Upgrade to an RS4?

[MattRS6]

So I bought an S4 for the wife a few days ago. I like it and it's nice but could use some more power. Since there is not much to it without serious money dumping into it I laid my eyes on an 08 RS4. Had an 08 RS6 avant back in Europe but I don't think I can compare an RS4 to an RS6...

Does the RS4 has a lot more power than the S4? I know it's 420HP but I see a lot of "lazy" 400 hp cars out there. Does it worth the money or just go with a newer 3.0 Supercharged?

[tmh88]

Personally, I think RS4's are overrated for today's market given their pricing. You're looking at a minimum of ~$30k-35k for anything with acceptable mileage. Back in 2007 they were amazing, but currently there are a lot of other similarly priced newer or better performing cars that are all around objectively better. I would get a B8 S4, especially tuned, over an RS4 any day. For that matter, I would rather find a B6/B7 S4 that has had the timing chain service, and spend the rest of the money on upgrades like a supercharger, brakes, suspension, etc..., and it would still probably be much cheaper and definitely better performing.

[MattRS6]

Personally, I think RS4's are overrated for today's market given their pricing. You're looking at a minimum of ~$30k-35k for anything with acceptable mileage. Back in 2007 they were amazing, but currently there are a lot of other similarly priced newer or better performing cars that are all around objectively better. I would get a B8 S4, especially tuned, over an RS4 any day. For that matter, I would rather find a B6/B7 S4 that has had the timing chain service, and spend the rest of the money on upgrades like a supercharger, brakes, suspension, etc..., and it would still probably be much cheaper and definitely better performing.

That's why I'm hesitating also. Had the A7 a couple months ago and that thing flew and it was stock. But I want something harsh and powerful. Probably a newer tuned S4 is better option than

[tmh88]

The B8 is solid. It feels a lot more refined and polished (especially the B8.5) in every way over the B7. The only thing keeping me from pursuing a B8 is that my B6 is my beater and is still chugging along.

[MattRS6]

The B8 is solid. It feels a lot more refined and polished (especially the B8.5) in every way over the B7. The only thing keeping me from pursuing a B8 is that my B6 is my beater and is still chugging along.

I hear you. I'm building a BT B6 for myself right now just for fun... sadly don't have much time, so it's a slow process

[4RingRook]

The B8 has better tech and is easier to get more power out of but the RS4 is more rare and one of the last widebody V8 manuals you will see.

Depends on what you value more.

[Blackstallion]

The B8 has better tech and is easier to get more power out of but the RS4 is more rare and one of the last widebody V8 manuals you will see.

Depends on what you value more.

Bingo! Both cars have been in the family too...

Easy solution - go test drive one

[d2a4]

You need to ask the question in the correct forum, ask B8 and RS4 forum. To each of each own. Many people from B8 S4 came back and buy RS4.

[MattRS6]

You need to ask the question in the correct forum, ask B8 and RS4 forum. To each of each own. Many people from B8 S4 came back and buy RS4.

I'll be at the auction tomorrow. Don't really have time to test drive it so i'll just go by the price. If it's a good deal i'll buy the RS4. if not than i won't. If i buy it and don't like i'll just sell it :)

[d2a4]

I'll be at the auction tomorrow. Don't really have time to test drive it so i'll just go by the price. If it's a good deal i'll buy the RS4. if not than i won't. If i buy it and don't like i'll just sell it :)

I absolutely certain you will not sell it.

[ENV²]

If you dont need AWD I am selling a 2012 C63 AMG loaded with options and extras. You get all the power you need and refinement.

[Worldrider]

My trusted mechanic, a German expert, recommended I buy a B8.5 S4. Better technology, softer ride, better all around daily driver. Logical.
Then I test drove an RS4. Older interior (though still gorgeous), phenomenal V-8 with tons of character, and proper manual transmission.
It was an emotional purchase, and one I'm thankful for every day. There's not much else out there that beats the character of a V-8 with an 8300 RPM redline. It still gives me goosebumps, and I haven't yet upgraded the exhaust.
The S4 is a great car, but I've yet to drive/ride in one that gives me goosebumps.



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[CoreyRS]

Definitely drive an RS4 to make your choice, although appearance alone should make the case.
I see many many B8 S4s everyday on my commute...in my rear view mirror.

[d2a4]

[QUOTE=CoreyRS;11997395 I see many many B8 S4s everyday on my commute...in my rear view mirror.[/QUOTE]

This very true, B8 S4 chasing me on my commute

[b6bydesign04]

Obviously the best option is to drive both, but I see your time table doesn't really allow for that. I came from a B8 S4 and while I loved it, I definitely feel the RS4 is more of a 'drivers car'. The tech in the B8 was nice, and sure, it was easy to squeeze power out of the s/c 3.0, but the RS4 just feels more connected to the road. I rarely find myself missing much of the tech because of the driving experience the RS4 offers.

OT - lived in Knoxville for over 9 years, there never really was much of a local forum presence, cool to see someone from Knox on AZ

[Velox]

The b7 RS4 is the best RS Audi has ever build. that's a fact!!

[Gansel]

The RS4 feels more special then most cars Ive driven. I live in dt Vancouver which has been said to be the city most supercars (I see at least 1 458 or Hurracan daily) in north america and people still ask me about my car and it still turns heads. I will say unless a B8 s4 has heavy mods I rarely even notice them. Maybe im just used to seeing them.

