New RS4 - is it 414BHP or not!

[audijohn]

That link was absolutely classic reading. Thanks russian dude.

In a strange way, I'm actually beginning to sympathise with your predicament.

For the love of god, please test drive the next car you buy or this experience would have been pointless. Just goes to show that no matter what reviewers/car journos/other owners say, no test is as good as you test driving the car.

One thing which stands out a bit is just how much less offensive we are towards you in this forum.

I second that Alex, I happened to mension on BM3W, how I did not enjoy the new M3, and got banned!!!!! am I bothered, poor bar stuwards, honestly half of these guys only dream about the cars we actually buy.

Sorry to hear it John, sounds a bit communist of the mods to do that!

I spent some time on BM3W when I had an M3 and although there were a handful of really good blokes on there, it just didn't feel particularly friendly or helpful compared to other forums I've been a member of (including this one...which is superb).

Sorry for them Alex, I would love to own a good BMW again, but the interiors and IDrive are not £50K+ standards for me.

[rs4v8]

The guy could be genuine. He also has the right to be a tad offended (why the need to be so offensive about the Russian people?).
As many of you have pointed out, the V8 RS4 feels slower when new. The same is probably true of the new M3. Therefore one must make allowances for this, but there is a risk that the car won't loosen up as much as you hope it will.
Naturally to try and tell a load of RS4 owners (ie enthusiasts) that these cars are not very good is not likely to be well received. But surely there is some validity in what he is saying, and doesn't that warrant some intelligent and constructive discussion?

My experience of a admittedly brief (20 mile) test drive of a B7 RS4 was disappointing. It lacked the feeling of muscular strength in the way you had to rev it to make it accelerate hard. My concept of power is effortless shove. It reminded me of a test drive in an Accord Type R.

My conclusion was this: My old RS4 will still go like stink if you don't take it to the red line in every gear, even if you bodge every gearchange. I am probably a slightly above average driver and spend most of my time driving marginally faster than average and about 15% of the time properly pressing on. For me a B7 RS4 seems like it would be disappointing. I would like to be proved wrong as I will be looking for a used replacement eventually and have no idea what to buy. I honestly think an S4 is the way to go for me.

My daily driver is a Skoda Fabia VRS. It is not fast on paper but probably frequently disappoints drivers of performance cars by almost keeping up. The idea of a much faster car having to change to two gears lower than the one I'm in just to pull away seems a bit pointless.

Another observation I would make is that many lower performance cars seem to provide 90% acceleration on part throttle and therefore seem pretty quick until you want to overtake and you then realise that the next 2/3 of throttle input doesn't do much more.

Russian M3 Dude has made a valid point, he just didn't make it very well. Performance is very subjective and in physical terms torque is power and BHP is just the multiplication of torque. A V8 RS4 is not a fast car most of the time.

And if you ask me to nip out to my car and photograph my hand in front of the badge just to prove that I own one then I can't. We don't all park outside our front doors. Similarly, it is easy for me to simply state my nationality as British (though this is too often cause for slight embarrasment) but that doesn't mean that everyone has such a clear allegiance.

I agree with most of what you say, performance is subjective and everyone is entitled to their own opinion. Its just that some people change theirs very frequently!!

Please don't go down the prejudice / racist path either. This is a bit of banter, the same way the welsh are getting it and hell, I'm from scotland, feel free to give me a hard time!! Furthermore I'm working in russia and have many russian friends..

IMHO I personally feel the RS4 is one of the best allround performance cars available today, at any price, and it feels pretty quick most of the time to me!

By coincidence, I was in a fabia vrs (diesel) recently and was extremely impressed (and quite surprised!) actually with its pace, handling, build and general feel of quality.

However, and you may not like this bit, while you may feel like you are going fast, I'll be leaving you behind (in any gear you want). sorry but thats a fact regardless of how fast the Audi feels in the drivers seat. There are indeed cars quicker and (first to admit ) even more desirable than a B7 RS4 and I'm the first to admit this too, a decent lottey win would see a whole collection of exotica but I'm delighted with mine as I'm sure you will be if you chose to get one in the future.

I would very much like to try the previous RS4 and maybe one day I'll get the chance to compare, the same with the new M3 and M5 for that matter as these seem to be the main RS4 competitors. I had an E46 M3 before and my new car is quicker.

I hope this doesn't sound too condecending it really isn't meant to be. It's meant to be the intelligent argument bit you were mentioning.. Something that some people (most people here will know who I mean)can't quite manage...

[RussianM3_dude]

A 747 is objectively blisteringly rapid, however how exited would you be on a London to Tokyo flight?????

[SimonC]

Audijohn, is it possible that his perspective is just different to yours?
Does such a reasonable observation warrant such a rude response?
Perhaps your last car was very different to his. Perhaps the roads are less congested. Perhaps he lives at higher altitude. If he doesn't think his car is very quick then he is entitled to make that observation. Why not just present your view in a civilised (British) manner. Perhaps your experiences could help others. What was your last car? How do they compare?

