Audi RS4 B8 beats B7: Tell Me I'm Wrong

[toyneg]

And if they did build a B8 RS4 it probably would have looked a lot like this gem.

B8 RS4 sedan 2.png

B8 RS4 sedan 3.jpg

that looks spot on!

[Covkiller]

+1

[neilparf]

Yep. I like the look of that. If that had materialised as a B8 saloon, I'd be tempted.

But that only appeals to me in the looks department; the reason I love and indeed purchased the B7 is for driver engagement and the enjoyment of driving it. Manual V8 NA and the sound and in my case the MRC and JCWF intervention make it the iconic example it is, or indeed has become...

I think the B8 became slightly more clinical in its approach (admittedly and naturally due to mechanical and technological evolution) and in that process lost the rawness of the B7 that still makes it that 'driver connected' experience for many...

[RossDagley]

For a car that does *everything* at 90% 'good', the B8 is hard to beat.

The B7 does some things at 100% ('engagement', steering feel, gearbox (if you're into that)). But suffers from an aging interior, poor range of gadgets, dated looks, etc etc.

The B7 ride is somewhat harsh (especially on the SS+ suspension). This makes it GREAT on track. The B8 in dynamic can also be harsh - but you know what? When I'm cruising, I pop it in comfort and it's suddenly transformed into an A6.

The B7 is engaging to drive. The steering is direct, the gearbox a joy to use on track. Equally I spend most of my driving on the real road - dual carrageways, motorways and occasionally back roads. When I'm hacking down familiar country roads I want the sharp handling and direct feel - things the B7 does so well. When I'm cruising, I want limo comfort and minimal effort. Things the B7 just CAN'T do.

For 90% of driving I want a car that's 90% good at 90% of things. The B7 is 100% good at 75% of things, 10% of the time. If that's how you drive your car (in that 10% constantly - weekend toy, only for trackdays or whatever) then sure - the B7 is a better car *for you*. But for a car to use every day, the flexibility and all round ability of the B8 makes it better *for me*.

The beauty of the B8 is in it's versatility. Does that cause a compromise? Sure. But the alternative is no compromise and only part of the requirement fulfilled.

[Baz4]

The interior and gadgets on a Ferrari f40 are dated but I don't hear people complaining about them

[doodlebug]

Not quite sure that's an apples and apples comparison.

I'd saw my cock off for an F40, can't say the same about a B7 or B8.

[docurley]

Not quite sure that's an apples and apples comparison.

I'd saw my cock off for an F40, can't say the same about a B7 or B8.

[Surrey Sam]

I recently had the chance for an extended test drive in the B8 whilst both mine were with Audi having service work carried out. I think Ross' comments are pretty much spot on and surmise it well.

For me though, I just couldn't get on with the lack of steering feel which did surprise me really as my preconception was the gearbox being more of an issue. I do use mine as an occasional car and the B8 just didn't give me that sense of occasion down the sort of roads I enjoy driving. I liked the B8, but I didn't love it. So it now has a big question mark beside it on the 'replacement' list.

Some interesting comments about the tech side of things though. The only useful B8 features you can't get onto a B7 would be Adaptive Cruise Control and DAB interfaced through the RNS-e, am I missing something as I don't feel the B7 is that dated regarding tech after a few retrofits?

[neilparf]

I recently had the chance for an extended test drive in the B8 whilst both mine were with Audi having service work carried out. I think Ross' comments are pretty much spot on and surmise it well.

For me though, I just couldn't get on with the lack of steering feel which did surprise me really as my preconception was the gearbox being more of an issue. I do use mine as an occasional car and the B8 just didn't give me that sense of occasion down the sort of roads I enjoy driving. I liked the B8, but I didn't love it. So it now has a big question mark beside it on the 'replacement' list.

Some interesting comments about the tech side of things though. The only useful B8 features you can't get onto a B7 would be Adaptive Cruise Control and DAB interfaced through the RNS-e, am I missing something as I don't feel the B7 is that dated regarding tech after a few retrofits?

Yes Sam, bar the above with a few retrofits, I don't feel the B7 is in fact that dated. Yes, it looks 'classic' more than ageing in standard form, but as that occasional 'drive' the B7 checks my boxes.

[RossDagley]

Adaptive cruise, lane assist, auto braking, auto headlights, HHA, pan roof, MMI 3g, full postcodes(! sorry couldn't resist), tri-zone climate control, off the top of my head.

[neilparf]

Adaptive cruise, lane assist, auto braking, auto headlights, HHA, pan roof, MMI 3g, full postcodes(! sorry couldn't resist), tri-zone climate control, off the top of my head.

I'm still making your percentages work in your previous post, so shhhh!

You can take auto headlights off that list - my B7 has that!

[RossDagley]

Adaptive cruise, lane assist, auto braking, auto headlights, HHA, pan roof, MMI 3g, full postcodes(! sorry couldn't resist), tri-zone climate control, off the top of my head.

I'm still making your percentages work in your previous post, so shhhh!

You can take auto headlights off that list - my B7 has that!

Auto as in "high/low beam based on traffic detection"? I should have been more clear - "high beam assist"

[HYFR]

Tech will always move on
The B8 will become dates also

The B7 still looks awesome

The interior quality far surpasses the B8

It will stand the test of time very well

[bam_bam]

Adaptive cruise, lane assist, auto braking, auto headlights, HHA, pan roof, MMI 3g, full postcodes(! sorry couldn't resist), tri-zone climate control, off the top of my head.

Toys.

Do you want to own a 993 for its radio?
A 355 for its auto blinker shut off?
The Lotus Carlton for its..... errrrm, whatever, you get the drift, ne?

[geordie jay]

I love this ferking forum!!!!! I love the controversy