2007 Audi RS4: Just as Fun the Second Time Around
It's been eight months since I last drove an Audi RS4, but the thrill of unleashing 420 horsepower through its all-wheel drive system hasn't diminished. In fact, this 2007 Audi RS4 was even more fun. Last time I was stuck driving it in the rain, which was great for maximizing the advantages of all-wheel drive, but not for maximizing the car's total performance package.
This time it was nice and dry on Mulholland, and thus maximum dry weather Gs were achieved. So were a string of perfectly executed heel-and-toe downshifts (love the shifter and pedal placement), along with full-throttle corner exits and chest compressing braking excercises. Just to be clear -- this thing is FAST! Our own testing had it doing zero-to-60 in 4.3 seconds. Yet it's also stable, predictable and easily flung between corners.
I was driving it on Mulholland and thinking, "You know, on this type of road at least, you probably couldn't go much faster, even in something like a Ferrari F430 or Corvette Z06." Yes, those cars would pull quicker lap times on race track (actually, maybe they wouldn't on a low-speed track, like Streets of Willow), but in a situation where mid-range power is as important as peak power, and corner grip is more important than coefficient of drag, the RS4 would be a tough bogie to shake in almost any vehicle.
Slalom speed passed the magical 70 mph point (70.5, to be exact) and braking from 60 was a confident 117 feet (not quite supercar range, but impressive for a 3,800 pound sedan). The as-tested price of $69,000 ain't cheap, but it isn't quite supercar range either, so I guess it works out in the end.
Wow, I've always liked the RS4. It would be very interesting to see how it compares with the M3. Karl, is a comparative test of these two in the works? If I were to choose between the two, I would probably do RS4 because of the AWD...
I've finally driven one!!! Granted, a stoplight-infested route from a restraunt to a parking garage is not much of a drive (I work a vallet service in the heart of Boston), but the sensation of driving my dream car was overwhelming.
I never had the chance to get to know the limits of the machine (I couldn't begin to fathom what would have happened if I mashed the rightmost pedal mid-corner), however the car was docile and very kind to me as I felt it out, unlike most all sport-oriented cars above 50K. Now I just want even more to take the car out to a track and feel what's beyond that docile demeanor!
Ah, yes, and the tone it emits deserves special recognition...
Here are Top Gear clips of the Audi RS4:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4rjBuXvfgOU (Part 1 of 2 - 9:49 long)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A21ZcwnJYqM (Part 2 of 2 - 3:35 long)
The Audi RS-4 is a wolf in sheep clothes. Several wins at the GT Speed Touring series (RS-6's too)and probably the most fantastic starts where the rest are spinning their wheels. Over here in OKIE land is very difficult to see one and the dealer is flodded with regular A4' s (4 & 6 cyl.)
The performance doesn't seem all the wow given the price. Why not just opt for a 335i sedan and with the 30k+ saved, do some modding?
blueguy, I think the same could be said of a lot of cars, including the M3. Save a bunch by getting a regular version and spend a little on mods. But it would take a lot of modding to get a V8 and Quattro into a 335i. And, you can't modify a leased vehicle, which is how I suspect a lot of pricy cars are obtained. And most importantly, 99% of people don't want to modify their cars. Not saying your idea is not valid for some enthusiasts, but I think it's pretty obvious why RS, M, and AMG cars are so popular, even though they are overpriced.
I feel the same about the M3. The performance gap between the M3 and the 335 is pretty slim now. I don't see 30-40k worth of difference.
I can't fathom the appeal of a 4000 lbs RS4 or a 3600 lbs M3 - not with prices 30/40k higher than a 335i. I look at a 335i and see a 37k car with a sport package via Euro Delivery. An M3 will run closer to 70k. That savings translates to either more mods or an STi/Evo!
Blueguy, I think it boils down to two things: performance and prestige.
For someone buying the car for performance, the RS4 and M3 do not make sense. A 335i can be modded to achieve M3 performance for a much lower price. Similarly, I'm sure an Evo could be modded to achieve M3/RS4 performance, and like the RS4, it has AWD.
While I'm sure most RS4 and M3 owners value performance and handling, I'm sure they also value luxury and prestige/status equally......the M3 owner also wants that exclusivity that the 335i owner won't have. For these wealthy customers these qualities make the cars well worth the price.
Comparing the M3 to 335i, the only tangible difference would be the character of their respective engines. IMO, the character of the M3's V8 is not worth the huge price gap but for many rich owners, it is....... the RS4 and M3 are aimed at such rich guys.
All I'll say is, 8400rpm V8...wow.
My local dealer has 2 RS4's sitting on the lot, and both are $84k! For that price you might consider a gently used V10 M5!
Until I'm worth several million dollars, I won't spend $84k on ANY car!
That's the thing with Audi for me....I really like the style of Audis and kudos for them in putting together cars like this, but............ high price, questionable reliability and depreciation all make solid arguments not to go there (even if I could).
I have an S4 Cabrio and thought that it was plenty fast enough. BUT, I just drove a buddies RS4 sedan. Oh man that's a lotta car. It's an irrational car, but an absolutely beautiful and addictive car.
Irrational?! You drive a convertible!!! Sorry I had to say it...
bbechtel,
true true. She's a weekend car with more horsepower than is usable in urban traffic. An Rs4 with another 80 HP on tap and a stiffer suspension is even more irrational than the meager 340 HP in the S4. As for bieng convertible, it is tight as a drum and has three layers. So its just as practical as a coupe in the wet and a blast to drive in the sun. What I wouldn't do for a completely irrational RS4 cabriolet!!!
Hehe, fair enough. I'm not an open top fan but I'm glad you're enjoying yourself.