B8 vs B9 vs RS3

[PopTart]

What are you planning on doing in the future? Keeping your B8 or switching.

[yjypm]

B9 is definitely not my taste. I'd either keep my b8.5 or move on to the new rs3 or the ttrs.
I might end in getting an used F80 though...

[MonSoonHell]

B8 will be garaged... want to see the value of the manual over time. Soo, I am patiently waiting to see the 2018 models. I hate the fact that Audi is doing away with manual. If the 2018s are not worthy of a purchase, I will make the move to another AWD/4x4 brand with a manual gearbox.

[Rappydog]

I'm intrigued by the RS3 and would love to test one out when they get here. I'm irritated Audi refuses to bring the Sportback model here, but I'd like to check it out. The B9 is ok, but there's something about the back end that doesn't sit right with me. For now I'll keep my B8 and wait.

[MSMITTY]

I traded my manual '14 S4 for a '16 S3, cheaper and more fun to drive, I've gotten over the non manual bc of the pure fun this car is to drive. I've had manual Audi's for over a decade (& manual American brands prior). Over the years, I honestly don't think the manual Audi's will command a huge uptick versus a DCT.


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[bayonet14]

If i leave the B8.5 it will be for the RS3 since size wise and fun factor like my 1st B5.5 S4

B9 - no DSG - I can live w/some of the style changes - I am interested to see what tuners will be able to squeeze out of the turbos

Change is hard for some folks - and IMO the B9 is a lot of change all at once -

But to throw the RS3 in there...well thats kinda not a apple to apple comparison (now if we got the B9 Avant here I would leave my S4 for it... always loved the sport wagon in Europe)(but the NOrth American market is fickle) - heck 5 cylinder turbo and all that sound of 1/2 a 10 cylinder alone gives me a yuge grin. Would it compare to my V8 B5.5 S4...no way.

That RS3 is gonna be a serious pocket rocket of a platform & tune ability - besides its a RS!Just wish we got the hatch back here....again fickle N. American market .... the RS3 is meant to compete in the luxury compact sedan/car market - so time will tell

[paulxxwall]

B9's sit a little taller. Like how my b8 is kinda lower to the ground. B9's have More power thought


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[JohnEnglish]

I'm waiting to see if Audi comes out with a RS5 Sportback. If not, I'll have to decide between the B9 S4 and the B9 S5 Sportback.

[LYKUNO]

I'm intrigued by the RS3 and would love to test one out when they get here. I'm irritated Audi refuses to bring the Sportback model here, but I'd like to check it out. The B9 is ok, but there's something about the back end that doesn't sit right with me. For now I'll keep my B8 and wait.

Actually, Audi is bringing the Sportback here, in the spring of 2017, in the A5 and S5 versions. More in this thread. Hopefully there will be an RS model at some point as well.

[BaumerS4]

Would it compare to my V8 B5.5 S4...no way.

???

[eurotic]

the haldex version of quattro is what would prevent me from ever going RS3...I'd also have to see how laggy the engine is but I suspect I will just keep driving my B8 for a number of years. In a year or so maybe got Stage 2 or high-ratio pulley tune to make it feel like a different car and then drive it until it's paid off and/or really expensive stuff starts to break.

[klquattro]

No intentions of moving to the B9. As of now I think the b8.5 is something I will be hanging onto for quite a while because of the manual, but the RS3 will be a consideration as a second car. Real interested to see if Audi wants to bring over the RS4. So many good choices in the $50-70k range

[RudyH]

In the EXACT same boat as OP. I want to stay Audi, but they definitely are making their cars very conservative on drive train options.

