ArcticS4ory

Just wondering if anyone considered this car before buying the RS4. Yes, know it is very different, and 20K more, but when it comes to leasing, it is just 'slightly' more expensive. (I was qouted $2500 drive off, 36/12 @ $1400 including tax and all the Audi dealers are telling me $1200-$1300 for the RS4.
In any case, I test drove one last night and was completely blown away. It feels like a 747 with better handling. Much more involving than the E55. Beautiful car, too. I have yet to test drive the RS4 since none of the local dealrships (LA) are willing to let me test drive it, even though I am seriously considering it.

Vijay

The S6 is more of a competitor to the E63 in terms of size, form, and function. Although for the cost of the E63, you could get the S8 too. Right now, the RS4 is pretty much in a league of it's own.

EE:OutofBounds

interesting....how is it more involving than the E55? TIA

larryV

it's very responsive and well-suited for engines that like to rev. I had the same tranny in my last car (SLK55) and it's as good as automatics get.

Q

If only it came in a stick...

Shillens

I haven't driven the E63, but I loved the SL55 for what it was. Luxury, great engine and especially the torque. I've been in a CS63. Great torque again...unlimited power.

I always want more power, but I love driving the RS4 even though it has less power than other cars I've had. After owning the SL55 and Porsche GT2, I can make a case that you can have too much power on the streets, and other factors go into making the car "fun."

RS4 manual, responsive handling, suspension, quattro, 4-door sedan, incognito look. I've had cabin noise problems that shouldn't occur in this type of car (or any car), but other than that, I'm having more fun driving this car than just about any car I've had. I think comparing RS4 to E63 are apples and oranges...it depends what you're looking for.

I recommend you try to test drive one. Preferably a used one and a new one, as the car is different after break-in.

craiglieberman

The E cars are fun cars, no doubt. But with automatic trannies and such a long wheelbase, they're hardly nimble, flickable or provide the same level of driver involvement as an RS4.

I've owned an SL600 (V12 Twin Turbo 500+hp) and got bored with it in a year.

After driving an RS4 for 6 months (this includes the 9,000 miles I spent in our loaner RS4), I can honestly say that I'm still excited to get in my RS4 each morning.

I have a friend who has an E55...fun car, but he too is bored after a year.

If you're gonna spend that kind of money, get an RS4 or even a used 996TT 6 speed....either will provide many more miles of smiles, IMHO

ArcticS4ory

it is essentially the 'same' car. i don't know what else MB did to it besides dropping the supercharger and going up to 507hp, and adding the 7 gear tranny. The car feels so tight, the brakes are amazing, and I have never felt this kind of power. The engine also feels more refined and sounds better than the e55. The paddles are much quicker than the previous generation buttons, which are slow. I much rather deal with this transmission than the M5's SMG (too jerky). I have yet to drive the RS4, and am sure it is a blast. However, i am planning on a family soon, and maybe am ready for a non-manual car.....

msos

If you want the auto tranny, or if you are over 60 go for the E63, or stay young and have fun with the RS4

AJN334

In terms of speed the e55 is faster then the e63...