RS4 on Top Gear (Dec 23rd)

[alex_123_fra]

Don't know about the better built. Prior to my RS4 I had 2 E46 M3s and a Z4 M coupe none of which were near a garage between scheduled visits. My RS4 (4,500 miles) has been in 3 times before oil leak finally fixed and stll have to get the full lock grunching noises fixed. Love the car but very disappointed at reliability.

Funny, my M3 constantly needed the dealers. Broken SMG box/clutch, diffs, 2 dampers, steering creak. My mini is not too keen to keep out of dealers either. The RS4 on the other hand has only been in for routine servicing and I drive that MUCH harder than I ever drove the M3 (as I was always afraid it would keep breaking...which it did).

From my own experience, the E46 has shocking build quality. I've even yet to see one with properly flush fitting of the rear bumper. What a crap design that was.

People will always have different experiences in terms of build quality and reliability.

[SR71]

Mercedes get 450hp out of 6.3 litres...albeit its detuned.

What a staggering achievement....if the RS4 displaced the same, it'd be running ~600hp!

I'll never buy a Merc (nor an RS6 for the same reason) for two reasons:

1) Too many old men drive them.

2) I'm a purist and it/they ought to have a manual box. Can you imagine a GT3 or GT2 (these are the pinnacle for me) with an auto box?

Both the M3 and the C63 might be quicker, but I'd hazard a guess the advantage is so marginal that everywhere except a mile long straight on the motorway, you'll not notice much difference.

I'm happy with my car!

[RussianM3_dude]

A purist will never buy an overweight awd saloon. You are an enthusiast.

[alex_123_fra]

A purist will never buy an overweight awd saloon. You are an enthusiast.

Oh dear, controversial. I know several "purists" who have bought RS4s as their practical transport, while also keeping RWD/mid-engined cars in their drives. Your definition of a purist will vary a lot from those of others. That doesn't mean they are wrong.

[LegalEagle]

Kimi Raikkonen has one (RS4) as his daily driver. So does Juan Pablo Montoya. Nuff said.

p.s in case you're wondering how I know a good mate works in F1

[SR71]

A purist will never buy an overweight awd saloon. You are an enthusiast.

You sir, are many things that are mostly unrepeatable.



How many AWD saloons do you know that spit out 400+hp in OEM fashion and weigh less than the RS4?

Common mate...spill the beans.

There is possibly only one I can think of....

If I had a £100K to spend on a car and didn't enjoy actually using my car for more than a blast at Castle Coombe once a month I could afford to be the purist of pure but life didn't quite work out like that.

The RS4 has some serious pedigree though and thats what I like being a part of....

Maybe when you can drive like this:

http://youtube.com/watch?v=DGIiarIrUCI

the small differences between these vehicles start to be significant.

I'll take my wooden spoon anyday!

[RussianM3_dude]

Kimi Raikkonen has one (RS4) as his daily driver. So does Juan Pablo Montoya. Nuff said.

p.s in case you're wondering how I know a good mate works in F1

And Jaques Villeneuve drove a Volvo Station Wagon. So I guess F1 drivers are attracted to crap motors.

[RussianM3_dude]

A purist will never buy an overweight awd saloon. You are an enthusiast.

You sir, are many things that are mostly unrepeatable.



How many AWD saloons do you know that spit out 400+hp in OEM fashion and weigh less than the RS4?

Common mate...spill the beans.

There is possibly only one I can think of....

If I had a £100K to spend on a car and didn't enjoy actually using my car for more than a blast at Castle Coombe once a month I could afford to be the purist of pure but life didn't quite work out like that.

The RS4 has some serious pedigree though and thats what I like being a part of....

Maybe when you can drive like this:

http://youtube.com/watch?v=DGIiarIrUCI

the small differences between these vehicles start to be significant.

I'll take my wooden spoon anyday!

Real sports cars don't need AWD

[BlingBling]

RM3 dude NOBODY on this forum takes anything you say seriously. Anyone who goes out and buys a 50K car by reviews alone and ties themselve into a deal they cannot get out of is no very clever. Your a JOKE but at least you provide humour.

[reevesroadster]

Im not that bothered what JC thinks - he may be a sound journalist and very experienced with cars. However, he is one man. I drive my Audi (first owned Audi) with a huge grin every time. Its a versatile, practical family car, and a road legal racing car. Its been reliable, bar a few upgrades - but it is a new car.

My performance BMW was just as reliable, and just as well built.

On the other hand, my Mercedes has been the most unreliable car of all time. If my local merc dealer had it much more, I could probably charge them a hire charge. And funnily enough, its the smaller things that have failed, and anything remotely electrical. For example, a warning light on the dash that suggests you cant drive the car anymore - straight to dealer please. Fault diagnosis - known problem with fuel filler cap that doesnt tighten properly and causes the engine warning light to come on. Sorry, but I'll never touch a merc again!!!!!!!!!!!!

Meanwhile, my Audi is going to be with me for some time. And im going to enjoy it.

[audijohn]

Kimi Raikkonen has one (RS4) as his daily driver. So does Juan Pablo Montoya. Nuff said.

p.s in case you're wondering how I know a good mate works in F1

And Jaques Villeneuve drove a Volvo Station Wagon. So I guess F1 drivers are attracted to crap motors.

[SR71]

Real sports cars don't need AWD

Tell that to the WRC guys!

The fastest way from A to B on anything other than dry tarmac is using the turbocharged AWD paradigm.

Nobody believed so until Audi bought out the UR Quattro.

[Adam]

RS4 = Pwned! Back to the usual last place. Cor! That C63 looks mighty tempting. I can't wait to test-drive one.

please please just buy one and xxxx off this forum and give us all a rest

(pretty please)

[RS4Molar]

In performance stakes lets not forget the AWD system. AWD systems offer incredible stability and handling particularly in the wet, however there is a degree of compromise in performance. There is incredible stress placed on the drivetrain, diffs etc... to propel all four wheels, or at least launch the car as most endeavour to do at the ultimate cost of the clutch. OK no big deal, However the added kerb weight of the AWD system also compromises performance. As an allrounder I've driven E46 M3, WRX @ 210kw atw (285 bhp) atw and this B7 is the real deal. Russian F***ER, F**K OFF!!!!
If you want a true drivers car on the track then yeh! the M3 is your car. How often can you drive the M3 and 10 tenths on the road without seriously causing yourself or more importantly others harm >>??
Its a matter of personal choice, bottom line. JC, RM etc... its their opinion, sure very respected motor journos, but hey JC has a lambo, F430?? different league to the RS4
Lets see what the M3, CL63 do around the nordelscheiffe. ???
Thanks

[Andiroo]

@Russian_M3bloke, we all like differing opinions on this forum for sensible debate and comment, but you come across as a complete arse.

If all you can do is post negative comments, interrupting threads like these in the way that you do, then may I suggest you take these guy's comments to heart, and don't post at all

Cheers,

Andiroo