RS3 / S3 = I loved my B5 S4, and I feel this is the only way to get back to it. HOWEVER, I loved it too because of the 6MT...which has me contemplating the Golf R /w the new face lift coming very soon that includes a lot of the tech in the S3. Haldex and the transverse engine really screw up the dynamics, mind you the B5 S4 was a bit of mess too due to engine location, so can't hate on it too much

B9 S4 / S5 Sportback = It grew in size, it civilized the transmission, but in all honesty, Audi built a great car to slot in where the A6/S6 had grown out of.
B9 A4 = Yes I just did that, I'm not 100% on it, but with the upgraded 2.0T /w boltons, might be old age starting to creep in but the power isn't as much fun anymore with how busy roads and highways have gotten around where I live

My B8 S4...I think I still have 2-3 more years of warranty with it, so I honestly don't feel like moving, which gives the automotive world 2-3 years to catch my attention because Audi is failing. The way I look at it, the S3 / RS3 / S4 / S5 Sportback will require money and losing factory warranty to bring it up to where I am now. So why not be happy, enjoy worry free driving? Grabbign a 2-3 yr old B8.5 isn't ruled out neither if the price is right, mileage is good and the package is what I want

The automotive world has specifically the 2-series Gran Coupe in the rumor mill /w 6MT and over all IMO the best package for me, there is of course still the 340i and 440i Gran Coupe to solve the MT issue for me. So going to work on being patient and let time tell

[GWS42013]

My next big splash of cash would rather be on the B9 RS4, B9 S4 is Imo not worth the premium over my B8.5 I have currently...

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[Acejam]

My Audi contact tells me there will be a RS4 Sedan - details to come Q1 2017.

[bayonet14]

???

I loved my V8 S4 - but will the newer RS3 flog it - yes

But hey B5.5 S4 to current S3 dimensions but w/a V8...that car was very rewarding to drive and what moved me from BMW & my 05 M3

[bayonet14]

2-3 years to catch my attention because Audi is failing.

I would not go that far - VW & Dieselgate profit loss / payout settlement has much to contribute to Audi re-alignment of their current offerings

[jl87]

Looks like I'll be holding onto my B8.5 until this all shakes out. B9 will be a torque monster w the ZF but who knows about internals since it's a new motor, RS3 will be potent as well but again it's a new motor, and now potentially an RS4 sedan? Assuming it'll get the same 2.9L biturbo the RS5 is getting that thing will be a major contender.

[LittleDozer]

We'll get a B9 A4 to replace the woman's car if the avant comes here. But the B8.5 S4 will stay for a long time. B9 S4 will probably be really fast Stage 2, but it's too civilized for my taste.

RS3 is the only thing I could fathom trading in the B8.5 for.

[EHesh14]

The rs3 is very appealing, but I just wish the rear quarter panels matched the more beefy front. I don't really like that it's non manual, but having clutch issues make me not like my car sometimes.

[JohnEnglish]

My Audi contact tells me there will be a RS4 Sedan - details to come Q1 2017.

Audi Sport CEO seems to think otherwise

An avant is what people expect from the RS4. As for a sedan, we have to think of where we want to sell cars, and what is expected there. The potential in China and the U.S. for RS models is getting us thinking about body styles that may work there—maybe a hatchback, like the RS7.

[BaumerS4]

I loved my V8 S4 - but will the newer RS3 flog it - yes

But hey B5.5 S4 to current S3 dimensions but w/a V8...that car was very rewarding to drive and what moved me from BMW & my 05 M3

You said B5.5 V8 S4. Was curious what you meant? Did you squeeze the 4.2L into a B5 chassis?

[Acejam]

Audi Sport CEO seems to think otherwise

No guarantees of course, but my contact's understanding of internal news and product schedules is greater to me than your July 2015 Car and Driver blog post.

[bayonet14]

You said B5.5 V8 S4. Was curious what you meant? Did you squeeze the 4.2L into a B5 chassis?

Audi like a few other European manufactures build between years - the B5.5 S4 had the face lift of the B6 and came standard w/a 4.2l V8

[mgaman]

B9 maybe, I don't mind the lack of manual but I'm not really digging non-dsg transmissions for automatics, even though I know they've improved.

Not interested in Haldex anything, so no RS3 for me.

Ultimately I think my next car will be a BMW of some kind, they still offer a manual if I want to go that route. I'd like to stretch the S4 as long as I can though, and grab a Cayman S/GTS for summer - that would offset some miles and give me much more fun.

