Qucik Analytical review of RS4 ownership. What do you think?

[yetis]

So, I started the fast car thing with an B5 S4, loved the car but really felt it needed a lot of work to make it a performance car. suspension, turbo upgrades, etc....

So, about 9 months ago I jumped over to a 996 C4. Love the car, but recently engaged, realize that I will need something with four doors in the future, enter the Audi RS4.

I have always wanted an RS car, ever since the RS2. So, looking at this from an analytic perspective and the horsepower to weight ratio, here is what I found.
Sorry, I live in the US, so we will be using pounds and HP....

B7 S4 is 3,825 lbs with 340 hp, so a hp to weight of 11.25
996 C4 is 3,262 lbs with 300 hp, so hp to weight of 10.9 -- hmm...
996 Turbo is 3,396 with 420 hp, so hp to weight is 8.2 -- Wow!

B7 RS4 is 3,630 with 420 hp, so hp to weight is 8.6 --

So, the question remains. Is it worth drop +$70k for a car that will cost the same as a 2-3 year old Porsche TT and have less performance, but more usability....

I notice that many in the UK are annoyed that it won't be limited production. However, here in the US, the dealer who took my deposit said I the US is getting 500, that's it! If that's true, then that is extremely limited versus a 996 Turbo that suffers in the US from major over production.

Comments are welcome, thank you

[JohnW]

I'd question the dealer as to whether that is really 500 per year...

All depends on what you want the car for.
If you must have only 1 car and want practicality and performance, then the new RS4 will have that for sure.

How about an RS6 though ?
How are their values holding up in the US ?
That could be a good indicator to you as to the expected performance of the RS residuals.

I'm wondering what your timeframe is and what you need the extra doors for.
Personally, and this is my approach, I'd keep the porker and buy another load-lugger
when the time comes. Or buy the TT and trade it against a 2/3 yr old RS4 when the time comes.

From what I understand there is a possibility of Porsche bringing out a 4 door (and I don't mean the Cayenne) some time soon, although this has been romoured for some time.

Only you can really answer why and what you need it for.
The RS will be a great car, and trying to justify any new car really comes down to your own preferences.

[johneroberts]

its a ideal car for you.... go for it
porsches are as common as muck in the usa, get somthing that stands out...
cheers
jr

[kujo]

The US will receive 1250 RS4's.
You're dealer is lying to you.

A P car is like an M3 in the US. A dime a dozen.

Even with 1250 RS4's throughout the US, they'll be really RARE !!!

Also, you should have not had to leave a deposit.

AoA's policy is only a $500 deposit is needed, when the dealer has a VIN number to attach to the order.
The AoA announcemtn hasn't even been made yet, so the RS4 is still UnOfficial in the US.

We know we're getting it, but until it's announced, no dealer should take $$$, just put your name on the order list.

Each dealer will only initially get about 3-4 cars, depending on it's size.
that's why they want to take your money. for the luxury of being on thier list.

Either way, buy the RS4 !!!!!!!

I'll be getting on of the first in So Cal and I'll also be driving it in Barcelona in August.
I'll be doing a video piece at the Circuit de Catalunya with the car for the Audi Driving Exp. website !!!!

Look for it !!

Kurt

[yetis]

Its a convincing argument.

I am a little annoyed about the deposit deal. What REALLY pissed me off about the dealer was that the head guy said they would mark it up! I was ready to walk when my sales guy stepped in and said it wasn't going to happen.

I thought 500 seemed low, 1,250 is a months 911 sales!

I am so excited. Think I will have to stop modding the pcar now!

[Nordschleife]

Realistically, P cars hold value better than Audis. So much so that several canny Europeans are buying P cars in the US and bringing them back across the pond to take advantage of the weak dollar (the euro is also weak).
The best driving car Audi makes is the Gallardo, which is a little tight for interior space. A collection of (expensive) soft squashy bags will let you get all you and and somebody else need into the car for a holiday. Shopping, back to bags or home delivery.
However, if you are meeeting somebody of the female persuasion off a plane, then you do not have enough space in the back of a 911 Turbo, unless they have bought into the small squashy bag philosophy. Strangely, but not altogether unsurprisingly, the Audi TT does have enough space to swallow the luggage of a transatlantic bird of passage.
Have you considered an M6?

R+C

[DaveP]

Hehehee....small squishy bag philosophy...I like that!