ekyub

I test drove the two in Houston. Both are really nice. Considering moving from an M5 to the RS4 the performance is relatively similar.

I really like the RS4, Audis for that matter, interior and exterior better than current BMWs.

Power, more accurately the curve agility and flexibility, is fantastic. Motor just wants to go and go. The sales manager heard the Revo software really makes a big improvement. Is this true?

The steering was a little odd. It was soft off center then becoming very difficult a few degrees. This is probably the Quattro steering feel.

The other thing I noticed was a pronounced supercharger-like whine. Is this the power steering pump? Both cars did it so I'm assuming it's normal.

So I'm curious if any of you have made that jump from M5 to RS4.

ekyub

RS4 was traded for a GTR. Seems obvious deduction but it was confirmed by sales manager.<ul><li><a href="https://forums.audiworld.com/rs4b7/msgs/103043.phtml">https://forums.audiworld.com/rs4b7/msgs/103043.phtml</a></li></ul>

Jenner

Feels lighter and smaller enough though it's nearly the same size/weight. I don't miss the M5's traction control at all.

The interior and technology is light years ahead(E39 M5 is based on late 90s tech). The NAV is so much better. The RS4 even has a bigger trunk. Smaller back seats on the RS4 but I'm sure you already knew that. MPG is about the same between the two with the RS4 getting better MPG if you baby it, but who buys a M5 or RS4 to baby right?

The RS4 shifter and clutch are also huge improvements over the M5 which I am sure you noticed on your test drive.

Skip on Revo software, or at least do your own research first. Minimal (if any) gains to be had.

The funny steering you felf might have been the variable steering at slow speeds. At speed it really firms up and feels great. Point and shoot and communicates very well.

The whine from the engine you noticed is due to the timing chains.

Take the jump(as long as they don't hose you on the E39 trade) and don't look back. The RS4 may seem like a lateral move but it's a step up trust me.

There are several others here have made the same move who I expect will back up my comments. Many M5board.com members here.

allaboard

Good or bad, depending on your preferences - you'll get more comments on the RS4. The RS seems "rarer" to people than the M5. I get more comments on the RS than any M-series car I have driven. I wasn't expecting that.

ekyub

Thanks for the reply. I sold my 993 for the M5. Although not a 911, RS4 seems much more fun and nimble.

I looked for DRC leaks and didn't notice any but a PPI would be in order. Whine wasn't bad just noticeable.

My sedans need to carry kids and hockey gear so the RS4 trunk does fit the bill.

I'll be taking a little hit on the trade if I do it because I paid my buddy a fair price for it when I bought it from him but I'm not too concerned.

ekyub

RS4 is so special. One of those cars that I would want to keep forever (I've said that before).

ELEVENS

<center><img src="http://www.karlabs.com/WGR/beast/rgr/f3.jpg"></center><p>
RS4 does everything better except straight-line acceleration from a rolling start. My M5 ran 12.87 @ 108mph completely stock. With light mods it dropped to 12.6xx. Also won superstock class in a SCCA Solo II autocross. Loved that car, but wanted AWD since cars are for bad weather and hauling lots of passengers.

greatwhiteshark

I do prefer the RS4. Feels better in my hands. Feels faster, and is, stock-to-stock, compared to my E39. Redline wail wakes the dead. Leaking DRC system that's all over the forum (and all over my garage floor) is annoying but I knew about it before buying. You should research it and make sure your dealership knows about DRC systems in RS4s, or go the aftermarket route ($4-6K) for better struts/coilovers.

Gauges are way better in the RS4. The E39s were too small. Same, dated, symmetrical dash (compared to driver-centric "cockpit" design of the new A4/S5) which I prefer over the newer interior designs. I miss the suede headliner. M-Audio is comparable to the Bose Audio in the RS4: okay, but not great.

My wheels are discoloring due to the brake dust, despite spraying them daily. Same thing happened to the M5 and that impossible-to-keep-clean Shadow Chrome finish.

I prefer the shifter in the RS over the M5 - BMW is known for its long throws, and the RS is better for me in this regard.

Center console design is extremely inferior in the RS compared to the E39. The leather-bound, luxurious feeling console is way better than the plasticy, creaky one in the RS. It's clear the armrest was not designed for a manual-transmission vehicle.

They're both amazing cars. The E39 really is a winner in my book - as it will always be. But I'm quite happy with the Audi as well.

<img src="http://pictureposter.audiworld.com/147423/imola.jpg">

then this for 10 months while I decided between the new M3, C63 and RS4

<img src="http://pictureposter.audiworld.com/147423/jeep.jpg">

And here's the RS in Ibis White.

<img src="http://pictureposter.audiworld.com/147423/newest.jpg">

ekyub

What is De-Flapped?

ekyub

Although can't go wrong with RS4 colors. I wish they made a green.