Hey all, I'm going to be jumping out of my '05 Cayenne Turbo soon and needed some advice from the Audi crowd.

I am trying to decide between a lightly used '07/'08 RS4 and ordering a brand new B8 S4. I am really drawn to the RS4's out-of-the-box performance advantages. Mildly concerned about the leaking suspension and carbon build-up issues. The new S4's mod-potential is promising though and could put it near-RS4 performance as far as acceleration. Some suspension tweaks could get it tracking better as well...though I probably won't track it very often.

I like the new dash layout of the B8 and the new technology is a nice advantage as well. I'm not one of those anti-boost people so the N/A motor of the RS4 doesn't really draw me either way. The big fuel consumption advantage is a bonus...though anything would be better than the 13.5 mpg I currently get in the Cayenne.

Transmission-wise I am still on the fence. Obviously, I'm stuck with the manual in the RS4. The dual-clutch option in the S4 seems nice as I encounter quite a bit of traffic on my daily commute. I had a 580hp '05 CTS-V before the Cayenne and my left leg got tired quite often from all of the stop and go traffic.

Anyway, just wanted to get some opinions and pick your brains a little! Thanks!

 

Of course I am somewhat biased, but I love the looks and exclusivity of the RS4. As you stated, it's a fantastic performance saloon right out of the gate. I personally don't care too much for the exterior styling of the B8. The interior layout is nice though, as you pointed out.

But, in the end, you may have already answered your own question. IF you are tired of having to drive in traffic with a manual tranny, then go with the B8 S4. But if that left leg is still okay, I'd go with the RS4

 

Have you driven the dual clutch S4? Wouldn't you be saving about 10k with a used RS4? Although I head Barrier's trying to unload their last new 08 RS4...probably can be had for the same as a S4 or lower. Just a thought.

I'm going through an evaluation of the RS4 as well. What made you decide on Audi from the CT?

 

I chose the B8 S4. It felt newer, like it wasn't already last year's model. Better interior, better weight distribution, easily modified. Obviously lacking the sound, but the low-end torque of the V6T is pretty impressive.

 

I want something smaller than an SUV and I want to retain AWD for the slick wet roads and occasional times when it snows. I have debated just keeping the CTT and getting an aftermarket warranty but I almost feel like the $5-6k it would cost to get the warranty is just money wasted on an older vehicle that I no longer love to drive. It's nice, don't get me wrong, it's just heavy and doesn't handle as well as a smaller, lower car.

I also test drove an M3 but didn't walk away that impressed by the whole "package". It was certainly fast and handled well but the interior is just plain aweful for a car costing ~$70k. I also considered getting a 2nd gen CTS-V but felt I was getting into a larger vehicle again (same as the M5). The size of the S4/RS4 is just right, the interior is typical Audi sex and the exterior is nice but not too in-your-face...unlike my Techart-modded CTT.

 

my friend has an rs4 07 and it is really nice in every way... i would buy this over the s4 by far... he has it listed on cl bay area if you want to see the pics

 

I would go with the new S4, it's barely slower looking at reported test numbers for it, I like the new style and it drives great from what others said. I've heard there is some tune available for a 100hp increase or so which seemed odd to me for a s/c'd engine as you don't control boost as you would a turbo. people on audiworld are talking about it, anyone know anything about that?

 

It also depends on you daily experience you encounter in your, life, if you drive during rush hour monday through friday then i suggest the s4, but if it is going to be your weekend car, then definitely go with the RS4, by the way have you pulled up next to one at the light and then hear it accelerate off, the sound is one of the best i've heard. It comes out the factory ready to track as well to pick up the kids from the soccer game.
P.S excellent choice in cars, they both are very nice cars. Good luck, keep us post here at 6speed.....

 

Thanks for all of your replies. I'm still on the fence. If I can find a low mileage RS4 already modded with some coilovers then I think I'll be sold. Otherwise, I will probably be putting my order in for an S4 in the next month or so.

I have seen the links for the 100hp+ tune as well (MTM??). Car was pulling (from a roll) on a E92 M3 6-spd until ~120mph (a guess on that mph) where the M3 started to gain back. I would think that from a stop the S4 would have a bigger advantage.

 

Yeah I think the RS4 is a better choice too. At this point, will probably depreciate slower than the S4 too. Won't both engines be subject to the carbon build-up (er....all DI engines, for that matter)? I know there was a local (Seattle) RS4 that was nicely modified including an overhaul of the suspension - don't see it on autotrader, but it was nice. In a separate thread, someone mentioned that the DRC is getting recalled or something, so maybe this won't be an issue anymore.

Also, and I know pretty much everyone on this entire board will roll their eyes, but has anyone driven the acura TL sh 6sp? I went and drove it yesterday and was completely surprised...didn't feel half as heavy as a I thought it would, the shifter is butter like my S2K and the handling is awesome (due the SH). Sure, it's not the prettiest thing on the road, but given the conversation topic of "fun sedan", the 2010 TL is nothing to balk at.

 

I had a 2001 Acura CL-S w/ an overboosted Comptech S/C and pretty much everything else Comptech offered. It was a great, reliable, quick, torque-steering motha. I surprised quite a few E46 M3's in that thing. I even tracked it a couple of times but, in the end, FWD just wasn't going to cut it. I would definitely consider the TL-S...if I could just get past the looks.

 

I just went through this exact issue...sold the S5 for room for the kids...got a Benz(dont ask) and was going RS4 or B8. The RS is faster to start but with mods, the B8 seems to catch up real quick...also a 2007 RS is almost out of warranty...The other thing is the gearing in the B8 is stronger then the B7 RS and you get more acceleration out of less HP....anyway ordered a White/Red S4...GL

 

I recommend a Test drive in a B8 S4, You'll love it. I did...

 

This would be a very difficult decision to make. You'd better try to test drive both. I had a B7 RS4 with Stasis coilovers, and loved it. But I knew I wouldn't drive it after getting an R8, so I traded it. But now the B8 S4 appears to be listed at least a couple hundred pounds lighter than the B7 RS4, and with the ECU tuning you mention, should be a quick car. I like how the newer Audis have the engine sitting back behind the front axle vs. in front of it with the B7 RS4. That has to make for better handling.

 

IMHO... B8... although if you are going for the exclusivity, RS4. Both are great!