Thinking about upgrading...

[RocketShip4]

Folks,
The RS4 is great but I'm one of the few that don't feel that the avant is the _true_ RS4 and I'm unimpressed from the pics/specs of the B8 RS4, so I'm thinking about a used R8 V8 now that the prices are getting more reasonable.

But the R8 is not a subtle car - I do love the look of it - such a change from the stealthy RS4 though. Practicality is not an issue for me, but a balance of comfort and occasional thrill is... it must be as happy to commute on occasion as my RS4, but enjoy a good howl at the weekend. I'm guessing that the straight-line performance is pretty much the same, to a point.

Will I regret?

Anyone have opinions/experience on pros/cons?

[adsgreen]

Sounds like you actually want a tt-RS...

[RIV]

That will get you to and from the hairdressers in no time

[RocketShip4]

Nah, as much as I like the engine note of the turbo 5 it's not a V8 and the TT is not a looker

[rs4head]

I drove an R8 V8 soft top earlier this week. Very nice car. Didn't feel any more special inside than my RS4. Which it should at £90k! Nice to hear engine mechanicals behind you. Mid engine poise and grip and ride were all very good. Lacked drama (noise) and outright shove that the mods on my RS4 have given. Won't be changing...

[RocketShip4]

No way I'd pay new, but just looking at something a little younger and the R8 sure is pretty... don't want to lose the V8 though.

Is the wet/winter behaviour much the same as the RS4 or does the different quattro split make it less flexible in our favourite british weather? If I wanted to get spun about I'd buy a C63

[Timster]

Folks,
The RS4 is great but I'm one of the few that don't feel that the avant is the _true_ RS4

Huh ?
The Avant IS and always was the true RS4 !

Whether you like it or not is another matter, however.

[RocketShip4]

Maybe it'll be love at first flight LOL

I appreciate the theory and all, but I have no purpose for an avant (MrsRocket drives an estate), so it's all about the V8. Maybe an RS5 would be a good choice once they depreciate a little more? (seem to be doing that pretty well so far )

[andre3k]

Folks,
The RS4 is great but I'm one of the few that don't feel that the avant is the _true_ RS4 and I'm unimpressed from the pics/specs of the B8 RS4, so I'm thinking about a used R8 V8 now that the prices are getting more reasonable.

But the R8 is not a subtle car - I do love the look of it - such a change from the stealthy RS4 though. Practicality is not an issue for me, but a balance of comfort and occasional thrill is... it must be as happy to commute on occasion as my RS4, but enjoy a good howl at the weekend. I'm guessing that the straight-line performance is pretty much the same, to a point.

Will I regret?

Anyone have opinions/experience on pros/cons?

From what I've read the thinking for most current owners of the B7 is to keep the car and work towards making it even more special by modding. The B8 isnt enough of a stepchange to tempt the B7 faithful and the R8 offers a much sexier & special package allround but with the same inherent engine and as such foibles (ie. you'll be lucky to see 390PS on a dyno). Modding is the future

[RocketShip4]

I've not had anything go wrong with me saloon that the warranty didn't cover, so I've been really happy with the beast. Maybe I should bite the bullet and go the Milltek route...

[rs4head]

trust me - get a milltek! why have a V8 car you can't tell is a V8 i.e. standard exhaust!

[RocketShip4]

Dang Milltek are not cheap! Cheaper than an RS5/R8 admittedly

[rs4head]

and then remove the precats and remap for much improved performance and exhaust pops and bangs on lift-off. a mod every 6 months keeps the car fresh and you wanting to drive it! (and is very cheap compared to going rs5/r8 route - they will then seem lame compared to a sensibly modded RS4).

[RocketShip4]

Thanks for the info Phil - what sort of performance are we talking? Remapping costs, etc?

[ShaneyB]

Thanks for the info Phil - what sort of performance are we talking? Remapping costs, etc?

Don't go RS5

£3k ish = custom remap, pre-cats removed, CAF, Manifold polished & ported, filters and will get you to around 440ps and 480nm ish torque depending on where your car is power wise now. It also sounds noticeably louder than stock but not as loud as a Milly. My insurance hardly changed declaring all mods.

Then if your not happy with the sound you can always throw a Milly on it later.