Advice please: R8 V8 now or wait for RS5?

[QuattroFun]

As some of you know, I have had a great ride with the RS4 - a few annoying technical problems apart (engine and DRC). I now soon knocking on 3 years and have clocked 64Kkm - when it has been faultfree, I have just loved every minute of it. A great, great car - so much better than my B6 S4 and worth every penny and more in the premium.

But I am thinking about my next ride - should I take the plunge and by a little used R8 V8 now (V10 is too much and too pricey for me) or should I wait another 1.5Y for the newly developed and nagelneu RS5? I just love the R8 having test driven it, but truth told it my does not feel that much better on the road than my RS4 with SS+ and it is very expensive - and I reckon the DRC (when working) is actually at least on par or even better than the Magentic Ride in ther R8, it miles more practical and the RS4 steering is crisper - although the R8 is of course better balanced, more lightfooted, a real eye candy and emits a more wonderful noise on full throttle. On the other hand, just love the idea of an even more powerful V8, the new sport diff and the sexy yet reasonably practial A5 body...

Cast you vote and advice please since I have a hard time decising for myself - and alas I cannot afford both/change 1.5Y from now...

[Bodhii]

... but truth told it (the Audi R8) does not feel that much better on the road than my RS4 LOL...:rotflmao: If you can't tell much diff between the Audi R8 sports car, and an Audi sedan,.. there is very little that can help, I think. Maybe try one of the better hi performance driving schools. Of course if you are happy with so much less,.. have fun and enjoy driving your sedan car. As they say, "Igorance is bliss". It will save you money if that is your big concern.

[QuattroFun]

Each to their own - but you are right in that your advice is really not useful. But you are most welcome to the cold and icy Nordic winter to teach me how to drive a R8 with mixed wide Central European winter tyres against an RS4 with Nordic winter tyres so much faster...

[Rage]

LOL...:rotflmao: If you can't tell much diff between the Audi R8 sports car, and an Audi sedan,.. there is very little that can help, I think. Maybe try one of the better hi performance driving schools. Of course if you are happy with so much less,.. have fun and enjoy driving your sedan car. As they say, "Igorance is bliss". It will save you money if that is your big concern.

Is there a reason why you feel the need to be condescending to other forum members?

[youry]

As some of you know, I have had a great ride with the RS4 - a few annoying technical problems apart (engine and DRC). I now soon knocking on 3 years and have clocked 64Kkm - when it has been faultfree, I have just loved every minute of it. A great, great car - so much better than my B6 S4 and worth every penny and more in the premium.

But I am thinking about my next ride - should I take the plunge and by a little used R8 V8 now (V10 is too much and too pricey for me) or should I wait another 1.5Y for the newly developed and nagelneu RS5? I just love the R8 having test driven it, but truth told it my does not feel that much better on the road than my RS4 with SS+ and it is very expensive - and I reckon the DRC (when working) is actually at least on par or even better than the Magentic Ride in ther R8, it miles more practical and the RS4 steering is crisper - although the R8 is of course better balanced, more lightfooted, a real eye candy and emits a more wonderful noise on full throttle. On the other hand, just love the idea of an even more powerful V8, the new sport diff and the sexy yet reasonably practial A5 body...

Cast you vote and advice please since I have a hard time decising for myself - and alas I cannot afford both/change 1.5Y from now...

your comments and the others are both right.. it depends in what conditions you drive a RS4 or a R8. on a race circuit, the R8 is far superior. I've owned a RS4 for 1.8 years and have driven a R8 for a full day on a race circuit (SPA Francorchamps on a AUDI Sportscar driving experience), and i saw the real difference on the track. No real under streer or oversteer this car can handle curves in an incredible manner. but I think if you drive your car daily, I agree that on a strait line the perf is very similar.

An R8 is far sexier than a RS4, but is also much more costy (too much ?). I am exactly in your situation but have already made the decision to not go for the R8 V8 and wait for the RS5... I prefer a new car than a used one as well, so I can spec it like i want. that is also a factor. Overall I am convinced the RS5 will be as good or superior as the R8 V8 perf wise, but for 15-20000 pounds less (30000 EUR). RS5 is exclusive enough in my eyes.... each time I see a R8 i find it fascinatting ,but same for a A5 in its current dressing, so i can't wait to see it in RS5 suit...

[Bodhii]

Is there a reason why you feel the need to be condescending to other forum members?Rage, not sure of the reason for your anger. If the the OT had said he had NOT driven a R8, and wished to know the differences, I would be happy to help. This guy says that he has indeed driven the R8, then comes to the R8 forum and says that he can find very little difference between his Audi sedan car and the R8. My response remains the same. He needs to go to a good hi performance driving school. After such an education I'm sure he would be the first to list a long long list of very significant differences between the R8 and an Audi sedan car.

[RXBG]

QuattroFun-

i will respectfully disagree with your assessment of the differences between the R8 and the RS4 except for one thing- the increased practicality of the RS4. most car mags have documented time and again the R8's superb steering. and in terms of mass produced vehicles the R8 remains the best handling car in the world today, only the GTR and exige can touch it.

on a track the RS4 has absolutely nothing in common with the R8 (except for formality's sake- the engine). in the real world they are only close in one respect- cruising down a straight line at a constant speed (where even a honda accord would feel very similar at 60 mph).

that being said, you are the buyer and it is what you feel that matters. of note, in all probability the 2011 R8 base engine will be the same as the 2011 RS5 :hahahehe:

...as such, the RS5 will weigh in about 3-400 lbs heavier than the R8. even with a sports diff and DSG the RS5 will not be quite as fast in a straight. and on the track it will be closer than the R8-RS4 argument you put, but still no cigar. however, the price argument you pose is valid. and if you can get very close R8 performance for 40K USD less one has to consider the point, though there are intangibles that 40K can get you that only an R8 owner will ever know.

finally. if you can only own one car and you have to drive that car through a heavy winter- the decision has already been made. damage to an RS5 will be a bummer. damage to an R8... would be a sin.

