Newb with a decision... 996, B5 RS4 or B7 RS4? HELP!

[Hertsdriver]

Hi all,

Here’s the deal. I’ve recently changed jobs, and so my diesel commuter car is now redundant, meaning I can get a decent car again to play with st the weekends... I’ve previously owned a range of fast’ish cars; X1/9, 1380 mini, GT turbo, Delta Integrale (still have this but it’s ‘resting’..) and most recently 147 GTA. I’ve got 2 kids so I need back seats, and I have a budget of up to maybe 17/18k, so far the only cars I can think of that fit the bill of: Fast, Special, Uncommon & have 4 seats are 996 Porsche, and the 2 first RS 4’s. It seems from an Initial search that both b5 and b7 versions are around the same money (it has to be an estate.... that way I can get my go kart in) so what’s the pros and cons of the 2?

Thanks!

[marc1]

So that rules the 996 out then, unless you’re dismantling the go kart first.

B5’s and B7’s are both great cars but quite different. Both rev highly 7-7.2k in the B5 (which is pretty high for a boosted car) and 8.25k in the B7, so naturally quite different power delivery.

I’ve ended up modding every RS4 I’ve had to differing degrees, and they benefit from chassis improvements for handling. Both are expensive to maintain, but the B5 has more niggles due to vac leaks, Intercoolers, cams, etc.

You could also add a C5 RS6 or higher mileage C6 RS6 to that list of fast estates, but naturally won’t handle as well.

All the Audi’s cope with mileage very well. Although I’ve also heard of decent mileage on the 996’s (despite the alleged IMS failures, etc). Some are well over 300k miles which is impressive. Even north of 160k on GT3’s with heavy track use.

E46 M3 is another great four seater.

I have a soft spot for the 996 and would quite like to scratch the itch. I’m sure it’s much more dynamic out of the box as it’s built as a sports car, rather than a saloon/estate etc but I’d still upgrade the chassis and probably the seats at least.

Exciting times ahead for you. Good luck and keep us posted with your hunt.

Maintain any of them well and they’ll be great fun.

[Covkiller]

I once had a Porsche 996 C2 fully loaded.
I can honestly say:

• It was the worst car I have owned
  Depreciated like a falling brick
  Most hard to sell, anything more than 1 mile on the clock does not sell
  Drove like a bag of sh1t
  Slow
  Expensive to run
  Brakes rubbish
  Handling rubbish, understeered like a pram

The list goes on
Do not buy one.

Any RS4 will leave it standing and is more capable in every single way.

[marc1]

Surprised to hear it handled badly Cov.

[Hertsdriver]

Thanks for the feedback

Can’t bring myself to buy a bmw...

Surprised to hear the feedback on the 996, I’ve driven s few now and although they do feel old (in comparison to my mqb Leon) they were certainly fast and very well set up.

Leaning towards a B7, think the RS6 is just s bit too big for my liking

[bam_bam]

FON.
Rule 1.
996.

[Covkiller]

2003 Ring trip when the ring was not run by the Gestapo

[marc1]

Is that a genuine GT3 next to you or an aero kitted Carrera?

[doodlebug]

Looks like it has a cage....

[marc1]

Jethro certainly loves his:

[bam_bam]

Jethro certainly loves his:

Hasn't he had that since his evo days? I fucken hate those lights, 996.2 FTW.

[Covkiller]

Looks like it has a cage....

No cage

[doodlebug]

Looks like it has a cage....

No cage

The GT3 behind in the photo?

[Covkiller]

doodlebug, yes correct,
Hertsdriver, buying the RS4 B7 certainly is the right choice, take your time as there's still plenty of quality cars out there.

[marc1]

Jethro certainly loves his:

Hasn't he had that since his evo days? I fucken hate those lights, 996.2 FTW.

Yes and yes. Says he’s never selling it. I’d quite like one to take to RPM and give it the CSR treatment.

Agree though Cov, B7’s are fantastic cars. Especially when you’ve done the mods you and I have.