First spirited drive today

[SimonH]

After passing through 1000 miles today, i couldnt help but drop the hammer somewhat.I didnt really nail her on WOT through all gears, but let her rev out to around 7krpm, and my initial reaction was, great, im not disappointed.I seem to compare straightline performance to the M5, as i thought that was unreal at times.Now here is a real anorach equation.If the M5 gets to 125 mph in around 13.5 secs, and the RS4 gets there in about 16.5 secs, i reckon the four gear changes to 5th gear for the RS4 to pass 125mph, would take 2 seconds less with a DSG/SMG gearbox.So making the RS4 nearer the M5s time.Possibly not quite as simple as that, but i am happy that you do get a great sensation of speed, especially as you pass through 5.5k - 6krpm.I think if the RS4 did have a DSG style box, it would feel even more ballistic, as the acceleration would not let up, and would not have the smallest drops in power, when you dropped the clutch to change gear as with the manual box.If that makes sense?.This car is better than i hoped it was going to be, and for me, thats a revelation. Regards, SIMON.

[audijohn]

Yes It would almost match the M5, if you need more "responce" remap it too 440 BHP and you WILL just match it.

[W8PMC]

TBH, pure straight line pace, the RS4 will struggle to pull an E60 M5. Tuned it's got a chance, but more down to upping the rev-limiter than just the extra few ponies.

The M5 is a very quick straight line monster & most real world trials gave the M5 a 0-60 of 4.4ish seconds rather than the 4.7 that BMW claim. Saying that, in less than dry conditions the 0-60 on the M5 could easily double as you'd be stood still praying for traction for at least 4 secs.

Overall the RS4 is quicker cross country & comes into it's own when the sun is not cracking the flags, which in the UK is not expected to happen this year.

[SimonH]

TBH, pure straight line pace, the RS4 will struggle to pull an E60 M5. Tuned it's got a chance, but more down to upping the rev-limiter than just the extra few ponies.

The M5 is a very quick straight line monster & most real world trials gave the M5 a 0-60 of 4.4ish seconds rather than the 4.7 that BMW claim. Saying that, in less than dry conditions the 0-60 on the M5 could easily double as you'd be stood still praying for traction for at least 4 secs.

Overall the RS4 is quicker cross country & comes into it's own when the sun is not cracking the flags, which in the UK is not expected to happen this year.

Paul, you are probably 100% correct in your statement.I was pumped up and really pleased that i wasnt disappointed with the performance, after i had done the time babying the car for the first few miles.I remember the first time i nailed the M5 in S6,very clearly, it was just one of those defining moments.The RS4 is maybe not quite that, but it is a very close second, and, as you say, this car comes into its own when there are twists and turns around.Ive said this before, that if this car was as quick as the M5, it would be the best car in the world, regards, SIMON.

[fathom5]

If you want to see praying for traction, imagine a Focus ST with a tuned 287BHP try a 0-60 run in slightly damp conditions......

But back on topic, I can see the RS4 being the perfect fast car for this country, with it's distinct lack of sun so far this year, I'd rather have all round traction all year than living in fear of trying to put 500bhp through the back end when it's anything but bone dry.

[mrdeli]

Glad you're enjoying the car Simon. I have now 1300 miles up and have been giving it a good workout of late (after warming up of course) and the car is just getting smoother and faster (infact quite alot fater than even at 1000 miles). There's also a fair slug of power left above 7000rpm for you to venture into yet. Sounds like we did well to avoid the new M3 - some very mixed reviews :@) Regards Mark

[djcevo]

Totally agree with all the comments, test drove an M5 before deciding to buy the RS4 and havent looked back - FYI I have had mine remapped which now produces 438 BHP, I had a good blast with one of the press M5 tourings (the burgundy one) the guy was driving it like he'd nicked it. From speeds of 60- 130/140 there was nothing in it, just gear changes varied the amount of space between us, I know the touring is slightly heavier than the saloon but at those speeds it's not really going to be any different to the saloon. So proof is in the pudding, when mapped and running good power they are as quick up silly speeds, the only difference is that the RS4 won't crack 200 mph but 190mph will have to do.

Not that I will be trying it too often!!!

[PetrolDave]

I've now got over 13,000 miles on my RS4 (1 year old tomorrow), and I can't resist taking it to the 8250 rpm redline at least once a week - the sound is fabulous and the way it just pulls harder and harder all the way to the redline is intoxicating.

[SimonH]

Im now replying to my own threads .I was out up the lakes last night , and having a blast through some very windy A and B roads.I found that the car has huge grip, and inspires massive confidence when tipping it into the turns.You can thread together sweeping bends, and the tighter stuff, without even thinking about it.I dont think i could have gone any quicker in the old Evo.I look at it this way round now, if the Evo is built for all out maximum attack of bends and handling prowess, with all its driver aids and electronics, then the Audi must be some car if it can virtually keep the same pace, yet have quality and class in its arsenal.It was the first time i had driven it at night believe or not, and i couldnt really tell if the adaptive lights were working or not.Mind you, i was looking at the road ahead and revelling in the byplane noises coming from the exhausts.Great stuff, regards, SIMON.

[alex_123_fra]

Im now replying to my own threads .I was out up the lakes last night , and having a blast through some very windy A and B roads.I found that the car has huge grip, and inspires massive confidence when tipping it into the turns.You can thread together sweeping bends, and the tighter stuff, without even thinking about it.I dont think i could have gone any quicker in the old Evo.I look at it this way round now, if the Evo is built for all out maximum attack of bends and handling prowess, with all its driver aids and electronics, then the Audi must be some car if it can virtually keep the same pace, yet have quality and class in its arsenal.It was the first time i had driven it at night believe or not, and i couldnt really tell if the adaptive lights were working or not.Mind you, i was looking at the road ahead and revelling in the byplane noises coming from the exhausts.Great stuff, regards, SIMON.

Great stuff Simon. Addictive aren't they . Been out in today's gorgeous weather and I'd agree re:comparison to the Evo. One of the few things better in the Evo was the faster steering rack/slightly sharper turn-in, but the RS4 steals the crown in virtually every other category. When going all out, I don't find myself going any slower in the RS4 around the twisty stuff than I did in the Evo (400 bhp). The RS4 hides its weight extremely well.

[mip]

Sounds like a few folks came from EVO's. I had a Tommi Makinen for a couple of years, It certainly did go, stop and corner amazingly well in the wet and dry. Still being a good boy in my RS4 as its not run in yet.

The Makinen had a faster rack than most stand 6/7/8's. When I moved to the M3, that was the thing I missed the most, the crisp turn in and fast steering.

I am finding the RS4 steering to be much more confidence inspiring than the M's ever was....

Cheers

MIP

[WR1Bro]

The wife and myself had a very spirited weekend out in the RS4 and our WR1. Vastly different animals from A to B... Very similar outcomes with respect to smile value. We even managed a few laps of Bruntingthorpe for good measure.