[QuattroFun]

Thx for your comments and personal experiences so far, which seem to differ, and keep them coming. It seems to me that very few approach the comparison from an "only car and daily driver as well as fun factor in variety of conditions on public roads, which however do not include the track when it comes to one's own car" point of view. The R8 is great like I said and I am no doubt about its merits in the right conditions, but I like I said during my test drive on public roads at almost legal speeds it did not feel to me that much better and sharper than my RS4 apart from the rock star feelgood factor, appreciation that it is much more special and great noise of course. Again personal experience of course - or maybe I did not drive it long enough (2 hrs). Plus the driving position and the standard R8 seats are less comfortable to me than in the RS4.

I see the merits for me of the RS5 like youry - not because it will be better on the track in the summer than the R8 (obviously it will not be as it will be a GT), but because it will probably work better for me in the conditions I am driving in if price is considered and the RS4 is anything to go by. Or should I save some more money and wait for the FL R8 with the new updated engine after all? Decisions, decisions...

[artur777]

Go for RS5 if this car will be your d-d

[Mr Balsen]

Having driven both R8 and S5 MTM K500, I will definitely buy the R8....
The whole driving experience is so much better in the R8....

my 0.002 french francs

Frederic

[KK265]

RS5.Will be newest,faster than R8 V8.I tested R8.It is faster in track than RS4 but not for 40.000 euro extra.For everyday, fast driving, RS4 is equal.RS5 will be quicker and more practical.

[KresoF1]

As some of you know, I have had a great ride with the RS4 - a few annoying technical problems apart (engine and DRC). I now soon knocking on 3 years and have clocked 64Kkm - when it has been faultfree, I have just loved every minute of it. A great, great car - so much better than my B6 S4 and worth every penny and more in the premium.

But I am thinking about my next ride - should I take the plunge and by a little used R8 V8 now (V10 is too much and too pricey for me) or should I wait another 1.5Y for the newly developed and nagelneu RS5? I just love the R8 having test driven it, but truth told it my does not feel that much better on the road than my RS4 with SS+ and it is very expensive - and I reckon the DRC (when working) is actually at least on par or even better than the Magentic Ride in ther R8, it miles more practical and the RS4 steering is crisper - although the R8 is of course better balanced, more lightfooted, a real eye candy and emits a more wonderful noise on full throttle. On the other hand, just love the idea of an even more powerful V8, the new sport diff and the sexy yet reasonably practial A5 body...

Cast you vote and advice please since I have a hard time decising for myself - and alas I cannot afford both/change 1.5Y from now...

Huh... Regarding difference between RS4(SS+,19") and R8(Magnetic Ride) I can tell you just one thing-how long was your R8 test drive? Why?

Since your opinion about differences between two cars is only valid IMHO when we talk about sheer straight line acceleration-here R8 is just marginally faster.

In every other situation R8 is in drive dynamics ablout three classes above RS4 in my opinion.

There is a problem for Audi fans when they test drive an R8-this true sportscar is not like any Audi in its drive dynamics or behaviour. NO understeer at all in ESP off mode and most Audi fans do not like that. R8 is above the limit oversteer car. In all track tests R8 was much, much faster then RS4. Just for example difference on Hockenheim Klein Kurs is 3s... That is massive on short track.

OK, I am biased since I have R8. My advice for you is to wait for RS5, hopefully it will fullfill your needs better then R8.

[BigRick]

I'm in the same position too. I own an RS4 and had a look (plus test drove the R8 twice) and I don't feel like spending the extra money for the difference. I'm waiting for the RS5.

Is it just me or is that thread a bit harsh? I can almost feel the displeasure of those arguments between Audi and BMW. We're all on the same side, just remember that!

Regards,

[Leadfoot]

There is a problem for Audi fans when they test drive an R8-this true sportscar is not like any Audi in its drive dynamics or behaviour. NO understeer at all in ESP off mode and most Audi fans do not like that. R8 is above the limit oversteer car. In all track tests R8 was much, much faster then RS4. Just for example difference on Hockenheim Klein Kurs is 3s... That is massive on short track.

OK, I am biased since I have R8. My advice for you is to wait for RS5, hopefully it will fullfill your needs better then R8.

100% in agreement with you on this. :thumb:

The R8 behaves like no other Audi, and to most Audi customers it's a totally different driving experience that is a little more edgy than they are use to, plus it has next to zero understeer so there isn't the normal tell-tale signals of the limits being approached.

I am probably one of the people who will prefer the TT/RS or RS5 over the R8, simply for all of the above reasons. But that does not mean the R8 is anything other than the best sportscar Audi have ever produced.

[KresoF1]

I'm in the same position too. I own an RS4 and had a look (plus test drove the R8 twice) and I don't feel like spending the extra money for the difference. I'm waiting for the RS5.

Is it just me or is that thread a bit harsh? I can almost feel the displeasure of those arguments between Audi and BMW. We're all on the same side, just remember that!

Regards,

Well, we are not on the same side-remember that... If R8(4.2 V8) is not better enough sportscar for you or OP that's OK with me. Just, how do you know that RS5 will be better enough?

I understand perfectly if one of important criteria for choosing a car is space and boot size. In that case after RS4 buying something like R8(or Gallardo, 997.2, FL Cayman S or F430) do not make any sense at all.