[RudyH]

Audi like a few other European manufactures build between years - the B5.5 S4 had the face lift of the B6 and came standard w/a 4.2l V8

lol what are you talking about! You are saying it looked like a B6, and had the same engine as a B6, so it's a B5.5

The ONLY B5.5 V8 is the Passat...is that what you mean??

B5 = A4 from 1994-2001, 1999 - 2002 S4 / RS4 /w face lift or 'B5.5' from 1997-2001 and that was a 2.7T. No V8, ever
B6 = A4 from 2001-2006, 2003 - 2005 V8 S4

[JohnEnglish]

No guarantees of course, but my contact's understanding of internal news and product schedules is greater to me than your July 2015 Car and Driver blog post.

I'd be surprised if they did based on everything everyone has said and I'd put a lot more weight on named Audi officials speaking but time will tell. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

[importraceram]

Audi like a few other European manufactures build between years - the B5.5 S4 had the face lift of the B6 and came standard w/a 4.2l V8

Are you possibly thinking of the 2005.5 B7 S4? Otherwise I'm rather confused myself lol.

[PopTart]

All problems would be solved if Audi brought over the RS4.

[Sudz]

Me, my choice will be RS3 or M2 for next year. I like having both a AWD and Rwd fun driver. So RS3 if the price is right, if not, I will choose the M2 and have two Rwd fun cars.

[emnahum]

The automotive world has specifically the 2-series Gran Coupe in the rumor mill /w 6MT and over all IMO the best package for me, there is of course still the 340i and 440i Gran Coupe to solve the MT issue for me. So going to work on being patient and let time tell

There was no MT in the Gran Coupe last I checked. Otherwise I would have considered it.

I *might* be tempted by a B9 S5 Sportback, despite the auto, but I'm in no hurry. My B8.5 is doing fine.

[jlaudio]

has anyone watched the reviews/test drives of the b9 s4? the ZF gearbox is lightning quick on both upshift and downshift.



i'll upgrade maybe 2-3 years into the new body style once a good list of mods are available.

[MrFunk]

I have 0 interest in an automatic S4. If I get an auto Audi I'd just go with an S6. I don't like the B9 styling either.
Love the motor in the RS3 - but the transmission is not for me.
I'll be holding on to the current B8 for a while longer - it has everything I want in a sports sedan: 4 doors, AWD, 470+hp, MT... sport diff... paid off.. low miles... If anything I'll just continue adding to the fleet with something entirely different.

[Sniper260687]

Not a fan of the B9 interior.

But i do like the new cluster.

Still a no for me

[superswiss]

has anyone watched the reviews/test drives of the b9 s4? the ZF gearbox is lightning quick on both upshift and downshift.

i'll upgrade maybe 2-3 years into the new body style once a good list of mods are available.

But it still got that pesky delay. Listen for the click of the paddle and when it actually shifts. That's what has always killed the tiptronic transmission for me personally and the lack of the locked drivetrain feel. I'm hoping they'll iron this out in the RS4/5 to make the shifts as instant as they are with the RS5's S-tronic. There's a little bit of hope in me that they'll pair the PDK with that Porsche engine in the RS. One can hope.

[Whitee]

???

Yea your right, your 17 year old car wouldn't compare to it.


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[4RCFED]

E63 AMG S or "if" it comes B9 RS4

[GWS42013]

E63 AMG S or "if" it comes B9 RS4

Rather the C63 AMG S before the "E".. Inlaws bought one, definitely not the "Full" performance package you would expect.. E class is a barge to drive and the 5.5TT feels every bit of it.

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[4RCFED]

I'm talking the new E63, lighter, more tech and it has the 4.0L out of the AMG GT s.

[Triska]

Watch that video and think the whole time about how awesome it would be to roll your own gears.

Nice car but no stick shift makes it boring.

Reading this forum shows how much demand there still is for a stick shift so audis reasons for killing it are total bullshit.