Audi RS4 Drag Race: Old vs. New Legends

Audi’s RS Legacy Tested: Can the New S5 Tame the RS4 Beasts?

The Audi RS4 badge is synonymous with potent performance and everyday practicality, a lineage stretching back decades. But in the ever-evolving world of automotive engineering, can the latest offerings from Ingolstadt hold a candle to their illustrious predecessors? We put this question to the ultimate test with a series of drag races, pitting legendary RS4 models against each other and even venturing into R8 territory to see if the new Audi S5 can truly conquer the past.

The Contenders: A Symphony of V6s and V8s

Our showdown features a formidable lineup: the original B5 RS4 Avant, a true icon from the late 90s, boasting a 2.7-liter twin-turbo V6 engine producing 380 horsepower and 440 Nm of torque. This was followed by its successor, the B7 RS4 Avant, which swapped the V6 for a glorious 4.2-liter naturally aspirated V8, kicking out 420 horsepower and 430 Nm of torque. We also welcome the B8 RS4 Avant, retaining the V8 but upping the ante to 450 horsepower and 430 Nm of torque, paired with a swift 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. Finally, stepping up to challenge these performance estates is the newer Audi S5 Avant, equipped with a 3.0-liter single-turbo V6 engine delivering 367 horsepower and 550 Nm of torque, also featuring a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic. For an ultimate comparison, we even threw in the original R8 V8 and the R8 V10 GT to see just how far Audi’s performance has come.

Performance Showdown: Standing Quarter Mile Times Revealed

The results from the standing quarter-mile races paint a fascinating picture of Audi’s performance evolution. The newer, more powerful machines generally assert their dominance, but not without a fight from the older generations.

• Audi R8 GT Spider (V10): 12.6 seconds
• Audi RS4 Avant (B8): 12.6 seconds
• Audi S5 Avant: 12.8 seconds
• Audi RS4 Avant (B5): 13.1 seconds
• Audi R8 V8: 13.2 seconds
• Audi RS4 Avant (B7): 13.5 seconds

The R8 GT Spider and the B8 RS4 Avant proved to be the quickest, achieving identical 12.6-second quarter-mile times. The newer S5 Avant followed closely behind at 12.8 seconds, demonstrating the effectiveness of its modern powertrain and launch control. The legendary B5 RS4 still holds its own, clocking in at a respectable 13.1 seconds, while the original R8 V8 managed 13.2 seconds. The B7 RS4, despite its naturally aspirated V8 charm, brought up the rear with a 13.5-second run.

Interior and Driving Dynamics: A Matter of Taste

Beyond outright speed, the driving experience and interior quality were also scrutinized. The older RS4 models, particularly the B5, were praised for their surprisingly high-quality interiors and supportive, almost bucket-like seats, a sentiment that seemed to diminish in some of the newer models where comfort sometimes trumped sporty ergonomics. The B7 RS4’s V8 soundtrack was a highlight, though the B5’s V6 had its own unique appeal. The newer S5 and B8 RS4, with their dual-clutch transmissions and launch control, offered a more clinical and rapid delivery of power, but perhaps at the expense of some of the raw engagement of their manual predecessors.

Value Proposition: Modern Performance or Classic Charm?

When considering value, the used market presents compelling options. The B5 RS4, despite its age, commands a significant price tag of around £50,000, reflecting its rarity and desirability. The B7 RS4 offers a more accessible entry into V8 RS ownership at around £25,000. The B8 RS4, surprisingly, can be found for around £18,000, making it a performance bargain. The newer S5 Avant, however, represents a substantial investment, with the tested model costing around £75,000 when optioned up. The R8 V8 is available for around £33,000, while the R8 V10 GT Spider fetches a premium at around £75,000. For buyers seeking raw performance and everyday usability, the B8 RS4 presents an incredible value proposition. Those looking for a more engaging manual driving experience might lean towards the older RS4s or the R8 V8, provided they can overlook their slightly slower times and older interiors.

Verdict: The Evolution of Audi Performance

This drag race series definitively shows that while older Audi RS models possess undeniable character and performance for their era, modern engineering has pushed the boundaries significantly. The B8 RS4 Avant, with its potent V8 and rapid dual-clutch transmission, proved to be a formidable contender, matching the mighty R8 GT Spider in a straight line and offering incredible value on the used market. The new S5 Avant, while not quite reaching the outright pace of the fastest RS models in this test, offers a compelling blend of modern technology and performance. Ultimately, the RS4 lineage remains a benchmark for fast estates, with each generation offering its own unique appeal, but the trend clearly points towards faster, more efficient, and technologically advanced performance vehicles.

Source: Can this £18k Audi RS4 beat a new S5 and R8 V10? DRAG RACE (YouTube)