RS6 vs new RS4

[Ernst]

Any of you RS6 owners swopping for a new RS4 avant when it arrives?

I wasn't but recently saw the saloon in Switzerland and it really did look good.

Question is:

Do I keep RS 6 plus and spend a bit of money upgrading (at AMD)

Trade in for new RS4 avant late this year

Hmmmm?

e

[rs666]

I think the 'gap' has definitely narrowed between the cars.

Had a passenger ride at the Xmas Trackday and felt the car had great power delivery, but the poise of the suspension and the improved braking give it the edge.

So for me the power is closer to the RS6 but it has the advantage over the 6'er in handling. Planning to buy an Avant 1-2years from now.

[W8PMC]

Any of you RS6 owners swopping for a new RS4 avant when it arrives?

I wasn't but recently saw the saloon in Switzerland and it really did look good.

Question is:

Do I keep RS 6 plus and spend a bit of money upgrading (at AMD)

Trade in for new RS4 avant late this year

Hmmmm?

e

As Damon says above, the gap has defo narrowed with the new RS4's biggest advantage being it's a brand new car, when the basis for the RS6 is closer to 10 years old (not all it's technology though). The new RS4 actually uses some of the cutting edge handling components that were 1st used on the RS6.

As i've done, you should spend a few quid at AmD, get the Sportec springs fitted, a full sports zorst & re-map & you'll leave new RS4's for dead.

Of course if you're not bothered about having a turbo then move over to the new RS4 which by all accounts is an excellent car. I'm moving to a New S8 in June, as i'm saying goodbye to modifying & track days.

[GaryC]

I won't be swapping - at least until the time comes that I can dispense with child seats, buggies and all the other paraphenalia which accompanies small kids.

The A4 bodied avant is great as a "lifestyle" estate for a couple, but is simply too small IMO as a proper family car - it's cramped in the rear and boot space isn't particularly great.

Gary.

[Jeeves]

Agree absolutely with Gary, and I have to say that although I let Jan go past me in the early stages of the Doningtom Xmas track day, either he backed off or couldn't be bothered, but didn't get past me once I'd turned my ESP off and had a bit more confidence.

Inevitably the RS6 will look dated, as do some basic A6s already. As we all get used to seeing the new format grille, it will snowball. But until there is a worthy successor (and that means an Avant for me), I'll not be changing. Even then, I'm not so sure about a product who's niche status has been "diluted" by a saloon variant. But I said that about the RS6 and then couldn't resist the "plus".

I have to ask myself what I'd do if M3 and M5 were in "Touring" guise only. Thankfully Audi has the advantage and they should protect it, leaving fast saloons to BMW, Mitsubishi, etc.

With apologies to all you saloon fans....particularly Paul who's car deserves respect.

[Nige_RS4]

As i've done, you should spend a few quid at AmD, get the Sportec springs fitted, a full sports zorst & re-map & you'll leave new RS4's for dead.

I wouldn't under estimate the new RS4 - you might have the edge on a long straight, but you will lose out in the braking and cornering departments - ask anyone who was lucky enough to grab a passenger ride at Donnington.

[rs666]

I did, but don't forget the skill that was being applied to it. I am sure if Jan jumped in one of the RS6's there and we drove the new RS4 he would still set a faster lap

[BigMo]

As the old saying goes, it's not the car...........

[BMWbaiter]

It all comes down to what you want in a car and not just outright grunt. The RS4 is a lighter and smaller, more nimble car, that can be hurried and thrown about. So people after a great sports car, with little family apply here.

The RS6 is a heavy, torque rich, bruiser of a car that is crushingly quick but never going to handle like the smaller car.

On a personal note, i came back from a holiday in Italy last summer, with 3 adults, 1 child, 72 bottles of chianti, a roofbox and cruised through Germany at 140mph. I know why I chose the RS6 and can't think of another car that does all jobs so well. To replace it id need the performance of a porsche turbo (and 4wd) the space of a range rover, the badge of a bentley, the street qudos of an evo and the anonimity of a skoda. The next RS6 will have to be a belter.

Andy

[steveurq]

Why compare RS6 with any RS4? One is big and the other is less big. Size is everything, I cant imagine why a childless family would buy an RS6.....Compare RS4 with M3 and RS6 with old (and new?) M5 by all means.

'Old' RS4 is difficult to beat apart from rear legroom. Audi should NEVER have given up on turbo's, even Ford have discovered advantages of a 5cyl turbo, all roads lead to Rome, Ford - Volvo - Audi.....

[mwcltd]

The new RS4 and RS6 are designed for different vertical markets. The RS6 is heavier and is not as chuckable as the RS4. Also, if you have a family and also want to pack luggage then the RS6 is a more comfortable place to be in. However, in purely specification form, they are both fairly close and really you need to upgrade the RS6 to RS6 MTM Stage 2 before the difference becomes really noticeable.

[CliveH]

I'm sorry but the new shape grille just doesnt do it for me - if it were on looks alone the RS6 wins every time

[CliveH]

I dont think Audi have given up on turbocharging...watch this space...(well the forum space anyway)

[CliveH]

To replace it id need the performance of a porsche turbo (and 4wd) the space of a range rover, the badge of a bentley, the street qudos of an evo and the anonimity of a skoda.

I just love that quote Andy - a real belter!

Sorry - got a bit carried away with the emoticons!

[rs666]

So who deleted their post?