ploglet

A friend in Ireland who has a real RS4 was at the track with a new RS4 and the old one was right there with the new one. He said the new one felt heavy around the corners and that the old RS4 had a better balance to it than the new one.

If the new owners of the RS4 are 'really' looking for an M3 beater, then they will be disappointed I think. But why would someone buy a car for that reason. I think a lot of the new owners will buy the car because they have always wanted an RS4 and they like the look of the new car. We will see.

343Bhp

by being 0.2 quicker to 124mph?
By being 1 second quicker on a 1.5 min lap with the Rs4 running on P-zero Corsa semi-slick tyres while the M3 ran on brand new stock tyres. The Pirell's are worth 2-3 seconds per lap on a long lap like that. And the M3 is based on 5 year old technology.

So what was measurably better?

gofastblue

I'm with you. I got my 997S to complement my B6S4. And I'm on a list for an RS4. Can't wait.

S4 in Margaritaville

Completely different cars.

Had I wanted a non AWD, four seater, I would have purchased the M3, especially given my discount and the fact the car is awesome.

The whole "my car is faster" debate is very old.

The S4 is not a drag car. WAY to heavy and I still can not under stands why someone would take their car to a drag strip. Power/weight ration wins and is usually quickest. The S4 does not top out in that category.

As for a road race car, there are better cars for the track (I have a spec Miata) and if I wanted all out speed, I'd grab a 997. A track car should be modified. Brakes, suspension, engine mounts, etc are all subjected to higher forces and wear, than a daily driver should be subjected to. I've raced cars, and I have experienced mechanical breakdowns in cars that were specifically designed to race. I'm not talking about the occasional track day, where you can stretch your cars legs. But, why waste a track day with something you can't drive at 10/10'ths?

But, as someone who must ferry clients to and fro, and who does enjoy a sporty car, the S4 does the job and then some. With a average of an hour commute, each way, the car gets me there, quickly and comfortably. The M3 and my old B5 S4, less so.

I can not tell you how many compliments I get on the car. The comfort level, and performance level are enough to evoke comments from passengers. The wife is happy. My clients are happy! I'm happy. And all the while driving a very nice sporty car, in comfort, style and safety.

Dr.quattro

no matter how much people may want to ignore the importance of 0-60. The S4 should have definately been an M3 beater, and the RS4 a supercar.

sparkhill

I agree.

KiddJoey

Each of us has different desires/needs/wants. For me, I'm looking for the biggest bang for the buck -- with a double-cab truck as my daily driver, a sports car is what I desire. The new RS4 is not that great of a bang for the buck. Now buying your used one in two years will be a good bang for the buck.

So yes the P-car is something I'm more interested in, even at a higher price. But Audi is pushing me out the door with the lame B6 and B7 S4 offerings and now the RS4 offering leaves me looking elsewhere. Now if the B7 S4 or RS4 had a more tuneable solution then that would help me and many other potential buyers deciding to stay with the Audi model.