So, after buying an A3 S-line for my wife a few years back, I have my heart set on getting another one as my new dd.

I want my next car to be unlike anything I have had before (read: turbo I4's) so my eyes are set on a V8 powered sledgehammer Audi.

I love the RS4 with a maniacal passion, so I am biding my time until they fall into my price range. However, I could more than likely pick up an S4 right now. Pre owned S4's are much more plentiful than RS4's and the price difference between the 2 is considerable.

Truth be told, with traffic the way it is, I will never be able to use a 340hp V8 to its potential, so what would I need with a 420hp V8?
The thing is: there are other things about the RS4 that grab my attention and make the choice clear in my head........but again: I am not sure the price is something I could live with.

I tend to keep my cars for a long time, so whatever car I end up getting has to be able to stick it out for the long haul.

Aside from the obvious (more power, bigger brakes) is there anything about the RS4 that justifies the huge jump in price?
I concede that I would buy an RS4 just for the wider fenders and more aggressive look alone.
However, I have seen many S4's around here that look just as nice with a 1" drop and some tasteful rims.

S4 and RS4 owners please weigh in, I welcome your thoughts.

Thanks!

 

I know how you feel, I am obcessed with the c5 RS6, but they are seriously rare. As far as the RS4 goes, I would get a b5 s4 and over time you can have the enjoyment of building an RS4 conversion beast.

 

I have a B6 s4, and it is a blast... Now is still the time to buy too... I would just get one while you can. I know you said you keep cars for a while, but you can always uptrade to the RS4 if you take good care and keep your miles low.

 

i have a B7 S4 that does just fine chasing Porsches and Corvettes at track days ... doesn't get any better, unless you want to pay $600 to change the brake pads in an RS4. that said, if you're interested in tracking the car, you will want a brake upgrade. the stock S4 brakes, as good as they are, simply don't hold up to continuous pounding at the track. GREAT car!

 

Super satisfied with my B7 S4. I can't afford an RS4, but If I ever end up with enough cash I can just supercharge it and be on my merry way.

My purchase decision was also based on my wife's requirement that whatever I get must be an automatic transmission. Plus, with stop and go driving and business calls ect - shifting could be a real pain... it didn't make sense for me.

Also, if you are planning on keeping for a long time, a 340hp S4 motor is a lot more affordable to replace than a 420hp RS4 motor...that is if anything ever goes wrong. It's a completely different motor in the RS4, and much harder to find the replacement without ordering new from the factory. With an S4, you stand a much better chance of finding a salvaged motor or trans...not to mention any other parts you may need along the way.

 

if i had the money i'd have the rs4.... i've modded my s4 about as far as it goes with out getting a blower and i want more power! =)

great car though, and the sound is amazing!!!

 

350hp isn't that much when put through an awd drivetrain anxhavingbto pull a 2 ton car. The powerband is flat ast 4000 anyways. 500hp would be closer to fast.

 

if you have the funds for an rs4 make us all jealous and buy it man. those are so dope, youll turn heads everywhere you go

 

Get The RS4, I peruse cars for sale all day everyday as part of my work, you can afford a great example of either with the proper dedication or help, Both are great but if you get a S4, lower it, add a intake, chip, and exhaust you are in no better of a position financially then you would if you just got the RS4 to begin with. You can add all those mods to your RS over time and will have near 450-475hp NA. You can take your time with the mods and if you really find you never use the power don't add anything and just drive it. The S4 is definitely significant either way, but if your a peaky 4 banger turbo guy, you will appreciate the extra grunt from the RS, B7 RS4 is the ride, if you need to get better mileage take it easy on the throttle till the weekend/after work, shifting at 3 grand with that 6sp manual should still get you around very swiftly, hence the beauty of a Torqued out V8 vs a Turbo 4, I have been in/owned every kind of Turbo 4 around, from an A4 1.8- a 2.4 Stroker with a GT35 with over 550 Crank Horse. The V8 torque at the low end is comparable to the most powerful 4cyl Turbo setups and far less laggy. If you have any questions I am happy to offer my opinion or help reach me by email. Whipflipper@gmail.com Have good chat Fella's Peace!

 

Skip the RS4, unless you want to spend $$$ on carbon cleanups every 10k miles.

It is a great looking car, but it is going to be a hassle sooner than later.