BUT, if your criteria is drive dynamics and sheer pleasure then choosing (old)RS4 over R8 is indeed strange...

In drive dynamics, roadhloding and sheer pleasure of driving R8 is IMHO completely different world then RS4. Only criteria were RS4 is close to R8 is straight line acceleration and wet road traction.

I just want to point out that comparing RS4 with R8 is actually almost not possible-of course IMHO.

Want a current production sport sedan replacement for RS4?

There are plenty alternatives then:

Audi RS6 sedan(same price range as R8 4.2)
BMW M3 sedan(yes! If you can live with RWD only. It is very good car IMHO.)
Mercedes C63 AMG(not my cup of tea but, faster then RS4...)

[RXBG]

the question here is -- no question. this guy is looking for a a car he can drive in the snow in no. europe. the R8 is not a consideration. one could fit it with snow tires, but traction is NOT the issue. the issue is ground clearance. you COULD get by with it if the roads are always cleaned well.

anyone trying to justify an RS4 because the R8 is too expensive really cannot afford the R8 imo. because if one can afford the R8 one is so jacked by the idea of owning one that one doesn't let the other considerations bother one.

if i lived in urban boston, for example, and could only afford to have one car i would drive all year round (cost no object- say i only had ONE garage for example) the R8 would still be my car. and i'd get a 5K dollar POS i could hide in the summer and take out in the winter after a bad snowstorm.

as i said before a honda accord will feel the same as an RS4 while cruising in a straight line on the highway commute. why get an RS4 then?

[Leadfoot]

anyone trying to justify an RS4 because the R8 is too expensive really cannot afford the R8 imo. because if one can afford the R8 one is so jacked by the idea of owning one that one doesn't let the other considerations bother one.

if i lived in urban boston, for example, and could only afford to have one car i would drive all year round (cost no object- say i only had ONE garage for example) the R8 would still be my car. and i'd get a 5K dollar POS i could hide in the summer and take out in the winter after a bad snowstorm.

as i said before a honda accord will feel the same as an RS4 while cruising in a straight line on the highway commute. why get an RS4 then?

A bit arrogant for you. :nono: And totally out of character.

I could afford an R8 but I can't justify the expense and don't see it as practical enough as a daily drive. I just don't agree that it's always money which stop people from buying cars like these.

As for the Honda vs RS4 comment, the same will be true if you are doing the same thing in the R8, such is it's comfort and sound deadening qualities.

The two cars are chalk and cheese and can't see how anyone can compare to two.

[Bluehinder]

That's a no brainer. R8 now. Arguments aside about the current R8 vs a car no one knows anything about, it's a fools game to wait for any car in the future. Life is too short and unpredictable to pass on one of the worlds great supercars. Plus, it's a great time to buy an R8 with the market now at msrp.

Hard to imagine any man human being with blood coursing through his veins not liking an R8.

[kju]

dont think that the RS5 will be a big bang.

i would go for R8. Its just a supercar...

go to youtube and watch a few thousand car reviews of the Audi R8(top gear, fifth gear, msn cars, fast lane daily .....) and the decision is made ...

and i mean, LOOK at it !!

[QuattroFun]

Thank you gentlemen - this has been a good discussion overall.

I have to spend some more time thinking what I want and it suitable for me where I live and what I can manage with.

A few observations so far:

1) In a perfect world (i.e. me being a younger version of Flavio Briatore and living in the Cote d'Azur among other places), the R8 would be complete no brainer - but as my third car and of course with a V10 along with the RS6 Avant and a F430 Spyder.

2) The R8 is a more compromised winter car based on an admittedly short 2h test drive - traction is in fact to some extent an issue (no, not rear bias in AWD, but no proper winter tyres available for icy conditions) if you aim to drive spiritedly and yet stay in your own lane without frightening oncomers and scaring yourself. Ground clearance is very much another as RXBG correctly points out. Still, I think I could live it also in the winter unless there is a snowstorm or something.

3) I have driven the importer's RS4s on track (and with the help of very qualified instructors) and there it is a heavy ploughing pig when pushed. Have not driven the R8 on track, but I no doubt whatsoever that it is miles better. But RS4's track handicap is much less apparent on the road apart from the tightest bends whereas the R8's superiority does not show up that clearly on the road at 7/10 or 8/10s at least based on a 2h test drive.

4) Yes, the R8, RS4 and RS5 are very different and for different people as this debate shows - but there is cross-over like myself: they should still be and are comparable according to each driver's priorities since they are or will be on sale. I can trade space and money to a degree for real world driver enjoyment - but there is a limit to it. I have driven the RS6 and as my sole car it would be too big and heavy whereas M3 is RWD only - again, as sole car: no thanks.

5) For me, at the limit results from Hockenheim and Nurnburg Ring have to translate into tangible superiority on twisty public roads with oncoming traffic at say 100 km/h speed limits for it to be the superior machine worth paying for. I am not into pub bragging rights and I never track my own cars. Based on my experience, the RS4 is tangibly better than the S4 even in these conditions and the R8 is better still - but is the improvement big enough for the price? Marginal benefits vs. marginal costs as they say...Dunno yet.

6) My head says wait...my heart says go for R8 now and deal with the compromises and financial pain. Tricky. I think I will wait for now at least, but R8 is not out. It is so desirable.

7) On the other hand, I might just be the right customer for ADS with sport diff in the RS5 - less understeer in summer with dynamic and curbed oversteer in winter with auto or comfort on demand. Perfect two-in-one improvement on my current RS4.

