8P RS3 -> B8 RS4

[BillTheButcher]

Following on from this thread:
viewtopic.php?f=35&t=119259

I drove a B8 RS4 and a W204 C63 (with Performance Pack) last weekend. The C63 is something that I've wanted to drive for a really, really long time. What a disappointment. The engine was as magnificent as I was expecting it to be, and the ceramic brakes were mighty, but the rest of the car was a real letdown.

The interior felt very low-rent (not something I ever thought I'd say about a Merc) compared to the B8's. The seats were nowhere near as comfortable. The dash displays and infotainment all felt thoroughly out-of-date. But the worst thing of all - the one that really ruined it for me - was the gearbox. It was a facelift so it had the MCT (Mercedes' dual-clutch effort). Awful: sluggish upshifts (I had time to pull the paddle and take my hand completely off the wheel before the gear changed) and lazy downshifts. It was so bad that I asked to have a go in an E63 at the same dealership to make sure the 'box in the C-Class wasn't a dud. It was exactly the same. I tried all of the different driving modes and every different throttle position, to no avail.

The Audi's shifts by contrast were seamless and almost instant. I also think the snorts, pops, rumbles and blips were more pronounced in the RS4, even if it is lacking in overall aural drama compared to the lovely 6.2 in the AMG.

A huge surprise for me. The C63 is off my shortlist and I'm now on the hunt for a B8 RS4.

[rspj]

Good luck in finding b8

[ARSEY4]

The C63 PPP didnt have ceramics they were classed as composite (what ever that means) but not full carbon ceramics. I nearly bought one back in 2011 and had one for a day and I agree with the post facelift interior comments but found it to be a really fun car with a good front end but the box was slow and the rear grip bordering on useless. I like the seats though. At the time I went for an m3 saloon which was better but without the glorious engine noise of the C63.

[BillTheButcher]

The C63 PPP didnt have ceramics they were classed as composite (what ever that means) but not full carbon ceramics. I nearly bought one back in 2011 and had one for a day and I agree with the post facelift interior comments but found it to be a really fun car with a good front end but the box was slow and the rear grip bordering on useless. I like the seats though. At the time I went for an m3 saloon which was better but without the glorious engine noise of the C63.

I didn't know that. Thanks.

I've just found a few references on PH and one of the MB forums:
"When Mercedes describe the upgraded 390mm rotors as composite they are referring to the fact that the steel rotor is mounted to an aluminium bell. They are not ceramic composite as the PCCB's."

So no carbon/ceramic at all.

I totally agree about the gearbox. I could live with the interior but not with the gearbox. It ruined the experience for me.

[RossDagley]

"When Mercedes describe the upgraded 390mm rotors as composite they are referring to the fact that the steel rotor is mounted to an aluminium bell. They are not ceramic composite as the PCCB's."

lol. Making the B7 steel brakes 'composite' in Mercedes view

[NME]

I've just sold my S3 8P3 3 weeks or so ago, and bought the RS4 B8, love it, love it, love it.

[BillTheButcher]

I've just sold my S3 8P3 3 weeks or so ago, and bought the RS4 B8, love it, love it, love it.

[vangelis]

I'm thinking of buying either 2016 8P RS3 brand new or used 2016 B8 RS4 just done 16k km mileage. I was never drove any of them, I'm going to do a test drive on the RS4 next week, so only then will get the feeling of RS4 B8. Anyone here would be able to help with the choice with why would you go for one over the other?

Thanks for all your help in advance.

[MikeFish]

I'm thinking of buying either 2016 8P RS3 brand new or used 2016 B8 RS4 just done 16k km mileage. I was never drove any of them, I'm going to do a test drive on the RS4 next week, so only then will get the feeling of RS4 B8. Anyone here would be able to help with the choice with why would you go for one over the other?

Thanks for all your help in advance.

These guys are talking about changing from the older 8P RS3; you are talking about the new 8V RS3 I take it?
Both are great cars in my opinion, but very different. One is a big normally aspirated V8, the other is a smaller turbo charged 5 pot so very different to drive. One has a bigger boot than the other. One has Torsen awd system, the other has Haldex. Can you get the spec you want on a secondhand RS4? These are the factors I'd considr when choosing between the 2 and it all comes down to your personal needs for space, preffered engine and driving style etc.
Both sound great too, but the RS3 with the sports exhaust I think sounds perfect with no need for any changes whereas the RS4 needs an aftermarket exhaust to make it sound as good as it should.

[vangelis]

Thanks Mike for your response, and yes you are right, I was referring to 8V RS3, my bad.

Well, the RS4 is fully loaded as per the sales man, it has almost every single option except ACC, including carbon inlays and engine carbon cover.

The RS3 coming almost same price of this used RS4 but brand new of course. The RS4 is almost brand new and absolutely in mint condition.

I'm coming from RS6 C6 with MTM Stage1 had 730 BHP and was absolute beast! I'm single and hence space not a requirement for me. I just love how the RS3 sounds, and all gadgets and options included, considering its still new and will be bit rare more than RS4 later. However, sometimes I feel the RS3 small and RS4 is perfect looking as a real muscle sport car. It is just mixed feelings and want to make my mind to stop this hassle and start the fun sooon

[AndyC160]

You might know this already but if you don't, there is a facelift rs3 coming out in a few weeks.

I'm considering one too. Love the way they sound but I've got a feeling the boot is too small (not at problem for you though). Might just hold on for the new rs4.

[MikeFish]

The other issue is that if you are coming from a stage 1 C6 then both of these will feel slow (although don't the MTM stage 1's never have quite the quoted power, but still really quick?).
which brings me on to another big difference; not much you can do to increase the power of the RS4 if feeling a little slow other thanmaybe a very expensive supercharger. The RS3 on the other hand is easy to tune and get big numbers from. However, being Haldex it does feel more like a front wheel drive car than the RS4 does.

[vangelis]

Thank you AndyC160 & Mike... such a valuable opinion ... I didn't know that, that's news but good to know. I guess it's better to wait for the new RS4 or at least the facelift RS3. Or maybe a good deal on C7 RS6/7 Thanks again guys