Cooper993

between the two? The S4 is my daily driver, even though it has been somewhat modified (exhaust, suspension and mild chip). I am looking for a similar vehicle that's just newer.

Any impressions/insights between the two would be appreciated.

chirofamily

Just traded in my 2004 S4 for 08 RS4 as my daily driver. Very happy with my decison. Much more aggressive ride with that same stable Audi feel. Can't wait for the next track day. Was waiting for CTS-V but decided to stick with the all wheel drive here in CT.

Reggie

<center><img src="http://www.projectonelap.com/projectonelap/images/home_imaged.jpg"></center><p>would have made the swap in a heartbeat<ul><li><a href="http://www.projectonelap.com/">His car</a></li></ul>

Miwa

And I'd trade either in a heartbeat for my RS4.

I sold the B5 for the B6, because it was similar power and included a warranty. The biggest difference is in how the power delivery feels. The B5 hits like a ton of bricks, where the RS4 is much more linear.

My B5 had GIAC X, Milltek catback, AWE dp's (modded to not neck down to 2.5"), AWE DTS, airbox mod, and heck if I can remember what else.

CPT Midnight

You will feel very at home with the interior, size, and layout - updated electronics/nav and such are nice.

Suspension on stock RS4 is more refined than my HR Street coilovers when driving conservativly and more aggressive when pushing - hard to explain. More forgiving and refined when pushing the limit - which is nice for someone like me who is not a track junkie.

I assume the new cluch will be alot different from a broken in S4 - perhaps taking a little while to get used to it.

Power wise you might be able to match the 0-60 in a modded B5 S4 but there is really no comparison. The S4 accelerates like swinging on a swingset at the park (smooth accel). The RS4 is like getting hit with a baseball bat. Instant torque.

The sound of the engine is awesome

Overall it probably compares to going from an A4 - S-type to an S4 - only you will be going from an S4 to an RS4. You will have a smile on your face for a long time (and I have no regrets).

whitby

The biggest difference is the handling. The rear torque bias makes it feel like a totally different car.
A huge step up, yet feels very familiar in many ways.

Vijay

The RS4 is a totally different driving experience. The car feels much more solid, buttoned down. Steering response is phenomenally better and sharper. This is a car that truly needs absolutely nothing done to it. If you like to mod, you may choose to, but nothing *needs* modding unlike the B5 S4 in which the tires, shifter, supension all needed upgrading and the engine was VERY detuned.

Now...the obvious comparison.....the engine and power delivery. Very different. Highly tuned Stage 3 B5's will be faster in straight line, but compared to what you have the RS4 will be faster.

The RS4's power delivery is linear and instantaneous. Tap the throttle and you MOVE. What you don't have is that enormous swelling of torque in the mid-range that you do when running 20+ lbs of boost in the B5 S4. Some people think this makes the RS4 seem slower. Others, myself included, are so smitten by the instant throttle response and seemingly endless sweet sounding 8300 rpm powerband of the RS4. It provides by far, IMO, the superior overall driving experience. There is just an indescribable quality about how this whole package is put together that makes even the best tuned B5's seem like a "kit" for lack of a better term.

Still there are the die hard B5 fans, and like I said, when really tuned up, the B5 S4 will be faster.

sparkhill

The RS4 was my favorite Audi of the three. It was extremely enjoyable to drive. I live at 5000 feet so I did miss the turbos a bit. All in all, I think you would be really happy with a move to the RS4.

Cooper993

a big deal, but for those of you that went from S4 to RS4, what was the difference in MPG? I average between 21 and 24 now with mixed driving.

Vijay

15-16mpg mixed driving. Worst=13mpg-winter town driving. Best=22mpg-steady 75mph cruise