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Hi,

Currently contemplating purchasing either a B5 RS4 or B6 S4 Avant for daily driving through the lanes of Somerset and up over the Mendips. My current drive is a 350z so I'm looking to enjoy a similarly spirited drive but want 4wd to assist with the rotten weather and cow-muck strewn roads I have to deal with.

Can you guys detail the pros and cons between the 2? I had also considered an RS6 but am thinking it might be a bit on the wide side for the roads I have to traverse. I currently use my well worn 2.8 Quattro Avant for really wet days so have an idea of how the B5 might feel.

Any info most appreciated

The B6 has probably the better handling / dynamics but will and can be very thirsty. It will be easier to find a lower mileage example in B6 as there's more of them.

The B5 RS4 will be quicker, hold it's money better (even in this climate), rarer, but harder to find ones with lower mileages (if that's an issue). Should'nt be much in it in terms of running costs, but there is slighltly more to go wrong with the B5, even if it's not any less reliable. B5 if driven "sensibly" should return more mpg (a little a least).

Hi,

Thanks for the info... I'll have to do a quick calculation to work out the extra cost of the V8's petrol consumption as I do 20k a year so it does mount up. Do you know whether both vehicles need super unleaded?

Think I need to have a go in both and see what I prefer the feel of... I quite like the concept of the RS4 but also love the idea of a more modern V8. Finally, is 70k a reasonable mileage for an RS4.. I might know of one for sale that is around that mark?

Thanks again,

J

j3r3m7 wrote:Hi,

Thanks for the info... I'll have to do a quick calculation to work out the extra cost of the V8's petrol consumption as I do 20k a year so it does mount up. Do you know whether both vehicles need super unleaded?

Think I need to have a go in both and see what I prefer the feel of... I quite like the concept of the RS4 but also love the idea of a more modern V8. Finally, is 70k a reasonable mileage for an RS4.. I might know of one for sale that is around that mark?

Thanks again,

J

70k Miles is absolutely nothing for a RS4. Just ensure it's been well maintained (which the majority should be) but still a few lemons out there.
Bear in mind a RS4 requires cam belt changes every 40k, so this one you refer to will need one at 80k and will cost around 600-800 depending on where you go.

RS4 will run on ordinarly 95 ron no problem, however, if it's had a stage 1 re-map, then most people use V-Power or 97ron super unleaded to get the best out of it. S4 will run ok on 95 too. But again, better on super unleaded.

I've driven the S4 and it will feel more modern. The power delivery is still very torquey and you could drive it using only 2nd and 6th gear if you wanted to. Delivery is very linear, as you would expect from normally aspirated. RS4 has more punch in the back with the turbo's. I managed to return (on a subdued drive) on country roads an "indicated" average of just over 30mpg in mine (not going over 70mph). So reasonable MPG is attainable if you stay off the gas, but then what's the point of buying one of these cars if mpg is one of the primary drivers!!

Still think the V8 will be more thirsty, even if you drive it lightly.

RS4 Is still more addictive and aggressive looking in my opinion. Essential to get a re-map to really get the best out of it. It becomes a serious supercar then.

Good hunting! Nice choice which ever you decide!

Had the same choice about 3 years ago. The V8 sounded great when I took one out, but as soon as I drove the RS4 my mind was made up..

The RS4 will run on regular unleaded, but the manual states this should only be used if necessary - super otherwise.

I put half a tank of regular unleaded in the RS4 once, when I was caught short on the motorway and the difference was pretty much immediate - the car was down on power, and nowhere near as responsive.

The other thing to look for on the RS4 would be either recent new disks, or even better an upgrade to the B7 brakes.