Q

I am in the act of replacing my aging vehicles. I currently drive a 1997 Carrera 4S and a 1996 A4 Quattro. I am considering the RS4 as the Audi replacement but I am also looking at the MB E55 AMG. I have tried to search RS4 vs E55 but all I find is RS4 vs M5 or RS4 vs C55. As I consider this the "Know All" forum when it comes to Audi, is there anyone here who could possibly tell me the pro's/con's of an RS4 vs E55 comparo?

Thank you in advance,
Kevin

Vijay

The RS4 will be a far sportier vehicle with much better control of the power, better handling and better overall chassis dynamics.

The Benz will be more comfortable, cushier, roomier and will have a slight straight line advantage. My personal feeling however is that all-wheel-drive is such a big advantage with really high powered cars in terms of being able to use and control the power.

My vote...if you are looking at the E55 benz, look at the Audi S6 instead. If you want more of a sports car go for the RS4, but you seem to have this covered with your other ride.

My vote: Audi S6 + Porsche. The RS4, M5 and M3 are vehicles for people who, for whatever reason, need their sports car to also do double duty as a practical sedan, or they prefer the more stately sedan image rather than the raw sports car image.

Hope these viewpoints help.

dxben

The RS4 is going to be a much more sporty and younger feeling ride.

Q

Not interested at all in the A6. I want the 4dr to do double duty as a sports car. How much faster, if at all, is the E55 over the RS4. Yes the downside to the MB is the lack of a stick but I am getting older. The top contender for the Porsche replacement is the AM V8 Vantage.

nashRS4

The E55 would be a better cruiser with a cushier ride. But it will float and lack the responsiveness and feedback of the RS 4. If power outweighs those concerns for you, then go with the E55. If you are willing to sacrifice some torque and straight line acceleration for a far better balanced driver's car, go for the RS 4.

If you say you want the sedan to do double duty as a sports car, then you should probably go with the RS 4. The only way to know for sure is to drive both. Their differences will be immediately apparent, and it will just be up to your personal taste and needs.

Also, the E55 is on par with the S6 in terms of size. This is why you see comparos of C55 vs RS 4, because the E55 is a bigger car. You might find some info if you look up some older RS 6 versus E55 comparos.

Vijay

Fastest 0-60 tested for RS4=4.3 sec
Fastest 0-60 tested for E55=4.1 sec

E55 is 0.4 sec faster in 1/4 mile

Big problem, again, is traction. The rubber on the E55 is insufficient for the amount of power and it's purely rear wheel drive. In my experience, above about 380-390hp, all wheel drive makes a big difference in controlling the power and making it more user friendly. Of course you have all those electronic power controls, but they basically just cut your power delivery to give you traction. Try taking off from a stoplight while making a turn. The RS4 will leave the Benz in the dust. Likewise for on-ramps, exit ramps and alike.

The Vantage is a GORGEOUS vehicle, but is downright slow compared to the RS4 or E55. 0-60 in low 5's.

You can also easily boost the power on the E55 by chipping the engine for more SC boost. It will be a straight line monster if you can get some adequate sized rubber to fit. 315's in the rear and 275's up front. Not sure if that will fit, however.

Anyway, I still think you should look at the S6 if you are looking at the E55.

Q

The reviews I've read put the AM at 4.8 0-60mph. Are there any VIABLE upgrades for the RS4?

Thanks loads for the quick replies.

dxben

The RS4 is most likely a much better driver's car than the E55. You should try to drive both and be sure to come back and tell us your impressions.

I doubt anyone here would consider the E55 as a replacement for the RS4 or even competition. I doubt any AMG would realy provide the things we look to the RS4 for. Not that the AMGs aren't fast as hell, I'm just saying Audi RS/S and AMG are serving much different needs and approaching different goals.

BMW M cars are a better comparison yet still flawed.