New RS4 - is it 414BHP or not!

[dnutt]

I recently purchased the new RS4, i have the opportunity to drive other performance cars on a regular basis Porsche 996, Ferrari 360 & 355, i have to say i am dissapointed with the performance so far, i previously had the B5 chipped to 420 bhp, which knocked spots of this one!

[nidfix]

Didn't you test it before buying ?

[alex_123_fra]

I recently purchased the new RS4, i have the opportunity to drive other performance cars on a regular basis Porsche 996, Ferrari 360 & 355, i have to say i am dissapointed with the performance so far, i previously had the B5 chipped to 420 bhp, which knocked spots of this one!

People often have the perception that the RS4 doesn't feel too fast as it manages to stay quite civilised in the way it delivers its performance. You really do have to rev to near the red line to extract the most out of it. In addition, newer ones often feel a little tight and sluggish until loosened up.

Regardless of all the above however, if you feel a standard (996) 911 or F355 are faster, there may be something wrong with your car. In fact, despite the F360 being around 200kg lighter, the RS4 performs better in 30-130 mph testing (15.5s for the RS4 vs 16s for 360 modena F1)...and I have seen the latter with my own eyes at bruntingthorpe. The RS4 disguises its weight extremely well. It'll never "feel" as fast as a turbo-engined car (B5 RS4) as there is no sudden boost surge. I had a similar perception when coming from the (twin-turbo) Noble.

[4wheeldrift]

Try releasing the hand brake

[JWB7V8]

I hate to be controversial and this point obviously varies between cars but I’m told that the B7 RS4’s often produce power outputs below manufacturers claimed figures. I had mine on the dyno the other day and only showed 380bhp!!? Having spoken to a few people on this it seems clear that I’m certainly not the first to be disappointed with the output. Frustrating considering how much the car costs. Quite a few R8’s are having the same problems as well!

Mine is going in for a check up tomorrow i.e. to make sure I’m running software version 80. I will mention this to Audi and see what their response is. I'm told all cars should be within something like 5% of manufacturers figs or you have serious gorunds for complaint!!

[tartan_rob]

I would put this down to the car/engine being new and tight.

I test drove one some 18 months ago with 1.5k miles on it and it was slow, mine now with 26k on the clock is a completely different animal. There are a few threads on this, have a look.

[audijohn]

Mine was sluggish the first 600/1000 miles, there after improved and goes very quick.
I would get it checked over with the Vag Com first as some have had some issuses with injection and coils from delivery.
Test drive another one and see how it compairs, I have NO trouble fromm 996's.

[t_urbo]

I recently purchased the new RS4, i have the opportunity to drive other performance cars on a regular basis Porsche 996, Ferrari 360 & 355, i have to say i am dissapointed with the performance so far, i previously had the B5 chipped to 420 bhp, which knocked spots of this one!

Mine was dyno'd at 393.5 hp on 95 ron but would only really be around 398 on 100 ron.
The Audi figures are under probably under perfect conditions ( ie air pressure, density,humidity and temp etc) so you are never going to get these figures.
Remember the B7 lacks Tq.

[rs4v8]

If the car is new then you'll just have to be patient I'm afraid. Mines around 3.5k now and is definately the better for it....

[DoctorD]

Personally I felt the same way until I had a fiddle. We should join these two threads together since it might well be the resolution you are looking for too.

http://www.rs246.com/index.php?name=PNp ... ic&t=64387

[VARSITY]

You sexual deviences should be kept to yourself, Mr Fiddler!

[RussianM3_dude]

I recently purchased the new RS4, i have the opportunity to drive other performance cars on a regular basis Porsche 996, Ferrari 360 & 355, i have to say i am dissapointed with the performance so far, i previously had the B5 chipped to 420 bhp, which knocked spots of this one!

I feel for you brother. I am completely dissapointed by the acceleration of the RS4. It just doesn't feel very fast. Heck, a BMW 530 kept up pretty well with me today and I did a pretty hard launch. However I've been dissapointed in NA Porsches as well to be fair.

[djcevo]

Heck, a BMW 530 kept up pretty well with me today and I did a pretty hard launch. .

LOL.. you need to invest in some driving lessons mate, not a new car!!!!!!!!!!!!! A 218 bhp diesel weighing 150kgs more than your car kept up?????

I wondered when you would reappear, in a weird way I quite missed your constant moaning for a couple of weeks!

[rs4v8]

Heck, a BMW 530 kept up pretty well with me today and I did a pretty hard launch. .

LOL.. you need to invest in some driving lessons mate, not a new car!!!!!!!!!!!!! A 218 bhp diesel weighing 150kgs more than your car kept up?????

I wondered when you would reappear, in a weird way I quite missed your constant moaning for a couple of weeks!

Totally agree, absolutely no way a 530 would keep up, not even close. Did you know your car has six forward gears?

[RussianM3_dude]

I did give him a little headstart and did not abuse the clutch. Still... The RS4 just doesn't "feel" fast, which for me is more important then numbers in magazines from track testing. Most of the time I feel like I am driving an a4 3.2. Tall gearing doesn't help.