B7 RS4 or B8 S5?

**Bronc0** · 11-10-2016 09:21 AM

I have asked this question in both the B7 RS4 and A5/S5/RS5 sections of the forum to try and get as many opinions (I expect some bias!)

So I'm choosing between my current B8 S5 and a B7 RS4 which has popped up locally. I've had my 112,000 miles 4.2 6MT 2009 S5 for 2 weeks, I love it. But the throw out bearing is becoming noisy and I'm having some clutch issues already. Dealer said they will put that right so that's not a huge concern.

The local RS4 in concern has 113k and had a new clutch, rotors pads and carbon cleaning done in July. I know this for a fact as the owner of the Indy shop I use is a close friend and showed me the RS4s service record.

I've always loved the idea of an RS4, I must admit it was my dream car in high school not so long ago. I also love my S5 and I think with some JHM supercharger love it will be more of the speed demon it deserves.

In any case, PERSONALLY which one would you go with? I plan on supercharging either one of them by the summer time.

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**Blackstallion** · 11-10-2016 09:32 AM

You cant really go wrong with either one - Ill keep it short and sweet - Don't get me wrong the S5 is one attractive coupe along with a more modern look + improved tech etc but a 4 door fits my lifestyle and I'm a sucker for a widebody...

**JimmyBones** · 11-10-2016 10:22 AM

Both cars have clutch issues. If you are going to keep the S5 then buy an aftermarket flywheel and clutch to have the dealership throw in when they replace the throw-out bearing. Otherwise both cars are great and generally require about the same level of engine maintenance.

**Bronc0** · 11-10-2016 10:38 AM

Originally Posted by JimmyBones

Both cars have clutch issues. If you are going to keep the S5 then buy an aftermarket flywheel and clutch to have the dealership throw in when they replace the throw-out bearing. Otherwise both cars are great and generally require about the same level of engine maintenance.

Yep! I 100% plan on doing that should I keep it. I like the more modern look and interior. The S5 seats are also some of the nicest I have sat in. I think I'll go and check this RS4 out and see how I feel about it in comparison

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**HamidsVikes** · 11-10-2016 11:11 AM

drive around town and see how many S5s and RS4s you see per day...
S5s are a dime a dozen...

The B8 is a V8?
if so... research timing chain guides failing.. not sure about the S5, but the S4 had this issue, which is very costly to fix, and they fail around 120k...

RS4 all the way!

**Fourplay** · 11-10-2016 11:16 AM

Originally Posted by Bronc0

I have asked this question in both the B7 RS4 and A5/S5/RS5 sections of the forum to try and get as many opinions (I expect some bias!)

So I'm choosing between my current B8 S5 and a B7 RS4 which has popped up locally. I've had my 112,000 miles 4.2 6MT 2009 S5 for 2 weeks, I love it. But the throw out bearing is becoming noisy and I'm having some clutch issues already. Dealer said they will put that right so that's not a huge concern.

The local RS4 in concern has 113k and had a new clutch, rotors pads and carbon cleaning done in July. I know this for a fact as the owner of the Indy shop I use is a close friend and showed me the RS4s service record.

I've always loved the idea of an RS4, I must admit it was my dream car in high school not so long ago. I also love my S5 and I think with some JHM supercharger love it will be more of the speed demon it deserves.

In any case, PERSONALLY which one would you go with? I plan on supercharging either one of them by the summer time.

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Buy an RS4 from Alberta, BC, or Saskatchewan, save 25% and get one with lower miles.

Then supercharge it with the money you saved and run 10s. Done.

**Bronc0** · 11-10-2016 11:33 AM

Originally Posted by HamidsVikes

drive around town and see how many S5s and RS4s you see per day...
S5s are a dime a dozen...

The B8 is a V8?
if so... research timing chain guides failing.. not sure about the S5, but the S4 had this issue, which is very costly to fix, and they fail around 120k...

RS4 all the way!

Believe it or not here in Idaho, S5s are actually pretty rare, especially manual. But of course RS4s are even more so. The worst part about all this is that I have to sit and mull on my decision as I'm on a business trip until Sunday!

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**Bronc0** · 11-10-2016 11:34 AM

Originally Posted by HamidsVikes

drive around town and see how many S5s and RS4s you see per day...
S5s are a dime a dozen...

The B8 is a V8?
if so... research timing chain guides failing.. not sure about the S5, but the S4 had this issue, which is very costly to fix, and they fail around 120k...

RS4 all the way!

No frequently known timing chain or guide issues with the B8 S5 V8 thus far

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**Kevin7** · 11-10-2016 11:44 AM

Am assuming you've driven the RS4? If not, then that should greatly help your decision. I was choosing between the two recently and the drive clinched the decision in a heartbeat.

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**Bronc0** · 11-10-2016 11:58 AM

Originally Posted by Kevin7

Am assuming you've driven the RS4? If not, then that should greatly help your decision. I was choosing between the two recently and the drive clinched the decision in a heartbeat.

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Nope, I'm yet to drive the RS4

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**Gansel** · 11-10-2016 12:57 PM

I had the same question when buying my RS4.. In the end i feel like the RS5 is comparable to the rs4.. not the s5.. Rs4 is a better more raw car in my eyes compared to the s5

**musanoadsaba** · 11-10-2016 02:12 PM

Drive it and then come back with your opinion. Might be a no brainer either way.