[SimonC]

rs4v8, I think you are mistaken.In 4th gear from 1500 to 3000 RPM the Skoda will blow a biturbo RS4 into the weeds and (as I am sure many who have owned both will confirm) a biturbo RS4 will do much the same to a V8 RS4 under similar conditions.

Here's a bit of Skoda trivia for your entertainment.
Official figures state 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) takes 9.5 seconds, but many motoring magazines have timed this to be less than 8 seconds. The in gear acceleration times are 50-70 mph in 5.6 seconds, quicker than BMW's 330i which needs 6.0 seconds. 20-40 mph in 2.4 seconds is as quick as the Lotus Elise 111R. Despite this the Fabia vRS can achieve better than 5.4 l/100 km (45 MPG US). The vRS was shown to be quicker than a similarly priced MINI Cooper around Top Gear's and Fifth Gear's test tracks.

[SimonFV8]

A 747 is objectively blisteringly rapid, however how exited would you be on a London to Tokyo flight?????

Hey my old V10 Touareg can tow a 747, bet my RS4 cant do that in a hurry!!!!

[hogster]

My previous car was a mk2 tt, I didnt like it so I got rid.
I WAS a member on the tt forum but guess what?? I didnt go on there slating it I just kept quiet because now im in a b7 rs4 I frequent this forum.
Dont get me wrong the whole point of such forums is to share thoughts and views but I think some people just love a wind up and others follow by biting back.. (like me!)

I have no doubt the Swiss/Russian/Canadian/british chap has an rs4 and has his own views on it, thats cool but to say its SLOW well I can only advise pushing the start button (located next to the handbrake) next time he is in the drivers seat, it makes all the difference

Sorry if this post has little relevance but has this entire thread?!

Anyway im off to bed now just hope im not to bored driving my 200 mile commute tomorrow in my OH SO SLOW rs4.

PS, great forum

[saf]

Well I test drove an RS4 a year ago now. It did feel slow compared to my Stage 2+ B5 S4.The RS4 B7 was without doubt the faster car, as the figures show. But You just didnt feel the kick in the back of the seat like a turbo car, Instead you get nice linear smooth acceleration which is equally satisfying.

I had the test drive at an Audi showroom, so it probably was a car without that many miles on it and was not loosened as well as it should have been. Id be interested to drive one thats been loosened up now after reading the statements. When I left the test drive I was glad to be in my car for the feeling of the speed low down in the rev range and the kick. I even took the salesman for a spin in mine after, and he even said theres not much between the two cars and he felt more of a kick in the back of the seat when i was driving my car.

The RS4 did pull nicely and effortlessly over 5000 rpm though, where a turbo car is more likely to struggle. And the comfort was fantastic. I wouldnt say the RS4 is a slouch but its a different feeling to a turbo car. Not enough kick, but it is oh so refined.

In regards to the 530 mentioned by the russian dude, Ive heard of some 530d that have been modified to silly power with around 600 - 700nm of torque. Thats mroe than a stage 3 B5 S4. The B7 RS4 would still take it because of the rev band allowance, but a chipped 530 d will do a good job keeping up up to a point.

If it wasnt chipped however, or a petrol 530, then the B7 RS4 would leave it behind comfortably and then sum.

[ChrisRS4]

In 4th gear from 1500 to 3000 RPM the Skoda will blow a biturbo RS4 into the weeds and (as I am sure many who have owned both will confirm) a biturbo RS4 will do much the same to a V8 RS4 under similar conditions.

I hope you don't mind me saying this, but that is a bit of a ridiculous comparison. A B5 RS4 if off boost between 1500-3000rpm and you'd never be in that range if you were out for a run.

Here's a bit of Skoda trivia for your entertainment.
Official figures state 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) takes 9.5 seconds, but many motoring magazines have timed this to be less than 8 seconds. The in gear acceleration times are 50-70 mph in 5.6 seconds, quicker than BMW's 330i which needs 6.0 seconds. 20-40 mph in 2.4 seconds is as quick as the Lotus Elise 111R. Despite this the Fabia vRS can achieve better than 5.4 l/100 km (45 MPG US). The vRS was shown to be quicker than a similarly priced MINI Cooper around Top Gear's and Fifth Gear's test tracks.

The Fabia vRS is a very capable little car. My good friend has the Ltd Edition version and its definately a mover. However, your comparison to a Mini Cooper is fair enough, but it really isn't anywhere near the Elise 111R or RS4 catagories.

[rs4v8]

A 747 is objectively blisteringly rapid, however how exited would you be on a London to Tokyo flight?????

