B8 RS4 or SQ5 (stop me buying the latter!!)

[j1sgo]

Some good debating here all, thanks.

However just to add into the mix I have recently found myself seriously looking into buying a near new B8.5 S4 and saving 15k or so but also gaining the following advantages over an rs4:

Would go straight to MRC for a stage 2 - which then means 480hp +, sub 4 secs 0-60, sub 10 sec's 0-100 and high 11 sec 1/4 miles
Ability to tow
better MPG (not really bothered about this with the driving we do)
No DRC issues/knocks
Stealth sleeper looks?

Don't get me wrong an rs4 is a far more respected/better looking car and has the brakes/suspension to match but the stage 2 performance is extremely tempting and could be a nice boosted change after owning my b7rs for nearly 5 years (would miss the noise though )

As with the rs6 option - I have decided committing the current cost to a car is not the right move for me so I am keeping my budget under 45k and staying a4 size.

Look forward to your thoughts/comments

Steve

[Graeme4130]

Some good debating here all, thanks.

However just to add into the mix I have recently found myself seriously looking into buying a near new B8.5 S4 and saving 15k or so but also gaining the following advantages over an rs4:

Would go straight to MRC for a stage 2 - which then means 480hp +, sub 4 secs 0-60, sub 10 sec's 0-100 and high 11 sec 1/4 miles
Ability to tow
better MPG (not really bothered about this with the driving we do)
No DRC issues/knocks
Stealth sleeper looks?

Don't get me wrong an rs4 is a far more respected/better looking car and has the brakes/suspension to match but the stage 2 performance is extremely tempting and could be a nice boosted change after owning my b7rs for nearly 5 years (would miss the noise though )

As with the rs6 option - I have decided committing the current cost to a car is not the right move for me so I am keeping my budget under 45k and staying a4 size.

Look forward to your thoughts/comments

Steve

The driving dynamic differences between a tuned S4 and standard RS4 are largely negligible on a normal road drive and when you're not really pushing on
However, the Rs4 makes an much better noise, and you won't be parking up your S4 and giving it a loving second glance over your shoulder like you would in an RS4. You'll also look like every other A4 driver on the road, but that discretion might be a plus to you
Maybe it's a vanity thing, but I enjoy the positive comments and glances my Rs4 gets

[j1sgo]

Some good debating here all, thanks.

However just to add into the mix I have recently found myself seriously looking into buying a near new B8.5 S4 and saving 15k or so but also gaining the following advantages over an rs4:

Would go straight to MRC for a stage 2 - which then means 480hp +, sub 4 secs 0-60, sub 10 sec's 0-100 and high 11 sec 1/4 miles
Ability to tow
better MPG (not really bothered about this with the driving we do)
No DRC issues/knocks
Stealth sleeper looks?

Don't get me wrong an rs4 is a far more respected/better looking car and has the brakes/suspension to match but the stage 2 performance is extremely tempting and could be a nice boosted change after owning my b7rs for nearly 5 years (would miss the noise though )

As with the rs6 option - I have decided committing the current cost to a car is not the right move for me so I am keeping my budget under 45k and staying a4 size.

Look forward to your thoughts/comments

Steve

The driving dynamic differences between a tuned S4 and standard RS4 are largely negligible on a normal road drive and when you're not really pushing on
However, the Rs4 makes an much better noise, and you won't be parking up your S4 and giving it a loving second glance over your shoulder like you would in an RS4. You'll also look like every other A4 driver on the road, but that discretion might be a plus to you
Maybe it's a vanity thing, but I enjoy the positive comments and glances my Rs4 gets

Perfectly put, I still give the b7 a second look now and I I've had it for nearly 4 years! Also when driving through town I do revel in people glancing when hearing the v8 ...........I think I would just miss the noise too much even if I had a bit more power with the s4.

Pretty sure the RS is where I will end up soon

[carsarecool]

Some good debating here all, thanks.

However just to add into the mix I have recently found myself seriously looking into buying a near new B8.5 S4 and saving 15k or so but also gaining the following advantages over an rs4:

Would go straight to MRC for a stage 2 - which then means 480hp +, sub 4 secs 0-60, sub 10 sec's 0-100 and high 11 sec 1/4 miles
Ability to tow
better MPG (not really bothered about this with the driving we do)
No DRC issues/knocks
Stealth sleeper looks?

Don't get me wrong an rs4 is a far more respected/better looking car and has the brakes/suspension to match but the stage 2 performance is extremely tempting and could be a nice boosted change after owning my b7rs for nearly 5 years (would miss the noise though )

As with the rs6 option - I have decided committing the current cost to a car is not the right move for me so I am keeping my budget under 45k and staying a4 size.

Look forward to your thoughts/comments

Steve

I went B7 RS4 to B8 S4 and fuel economy was the same so strike that for the "fors".

Looks-wise they do blend into the masses.

For me the ability to tune is the only benefit vs. RS4.

Listen to a car with a Milltek on and that'll be enough to make your mind up.

[Coffee32]

I had a B8 S4 from new March 2012 for two years before a tree fell on it

Nice car, unassuming to look at unless you know the tell tale signs, but quick and always had lots of compliments from passers by, lots liked the magma and black seats and the overall look. Would still have but for the tree incident.

Decided to replace and had full copy replacement specified and ready to order when salesman offered to also quote for an RS 4. Test drove the RS 4 and ended up with a high spec black one. First estate - which I have never really liked - and first V8 - which I have always wanted.

RS4 not as easy a drive, need to use the gears more to extract the power delivery. In the S4 with the supercharger delivering power at lower revs you can be very lazy swinging through roundabouts and not worry so much about shifting down.

Would I get another S4, yes.....but only if I could also keep the RS4..........the noise in sport mode auto as you slow down and then when you slam your foot down and accelerate......endless smiles.........childish but fun.....