**Kevin7** · 11-10-2016 02:12 PM

Originally Posted by Bronc0

Nope, I'm yet to drive the RS4

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Night and day difference! Specs don't do justice to the differences between these cars. Find an excuse to drive an RS4; I imagine you won't regret it!

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**IronmanS4** · 11-10-2016 03:47 PM

I work for Audi of America so it pains me to even say this, but...there is nothing special about a V8 S5. TBH...I would pick a 13 or newer A5 2.0T and tune the heck out of it before a B8 S5.

Audi will never make a car like the B7 RS4 again. They can't afford to...a lot of pixie dust was sprinkled on it back in the day.

**Kevin7** · 11-10-2016 05:25 PM

Originally Posted by IronmanS4

...a lot of pixie dust was sprinkled on it back in the day.

I knew something smelled magical in that car...

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**Bronc0** · 11-10-2016 06:46 PM

Ok. Think I know what I need to do now!

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**lorengphd** · 11-11-2016 08:11 AM

Isn't the S5 an automatic?

**Gareth_oau** · 11-11-2016 08:53 AM

when the RS4 was first built, Jeremy Clarkson said the RS4 engine was "one of the best engines ever built".

a V8 that redlines at over 8k along with the sound of the gear driven cams makes the sound surreal.

It really is like a racing car with number plates, compared to an S5, just a shame you dont get the race bucket seats over there much.

They are a little bit old now, but the shape is still very modern and passable.

Perhaps upgrade the RNSE and some LED interior lights is all the interior needs.

Every time I take mine for a drive, even if its just to the shops, it's like an adventure.

**Bronc0** · 11-11-2016 09:56 AM

Originally Posted by lorengphd

Isn't the S5 an automatic?

Mine is not

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**Bronc0** · 11-11-2016 09:57 AM

Originally Posted by Gareth_oau

when the RS4 was first built, Jeremy Clarkson said the RS4 engine was "one of the best engines ever built".

a V8 that redlines at over 8k along with the sound of the gear driven cams makes the sound surreal.

It really is like a racing car with number plates, compared to an S5, just a shame you dont get the race bucket seats over there much.

They are a little bit old now, but the shape is still very modern and passable.

Perhaps upgrade the RNSE and some LED interior lights is all the interior needs.

Every time I take mine for a drive, even if its just to the shops, it's like an adventure.

Luckily I'm from England and go home a few times a year so acquiring seats and shipping them over isn't too much of a mission for myself

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**lorengphd** · 11-11-2016 12:38 PM

That's not so bad. I checked over at the S5 forum. Seems like they are leaning RS4 as well. Do it!

**d2a4** · 11-11-2016 03:44 PM

Originally Posted by Bronc0

Luckily I'm from England and go home a few times a year so acquiring seats and shipping them over isn't too much of a mission for myself

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Make it one extra set for me

**Lugi20** · 11-11-2016 05:16 PM

Originally Posted by d2a4

Make it one extra set for me

Yeah seriously you just opened a can of worms here... I'll take a set of front seats too -- I imagine $3-4,000 works? Seriously. Talk to us.

**JimmyBones** · 11-11-2016 05:24 PM

Originally Posted by Gansel

I had the same question when buying my RS4.. In the end i feel like the RS5 is comparable to the rs4.. not the s5.. Rs4 is a better more raw car in my eyes compared to the s5

I like the RS5 more than both. Too bad they are still very pricey! Plus with the S-tronic transmission that will never miss a shift and holds like 6K rpms around town in dynamic mode, really makes the car fantastic. The diehard manual guys can suck it because the Dual Clutch transmissions are so much better!

**Bronc0** · 11-11-2016 06:34 PM

Originally Posted by Lugi20

Yeah seriously you just opened a can of worms here... I'll take a set of front seats too -- I imagine $3-4,000 works? Seriously. Talk to us.

Keep in touch with me. I'm not sure when I plan on going back next, all I have to do is find a part out or 2. Not too hard considering how "old" B7s are now in Europe

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**Bronc0** · 11-11-2016 06:37 PM

Originally Posted by JimmyBones

I like the RS5 more than both. Too bad they are still very pricey! Plus with the S-tronic transmission that will never miss a shift and holds like 6K rpms around town in dynamic mode, really makes the car fantastic. The diehard manual guys can suck it because the Dual Clutch transmissions are so much better!

I agree with you to an extent. But the RS5 is 20/30k out of my price bracket, as much as I would love one. This is a graduation present to myself, I'm sure in a few years I'll be in R8 territory which will be the "weekend" car. For now this is just a daily driver to upgrade from my B6

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**d2a4** · 11-11-2016 08:12 PM

Originally Posted by Bronc0

Keep in touch with me. I'm not sure when I plan on going back next, all I have to do is find a part out or 2. Not too hard considering how "old" B7s are now in Europe

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Together a few of us can make it it worth while for you :-)

**Sleepin On 18s** · 11-15-2016 03:57 PM

There is nothing in the current Audi line that can compete with the chest pounding adrenaline rush that the RS 4 gives you pulling past 5-6-7-8,000 RPMs as the precision GmbH Quattro setup just SCREAMS with angry energy. With pipes or res delete, the sound is pure german muscle car bliss. The wide body stance is breathtakingly gorgeous from all angles, and the stance is viscous.

There is no comparison in my mind. Sure, if you want newer everything, the choice is obvious. But if you want a purely incredible driving experience and permanent smile plastered on your face, then the choice is also obvious.

Not to mention...I just smoked a B8 S4 o n teh way to work the other day....120mph on 95S....walked right past him.

RS4Life