I don't get it - RS4 vs. R8 pricing
02-25-2009, 06:57 AM
#1
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I don't get it - RS4 vs. R8 pricing
I'll be the first to admit I'm no expert on either car, but maybe someone could explain this. I've been kicking around the idea of buying an R8. From what I know, the two cars share (basically) the same engine, transmission, drive train, and brakes so any excuse about development costs vs. limited production seems flawed. Also the R8 has two less doors, and one less rear seat. I'm also going to assume that the suspension just HAS to be cheaper than the RS4's.
So that leaves basically only the body and frame that's different. So why does one R8 cost as much as two fully-loaded RS4s?
So that leaves basically only the body and frame that's different. So why does one R8 cost as much as two fully-loaded RS4s?
02-25-2009, 07:03 AM
#2
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Hehe...I (and probably many others) have thought the same thing....
It does seem to be an RS4 in a smaller package which logically should mean less materials and thus not SIGNIFICANTLY more expensive like it is.
But here's what you do....wait a couple of years and then pick one up for half the original MSRP on the car. Even high-end cars these days are getting rocked with terrible resale value which can be GREAT for those in the market for a purchase. Hell my RS4 was almost exactly 1.5 years from in-service date, had 11k miles on it with a ****load of money put into it for suspension/wheels/etc and it was just over 30k off the sticker price (which from what I saw did NOT include any dealer markup).
But here's what you do....wait a couple of years and then pick one up for half the original MSRP on the car. Even high-end cars these days are getting rocked with terrible resale value which can be GREAT for those in the market for a purchase. Hell my RS4 was almost exactly 1.5 years from in-service date, had 11k miles on it with a ****load of money put into it for suspension/wheels/etc and it was just over 30k off the sticker price (which from what I saw did NOT include any dealer markup).
02-25-2009, 07:45 AM
#3
AudiWorld Super User
for one, it's mid-engine, and the transmission is not the same unit, also 3 words...
aluminum space frame.
<img src="http://www.seriouswheels.com/pics-2009/a/2009-Audi-R8-5-2-FSI-quattro-Aluminum-Space-Frame-1920x1440.jpg">
That said, I hear where you're coming from.... but I also think that the R8 is a "good value" when you compare it to a 997TT, V8 Vantage, and similarly priced sub-exotic. If you drive one, you'll quickly realize why you'll be spending $50k more on a car with essentially the same powertrain.
But then if you wait and get the V10 version, I'm sure any doubts will be erased
<img src="http://www.seriouswheels.com/pics-2009/a/2009-Audi-R8-5-2-FSI-quattro-Aluminum-Space-Frame-1920x1440.jpg">
That said, I hear where you're coming from.... but I also think that the R8 is a "good value" when you compare it to a 997TT, V8 Vantage, and similarly priced sub-exotic. If you drive one, you'll quickly realize why you'll be spending $50k more on a car with essentially the same powertrain.
But then if you wait and get the V10 version, I'm sure any doubts will be erased
02-25-2009, 07:56 AM
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a lot more one-off stuff in the R8 vs. the RS4, which shares a platform
with a car that's produced in huge numbers.
Also, isn't that chassis/frame made of more expensive materials? Trans has to be different due to engine placement, AWD split too.
Also, isn't that chassis/frame made of more expensive materials? Trans has to be different due to engine placement, AWD split too.