Speaking from experience - every 28 days - lots. British Airways inflight drinks service is really good! and the movies are usually ok

Maybe you should buy a 747 then, I understand BA are getting rid of half of theirs. Go for a test flight first though ok?

[Norrs2]

In 4th gear from 1500 to 3000 RPM the Skoda will blow a biturbo RS4 into the weeds and (as I am sure many who have owned both will confirm) a biturbo RS4 will do much the same to a V8 RS4 under similar conditions.

I hope you don't mind me saying this, but that is a bit of a ridiculous comparison. A B5 RS4 if off boost between 1500-3000rpm and you'd never be in that range if you were out for a run.

Totally agree Chris! No doubt the Vrs is an excellent car, however to compare a diesel engine v a petrol one at comparible revs is ludicrous.

1500-3000 in a diesel is like 3000 - 5500 on a B5 RS4! Not much of a contest when the B5 gets into that area against a Vrs I'm afraid.

As far as the weeds go, I think you've been smoking far too much of it!

[rs4v8]

rs4v8, I think you are mistaken.In 4th gear from 1500 to 3000 RPM the Skoda will blow a biturbo RS4 into the weeds and (as I am sure many who have owned both will confirm) a biturbo RS4 will do much the same to a V8 RS4 under similar conditions.

Here's a bit of Skoda trivia for your entertainment.
Official figures state 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) takes 9.5 seconds, but many motoring magazines have timed this to be less than 8 seconds. The in gear acceleration times are 50-70 mph in 5.6 seconds, quicker than BMW's 330i which needs 6.0 seconds. 20-40 mph in 2.4 seconds is as quick as the Lotus Elise 111R. Despite this the Fabia vRS can achieve better than 5.4 l/100 km (45 MPG US). The vRS was shown to be quicker than a similarly priced MINI Cooper around Top Gear's and Fifth Gear's test tracks.

rs4v8, I think you are mistaken.In 4th gear from 1500 to 3000 RPM the Skoda will blow a biturbo RS4 into the weeds and (as I am sure many who have owned both will confirm) a biturbo RS4 will do much the same to a V8 RS4 under similar conditions

Care to try and race me then? I'm well aware of the qualities of td's as i've owned one in the past. a pug 306 actually.... but I fail to see how you can make the comparison. Fourth gear at 1500-3000rpm? no-one does that - in any car!!

[audijohn]

Audijohn, is it possible that his perspective is just different to yours?
Does such a reasonable observation warrant such a rude response?
Perhaps your last car was very different to his. Perhaps the roads are less congested. Perhaps he lives at higher altitude. If he doesn't think his car is very quick then he is entitled to make that observation. Why not just present your view in a civilised (British) manner. Perhaps your experiences could help others. What was your last car? How do they compare?

Sorry to "Burst your bubble" Simon, but you really should read some of the C*ap this guy comes out with.
I will not alter any of my statements, this is a forum of good guys who can take the "Banter", if russian guy was offended (which he to my knowledge is not) then he can give as good as he gets. End off.

[rs4v8]

Audijohn, is it possible that his perspective is just different to yours?
Does such a reasonable observation warrant such a rude response?
Perhaps your last car was very different to his. Perhaps the roads are less congested. Perhaps he lives at higher altitude. If he doesn't think his car is very quick then he is entitled to make that observation. Why not just present your view in a civilised (British) manner. Perhaps your experiences could help others. What was your last car? How do they compare?

Sorry to "Burst your bubble" Simon, but you really should read some of the C*ap this guy comes out with.
I will not alter any of my statements, this is a forum of good guys who can take the "Banter", if russian guy was offended (which he to my knowledge is not) then he can give as good as he gets. End off.

Seconded, read the whole thread, then a bit more of the other ones. You'll see....

[audijohn]

rs4v8, I think you are mistaken.In 4th gear from 1500 to 3000 RPM the Skoda will blow a biturbo RS4 into the weeds and (as I am sure many who have owned both will confirm) a biturbo RS4 will do much the same to a V8 RS4 under similar conditions.

Here's a bit of Skoda trivia for your entertainment.
Official figures state 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) takes 9.5 seconds, but many motoring magazines have timed this to be less than 8 seconds. The in gear acceleration times are 50-70 mph in 5.6 seconds, quicker than BMW's 330i which needs 6.0 seconds. 20-40 mph in 2.4 seconds is as quick as the Lotus Elise 111R. Despite this the Fabia vRS can achieve better than 5.4 l/100 km (45 MPG US). The vRS was shown to be quicker than a similarly priced MINI Cooper around Top Gear's and Fifth Gear's test tracks.

How to you think your "Skoda" would fair against my last car, A8 4.2 TDI sport superchipped to 380BHP, 765NM.................. blown to hell would be my guess, I sold it for a new RS4 because the RS4 is quicker, Skoda! well I give up, If one holds me in any gear I'll dump the RS and buy a ....................................