I'm new here, so let me introduce myself. My name is Jonathan and I have been debating on 3 cars to get for the last 3-4 months. Either 07 Audi RS4, 06 BMW M3 or wait it out until early 09 for the new M3. After much thought, I have decided to go with the RS4 for a number of reasons. I love Audi and feel the car is more complete - it is better than the M3 in terms of fit and finish. I also like the 4 door and AWD to compliment a number of other reasons.
Anyways, I have a few questions for you other owners and enthusiasts. I am looking to pull the trigger between now and March, but we will see how patient I can be to find the "right" one, haha.
My biggest question deals with weight reduction. Other than rims to lower unsprung weight or carbon fiber exterior parts, what are the other ways? I know the RS4 is a hog at 3900+ pounds....I want to get lower than 3600 (or less) if possible.
How much weight is saved with the tubi or milliken (sp?) exahaust system?
How much weight is saved with aftermarket sport seats?
How much weight is saved by not getting the nav unit? (if any?)
I'm sure I'll have a ton of other questions, so sorry if I bug you in advance. Thanks a ton!
First of all, I think you have to make up your mind what it is you want. Us who chose an Audi, we do it because we like the things an Audi stands for: beautiful exterior, top build quality, all the technic found in the cars and the most beutiful and well build cabin in its class.
If you do not care about the cabin (and the materials used in there) and having a car which looks like a Lexus IS, pick the M3. You are likely to get a slightly more involved ride, but............... I am not the right person to ask about BMW, it is just not my game.
However, lots of questions there, you are so concerned about the weight of the RS4, here is my advises:
- Get a car without sun roof, that will save you quite some weight, and here we are talking about weight the worse place at all. However, that may not be easy as most RS4's coming into the US is with sun roof as standard, otherwise you will have to wait for three to four month like I did, but that is a long time to wait! - The navigation, well, it may add two to four pounds, guess the pleasure having it is more worth then saving those few pounds. Again, most RS4's sold in the US comes with this option. - Concerning the exhaust, cant help you there, the standard system fits my ears very well. - The seats, I will not pull out one of my seats to check its weight, but you are likely to save some weight there, especially if you chose manual or bucket seats.
Anyway, check out this web page and see how you can save 20 Kg, yep, top performance comes with a price!!!!!!!!!
Or you could just go on a diet to save some pounds and get the Nav. I don't worry that much about weight, I got the RS4 Cab. The trade off is worth it to me since I love top down driving. Car is more than fast enough anyways. I would stay away from the M3 unless you wait for new one. Had an "02 SMG. I could not stand that weed whacker sound, Even tried 2 aftermarket exhaust and still hated it. Do you live in area that gets Winter weather? M3 sucked in 1" of snow. I am amazed at how great the Audi with snows has handled the bad weather we have already gotten
You hit the biggest thing, which would be the wheels, however I am a big fan of the way they look already. 300lbs isn't going to be easy without getting carbon fiber trunk deck or hood. The exhaust, and seats are only going to save you about 60 lbs tops ten for the exhaust and 25 for each seat, however having heated seats and adjustable motored seats would be more important to me....than plain slap in racing seats. Keep the nav for the four pounds it weighs and just don't put crap in the glovebox as the trade off haha. Just chip it and exhaust and you will forget all about those 300 lbs in the first place. Anything other would be extreme ripping out forgotten about hidden luxuaries sorry.
#1 answer...lighter wheels. They reduce unsprung weight, helping handling response, but more importantly, they reduce rotating mass, which means quicker acceleration and decelleration. (Then you can sell m e your OR wheels)! #2 might be lighter rotors and calipers for the same reasons. There may be lighter springs available... havent checked. #3 as posted in other threads, ditch the exhaust resonators. Then it starts getting expensive... I agree that the stock seats are very supportive AND adjustable for long trips or multiple drivers. Not sure how much a carbon hood will save over the aluminum... prob not worth the expense... ditto for carbon underhood goodies.
Going with the Carbon Fiber Hood saves 12lbs ove the aluminum OEM one, though you have to cough up $7000 for a unpainted clear coated model from MTM. It's goes up to $8000 + if you want to match your body color. I'll say this much.....I would guess that this car (I know my 08 RS4 does) has enough in the performance category for even an experienced driver to truly enjoy it and not have you walk away from the track saying "man i need 200 more ponies to satisfy my level of driving".
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Looking to get an RS4...a few questions for all of you - 
