RS6 or B5 RS4

[Hooper]

Hi,

just new here but not new to Audi ownership, owned a B5 S4 with AMD mods and full Milltek in the past, also S3 8l facelift.

I realise posting in the C5 section may be slightly biased opinions but hoping anyone has been in similar situation or currently runs both cars.

Looking to get back into a quick load carrier in the New Year and looking towards the RS6 or B5 RS4. I've still currently fresh on gathering information and knowledge about both cars, regarding any issues etc.

Was mainly curious to see what they are like to run as daily drivers, well its more like a second car but with frequent use to load kids and dog around if all going somewhere.

No stranger to running costs and issues of thirsty motors, currently running 2008 Range rover Sport, which as you know don't come with cheap running costs. Also running Mk7 Golf GTD with a nice little remap.

Im aware of the gearbox issues with the RS6 and would budget for buying one and getting gearbox done if no concrete evidence of being done. Also, what is the difference with the RS6 plus against the standard RS6.


Thank you in advance for any advice.

Chris

[bilko1]

Have a read through this viewtopic.php?f=2&t=82219 can't offer any advice on the RS4 but after owning a diesel B5 I prefer the extra room in the C5 especially the rear legroom now the kids are getting older.

[Hooper]

Thank you so much for that link, very useful.

apologies for not using the search option before posting

[marc1]

To look after a B5 RS4 'properly' giving it all the preventative maintenance and regular upkeep it needs is expensive. A C5 RS6 can be another league above as there are more things to go wrong and more common issues (intercoolers, gearbox, DRC, etc). Both are fairly similar in pace due to the extra weight of the C5. The B5 will be a bit more nimble (but still requires a few handling mods to make it as focused as it should be) and the C5 will give you extra room and more comfort if that's what you need.

Have a think about your requirements first, look at good, well cared for examples that have ideally had some of the additional work and checks performed and go from there. Forum owned cars are a good place to start.

Both great cars though.

[Mr Footlong]

Why is the B7 RS4 not an option, initial cost?

[Gripper1]

Primarily looking at it as a family car I found the B5 quite a small interior for a full size family. Also the 6 is much comfier on long runs and the auto makes everything effortless as I'm a lazy driver these days.

Running costs, well they're heavy but you look more than prepared for them.

[Golfather]

B5 ftw

[bam_bam]

Stretched tyres much? Looks like a Supra colour...

[Golfather]

Looks like a Supra colour...

Actually a S4 widebody conversion in "Grigio Silverstone"

[bam_bam]

Wow, 'rarri paint. Is it any good? 'Rarris aren't known for great paint.

[S4Player]

Yeh it's mint Mrc have one same colour

[drybeer]

Hi,

just new here but not new to Audi ownership, owned a B5 S4 with AMD mods and full Milltek in the past, also S3 8l facelift.

I realise posting in the C5 section may be slightly biased opinions but hoping anyone has been in similar situation or currently runs both cars.

Looking to get back into a quick load carrier in the New Year and looking towards the RS6 or B5 RS4. I've still currently fresh on gathering information and knowledge about both cars, regarding any issues etc.

Was mainly curious to see what they are like to run as daily drivers, well its more like a second car but with frequent use to load kids and dog around if all going somewhere.

No stranger to running costs and issues of thirsty motors, currently running 2008 Range rover Sport, which as you know don't come with cheap running costs. Also running Mk7 Golf GTD with a nice little remap.

Im aware of the gearbox issues with the RS6 and would budget for buying one and getting gearbox done if no concrete evidence of being done. Also, what is the difference with the RS6 plus against the standard RS6.


Thank you in advance for any advice.

Chris

Welcome, Chris! I hope we'll be of help.

I've had both a B5 S4 Avant and still have a C5 RS6 Avant and have had a few B5 RS4s pass through my hands business wise - and so would hope to be able to help. I think both are excellent cars so there's no wrong decision as to which to own.

Their character is different - if you want to be able to pilot the car with precision and value this over the ultimate luxury, the B5 is for you. If you want waftablility and a more comfortable car particularly for your rear seat passengers then the C5 is for you.

I genuinely prefer an auto transmission these days for my main car, but I know not everyone agrees with me - and here the C5 is best.

The C5's build materials and quality is more modern and I feel slightly more robust, but the B5 is probably more performance for your pound spent and has less of a achille's heel in terms of mechanical let downs.

If an ultimate driving machine is your choice then I would also suggest checking out B6 S4 Avants (slower I know, but so much more taught on the road) and B7 RS4s.

[mik15]

it is a hard choice i'd say too, the only thing that would make me go for the C5 would be the auto box, otherwise if you feel comfortable enough to drive a manual in day by day traffic then i am sure getting one of these viewtopic.php?f=63&t=112292 won't bring any regrets afterwards...

then again this one is up for sale too and is sooo appealing... viewtopic.php?f=63&t=109427&p=674915#p674915

[bilko1]

I thought the gearbox went pop on Amar's old one just after he sold it, no mention of a new box though.

[chunky79]

I love the look of both, possibly the B5 more so.
C5 has way more room in the back.
The B5 would be more fun to drive.
Both really need brake upgrades
Both kinda need suspension upgrades
B5 has more potential engine wise for less money.
C5 sounds waaaaaaaay better.