S4 test drive-my views...

[Gareth]

RSe?? [img]images/graemlins/smile_smoking.gif[/img]

[Gareth]

Last week I had the chance to take out another S4, as well as an M3.

To be honest I was not nearly as impressed with the S4 second time around. On the day the M3 killed it for me to be honest.

Bottom line is that I feel the S4 is a very different animal to the M3 and they are not really ideal to compare given how different they are. A mate put it best when he said a S4 was very much between the BMW M3 and the M5 for what it does and how it does it.

Anyway don't take my word for it, give your Audi dealer a call and have a little play with his S4.... [img]images/graemlins/033102bigblink_1_prv.gif[/img]

[runrowsam]

Went for a walk round Bath yesterday to avoid revision basically, and stumbled accross Millhouse Audi. Lovely looking S4 they have there, not to mention an S6, a brand new A8 4.2, and a whole array of TT's. But yes, even I, a "young sprightly thing" of 18, contemplated asking for a test drive and hoping they didn't check my drivers licence for my age, and claim ignorance if they did. It really did look fantastic, and I love the white-on-black alcantara seats.

Rock on
Sam [img]images/graemlins/thumbs.gif[/img]

[kiwi_mtm]

How would you compare the S4(B6) with the RS4(B5), for Driving characteristics.

I thinking of either. In Summary, so far the positives go too:

- Looks, even match (B6/S4 more modern, B5/RS4 more unique)
- Performance, RS4
- Saftey B6/S4
- Depreciation risk ??
- Driver involvment ?
- Capability for car to date ?
- Cost to service/maintain B6/S4 (Not sure on he B5/RS4 costs are here).

[Gareth]

Hi Kiwi

I've only driven a std RS4, not a fully modded one yet, so have probably not seen the full potential of that option. If it was a straight choice between the new S4 and the (unmodded) RS4 I would have the S4 because;

1. I believe the long term residuals are better
2. It's newer/new
3. Better interio/seats etc IMO
4. I prefer naturally aspirated engines/sound/character

However if you look there are current RS4 owners who have also driven the S4 and they have some interesting thoughts on the comparison... [img]images/graemlins/ban.gif[/img]

[JohnW]

From a new owner perspective (test driven S4 & RS4 back-to-back), I'd choose the RS4.

It is a close call, but my reasoning is this:
1) The S4 will depreciate MORE. It is a new car and projected depreciation by Audi even supports this.
2) The RS4 is more of a special car, so is likely to always have a demand.
3) The S4 drinks more petrol than the RS4.
4) to option an S4 to the same level as an RS4 takes the price up considerably. For example, satnav+ with TV and 6 disk changer is 3k, and leather is a further 1k.


I agree that the S4 has better (more comfortable) seats, and I also like normally aspirated cars. My concern with the RS4 is possible big bills from turbo problems, but then the S4 is using a new engine which is an unknown too.
I think the S4 has a better more controlled ride than the standard RS4 too.

The lower purchase price and running costs are what swung it for us in the end though.

Cheers,
John.

[Dippy]

What's so different about the S4 seats then? Are they Recaros?

[JohnW]

Well, they look VERY similar, but are slightly redesigned.
For me they are slightly wider both on the base (so my lardy ar5e fits better) and the backs don't push my shoulders forward like the RS ones do.

Oh, they say recaro rather than RS4 too.

Apart from that, hardly any different.
(front pulls forward but it does on the RS4 seats as well I think)

Cheers,
John.

[Gareth]

John

Thanks for your reply.

At the risk of being flamed off the page... [img]images/graemlins/rocketwhore.gif[/img] I disagree about the medium to long term residuals for the current RS4 v S4.

Great car as the present RS4 is, it is still based on the previous shape A4 and when the new RS4 is on the horizon the current one will fall in value dramatically IMHO [img]images/graemlins/jawdrop.gif[/img]

I also believe that the values of the current RS4 are being propped up by Audi UK dealers to £40k, or over if possible. Private cars for sale now seem to be trading hands for £34-36k, a more realistic level IMO. It also helps the dealers that the RS4 doesn't appear in the Glass's or CAP guides-of which I have copies here with me. [img]images/graemlins/thumbs.gif[/img]

Bottom line if depreciation was the only factor I would take the new S4 over the RS4 over the next year or so.

