I've test driven the RS4 and the S5 and the first thing that pops (outside of the awesome interiors - particularly S5) is how light the steering is. Is it just me or does anyone else feel the steering has to much power assist?

Compared to my ex-997S, the steering seems just too easy...with limited road feel. I'm motoring around in my S2000 right now and the steering just feels way better in the Honda.

Am I crazy?

 

The old A4 suffers from this as well, I think most other Audi have that same light steering feel apart from the R8.

 

flick Audi drive select on, makes it much better.

 

Does the RS4 have that option?

 

Not sure about the RS4 but the S5 should have it As an option.

 

hate to say it but my lexus is250 has more road feel than my old a4

 

Ok, so I'm not alone. Does anyone find this strange for a high performance european car? I'm told the R8 doesn't suffer from this problem, but personally, it keeps me from pulling the trigger on the RS4...

 

You can use VAG-COM to adjust the power steering output. It has a range from 1 (Most assist) to 9 (Less, which means heavier steering), the factory setting is 2 or 3, and I set mine to 6 or 7. You can feel the difference right away.

 

No, RS4 does not have Driver Select.

 

Good to know

 

VAG-COM? Just looked up...you serious? You can just plug an RS4 into a computer and change the power steering level? Crazy...

I'm curious how moving to a 6 or 7 would change the feel of an RS4...

 

Yes, I am serious. It's very simple. VAG-COM can change everything in the car. You can even change your headlights to Euro Mode, so the amber lights will only turn on when you do turn signals, or you can use your remote to open and close all the windows. All you need is to get a $20 VAG-COM cable on ebay or ask people around your area who has the cable to do these. Pretty simple!

 

Wow --- that is awesome. Changes the game!

 

Tell me more about this. Is it a do it yourself thing, done through the onboard computer?

 

It requires a computer with the VAG-COM software loaded and the appropriate cable to connect to the car. The software allows you to modify the code on virtually every computer controlled function on the car. It's some fun stuff.

I currently have my car set up to open/close the windows with the remote, globally unlock with one push of the button, and the lights act differently when parking (city lights only).

It has a lot of diagnostic benefits that are the true value of the software and cable... A buddy had a throttle body alignment issue that would have been a $200 fix at the dealer. We had it realigned in under 30 minutes with the laptop in the garage.