I need a new DD. I am currently driving highly modded '01 B5 S4 w/ 190k miles. I have always loved the B7 RS4. I think it is the best looking Audi ever.

I have been leaning towards ordering the new B8 S4 but am really considering a low mileage B7 RS4.

In general the cars have many similarities. But being the anal engineer that I am, I am going thru the +/- of the RS4 vs the S4.

(+)
RS4 is the best looking Audi ever
RS4 is relatively stealth
RS4 great sound out of the box


(-)
RS4 not so great fuel milage
I will loose some horsepower w/ the RS4 due to altitude



I'd like to hear what you folks think. I am not looking the dis either car.

Thanks,

Bob-

I love the interior design of the new S4, but from the outside, the RS4 is better looking, hands down. The new body style looks too big and long.

I test drove them back to back. The RS4 had an "it" factor about it. It had more soul. The S4 was very nice, but would definitely need an aftermarket exhaust.

For me, gas mileage was a non-issue. When spending $$$$$ for a toy car, comparing 20 MPG to 27 MPG was totally irrelevant in my decision making process. For an average driver, the RS4 is going to cost maybe $20 per month more in gas than an S4. When spending over $40k for a car, $20 a month is a drop in the bucket, no pun intended.

I love the interior design of the new S4, but from the outside, the RS4 is better looking, hands down. The new body style looks too big and long.

I test drove them back to back. The RS4 had an "it" factor about it. It had more soul. The S4 was very nice, but would definitely need an aftermarket exhaust.

For me, gas mileage was a non-issue. When spending $$$$$ for a toy car, comparing 20 MPG to 27 MPG was totally irrelevant in my decision making process. For an average driver, the RS4 is going to cost maybe $20 per month more in gas than an S4. When spending over $40k for a car, $20 a month is a drop in the bucket, no pun intended.


I just got back from a back to back test drive.


I agree, I like looks of the RS4 over the B8S4
The RS4 is less refined, which I like.
The fuel mileage thing for me is more about being environmentally sensivitive and not about the extra cost
Thaks for the input.

Anyone else like to weigh in?

Bob-

I went from a 2007 RS4 to a 2011 S4 stronic. I have to be honest; I wish I still had the RS4. The S4 is a GREAT car, it just does not get my blood flowing like the RS4 did. My main reason for switching was a need for my wife to be able to drive (she can't drive stick). My gas mileage so far has been equal to or worse than the RS4.

I went from a 2007 RS4 to a 2011 S4 stronic. I have to be honest; I wish I still had the RS4. The S4 is a GREAT car, it just does not get my blood flowing like the RS4 did. My main reason for switching was a need for my wife to be able to drive (she can't drive stick). My gas mileage so far has been equal to or worse than the RS4.
I have both cars and I agree with the above. Don't know what all the fuss is about when everyone talks of the B8 S4. As Greg said, it's a great car, but it is lacking everything to make me smile which is what I do every time I get into the RS4's driver's seat. My S4's mileage, however, is definitely better than the RS4's. I consistently get averages of 22-23 mpg whereas the RS4 has yet to see 18 mpg.

... My main reason for switching was a need for my wife to be able to drive (she can't drive stick)...

I had the same problem with my wife... and I just bought an '08 RS4 Cab. So I'm keeping my '03 A4 1.8TQ Tiptronic sedan as a daily driver for the winter months AND if need be, she can drive it!

Problem solved :D

I just got back from a back to back test drive.


I agree, I like looks of the RS4 over the B8S4
The RS4 is less refined, which I like.
The fuel mileage thing for me is more about being environmentally sensivitive and not about the extra cost
Thaks for the input.

Anyone else like to weigh in?

Bob-

Neither car is environmentally sensitive, so I'd toss that out the window. I remember the day I test drove both. After the S4, I was like, wow, that's a NICE car. But after I drove the RS4, my heart was racing and I had to catch my breath. I was in love. Nothing has given me that feeling since I stopped riding crotch rockets.

BIG 2nd

I have been leaning towards ordering the new B8 S4 but am really considering a low mileage B7 RS4.