[RXBG]

leadfoot.

you can call my opinion arrogant. but in turn, that is only your opinion.

the R8 is definitely not for everyone financially. nor is an RS4. or even an accord.

from everything the original poster wrote my vote is that he go for the less expensive automobile. the RS5, in this case. i simply do not think the r8 is for him. if he does get one- God bless him. he'll love it. but he'll have to find another ride for the snow.

[wedouglas]

I really don't see the point in average drivers comparing performance down to the single digit seconds, especially if you are going to drive it around town a lot. If you want straight line speed, just wait for the RS5, or better yet, get one of the million other cars that can easily be made insanely fast in a straight line. Renntech Mercedes will eat most cars lunch all day, every day on the Autobahn.

Exotic car purchases today are more about the car as a whole. Don't worry about being 1 second slow in the 1/4, or .5 seconds faster 0-100. You aren't going to launch the car and you probably aren't going to street race, so throw all those magazine times out the window. They are worthless and you'll never achieve them.

Drive them, look at them, then pick which one you like more. Because at the end of the day, the professional driver in an average Evo will pass you in your fancy supercar anyway.

I personally don't see the RS5 and the R8 even being considered by the same people. Might as well compare the z06 to the F430, and I think we're all sick of hearing it.

In any case, if it were me, I'd get the R8. Then again, I wouldn't even consider buying an RS5. It could be twice as fast as the R8, but still, it's not an R8. Just like a Casio will never be a Patek, the RS5 will never be an R8.

[Leadfoot]

leadfoot.

you can call my opinion arrogant. but in turn, that is only your opinion.

the R8 is definitely not for everyone financially. nor is an RS4. or even an accord.

from everything the original poster wrote my vote is that he go for the less expensive automobile. the RS5, in this case. i simply do not think the r8 is for him. if he does get one- God bless him. he'll love it. but he'll have to find another ride for the snow.

Sorry for the way my comments sounded, I was only highlighting that there are many people who for one reason or another chose not to go for the R8, myself as one of them. You are quite correct that no everyone will be able to afford either of these cars, but as the OP was debating which one to get I would have assumed that his financies were in order.

Never intended to start the new year off with an argument. :cheers:

[Leadfoot]

Thank you gentlemen - this has been a good discussion overall.

I have to spend some more time thinking what I want and it suitable for me where I live and what I can manage with.

A few observations so far:

1) In a perfect world (i.e. me being a younger version of Flavio Briatore and living in the Cote d'Azur among other places), the R8 would be complete no brainer - but as my third car and of course with a V10 along with the RS6 Avant and a F430 Spyder.

2) The R8 is a more compromised winter car based on an admittedly short 2h test drive - traction is in fact to some extent an issue (no, not rear bias in AWD, but no proper winter tyres available for icy conditions) if you aim to drive spiritedly and yet stay in your own lane without frightening oncomers and scaring yourself. Ground clearance is very much another as RXBG correctly points out. Still, I think I could live it also in the winter unless there is a snowstorm or something.

3) I have driven the importer's RS4s on track (and with the help of very qualified instructors) and there it is a heavy ploughing pig when pushed. Have not driven the R8 on track, but I no doubt whatsoever that it is miles better. But RS4's track handicap is much less apparent on the road apart from the tightest bends whereas the R8's superiority does not show up that clearly on the road at 7/10 or 8/10s at least based on a 2h test drive.

4) Yes, the R8, RS4 and RS5 are very different and for different people as this debate shows - but there is cross-over like myself: they should still be and are comparable according to each driver's priorities since they are or will be on sale. I can trade space and money to a degree for real world driver enjoyment - but there is a limit to it. I have driven the RS6 and as my sole car it would be too big and heavy whereas M3 is RWD only - again, as sole car: no thanks.

5) For me, at the limit results from Hockenheim and Nurnburg Ring have to translate into tangible superiority on twisty public roads with oncoming traffic at say 100 km/h speed limits for it to be the superior machine worth paying for. I am not into pub bragging rights and I never track my own cars. Based on my experience, the RS4 is tangibly better than the S4 even in these conditions and the R8 is better still - but is the improvement big enough for the price? Marginal benefits vs. marginal costs as they say...Dunno yet.

6) My head says wait...my heart says go for R8 now and deal with the compromises and financial pain. Tricky. I think I will wait for now at least, but R8 is not out. It is so desirable.

7) On the other hand, I might just be the right customer for ADS with sport diff in the RS5 - less understeer in summer with dynamic and curbed oversteer in winter with auto or comfort on demand. Perfect two-in-one improvement on my current RS4.

My opinion is that giving the facts of both your driving style and conditions you may find yourself in the best choice is indeed either the RS5 or await for the next RS4.

Everything I have heard about sport diff sounds like it and Quattro are a match made in heaven. Depending on your mood the diff can be selected to either to have mild understeer at the limit, neutral or slight oversteer, with comfort setting being to most forgiving.

As RXBG or Kerso will both admit even though the R8 is Audi's ultimate handling car when comparing the RS5 (basing on expectations) and the R8, on tracks like Hockenhiem and the ring these cars will be very dependent of driver ability, meaning the best driver will ultimately win out regardless of the car they are in.

The RS5 will be quicker in acceleration and cost considerably less but will not have the air of superiority or sense of occasion that only the R8 can give and that as much as anything is what cars like the R8 are all about.

[artur777]

R8 is one hell of a car, it does look astonishing.
RS5 will be also very potent and exciting machine.

I think you have to understand if this car will be your only one.
If yes - go for RS5, because R8 is a bit harsh and too demanding. It doesn't suit in winter well and sometimes when want to get relaxed.
If no - go for R8, it will be a real blast to ride it on weekends in summer.

