First impressions - B5 v B7

Post by **S4INT** » Sun Jun 03, 2007 10:16 pm

Picked up my new RS4 Avant on Friday afternoon, and I've done a couple of hundred miles since, so thought I'd share my initial impressions.

Firstly, the interior, as you would expect, is a step up in terms of quality and ergonomics, although it's not a quantum leap over the B5. I'm going to reserve judgment on the bucket seats until I've done a long drive, but my gut feel is they could be too tight for my 15st, 6ft frame! There is also a bit of a technique required to get in to them without getting the side bolster sticking into your leg/arse.

The drivetrain is another area where they seem to have made improvements as there is very little slack and none of the thump you sometimes got in the B5 when changing gear. The B7's gearbox is much better - lighter and less notchy. The clutch is much lighter too.

The steering feels much more direct and connected, although I'm missing the more weighty feel of the B5.

The biggest issue for me so far is the lack of mid-range torque. Admittedly my B5 was a stage 1, so it had a huge amount of overtaking punch which I reckon makes it feel the quicker car. Whereas I could just floor the B5 in 3rd (or 4th for that matter) and quickly get past a car, you have to change down in the B7 and really use all the revs to get the same effect, which makes you feel like more of a hooligan! Once you get the revs up, it's every bit as quick as the B5, possibly more so, but it's not as effortless.

My B7 has the SS+ so the ride is pretty firm although not uncomfortably so, and the body control is superb. I have chucked the car around a bit over the last couple of days, and so far I would say that the handling has definitely more finesse than the B5, although for some reason (probably unfamiliarity) I don't feel as confident chucking it around.

Anyway, a few pics.....

Post by **Philws4** » Sun Jun 03, 2007 10:46 pm

Mmm interesting, i reckon it will get quicker with the advent of time and mileage.
Have heard similar comments with regard to a 'lack' of mid range punch, but that's N/A verses Turbo for you i guess!.
Are you ment to keep the revs below a certain level until the car has 'run in'/covered a certain amount of mileage or can you just give it some straight away.
On the bright side at least you dont have to wait so long for things to warm up before you hit the loud pedal!

Have to say though that it does seriously look the businness and i bet the sound track is a dream.

Anyway enough from me for now, ENJOY.

Post by **simple1** » Mon Jun 04, 2007 7:24 am

I think all owners that came from B5 had the same feelings as you at first. I know I was hugely disappointed when I first got my car, but was running it in.
Once it was run in, and started to loosen up, I found the power and progress the car would make stunning. Mostly due to the delivery of torque and power being most noticable above 5000 rpm. My B5 is @450 bhp so genuinely more powerful, but driving the B7 down the same road to work, I found it to be quicker and carried more speed through corners which is where the B7 advances come into play. Still find the B5 fun to drive, but the B7 is far more accomplished at doing the same thing, and ultimately quicker.

Post by **binder** » Mon Jun 04, 2007 7:37 am

Are you ment to keep the revs below a certain level until the car has 'run in'/covered a certain amount of mileage or can you just give it some straight away.

The handbook running in recommendations are 0 - 625 miles up to 6000rpm no full throttle. 626 - 1250 miles up to 7000rpm and no full throttle 1250 - 1500 miles gradually open her up. I was told that serious abuse of this is recorded and can nullify warranty.[/quote]

Post by **Brooner** » Mon Jun 04, 2007 7:47 am

The handbook running in recommendations are 0 - 625 miles up to 6000rpm no full throttle. 626 - 1250 miles up to 7000rpm and no full throttle 1250 - 1500 miles gradually open her up. I was told that serious abuse of this is recorded and can nullify warranty.

[/quote]

Golich picked his up last weeked and was told no need to run in as the engins have been bench run in just go and have fun

oh and having had a spin in his one i agree with Sipmle much more composed through the corners and i want on now but getting a new house in September so will be next now

Post by **S4INT** » Mon Jun 04, 2007 8:43 am

Don't worry guys - when I said "new", I meant new to me - she's already done 6k miles as a dealer demo, so I'm sure she was carefully run-in by the nice sales guys......

Post by **VARSITY** » Mon Jun 04, 2007 9:27 am

Looks gorgeous.

Post by **Nige_RS4** » Mon Jun 04, 2007 9:34 am

How do you find rear leg room with the buckets? I sat in a smart misano one in my local stealer whilst my car was having it's soft alloys measured and the rear leg room was awful and it would not be possible to get my kids in the back without having to amputate their legs first

Post by **S4INT** » Mon Jun 04, 2007 1:16 pm

Nige_RS4 wrote:How do you find rear leg room with the buckets? I sat in a smart misano one in my local stealer whilst my car was having it's soft alloys measured and the rear leg room was awful and it would not be possible to get my kids in the back without having to amputate their legs first

Yes, it's not very good, although the rear seat "bench" is deeper than the B5, so my kids actually have a bit more room for their legs and feet. No amputation required....

Post by **alex_123_fra** » Mon Jun 04, 2007 2:19 pm

Stunning...what a nice colour. Congratulations

Post by **Cobstar** » Mon Jun 04, 2007 4:32 pm

Congratulations on your new car. What a stunning colour. I really love the new RS4 in that colour.

Pleased to hear you've found a great home for your 'old' RS4 - which has taken temptation out of my way for now

Post by **SR71** » Mon Jun 04, 2007 4:40 pm

binder wrote:Are you ment to keep the revs below a certain level until the car has 'run in' covered a certain amount of mileage or can you just give it some straight away.

The handbook running in recommendations are 0 - 625 miles up to 6000rpm no full throttle. 626 - 1250 miles up to 7000rpm and no full throttle 1250 - 1500 miles gradually open her up. I was told that serious abuse of this is recorded and can nullify warranty.

The handbook does indeed say this on Pg 201 but my dealer never mentioned the possibility that if you did not adhere to this advice, your warranty would be invalid.

I suggest if that was indeed true, bearing in mind you've just bought a £50K+ asset, they'd be seriously negligent in not advising you that this was the case.

Their negligence would be even more apparent (as far as I am concerned) if the owner asked the question only to receive an answer that did not reflect the information above - as is the case in my experience.

But I don't believe this is a sensible way to run in an engine anyway.

And its a bit like not changing the oil in your new motor until you've done 20K miles.

Audi say there is no need, but it just doesn't seem sensible to leave it that long IMHO. Various Audi specialists I've spoken to agree.

FWIW.

Post by **t_urbo** » Mon Jun 04, 2007 5:46 pm

I know what you mean.
To get anything out of the car you have to be above 5500 rpm which sounds like your local boy racer screaming around.

_______________________
07 Model Year RS4
04 996 Turbo S with switchable ecu maps
580 hp on race profile on sunoco GT Plus
550 hp on fast road profile on super unleaded.

Post by **audijohn** » Mon Jun 04, 2007 6:41 pm

Congratulations on your new car, it looks a cracker

Post by **TDiAvant** » Mon Jun 04, 2007 7:27 pm

Very nice, the window tints really set the car off

RS246.com Forum :: The World's #1 Audi R, S and RS Enthusiast Community

First impressions - B5 v B7

First impressions - B5 v B7

Who is online