Low mileage RS4 here:
http://classifieds.audiworld.com/showproduct.php/product/5765/cat/19

I just got back from a back to back test drive.


I agree, I like looks of the RS4 over the B8S4
The RS4 is less refined, which I like.
The fuel mileage thing for me is more about being environmentally sensivitive and not about the extra cost
Thaks for the input.

Anyone else like to weigh in?

Bob-

I think you answered your own question after the test drive. Like more replies here, I found the RS4 to be more exciting to drive and less numb and more of an experience. I think it's more of a special car. If you need to be more conscious of the environment these are not the cars to be deciding between. I tried to be more environmentally conscious a few cars back and choose a 2.0 avant instead of the V8 S4. Happy with my decision at the time but I still ended up with a V8 in the garage. So I trade off driving the RS4 and A4 avant(winter vehicle-manual BTW). The Avant has the kid seat in it. No kids in the RS4 except me of course.

Same conclusion here - the RS4 makes me smile every time I put just a bit of pressure on the right pedal. That sound is just intoxicating...

A 2008 is spending her first night in her new garage tonight...

-Ross

I test drove a B8 S4 at Checkered Flag VA Beach. It didn't seem too much better than my 2004 S4 except the interior was nicer. I drove and finally bought a B7 RS4 from Autohaus. The excel and engine sound on that car is amazing.

I test drove a B8 S4 at Checkered Flag VA Beach. It didn't seem too much better than my 2004 S4 except the interior was nicer. I drove and finally bought a B7 RS4 from Autohaus. The excel and engine sound on that car is amazing.
Really? I had a 2004 S4, a 2007 S4 and now have a 2010 S4. While the 2004 and 2007 are quite similar, the 2010 is leaps and bounds different from both. A completely different car in almost every way.

Here is the best review of the differences between the cars - post by someone on QW:
http://visceralthirst.com/

That is a good article that explains alot. It also explains the engine lag at higher rpms as I drove the 2011 S4 around I-264. I thought I was probably not shifting right or something. Thanks for the info.

After spending some time in the new S4, I would say I largely agree with the input thus far here, and with my past impressions:
The RS4 is older with a less sophisticated interior, but it has the look and feel that make it very special.
The S4 is the "better" car, which doesn't necessarily mean more desirable.

I said it before, I'll say it again: I'd have kept my RS4 if I could do it over, and I would have bought an S5 cab. If I were buying, I'd get an RS4 over a B8S4.

But, now that I have some experience with the S4, it is a helluva car. It is fast (faster when chipped) and clearly more refined. The manual is a good box, nearly as good as the RS4. It doesn't have the hips, but it's no dog either. With an AWE exhaust and intake, I think it will gain some character.

As for fuel consumption, I averaged over 17 mpg in the S4 over a 4 hour trip from St. Goar to Munich, rural roads through towns and open autobahn. With an average speed of 79 mph :)

But, now that I have some experience with the S4, it is a helluva car. It is fast (faster when chipped)

I don't get the 'faster when chipped' thing. Why tune the B8 and not the B7?

get a JHM tune + exhaust on your B7 RS4 and you'll be faster than a tune+exhaust B8 S4.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lhDcNObZLpo

I need a new DD. I am currently driving highly modded '01 B5 S4 w/ 190k miles. I have always loved the B7 RS4. I think it is the best looking Audi ever.

I have been leaning towards ordering the new B8 S4 but am really considering a low mileage B7 RS4.

In general the cars have many similarities. But being the anal engineer that I am, I am going thru the +/- of the RS4 vs the S4.

(+)
RS4 is the best looking Audi ever
RS4 is relatively stealth
RS4 great sound out of the box


(-)
RS4 not so great fuel milage
I will loose some horsepower w/ the RS4 due to altitude



I'd like to hear what you folks think. I am not looking the dis either car.

