Just driven an RS4..... Bit slow arn't they?

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I haven't tried an RS4 but have been a passenger in one and the very very light engine does make for epic handling. It feels so balanced and turns in so damn quick. Thats what my m8 enjoys most over his s3 the turn in. Oh and I think the RS4 is a very very pretty car, more so than the s3 but is it best part of 20g's better looking? probably.

Not a car i'd buy but the boxter s blows away every car I have been in for feeling balanced and I have only tried the older generation.
 
The RS4s I've seen dyno'd don't make the power either...over 400 BHP...but not the claimed figures, even on V Power.

None the less...it's a fabulous car.
Personally, I find them dull to drive...the engine is epic...but dull. (does that make sense?) There is no rush to the limiter...it's almost too linear, almost too 'perfect' but that's a personal observation.
The grip is impressive but the steering numb as hell. With 275s all round, no wonder.

I was shocked to find out that the RS4 felt slower that I thought...weight, gearing etc...the brakes were awful to use hard(powerful, but wagging it's tail under really heavy braking...but they work well) but on the road, against other cars they are ****** quick - even if they don't feel it inside.
I was shocked at how quick one can be piloted along a back road, considering the size and weight.


In saying all that...
It doesn't surprise me that a modified S3 will keep up.

But lets be honest...if you wanted an RS4, the fact that a modified S3 can keep up isn't going to bother you too much...as you could have bought one and had change instead.
 
In my quest to own a RS4 Avant I have recently driven 2, the power difference between the two was very apparant, first was fab, second one did not really feel that much quicker then my S3. Second car was a ladies and I think it had only been used to tootle up and down to the hairdressers and beauty salon, therefore felt a little lumpy and was in need of a damn good blast with some decent fuel in, or maybe there is a difference between cars ??? Both sounded awesome though and they do feel more special then the S3. Serously thinking of buying one though, just for the noise.
S3 is a great car though and I am very reluctant in some ways to change, wife thinks I am bonkers, maybe she is right.

Mark
 
IMO, and as a bit of a power junkie, the RS4 makes lots of sense compared to a stock S3.
And this is how AUDI intended the world to perceive the difference.

This whole comparison with a modded S3 distorts the idea of the RS4 being a `step up`and makes the RS4 make less sense, as the gulf in outright performance is little or nothing.

It highlights why AUDI do not promote performance upgrades for its range like SAAB do with Hirsch and SUBARU with Prodrive, as it appears to blur the lines between its own products.

Toby made a very good point, a tuned S3 SB does much the same as an RS4 on paper.

If Joe Shmo looked at the AUDI brochure and done his sums he would find it hard to justify the extra spend for an RS4.

BUT, if the RS4 drives as good as it looks and sounds, I will have mine in Misano Red please:)

In fact, no, I will have that Milltek/REVO Stage 2/Uprated pump for my S3 instead....!!:think:

Cheers
Paul

PS - Great thread
 
Jamiekip said:
RS4 Avant - 1845KG - 412bhp = 223bhp/tonne
RS4 Saloon - 1650KG - 412bhp = 249bhp/tonne
Tuned S3 Sportback - 1495KG - 365bhp = 244bhp/tonne
Tuned S3 hatchback - 1445KG - 365bhp = 252bhp/tonne

317lb/ft in the RS4 versus 350lb/ft in the tuned S3.

So, we've established there is very little on power bragging rights (and I've assumed the RS4's are delivering on their promised ponies, not the lower figure rumoured to be seen on rolling roads!).
We've established that the S3 has more torque to get it's mass rolling, so sprints should be better.

Now, which car handles better?
We all know that lighter cars handle better, there is less mass to keep under control (just look at the Lotus approach!), I'd be inclined to say the S3 - it's smaller, more nimble and is very capable. You're carrying round the equivalent of 2 adults in the RS4 all the time!
Ok, you don't have a 40:60 power split to bring the tail in to play (if you have enough talent!), but you are also hindered in the RS4 by having 4 more cylinders hanging over the front axle!

Interesting debate though...
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Headline figures dont tell the whole story though, where does in the rev range does the engine develop its torque/bhp?

Also the lag between gears etc in the s3

Weight does come in to play however it isnt as simple as saying the heavier car isnt as good. I personally cant see how anyone can think that stock for stock the s3 handles as good.

I think the point of the story is that for a few k the s3 can be turned into a serious but of kit but lets not get silly.
 
any car can be made quick i fully agree but im refering to the complete package which imo the rs4 has stock. You mod an s3 bang goes your warranty.

Anyway whats this lag debate?
 
rs4 aint as fast as its made out 2 be.... lightly tuned s3 can give it a good run for its money anytime... but i will still take an rs4 over an s3.... looks, engine sound, better bigger cabin quality i sappose it comes down to what you want out of a car.....
 
