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RS4 vs M3CS

 

I can't believe the RS 4 can get out of those slides

 

yeah, i thought it would spin out. I'm sure we would not see an RS4 in D1.

 

The M3 was the drift king, no doubt, but let's be honest, who among us really needs a dedicated drift machine? Besides, the RS4 just sounds flat out better.

It would be better to see a rematch when the new V8-powered M3 comes out soon.

 

I'm sure there will be a rematch with V8 M3, but smoking other sport cars with 4 doors sedan is just priceless...hehe

I have never impressed with the current M3. The car is good for most of the people, but to drive it fast and safe need a lot of afford. I hope the make a better M3 next time.

 

i'd love to see that RS4 against something with a bit more... edge.. say... a nice EVO IX

 

RS4 would win. no doubt.
RS4 is in a different class.....

 

All I really have to say: wow.

OK, one more thing: that looked like hella fun.

 

So how is the road feel? What the comparos don't address is actual steering feel and input (which BMW does very well) a well as other things that make a car really engaging.

After test driving an Audi A3 recently (and an A4 awhile ago) I wonder if they all feel as disconnected from the road due to the Quattro - definitely not as satisfying as the more visceral and connected BMW and Porsche steering feel. It was disappointing, even if the steering were made heavier then it was there was just a disconnect with the actual feedback from the tires/street/suspension.

 

i wouldnt be so sure... recent issue of EVO shows the EVO FQ 340 (so it wasnt a stock evo) was if i recall 2 seconds faster than the RS4... i dont have the issue on hand though.... i think the 911 C4 also beat the RS4, but got kicked by the EVO FQ 340

of course.... for the road and track.. RS4 over the EVO.. but if i was doing track work and forget the lack of torque in top gear... then forget RS4.. pay less for the EVO.. and use the rest of the money to bump up the ante!

 

First of all, you can't compare an RS4 with any of the AUDI models. All of the S models and RS models are built from a different factory. RS4, S4, S6 and S8 are built from GHMB Quattro (racing development just like AMG). Most of the body panels on and RS4 are aluminum just like the M3CS. There are only 10% of the RS4 parts that are used base on the A4. I think it's a body style. :D

I'm not sure what type of connection between road and steering you're talking about, but as far as I have been driving quattro. I think it's the best thing for me. I do agree that A4 suspension is not that great. They try to make it more comfortable than agressive. There are s-line models for you to try. Those are more like sport versions. A3 suspension are far better than anything else in its class, although it may not be as good as MINI but I can corner that thing fast and safety.

I did not have much time in an RS4, but from a brief moment I think it's far better than BMW M3. I have not have a chance to get in a M3 CS, but I use to drive my friend 04 M3 for a little bit. You can turn into corner faster in an RS4 and you're still in control. You can go as fast as you would be killing yourself trying to do it in an M3. Power is absolutely heaven. You can ask the RS4 for the power in any gear at any RPM where you have to down shift to get the power in an M3. Interior is the best in the industries, but who cares when you will be enjoying the sound of the V8 and the control that you could take any porsche in the canyon.

I was really looking to get the M3 before I bought an S4, but M3 doesn't satisfy my need of power. I hate to drive a car to the redline just to get the most power like you have to on the M3. RS4 is far more better than I was expected. 8K redline is there for you to floor it if you want in an RS4. I see a lot of people are impressed and love about RWD, but for me AWD is the way to drive the car. It's safe and faster from stop. I can jump 2 cars length in front of Z06 before they could catch me up. I love that...hehe

If I'm going to spend $70K for a car I would go with RS4 no doubt! no question! clearly the winner for that price range. It's a 4 doors that will spank a lot of sport car asses.

Cheers,
MPR

 

You're right get the EVO for cheaper, but EVO FQ340 has such a big turbo that If you're in the wrong rpm you would drive like a honda fit. There was one of the top gear episode that took EVO almost 1/4 mile to catch up wiht Fiat because of the turbo lag.

RS4 is so easy to drive fast. Power is every where you want it...wrong gear...low rpm...no problem...just step on it.

I'm talking like a sale man here. Go try it and you will see.

Oh! I have driven an EVO iX and I would not wast my money buing one. 5 gears!!! yes! I can't stand that plus idle is rough like your lawn mower.