Thanks,

Bob-

I bought my RS4 in Austin and drove back to Denver. There was a difference, between driving in Texas and in Colorado, as far as "pull" is concerned. But, if you haven't driven a RS4 at, or close to sea level, would you notice the difference in Colorado? I will share, that notion has been long gone with me. It still crushes it when you stomp it, it's AWD and it's just down-right bad. Per a S4, I test drove them prior to the RS4. In fact, I went to Austin to pick up a new S4 and there, in all its shining glory was the RS4. I test drove the S4 I was going to purchase, test drove the RS4...game over.

I've read many posts on the Audi forums and it's common for people that had a RS4 bemoan their decision on trading it in for the B8 S4; but you never see B8 S4 owners regretting the switch to a RS4.

I bought my RS4 in Austin and drove back to Denver. There was a difference, between driving in Texas and in Colorado, as far as "pull" is concerned. But, if you haven't driven a RS4 at, or close to sea level, would you notice the difference in Colorado? I will share, that notion has been long gone with me. It still crushes it when you stomp it, it's AWD and it's just down-right bad. Per a S4, I test drove them prior to the RS4. In fact, I went to Austin to pick up a new S4 and there, in all its shining glory was the RS4. I test drove the S4 I was going to purchase, test drove the RS4...game over.

I've read many posts on the Audi forums and it's common for people that had a RS4 bemoan their decision on trading it in for the B8 S4; but you never see B8 S4 owners regretting the switch to a RS4.

Thanks for the input Todd.

I ended up getting a new B8S4. It is a very nice car, albeit VERY refined. I’ve been driving it now as daily driver for a few weeks. The car is so refined relative to my B5, I have to admit it is has kind of numbing feeling. I have not done any mods to the B8 yet….

Today I drove my highly modded ’96 C2 to work. It was like getting into and driving a race car…

The jury is still out on the B8.

Thanks for the input.

Bob-

I had a 2008 RS4 salon and a 2005 S4 Cabriolet. I traded them both in around November 2009 for a 2010 S5 cabriolet Prestige with all options but ACC..

While I loved all the many, many features that the S5 had over the older Audis, I just never LOVED the S5. Tried to chip it and had issues. And I could never get used to riding around with Mr. Hoover.

I no longer have the S5. In it's place is an RS4 Cabriolet. What a difference and what a special car the RS4 is. I love it because it is not so refined but far more engaging and fulfilling to drive.

If I try, I can get 25mpg on my commute. But I usually take the Q7 TDI for that trip and get 28 to 31 MPG with the Q.

I cannot think of another vehicle that I've driven in the past 6 years that pulls at me like the RS4 cab does.

Thanks for the input Todd.

I ended up getting a new B8S4. It is a very nice car, albeit VERY refined. I’ve been driving it now as daily driver for a few weeks. The car is so refined relative to my B5, I have to admit it is has kind of numbin feeling. I have not done any mods to the B8 yet….

Today I drove my highly modded ’96 C2 to work. It was like getting into and driving a race car…

The jury is still out on the B8.

Thanks for the input.

Bob-

Kudos on the B8S4...you really can't go wrong with either.

Drove the RS4 cab to pickup the S4 which finally arrived. My new quick description of the difference:

The RS4 feels special. The S4 makes you feel special.

They are very different and I love 'em both.

Drove the RS4 cab to pickup the S4 which finally arrived. My new quick description of the difference:

The RS4 feels special. The S4 makes you feel special.

They are very different and I love 'em both.

Tell us about your ED. Route/Pics? Will be doing the same when I pick up my 1///M end of august.

altitude is a killer...I'd consider another turbo option with that in mind. Supercharger cars suffer at altitude pretty badly as well, so no big gain driving a B8 S4 at altitude. A local B8 owner recently went to Bandimere and ran 14 second quarter mile times. Yikes.

As for your +/- list


(+)
RS4 is the best looking Audi ever
RS4 is relatively stealth
RS4 great sound out of the box


(-)
RS4 not so great fuel milage
I will loose some horsepower w/ the RS4 due to altitude...which is pretty much what a B7 RS4 runs at Bandimere (give or take a tenth or two)



RS4 fuel mileage isn't much different to B8 S4 mileage. The B8 'advertised' efficiency is a bit of a sticking point with owners who regularly post threads complaining about the numbers being optimistic as hell. Most guys I know with RS4s avg about 17-19 mpg while B8 S4 owners report about 18-20 mpg. That's not enough to move the needle.

