS4 but that may be only because of some aftermarket suspension bits on it. Stock vs stock I don't think there is a whole lot of difference.
If you can, try to get a days worth of driving an RS5 and your RS4 in all road types and conditions. That might give you enough subjective information to make an informed decision. Good luck.

[Blake-O]

Thanks for the input DOCEVG.

[AudiYes]

Tuned Rs4 is just as fast as stock Rs5. I know for a fact.

[A4toRS4]

Blake I think you should do it. I loved my RS4 and said it was one of the best overall cars I have ever driven. I was a little weary of going with the DSG but I have gotten my RS5 and have absolutely no regrets. Everywhere I go I get comments from people. Mine is a daily driver and it is nice to be able to drive in auto comfort mode. When I want to get on it, I put it in dynamic manual mode. Crazy thing is that it took me 7 months to convince my wife to let me get and one month after getting it we found out she is pregnant. Hopefully i get to keep it

[S4V8]

I went RS4 to RS5....after driving the RS5 for over a year I realized I actually preferred the RS4 much more.

The 4 doors were nice to have. I sold the RS5 not too long ago...I found it too "heavy" when driving it around. I also didn't like how it resembled an A5/S5 too much...nothing against those cars at all, love them both actually however, other than the front grill there wasn't much else that made them stand apart...aesthetically that is. Great car though....but if it was up to me today to choose between both, I would go RS4 hands down. Prefer the body on it too.

[Blake-O]

Thanks for the additional input. It seems we have some differing viewpoints on this topic.

[S4V8]

Thanks for the additional input. It seems we have some differing viewpoints on this topic.

You will get varying views. I made the switch because I was getting bored of my RS. I was attracted to the new tech and updated interior of the RS5 however, I wasn;t overly excited about the auto/no-manual. I can say that I didn't mind it however, when I would see an A5/S5 on the road I would laugh as they looked so similar. Sound different, sure...but roof line, doors and even the wheels were identical....turn off for me. Like I said, great car though...just not for me and when comparing to RS4, I preferred the 4 much more.

[jdmnomore]

I actually just recently made the switch to a 13' RS5 and previously owned an 08' RS4 however i lve been driving a b8.5 S4 for the past year. I developed serious buyers remorse shortly after trading my RS for the S4. Having driven manuals all my life and a b6 S4 for 5 years i did not mind the updated interior. The sport diff felt amazing but the car was way to bland for my taste.

In the RS5 i get everything i loved about the RS4 and the S4 combined. I find the steering to be similar to the RS4. The ride seems to be slightly harsher. The interior feels much newer but the RS4 interior is timeless. Handling is absolutely better in the RS5 because 20s + sport diff etc. It definitely feels like an upgrade the RS4 just feels like that car that will eventually become a classic sort of e30 m3esque.

In hindsight i wish i wouldve kept my RS4 but my 5 definitley fills the void. Hopefully im fortunate enough to find another one down the road. In the mean time im ecstatic about being back in a high revving 4.2.