I can see why you might think the rs4 seems slow I came from a tuned STI to my RS4 late last year and was looking for the kick the impreza used to give when the turbo kicked in, what i've realised is that even though you don't feel like you being pinned in your seat with the RS4 you are actually going as faster than what you think, turn the traction control off for fun and games sometime it kicks in without notifying you on the dash

I am about to start a small project and will post the results on here when I get a chance, will take my RS4 for a rolling road test and see the BHP readout after my next service 30k due in 30 days

I'm then going to install a Full Milltek exhaust kit with 200 cell decats i think the kit comes to about £2900

May also get a remap £400

will then take it again on the rolling road to see what it's pushing after the tunning

I got my RS4 for £28k with a 1 year audi extended warranty, in total I'll have about £30.5k in it which isn't bad for a predicted 450 HP (est) montser! :blackrs4:
 
Not another one of these 'My modified S3 is as fast as an V8 RS4 etc'. Lets at least make it fair and put a Supercharger on the RS4 ;)

You all think an RS4 is slow because you're too used to having a hairdryer strapped to your engine and as such don't need to get anywhere close to 8200rpm ;)

If I could afford to I would give my R32 up in a second for an RS4.
 
but an r32 vs rs4 thread doesnt really have as much credibility.
 
Nelson_R32 said:
Not another one of these 'My modified S3 is as fast as an V8 RS4 etc'. Lets at least make it fair and put a Supercharger on the RS4 ;)

You all think an RS4 is slow because you're too used to having a hairdryer strapped to your engine and as such don't need to get anywhere close to 8200rpm ;)

If I could afford to I would give my R32 up in a second for an RS4.
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HONESTLY some people should READ what is written! He said it felt slow which it probably would compared to a turbo car putting out 350+ bhp, its just the delivery of the power, but I believe the S3 would give the RS4 a serious run for its money till the V8 comes into its own 130-140+
 
Sohrob said:
but an r32 vs rs4 thread doesnt really have as much credibility.
Click to expand...

Nope, exactly like this S3 vs RS4 discussion!

FazS3; read this quote posted earlier, need I say more?

RS4 Avant - 1845KG - 412bhp = 223bhp/tonne
RS4 Saloon - 1650KG - 412bhp = 249bhp/tonne
Tuned S3 Sportback - 1495KG - 365bhp = 244bhp/tonne
Tuned S3 hatchback - 1445KG - 365bhp = 252bhp/tonne

317lb/ft in the RS4 versus 350lb/ft in the tuned S3.
Click to expand...

A serious run for it's money? To spec an S3 Sportback to RS4 levels AND get it tuned to 360bhp would cost at LEAST £40k . An RS4 when it was new cost £49k and you could easily get 5% off one. But thats taking this dicussion to even more obscene levels as both cars wern't available new at the same time ;)
 
FazS3 said:
HONESTLY some people should READ what is written! He said it felt slow which it probably would compared to a turbo car putting out 350+ bhp, its just the delivery of the power, but I believe the S3 would give the RS4 a serious run for its money till the V8 comes into its own 130-140+
Click to expand...

Agree totally I have driven both and the RS did seem slow but when I looked at the speedo it was 130 (silverstone)


Tobycruse start the same thread on the RS246 forum and see the response as of course posting on the S3 section will recieve severely biassed views
 
I can see where Toby coming from, he expected more power and more kick from the RS4. Probably alot more aggression when he put his foot down. He also probably use to the power his modified S3 which is also lighter kicks out.

Some people should read into the thread before commenting. Not once in the thread as Toby said any thing about the RS4 being slow, he just said it felt slow compared to his modified S3. Was just sharing his experience which he had in a standard RS4. And saying what he thought and felt between the two different cars. Also a post saying why do people think there cars the best on the road. Toby never once said it was, so dont know where you got that from. All he said is he rather his modified S3 than spend extra ££££ for a RS4.


We all know the RS4 not slow at all, might seem slow but its not. A modified S3 would be a serious contender for a RS4, We seen some great build threads on this forum. Jonnyc and Bigandy S3 both pushing out over 400bhp!

If i had to pick wuld be a RS4 over a R32 and a S3. R32 dont appeal to me any way so would never look into owning one. S3 looking on own end of this year or some time next year. Love to own a modified S3! And a RS4 LOVE to own one! Black one few streets away from mine and the exhaust note, well its sounds amazing and thats some thing we can all agree on. May seem slow but its probably gonig faster than you think. I saw a RS4 go on the link road towards the dual carriage way and as soon as he stuck his foot down he was gone and it sound from the exhaust well quite a few heads turned and was looking.


Ashley
 
I think this is my longest thread yet!