[JohnW]

I can understand what your saying Gareth.

Over the next year maybe. I tend to buy cars and keep them for around 3 minimum though (current car I have for sale I've had for over 6) hence my coment about different peoples requirements.

The trouble I have is that with the options I'd like the S4 comes in at around 45k.
Over 3 years it will lose half that, and I don't see the RS losing the same amount of money in the same time frame.

In reality I reckon the S4 will actually lose 50% of its base price, as buyers don't tend to factor in the cost of options. Therefore it could be worth as little as 19k.

Clearly, all this is speculation, and I sincerely hope their prices do stay strong. Who knows, I may buy one myself if I get bored with or dislike the RS4 [img]images/graemlins/grin.gif[/img]

They are a cracking car, and I agree if the RS4 is as good it will be hard to beat. While I would love one though, I don't think I would be able to justify it as my daily drive, and couldn't afford to have it as another second car.

On a different note, I wonder just how well a new RS4 will fare, given that RS6s will be floating around on the s/h market at reduced prices by then (if they can be had for 50k now, could be down to 30k in a couple of years).

All IMO, and prepared to be shot down over it [img]images/graemlins/tongue.gif[/img]
[img]images/graemlins/bowdown.gif[/img]

Cheers,
John.
P.S. with Glass's and CAPs it sounds like you could be a trader [img]images/graemlins/wink.gif[/img]

[JohnH]

JohnW, Don't worry Gareth isn't a dealer he just likes to act like one!!!

[JohnW]

Oh I see [img]images/graemlins/cool.gif[/img]

Some of our friends reckon I should have some bunting up and a sodding great 'Johnnies motors' sign to go with it [img]images/graemlins/laugh.gif[/img]

[img]images/graemlins/colours.gif[/img]

Gareth, from my few weeks on the site it does sound like you get through your toys at a fair old pace though [img]images/graemlins/roundeyes.gif[/img]

Cheers,
John (proprietor :Johnnies motors [img]images/graemlins/tongue.gif[/img] )

[Gareth]

JohnW, Don't worry Gareth isn't a dealer he just likes to act like one!!!

oh that hurts John.... [img]images/graemlins/tung2.gif[/img] [img]images/graemlins/rocketwhore.gif[/img]

I could never stoop that low....might put my back out [img]images/graemlins/roflmao.gif[/img]

[Gareth]

Oh I see [img]images/graemlins/cool.gif[/img]

Some of our friends reckon I should have some bunting up and a sodding great 'Johnnies motors' sign to go with it [img]images/graemlins/laugh.gif[/img]

[img]images/graemlins/colours.gif[/img]

Gareth, from my few weeks on the site it does sound like you get through your toys at a fair old pace though [img]images/graemlins/roundeyes.gif[/img]

Cheers,
John (proprietor :Johnnies motors [img]images/graemlins/tongue.gif[/img] )

Cheers John [img]images/graemlins/beerchug.gif[/img]

I have to admit that I do get bored of my cars quickly plus am very demanding of them on the Quality front... [img]images/graemlins/tongue.gif[/img]

Anyway a lot of the fun of cars is deciding what's next and how/where you get it [img]images/graemlins/clap.gif[/img] [img]images/graemlins/062802drink_prv.gif[/img]

[kiwi_mtm]

And for all those who think the new S4 is expensive, I just wonder what the new RS4(b6) will cost ! Maybe nobody will be able to afford one. I would suggest it would be half way between the S4(b6) and the RS6 without two much grey matter working on the equation.

And this, in my small minds perspective, will help to hold the RS4 (B5) price, as they isn't anything in the same price / spec space. The RS2 is too old, the RS6 doesn’t have a clutch, and is too bulky for some, and the new RS4 (b6) will be pricey. It appears there may be an option for everyone. And potentially allow the RS4 (b5) with its limited numbers to hold its value.

I'll put the crystal ball away now...