But you can also go for 911 FL 4S or GTR - those cars are also AWD and may be not less exciting than R8 or RS5.

[BigRick]

Well, your point is well noted... Just don't know where this is coming from but if you feel like the R8 is a new religion and anyone not preaching for it is not on your side then that's fine with me.

But let me correct two things here:
First I never said the R8 is not a great car. I run for every test drive I can get on that amazing piece of machinery. I say it's not for everyone, even if you do have the money.
Second, I never said the RS5 will be better either. I said I was waiting for it.

So why are you so edgy regarding the R8… Having a bad day or what? I wasn’t attacking anybody nor the R8. I was simply answering the guy’s question regarding the R8 and the RS5 as I am in the same situation at this very moment and for many reasons (which are pretty much the same he already stated) I decided to pass and wait, that’s it.
What’s wrong with that that would justify your attitude towards me?



Well, we are not on the same side-remember that... If R8(4.2 V8) is not better enough sportscar for you or OP that's OK with me. Just, how do you know that RS5 will be better enough?

I understand perfectly if one of important criteria for choosing a car is space and boot size. In that case after RS4 buying something like R8(or Gallardo, 997.2, FL Cayman S or F430) do not make any sense at all.

BUT, if your criteria is drive dynamics and sheer pleasure then choosing (old)RS4 over R8 is indeed strange...

In drive dynamics, roadhloding and sheer pleasure of driving R8 is IMHO completely different world then RS4. Only criteria were RS4 is close to R8 is straight line acceleration and wet road traction.

I just want to point out that comparing RS4 with R8 is actually almost not possible-of course IMHO.

Want a current production sport sedan replacement for RS4?

There are plenty alternatives then:

Audi RS6 sedan(same price range as R8 4.2)
BMW M3 sedan(yes! If you can live with RWD only. It is very good car IMHO.)
Mercedes C63 AMG(not my cup of tea but, faster then RS4...)

[jasaretta]

QuattroFun-

i will respectfully disagree with your assessment of the differences between the R8 and the RS4 except for one thing- the increased practicality of the RS4. most car mags have documented time and again the R8's superb steering. and in terms of mass produced vehicles the R8 remains the best handling car in the world today, only the GTR and exige can touch it.

on a track the RS4 has absolutely nothing in common with the R8 (except for formality's sake- the engine). in the real world they are only close in one respect- cruising down a straight line at a constant speed (where even a honda accord would feel very similar at 60 mph).

that being said, you are the buyer and it is what you feel that matters. of note, in all probability the 2011 R8 base engine will be the same as the 2011 RS5 :hahahehe:

...as such, the RS5 will weigh in about 3-400 lbs heavier than the R8. even with a sports diff and DSG the RS5 will not be quite as fast in a straight. and on the track it will be closer than the R8-RS4 argument you put, but still no cigar. however, the price argument you pose is valid. and if you can get very close R8 performance for 40K USD less one has to consider the point, though there are intangibles that 40K can get you that only an R8 owner will ever know.

finally. if you can only own one car and you have to drive that car through a heavy winter- the decision has already been made. damage to an RS5 will be a bummer. damage to an R8... would be a sin.

Having moved from an RS4 to R8 in the last 4 months - this post sums it up best for me. I love the R8 - REALLY Love it. But there are things about the RS4 that I miss...practicality, comfort (not that the R8 is uncomfortable but the Rs4 was great).

I understand your issues in your very northern conditions and might lean towards the Rs5 - my R8 is my daily driver and it is great.

It really depends on what you want from the car - even without knowing the specs of the RS5 they will be VERY VERY different.

In the end - do what I do - trust your heart and your gut :D

[KresoF1]

Well, your point is well noted... Just don't know where this is coming from but if you feel like the R8 is a new religion and anyone not preaching for it is not on your side then that's fine with me.

But let me correct two things here:
First I never said the R8 is not a great car. I run for every test drive I can get on that amazing piece of machinery. I say it's not for everyone, even if you do have the money.
Second, I never said the RS5 will be better either. I said I was waiting for it.

So why are you so edgy regarding the R8… Having a bad day or what? I wasn’t attacking anybody nor the R8. I was simply answering the guy’s question regarding the R8 and the RS5 as I am in the same situation at this very moment and for many reasons (which are pretty much the same he already stated) I decided to pass and wait, that’s it.
What’s wrong with that that would justify your attitude towards me?

First, there is NO bad attitude towards you or OP from me, there is ONLY big difference in opinion between us.

Second, why is every RS4 owner trying to prove to himself that R8 is not(much) better car overall? As a sportscar RS4 do not have any chance against R8, here RXBG agrees with me also.

IMO it is was clear from OP first post in this thread that he will choose to wait for RS5 and that he needs to justify(in my opinion) that by confirmation from members here.

...and one other thing-very good friend of mine owns same RS4 as you and he even share your opinion about R8-not much faster then R8. Just... We both attentded Audi Driving experience on the Race track where both R8 and RS4 were involved. In the end even he could not belived how big the real difference between R8 and RS4 are in drive dynamics.

You claim that some of us here belive in R8 religion? How about that some of you are little bit too subjective RS4 fans? No winners or loosers here IMO.

Enjoy your RS4!:cheers: It is still great car IMHO. Just IMHO(again) NO comparison with R8...

[KK265]

Second, why is every RS4 owner trying to prove to himself that R8 is not(much) better car overall? As a sportscar RS4 do not have any chance against R8, here RXBG agrees with me also.