Its really interesting what's come out here. I think in the end it all comes down to what you expect from a high performance car.

I look for a lot of things: Power delivery, handling, feedback, and most important, the FEEL of driving the car.

This thread started by how the two cars felt very different. My personal preference is my car as i love the kick in the chops you get when the turbo kicks in. The RS4 is a lot more mild in its power delivery but it is still a very fast car, no doubt.

The weight of the two cars makes a very big difference also. In the RS4 you can really tell you have a V8 in front of you, a four pot does feel a lot lighter and nimble. We are talking about +/-300kg in some cases.

If you like V8's then you will love the RS4. But if you like light, tuned nimble and G-Force creating 2.0T's then you will love a tuned S3.

It all down to what you prefer. There is no right answer here, just what people think.

My final point is.... I do like the RS4, but to me, i would take my S3, any day of the week. And the main reason is the grin factor.... S3 = bigger grin!

I hope to be taken for a ride in a DBS this week. 510bhp in a 1600kg car.....Mmmmmmm, will report back after!

Keep your comments coming guys and girls! Dont let it stop here!
 
so are you going to post a mirror thread on rs246?
 
PW-Motorsport said:
Interesting debate......

Buy the V10 S6 they are starting to dip below 25k...
Click to expand...

Huh, really, damn thats surprised me they're that low already.

Edit: Whoops thought was replying to this post but didnt see was last post of 1st page
 
Well I've just had a shot of a Eurofighter and man did it feel slow. Compared with my mini with it's Rolls Royce Spey jet engine bolted to the roof giving 50,000bhp.

I mean it can't compare. Mini (£3.50) + used Spey engine (50k) = £50,003.50 compared with £50,000,000 for a Eurofighter. That must mean my mini's better than the jet :rolleyes: :rolleyes: :rolleyes:
 
Macduff said:
Well I've just had a shot of a Eurofighter and man did it feel slow. Compared with my mini with it's Rolls Royce Spey jet engine bolted to the roof giving 50,000bhp.

I mean it can't compare. Mini (£3.50) + used Spey engine (50k) = £50,003.50 compared with £50,000,000 for a Eurofighter. That must mean my mini's better than the jet :rolleyes: :rolleyes: :rolleyes:
Click to expand...

I wouldn't bother, you're fighting an uphill battle here! I think some people are so in love with their cars that they fail to see the wider picture.
Put this thread in any general motoring forum, not an Audi 8P specific one and it would raise a few laughs. Comparing 2 cars like this based on how fast they feel when you boot them is a little too boy racer for my taste.

P.S. Apologies for my terminology in an earlier post. Some people found my description of an RS4 as a V8 GT car to be funny (it's far from the funniest thing i've read in this thread). To me it is a Euro muscle car, like the S5 designed to cover ground quickly in luxury. So a GT car to me? And it's V8. So you know....
 
Macduff said:
Well I've just had a shot of a Eurofighter and man did it feel slow. Compared with my mini with it's Rolls Royce Spey jet engine bolted to the roof giving 50,000bhp.

I mean it can't compare. Mini (£3.50) + used Spey engine (50k) = £50,003.50 compared with £50,000,000 for a Eurofighter. That must mean my mini's better than the jet :rolleyes: :rolleyes: :rolleyes:
Click to expand...

Mini £3.50, thats funny, lol, monday morning humour love it, I think alot of people like to be blunt 1st thing in the week huh, lmao
 
NHN said:
Mini £3.50, thats funny, lol, monday morning humour love it, I think alot of people like to be blunt 1st thing in the week huh, lmao
Click to expand...


STFU NOOB!
 
This thread should should locked , deleted. And of course NHN banned. Off course he can do his daily blog elsewhere.
 
dc240969 said:
This thread should should locked , deleted. And of course NHN banned. Off course he can do his daily blog elsewhere.
Click to expand...

Why should I be banned from this thread, I was laughing at £3.50 mini comment, what was wrong with that, did everyone get out of the wrong side of bed today, I havnt said a bad word about anyone on this thread so cant see what the outburst is all about, maybe you can explain cause from what I'm reading there's nothing wrong with my post at all.
 
PNH80 said:
Comparing 2 cars like this based on how fast they feel when you boot them is a little too boy racer for my taste.
Click to expand...

We are going round in circles here. I have driven both car extensively, not on the track but on the road. I am not talking about "a quick blast" I am talking about the overall feel of the car.

Please read this thread and you will see what I am getting at!
 
NHN said:
Why should I be banned from this thread, I was laughing at £3.50 mini comment, what was wrong with that, did everyone get out of the wrong side of bed today, I havnt said a bad word about anyone on this thread so cant see what the outburst is all about, maybe you can explain cause from what I'm reading there's nothing wrong with my post at all.
Click to expand...