I don't have much to compare the RS4 to tech wise as I owned a range rover before. But the lack of tech hasn't been a issue at all for me in the RS4. I got a bluetooth adaptor for my ipod connection and now any phone can stream music through the OEM head unit and thats all i need.

Ive driven newer "fast" cars like GTR's & M5 & c63 and I will say that the manual RS4 feels more fun.

Pic to make this post more exciting:

[WinterRunner]

The B8 is solid. It feels a lot more refined and polished (especially the B8.5) in every way over the B7. The only thing keeping me from pursuing a B8 is that my B6 is my beater and is still chugging along.

I totally disagree with you. I feel the B8 chassis is a step backwards in terms of quality materials and tactile feel. The B8 feels "cheap" in comparison toe the B7's interior materials. I've seen B8 interiors with worn out buttons etc. B7's though they look a bit dated, are far more robust and feel more solid. It shows too over years of use. It's the last of a widebody manual V8 too! And as you said yourself, they command a premium, even with high miles, which again, says something about it's character and what it is.

I still miss my RS4, and that's me in the seat of my manual R8 saying that! It is probably the greatest RS car Audi has ever produced, and that's saying something.

[Kambesama]

If your looking for power and performance the B8 has many cheaper options to go in terms of upgrades and gains. With our N/A motors its harder to get more ponies out of it w.o dumping a lot of money towards it. Driven a B8 with a supercharger pulley and tune (I believe APR? Could be wrong) and its a whole different animal from stock B8. Acceleration was quick and responsive.

I personally have a B6 S4 Avant which I DD and use to go airsofting and hauling stuff and an RS4 garage queen and I don't plan to upgrade to a B8 unless something catastrophic happens to one of them.

For me driving is about the feeling and I love the way the V8's run more so than the V6. Performance wise I know it lacks but im in it for the feel of the drive not the performance. To each their own however and I respect others opinions.

[MattRS6]

So i won the 2008 RS4 on the auction for $25.400 but the seller wouldn't sell it to me. He said he wants $29k out of it and i told him no thanks. So the car was a no sale. I'm going to the auction 2x a week, so i'll keep my eyes on this car. It might take me a couple weeks to actually win it for the right price, but i'm in no hurry. I laid my eyes on a 2012 A6 3.0T for tomorrow, we'll see.

I like manual cars! I'm 100% sure that i'd love the RS4, and honestly i don't care what kind of car am I driving. I think the RS4 would make me smile every time the engine would roar!

Also the person who said RS4 is the best RS audi ever made, probably never drove a C7 RS6, that was my favorite car i ever owned. I had a statin wagon (yeah i got a thing for station wagons) M5, liked it, but got used to it quickly. Sold it and 3 months later engine blew in it!

[d2a4]

Also the person who said RS4 is the best RS audi ever made, probably never drove a C7 RS6, that was my favorite car i ever owned. I had a statin wagon (yeah i got a thing for station wagons) M5, liked it, but got used to it quickly. Sold it and 3 months later engine blew in it!

Where do you get RS6 C7 in US? Not in US right? You can't compare 2007-2008 to 2012-present car.

[b6bydesign04]

Where do you get RS6 C7 in US? Not in US right? You can't compare 2007-2008 to 2012-present car.

From the OP:

So I bought an S4 for the wife a few days ago. I like it and it's nice but could use some more power. Since there is not much to it without serious money dumping into it I laid my eyes on an 08 RS4. Had an 08 RS6 avant back in Europe but I don't think I can compare an RS4 to an RS6...

[d2a4]

That exactly what I mean, thing getting better over time so GmbH build better thing over time and RS4 is probably the best RS we got here in US so no direct comparison.

[MattRS6]

Where do you get RS6 C7 in US? Not in US right? You can't compare 2007-2008 to 2012-present car.

No I had it before I moved to US.

[tmh88]

You can't compare 2007-2008 to 2012-present car.

Yes, you absolutely can and it makes no sense not to. Given the RS6 is like 3x the price of the RS4 it's pointless to compare, but a B7 RS4 to a B8.5 S4 couldn't be any more relevant of a comparison.

[willroc7]

So I bought an S4 for the wife a few days ago. I like it and it's nice but could use some more power. Since there is not much to it without serious money dumping into it I laid my eyes on an 08 RS4. Had an 08 RS6 avant back in Europe but I don't think I can compare an RS4 to an RS6...

Does the RS4 has a lot more power than the S4? I know it's 420HP but I see a lot of "lazy" 400 hp cars out there. Does it worth the money or just go with a newer 3.0 Supercharged?

Before you give up on the S4, try at least gutting the precats and getting a JHM tune. It really wakes the car up.

[MattRS6]

Will try sir! Thank You

[d2a4]

No I had it before I moved to US.

Lucky you. I am drooling every times I am in Europe

[WinterRunner]

I would still argue that it may be the best RS ever, stateside or not.

[d2a4]

I would still argue that it may be the best RS ever, stateside or not.

Agree since 6-sp beat slush box (or do GmbH still make RSx in 6-sp?, probably in Europe, never made it to US)

[MattRS6]

Sooo... i just bought a black on black 2008 RS4 with 94k mls

[d2a4]

Sooo... i just bought a black on black 2008 RS4 with 94k mls

Right call!!!

[MattRS6]

Thank you sir! Will do the coolant flush... fuck it's a lot of cash in a car. I hope it's all good with it

[MattRS6]

Ac won't turn on. Econ button lights up and wont turn off. Why? Any typical problem?