Because I drive an RS4 in Greece and never had the chance to drive it in circuit to see the difference in handling with R8.I saw only in Barcelona circuit in Audi driving experience how it performs.But R8 was on Michelin cups and RS4 on Pirelli rosso.This made the difference bigger.Sport auto on supertests found a difference of 4 secs for 20 km of circuit between R8 and RS4.Remove the speed limiter of the RS4 and the difference will be less.Who gives for 2 secs on 20 km track 40-50.000 euro ?.Also the man who buys RS4 usually needs the back seat and the boot.R8 has not.So for buying an R8 you need second car.(Cost of buying,maintenance,road tax,insurance etc)In a straight line R8 needs 2 kms to pass the RS4 if it is behind.If someone needs a track sportscar with the money of R8 can buy a Porsche GT3 which is quicker for track and straight lines and is Porsche.So RS4 owners are not trying to prove anything.How many times did you drive your car on track in 2008??

[Leadfoot]

Man has this thread gotten out of hand, RS4 owners and R8 owners arguing as to which is the better car. Seriously guys get a grip. :doh:

KK265, BigRick and all other RS4 owners who have posted on this thread, the R8 IS the better drivers car, both in dynamics and feel. Is it a better overall package than the RS4, given it's lack of practicality and more limited seasonal ability, then the answer has to be NO.

The only thing I think we can be sure of is that the RS5 WILL be a lot close in ability to the R8 than ever before and in a way much the decision for picking the R8 is even more a one done by the heart instead of the head.

[KK265]

Man has this thread gotten out of hand, RS4 owners and R8 owners arguing as to which is the better car. Seriously guys get a grip. :doh:

KK265, BigRick and all other RS4 owners who have posted on this thread, the R8 IS the better drivers car, both in dynamics and feel. Is it a better overall package than the RS4, given it's lack of practicality and more limited seasonal ability, then the answer has to be NO.

The only thing I think we can be sure of is that the RS5 WILL be a lot close in ability to the R8 than ever before and in a way much the decision for picking the R8 is even more a one done by the heart instead of the head.
The thread is about what is better suitable car for Quattrofun.And he needs as I understood 1 car.Not 2.Not for me or you.This is the argument.

[KresoF1]

Because I drive an RS4 in Greece and never had the chance to drive it in circuit to see the difference in handling with R8.I saw only in Barcelona circuit in Audi driving experience how it performs.But R8 was on Michelin cups and RS4 on Pirelli rosso.This made the difference bigger.Sport auto on supertests found a difference of 4 secs for 20 km of circuit between R8 and RS4.Remove the speed limiter of the RS4 and the difference will be less.Who gives for 2 secs on 20 km track 40-50.000 euro ?.Also the man who buys RS4 usually needs the back seat and the boot.R8 has not.So for buying an R8 you need second car.(Cost of buying,maintenance,road tax,insurance etc)In a straight line R8 needs 2 kms to pass the RS4 if it is behind.If someone needs a track sportscar with the money of R8 can buy a Porsche GT3 which is quicker for track and straight lines and is Porsche.So RS4 owners are not trying to prove anything.How many times did you drive your car on track in 2008??

Little clarification about Sport Auto track times...
Yes, R8 did 8:04 with Corsas but, this was example with standard suspesnion that was not most powerfull of all press R8s then available...

Same R8 did 1:12,7min on Hockenheim and RS4(SS+, also Corsas) did 1:15,4min so, difference on short Hockenheim is almost 3s.

Last year Sport Auto retested R8(this time with Magnetic Ride) and this time it did 1:13,4min with standard Pirelli P Zeros and standard brakes. Do you know the RS4(SS+) time with standard P Zero Rosso? 1:17,2min...

Auto Bild Sports car edition tested R8(Magnetic Ride) on the Nordschleife and Sascha Bert did 8:01min with standard Pirelli P Zeros. As we all know that Corsas are almost 7s-8s faster on the Ring go figure...

I did only two laps on our local race track with R8 in 2008 and in the future I do not plan to do more then few laps per year. Just... I drove in mid October 2008 220km with myy firend who owns RS4(SS+) and he told me that R8 is much faster car on the windy road. He said to me that in some corners I was much faster then he could be in his RS4. And my R8 is with standard suspension...

I will say also this-I like and respect RS4. It is still IMO a great car. BUT, it is great sport sedan and R8 is awsome true sportscar. That is the difference.

[KK265]

Little clarification about Sport Auto track times...
Yes, R8 did 8:04 with Corsas but, this was example with standard suspesnion that was not most powerfull of all press R8s then available...

Same R8 did 1:12,7min on Hockenheim and RS4(SS+, also Corsas) did 1:15,4min so, difference on short Hockenheim is almost 3s.

Last year Sport Auto retested R8(this time with Magnetic Ride) and this time it did 1:13,4min with standard Pirelli P Zeros and standard brakes. Do you know the RS4(SS+) time with standard P Zero Rosso? 1:17,2min...

Auto Bild Sports car edition tested R8(Magnetic Ride) on the Nordschleife and Sascha Bert did 8:01min with standard Pirelli P Zeros. As we all know that Corsas are almost 7s-8s faster on the Ring go figure...

I did only two laps on our local race track with R8 in 2008 and in the future I do not plan to do more then few laps per year. Just... I drove in mid October 2008 220km with myy firend who owns RS4(SS+) and he told me that R8 is much faster car on the windy road. He said to me that in some corners I was much faster then he could be in his RS4. And my R8 is with standard suspension...