Consider this...even if you get 22mpg on avg from a B8...and drive 15,000 miles per year, over 4 years we're talking about a difference of about $50/month. A B8 S4 is about $55,000 today...and you can grab an RS4 for about $10,000 less. The $2400 difference in fuel over 4 years is really a non-factor (and that's in a world that doesn't exist...a world where the B8 averages 22mpg)

RS4 fuel mileage isn't much different to B8 S4 mileage. The B8 'advertised' efficiency is a bit of a sticking point with owners who regularly post threads complaining about the numbers being optimistic as hell. Most guys I know with RS4s avg about 17-19 mpg while B8 S4 owners report about 18-20 mpg. That's not enough to move the needle.

Consider this...even if you get 22mpg on avg from a B8...and drive 15,000 miles per year, over 4 years we're talking about a difference of about $50/month. A B8 S4 is about $55,000 today...and you can grab an RS4 for about $10,000 less. The $2400 difference in fuel over 4 years is really a non-factor (and that's in a world that doesn't exist...a world where the B8 averages 22mpg)
Not sure I agree with this. I bought my RS4 new in November 2006 and, no matter how I drove, I have never been able to average more than 17.5 mpg. As to my B8 S4, it is pretty consistent with an average of about 24 mpg. Both cars driven by me and pretty similarly. No question about it, my RS4 goes to the pumps more often than the B8 S4 does... ;)

I averaged 17-18 mpg in the RS4 and get about the same in a 2011 S4. 75% city driving, 25% highway.

wandered back to AudiWorld after a long absence and was happy to see this thread as it asks the same question i'm asking myself right now.

went from a B5 S4 to an Evo 8 MR and am now looking to get a new car. B8 S4 is the only thing out there that interested me so was thinking of ordering one. then i saw a used 2008 RS4 with low miles and that tempted me too.

my biggest concern is that i have gotten so used to how the Evo handles and goes that i fear the S4 is going to feel heavy, slow, lifeless, etc. not sure how the RS4 will compare to the Evo, but the comments on here make me think that used RS4 may be a better choice.

would love to read comments from anyone who has driven Evo 8/9 and either the B7 RS4 or B8 S4.

On to an '11 RRS S/C and the 911tt......still, nothing made me smile like the RS4 did. Yes, the interior became dated, and its not the quickest car out there, but something about it...A great complete package, that I looked forward to driving every day.....

Not sure I agree with this. I bought my RS4 new in November 2006 and, no matter how I drove, I have never been able to average more than 17.5 mpg. As to my B8 S4, it is pretty consistent with an average of about 24 mpg. Both cars driven by me and pretty similarly. No question about it, my RS4 goes to the pumps more often than the B8 S4 does... ;)

that's just plain weird. You're averaging better fuel economy than pretty much any B8 S4 owner on earth. Also, are you using the B8 to commute to work on the freeway at 60 mph while using the RS4 as a fun weekend car?

Anyway, you just answered the OP's question...you're having WAY more fun in the RS4.

p.s. here's the mileage data from 89 different B8 S4 owners after about 2,350 tanks of gas and more than 500,000 miles of driving (so yes, the sample size is pretty realistic!). As you can see you're miles away from the averages and your experience shouldn't likely be used as a proxy for the car by any other prospective B8 S4 owners.

http://i375.photobucket.com/albums/oo193/sakimano/S4fuelly.jpg

Drove the RS4 cab to pickup the S4 which finally arrived. My new quick description of the difference:

The RS4 feels special. The S4 makes you feel special.

They are very different and I love 'em both.

I read somewhere that the RS4 cab is the rarest production car audi has ever made. Sold in the very low hundreds.

I read somewhere that the RS4 cab is the rarest production car audi has ever made. Sold in the very low hundreds.

Apparently about 300 were made for US market.