 

Okay, fair enough, in that case my question cannot be answered - perhaps I'll take an S4 out to see for myself. For me that steering feedback is a dynamic part of the driving experience, horse power notwithstanding; sharp steering feel and being able to sense road input through the steering vs just the suspension gives me a lot of information to use when driving and interleaves with the other aspects of handling. Without the infomation provided by acute steering I feel its easier to lose control of the car since you are not as in touch with various dynamics and tire grip. Anyhow, its hard to explain, its a sensory thing, and when its lacking there is a numbness about the interaction that stands out to me.

So far various BMWs have had great and precise steering feel, the Mini (of course ), S2000, new Boxster, and a new SLK was not bad, all be it not nearly as keen road feel wise as the prior listed cars it was much much better then the other non AMG Mercedes I've tried before.

Anyways, thanks for the info, cheers

 

I thought u were talking about the MR at the most.. not the FQ..
FQs.. i heard they cost alot to maintain. and lets be honest. I know you would take the RS4 if you can get one of them for free..

 

I see. I kinnda get the idea. I have to admit that I'm not a professional driver to tell you that kind of detail, but for my redneck kind of driving I think you can feel the different mainly because M3 has all the power sent to the back. What ever you do to the steering just respond better. On the other hand, AWD is not giving you that feeling, but it does give you a better feel in controlling the car.

I don't know may be it's just me. I feel that to drive a RWD car good you need practice, but to drive AWD good is much easier. BMW has done such a great job on many of the models. I do like them all, but some how I attracted to AUDI cars more these days.

Yes, try the S4 and A4 the same day then you sould be able to tell how much different.

 

that's true... free. RS4 over EVO....

that said.. at my stage of life... i could use that turbo... wait till im 30, then get the RS4!

afterall... 21 year old driving an RS4=spoiled little kid!

 

21 year old driving an RS4=chick magnet

 

Which venue is this? Did you get to drive the RS4?

The SF location (Mountain View CA) was a joke. The RS4 lot was so small, it was over in a blink of an eye. They also didn't permit us to drive it. On the first day, they were only giving out 1-lap rides. Towards the afternoon, I guess with much complaint, it was 2 laps. (yes, I returned in the afternoon). Further complaint by the Museum (that Audi was tearing up their parking lot), the drivers weren't pushing the RS4 as hard Saturday afternoon and Sunday, as they were on Saturday morning.

At least the Quattro-line track wasn't so bad, they had a gravel parking lot available for you to test out the other Audi line up, comparing it with the X5/GX470/XC90. You were limited to 2 Audi cars, the Q7, and all of the competition SUVs.

RS4 Videos:
video1 (day 1)
video2 (day 2)
video3 (day 2)

Photos:
photos

They had 900 attendants on Day 1, a record according to the PR rep I was talking to. Not sure what Day 2 numbers were, but the day was going slower she said.

 

I went to the one in Atlanta. Yes, they did not let you drive the RS4, because some incident in New York.

I said how much better than my 05 S4 and I would not buy one if i did not get to drive it...hehe then they gave me the key. The guy from the dealer that I bought the car from just let me took the RS4 on the highway for a little bit. We just went to get some gas and back. It was a blast to drive on the highway. Launching on the 2nd gear with clutch drop at 4k rpm is unreal. The sound of V8 is so addictive. I just could not sleep well for 3 days dreaming of an RS4.

I think you can chose to drive 5 different cars of you choice, wasn't it? I only drove the Q7, A8 and RS4.

I took some movies, but don't know how to make it small enough for the web.

Here is a link to the movie someone posted on the web from Atlanta.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pV5F2nLSWko&search=rs4

 

On the west coast, I heard San Diego ruined it for the rest of us. They were burning up clutches, Audi said no no. No more test drives. Plus the lot we had was tiny, if anyone drove here, they'd surely crash it on a light pole or something.

For the car selection, it was any 2 Audi cars (A3, A4, A6, A8, no S-line), one Q7 (one Streets + one Gravel), and unlimited times in the competition SUVs. Of course, that made me return the next day to drive some more cars

The backup camera + parking assist (lines to aid in reverse or parallel parking) was cool. I can't wait to see how Lexus LS430 does their auto-park feature.