I will say also this-I like and respect RS4. It is still IMO a great car. BUT, it is great sport sedan and R8 is awsome true sportscar. That is the difference.
I really believe you and agree about that R8 has better handling than RS4.I have no doubt about this and this was my own conclusion after track day.If I had an R8
and 140-150000 euro I would like to compete 997 GT3 not saloons on the roads.This is the target.I think R8 is very expensive.Try to follow a 996 turbo (6-7 years old car) with 420 also PS and 4WD or a 997 carrera S PDK and you will understand.7 years later than 996 turbo Audi could make a quicker overall car.At lower price Nissan GTR and Corvette Z 06 humilitates R8 V8.For me Z 06 is more beautiful and driver's car than R8.GTR quickest without skills of all for this price again.

Back to the thread.Dear Quattrofun wait for the RS5 some months yet and if is not what you expected you have time to buy R8.

[BigRick]

Leadfood, I've always trusted your judgment regarding Audis and once again I'm with you. The point here is really not which one is the best car. Well, not for me. Re-read the question asked from QuattroFun and see my first answer and read the answers from some R8 owners. No where will you find me saying the RS4 is better than the R8. The RS4 was there before and since I have one it’s “harder” (not impossible) to justify the switch to the V8 version.

My understanding is that "they" (and I don't want to over-generalize here has they are not all in the same bag for sure) want their car to be the one size fit all and it's not. No question, the R8 is a marvelous car and I'm one big fan.

But the comments from some members are harsh and narrow and that is strange coming from Audi's fans.

Just to put things straight I do love the R8 and think it's a great car. But I want one as much as I want a Veyron (meaning not really). It has nothing to do with the fact that it drives better or not than my RS4. We already all know it is night & day on the track and that on the streets it won’t show as much. Was QuattroFun asking for the best track car? It doesn’t look like that from the simple fact he’s throwing them both against each other in the question. I really doubt QuattroFun doesn’t already know the obvious about the track superiority of the R8.

So, where does that leaves us? Comparing the other attributes of both cars and at that game the R8 loses a bit of its edge as it is more dedicated than the RS5 (speculation here, but no big risk)

Wrapping it up:
R8: mid-engine, super sport car, better track abilities, awesome look (and the list goes on)
RS5: front engine, more interior space, potentially a great daily driver with a lot of power
RS4: we’re not even talking about it !!!

Quite an animated thread we now have!



Man has this thread gotten out of hand, RS4 owners and R8 owners arguing as to which is the better car. Seriously guys get a grip. :doh:

KK265, BigRick and all other RS4 owners who have posted on this thread, the R8 IS the better drivers car, both in dynamics and feel. Is it a better overall package than the RS4, given it's lack of practicality and more limited seasonal ability, then the answer has to be NO.

The only thing I think we can be sure of is that the RS5 WILL be a lot close in ability to the R8 than ever before and in a way much the decision for picking the R8 is even more a one done by the heart instead of the head.

[Leadfoot]

Sorry Rick,

On re-reading my own post I did group you wrongly as one of the others. :cheers:

I already stated I would prefer the RS5 over the R8 but the R8 is the superior car in both dynamics and ability. In fact I am pretty confident that the TT/RS will be one of the ones to watch, combining the normal sure-footed driving style of most Audi Quattros with the nimble/light on it's feet feel of the R8.

I only hope that when it finally arrives we all aren't once again at each other's throats debating which is the 'best' RS model.

[Bluehinder]

I really don't see the point in average drivers comparing performance down to the single digit seconds, especially if you are going to drive it around town a lot. If you want straight line speed, just wait for the RS5, or better yet, get one of the million other cars that can easily be made insanely fast in a straight line. Renntech Mercedes will eat most cars lunch all day, every day on the Autobahn.

Exotic car purchases today are more about the car as a whole. Don't worry about being 1 second slow in the 1/4, or .5 seconds faster 0-100. You aren't going to launch the car and you probably aren't going to street race, so throw all those magazine times out the window. They are worthless and you'll never achieve them.

Drive them, look at them, then pick which one you like more. Because at the end of the day, the professional driver in an average Evo will pass you in your fancy supercar anyway.

I personally don't see the RS5 and the R8 even being considered by the same people. Might as well compare the z06 to the F430, and I think we're all sick of hearing it.

In any case, if it were me, I'd get the R8. Then again, I wouldn't even consider buying an RS5. It could be twice as fast as the R8, but still, it's not an R8. Just like a Casio will never be a Patek, the RS5 will never be an R8.

Tru dat.

[BigRick]

Sorry Rick,

On re-reading my own post I did group you wrongly as one of the others. :cheers:

I already stated I would prefer the RS5 over the R8 but the R8 is the superior car in both dynamics and ability. In fact I am pretty confident that the TT/RS will be one of the ones to watch, combining the normal sure-footed driving style of most Audi Quattros with the nimble/light on it's feet feel of the R8.

I only hope that when it finally arrives we all aren't once again at each other's throats debating which is the 'best' RS model.

No problem at all, no offense taken what so ever. :cheers:

I'm also anticipating that TT/RS quite a bit but we really don't know if it will be coming to our side of the Atlantic.

hoping the same regarding the debate!

[Leadfoot]

I think R8 is very expensive.Try to follow a 996 turbo (6-7 years old car) with 420 also PS and 4WD or a 997 carrera S PDK and you will understand.7 years later than 996 turbo Audi could make a quicker overall car.At lower price Nissan GTR and Corvette Z 06 humilitates R8 V8.For me Z 06 is more beautiful and driver's car than R8.GTR quickest without skills of all for this price again.

Can't agree that these findings one single bit. If outright performance and figures are what you are after then there is much better and cheaper cars out there than the R8, but to class either the 996Turbo or Z06 as better driver's car with superior dynamics then you are miles off the mark.