Your derogatory comments on many occasions, beit this thread or others, are distastful, condecening and immature. Just to read this and other threads you have outraged on and the comments of others to their regard for you leads to only one conclusion. Yor opinions are not wanted if your going to cause disharmony.
 
I was kidding NHN, I was just trying to act in the vein you said "Mondays - everyone is harsh" etc.

HotboxDeluxe. It is fast, a lot faster than u think.

Mines a 1.0 but ive stripped it out. power to wieght is somthing like 85bhp/t now ;)
 
Ah ok fella no worries, wondered what prompted that
 
Anyway Hotbollocks, why are you having a pop at me? Would you feel just as free to do it to my face? Dont bother answering that...
 
PNH80 said:
Hmm...ok then, i'm not going to convince you otherwise to what you're saying. The basic fact that you're comparing a Haldex controlled 2.0T hatch (tuned beyond what it was intended to achieve) to a V8 full time 4WD saloon based on 'how fast it feels' speaks volumes, you're missing the point of what the RS4 was designed for so we'll leave it at that! The S3 suits your lifestyle and criteria for a car more than an RS4 so thats good :o.k:. You've saved yourself a lot of money. Jeremy clarkson who's driven every piece of exotica ever made declares the RS4 as one of the most perfectly balanced cars with the best engine he'd ever driven (at that time). You borrow your mums and get it to slide on a roundabout in the wet and all of a sudden it's 'average'. No offence but i know who's critique of the car i'll be going with. Each to their own.

To answer your question yes i have driven an RS4 a few times (the Avant version) and i'm sorry but the build quality of the interior is superior. The car 'feels' more expensive to me. You think they're almost exactly the same? Specsavers is calling...

I borrowed my uncles 997 Carrera 4S for a day not too long ago (£80k worth) and about town and regular roads/driving conditions in urban areas it felt no better quality, quicker or exciting than my A3 2.0T Q. Not for a millisecond would i be short sighted enough to say it's therefore 'not as good'. A Carrera doesn't even come into it's own until the A3 reaches it's limit. It's built for handling, response and performance at highers speeds. Bombing about town is a waste of the car and no basis for a review.

This is what i'm trying to get across, the S3 no matter what BHP it's putting out... as a car, chassis, general grip and drive train will reach it's limit. Push it too hard and you will end your days in a ditch. The RS4 on the otherhand is designed with precise handling at higher speeds in mind. The limit to which it can be pushed to safely is far far in excess of what the S3 was ever designed to achieve.

I'm not sure how much of an advanced driver you are, how many track days you've had in each car really pushing them and finding the limit of each but fair enough. Your opinion is as valid as any i'm sure!

You enjoy your car which is the main thing.
Click to expand...

Hear Hear!
 
I will bother, and the answer is yes, I would feel as free to have a pop at your face, if the situation called for it. If everyone's being monday-harsh then I should be allowed to also :yes:

As for your stripped-out saxo being faster than I think...well I wouldn't be surprised, it could hardly be any slower than I imagine....:lazy:

Did you have to throw out every seat bar yours, and the carpet, and the dashboard, and the gearknob, so you can top 100mph? :meeting:
 
Look here toughguy, ah, i just noticed your in DE, no wonder you have big massive internet ********. Go bait some other chump.
 
dc240969 said:
Your derogatory comments on many occasions, beit this thread or others, are distastful, condecening and immature. Just to read this and other threads you have outraged on and the comments of others to their regard for you leads to only one conclusion. Yor opinions are not wanted if your going to cause disharmony.
Click to expand...

My we did swallow the oxford english this morning didnt we & Sorry whose causing disharmony here exactly??

Move on & get over yourself, just monday morning blues with a poker stuck in your assse, so looking to pick a fight for no reason at all.

I havnt had a pop at you or anyone else so whats your problem exactly, me & you havnt had a heated discussion from what I recall.
 
HotboxDeluxe said:
If everyone's being monday-harsh then I should be allowed to also :yes:
Click to expand...

Christ whats happened to AS this morning, everyone's on heat or something, tad hot in here no?? & no ones prevoked from what I can see.
 
God this thread has me in stitches here. So so so funny.

STFU NOOB bit was hillarious.

Lurve the RS4 and what it stands for.

Hmmm i love my S3 don't get me wrong, really love it. But the RS4 for me is just sex on 4 wheels. Those arches, seats, lights, body lines etc are just sooo nice.

I'm gonna get flamed here i know it but the new S3....where are the body lines? Where are the arches that the older S3 has? It's tooo timid and therefore if and only if i had the money to spend 30k on a car, there would be one choice for me and i think it's obvious what it is!

G
 
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