ehaZer

Any advice on which will hold it's value the most over 3 years? I'm worried that the rs4 is going to tank when the new s4/rs4 arrives. Thoughts? I love the rs4's performance but favor the technology in the s5. I can't wait until the new rs4 or rs5 come out.

mgdsh

I can't speak much about the value, but after having driven both cars, I'd take the RS4 everytime.

Miwa

They'll be similar enough that it's not worth basing a decision on.

Obormot

S5 is actually a good car too, but I made my choice. In part because I had to wait 6 months for S5 and not only I hate waiting, but I also hate that public excitement created by marketing teams. I usually wait till dust settles.

CanuckRS4

Ditto, no comparison really.

evlgreg

I have driven over 1000 miles on every variation of the S4, from the manual convertible to the auto sedan and all combinations in between. The RS4 was not even in the same category..... It's a completely different suspension, motor, bias, balance, everything. apples and oranges believe it or not. The RS4 is an amazing machine and since it was so limited, I doubt it will drop in value quickly, since there are thousands of people just waiting for them to drop a little in order to buy one.

initialA4

new S5

PetrolDave

New RS4 won't be until 2011 - get an RS4 and smile now (S5 is a boring drive in comparison)

Jet Jockey/A4 Pilot

Technically speaking the new platform/chassis of the A5/S5 is better and superior as will be the new A4/S4.

It handles better because of a better weight distribution. All new Quattros (manuals) have the 40/60 TorSen so no advantage to the RS4 here. The new version of the V8 with the FSI produces 354 HP and as a very nice sounding exhaust note some say better sounding than a stock RS4 exhaust. However this is where the two cars differ; the RS4s free revving motor is a masterpiece and is fun to drive and rev to its 8250 RPM red line.

Both cars suspensions are IMHO weak. The S5's is too soft and the RS4's DRC is a POS. Both cars need an aftermarket well sorted suspension a la Motorsport IMHO.

Also although subjective, looks can play a big role in choosing a car. I don't like the B7 look, I prefer the B6 look. However the B7 RS4 with its wider fenders, wider track looks meaner and I do like its looks. This is the way all B7s should have looked. On the other hand I prefer a Coupe and just love the new S5 looks.
This weekend we had several S5s at the track event and man it looked great!

Best bet is for you to drive both and make up your mind.

Give me an S5 with an RS4 motor, tweak the suspension and brakes and you have a Hell of a car!

Can't wait to see what the RS5 is going to be like.

CanuckRS4

Hammer + Nail = What you just said