Drive a 996Turbo and compare it to the R8 or even the 997Mk2 and see if you still believe this to be true, the R8 moved thing forward from where the Gallardo was and even now you will find that the LP560 hasn't the same balance as the R8 has. There is more to life than speed.

[KK265]

Can't agree that these findings one single bit. If outright performance and figures are what you are after then there is much better and cheaper cars out there than the R8, but to class either the 996Turbo or Z06 as better driver's car with superior dynamics then you are miles off the mark.

Drive a 996Turbo and compare it to the R8 or even the 997Mk2 and see if you still believe this to be true, the R8 moved thing forward from where the Gallardo was and even now you will find that the LP560 hasn't the same balance as the R8 has. There is more to life than speed.
I do not agree but anything about Nissan GTR?Unbalanced too?

[Leadfoot]

I do not agree but anything about Nissan GTR?Unbalanced too?

I think the GTR's abilities have been well documented, it is a sublime machine with grip and balance unexpected for it's weight and equipped with probably the most advanced AWD system bar none.

But I would still prefer an RS5 or R8. Once again, speed isn't everything and pure snobbery must raise it's head now and again, after all it is only a Datsun.

P.S.

Just wished Audi had designed it first. :cry:

[RXBG]

one thing you should all remember is that the V8 R8 may well be discontinued by the time the RS5 arrives. at that point, a new car buyer contemplating an R8 will be looking at a 10 cylinder R8 that will obliterate the RS5.

[QuattroFun]

Hmm, the TTRS could be a decent contender for me as well - really as poor man's R8 or a more practical front-engined Cayman S.

[R8 England]

Mmm.......

This one has provoked a lot of interest.

The R8 is mid-engine and the RS4 and RS5 are both front engined.

I disagree that the RS5 will be faster straight line than R8 V8. My R8 was timed by Performance VW magazine and achieved a 0-60 mph of 4.1 secs. I don't see an RS5 beating that, but we will just have to wait and see.

I absolutely agree with Kreso, the R8 is a car like no other on the track and also on the road. I have never driven anything with such grip, stability and handling.

I have an R8 V8 and also an RS4 (2.7 Litre B7), and has driven 10K miles on an R8 and 70K miles on an RS4. I have had both on the track, and they are both good.

(I have also had some limited experience of RS4 (4.2) on road and track).

It is a difficult choice. If I had to choose one car, it would always be R8, but practicality from me dicates keeping the RS4 as well.

In such circumstances, the RS5 may be the best compromise, but I doubt it will come close to the R8 in terms of handling dynamics.

Do not fool yourself into thinking that V8 will be discontinued in favour of V10. As Kreso will no doubt re-confirm, only a small percentage of R8 production will be V10 (perhaps 10-25% ?). In the UK, most, if not all, V10 production has been pre-allocated in any event. So forget about ordering one now if you are not on the list.

Yes, used R8 V8 prices are falling rapidly - this is due to the recession, and nothing else.

[BigRick]

Sorry, I know this is not a RS5 thread but I think you'll love the sound of this!
http://www.auto-motor-und-sport.de/web-tv-606243.html?task=get_player_code&sig=iLyROoafYPyL

and we're not that far from and RS5 thread anyway.

Here's one for the R8 only fans ;)
http://www.auto-motor-und-sport.de/web-tv-606243.html?task=get_player_code&sig=iLyROoafJ8s7

[QuattroFun]

I must be out of my mind and I embarrassed to admit this, but I am back to this should-I-do-the-R8(V8)-thing debate with myself again. The R8 must be my very own "Freddy Krueger" as it keeps coming back to haunt me.

Yes, the RS5 will be SOTA technology and way more roomy, but as brand new next year about as expensive as a little used R8 V8 is now and not quite as special really...

:vhmmm:

[KresoF1]

Little hint for you-R8 4.2 FSI will produce the same power as RS5 from MY2011.

[QuattroFun]

Little hint for you-R8 4.2 FSI will produce the same power as RS5 from MY2011.

Very interesting - but I think I will settle for a used one if I indeed go for one. Oddly enough, R8 V8 residuals still appear surprisingly solid at least at mobile.de despite the imminent arrival of the better-value-as-new V10 model. How much do you expect to lose on your V8 as % of brand new (net of all rebates) when you trade in for the V10 assuming that is still your plan?

[RXBG]

Very interesting - but I think I will settle for a used one if I indeed go for one. Oddly enough, R8 V8 residuals still appear surprisingly solid at least at mobile.de despite the imminent arrival of the better-value-as-new V10 model. How much do you expect to lose on your V8 as % of brand new (net of all rebates) when you trade in for the V10 assuming that is still your plan?

i've expected all along and always said- the engines will be the same for the RS5 and V8- a 30-40 hp bump and more fuel efficiency are predicted for the current engine. here in the US many poseurs and desperadoes demand that the R8 resale should be below 100K even with 20K on the odometer but that is not the case. handful of desperate repos and dealers have sold below 100K, but that is 10% of the resale market. audi has decreased availability of new cars and in turn helped maintain the used value of the R8. you may have to wait 6-7 months but you can get over 100K for your used R8.

the price diff between RS5 and R8 is not just based on performance- but on cachet and exclusivity. and no matter how good the RS5 handles it will not be a match for an R8 on the track. ever. even with DSG.

[KresoF1]

Very interesting - but I think I will settle for a used one if I indeed go for one. Oddly enough, R8 V8 residuals still appear surprisingly solid at least at mobile.de despite the imminent arrival of the better-value-as-new V10 model. How much do you expect to lose on your V8 as % of brand new (net of all rebates) when you trade in for the V10 assuming that is still your plan?

Lost on my trade will be big. BTW, lost is about 30% from new pice in one year(and below 10000kms).