Audi RS estate super-test - seven high performance icons on track!
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- čas přidán 20. 06. 2024
- Steve Sutcliffe is back on track with seven of Audi's most iconic RS estate models to follow the lineage of motoring's most eccentric dynasty. But looking back over multiple generations of the RS 2, RS 4 and RS 6, which do you think will strike Steve's fancy the most?
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00:00 Intro
00:50 RS 2
03:06 RS 4 (B5, the Cosworth powered one)
05:07 RS 6 (C5, the rainmaker)
07:00 RS 4 (B7, the one that pipped the M3)
09:45 RS 6 (C6, the V10 one)
12:18 RS 6 Performance (C8, the new one)
15:29 RS 4 Competition (B9, the brilliant one) - Auta a dopravní prostředky
I always wanted a b5 but I have an immaculate b7 rs4. I’ll never sell it, it is so rewarding to drive and so well put together. For me it’s a very iconic car, 5years in to ownership and I still love it. I park it, walk off and look back with a smile.
Absolutely 💯 % agreed 👍 rs4 brother 😊
I have always been enthusiastic about the Audi sports estate and currently drive an RS4 B8. For me, it's the perfect RS4, not too small, not too big with a high-revving V8 and safe in all weather conditions. The concept inspires me every day and probably always will. Thanks for the RS comparison and, as always, the content is absolutely top.
if porsche involved in the development we should all be enthusiastic
Don't know why they didn't include the B8... its my dream car!!
@@manager4286 most of the times they didn't find one because all of this cars have owners
Me too! I am lucky enough to have a B8 RS4 and it is epic. They do everything!
It’s just the fuel issue! If you want it as a daily the running costs are super prohibitive. I do 3000 miles a month and can just about justify a dirty diesel. I’ve a Cayman S as the weekend car. In my world a RS car doesn’t fit either bracket just now. But I do list after a B7 RS4 still.
You missed the best one! C7 is the one guys.
Just bought a B7 RS4 avant in identical spec to the car in the video. Taking delivery on saturday and couldnt be more excited. Ive wanted this car since i was a teenager when it was first unveiled, seeing it here just gets me even more excited!!!! 😍
You won’t be disappointed, they’re great!
@@JC_46 Agreed. I’ve had one for almost a year and I love it. Save a few pennies for bills though.
Enjoy bro Saloon owner here Your gonna be thrilled every drive :-)
I did a tour of the Porsche museum in Stuttgart back in when the RS2 was being finished off by Porsche & remember seeing transporters bringing them in to the factory. Also there outside the old admin building across the road I looked over the fence & there was 4 new red 959s 😀🏆. When I ventured around the rear of the factory there was a yard which was full of 968s & 964 RSs. Oh pure joy the memories of that trip. My favourite car of that trip was a 964 turbo coming out on test. Mint green. 👍🏆
Great memories by the sound of it, I would have any of the above ❤
@@ianmitchell9102 cheers. The trip also included the Mercedes Benz museum which was much bigger. But my memories were all Porsche really. 👍
@@Senna-xi1grdo you own a Porsche now too ?
@@ianmitchell9102 No not now. We have had a 944 in our family years ago & cars like DB7 , Impreza turbo, E type jaguar etc. I have just sold a TVR & currently running a A5 S5.
B5 and B7 all day
Exactly that.
After owning a b5 rs4 for the last 10 years i would say it put audi on the map with fast estates.
Now i own a c7 rs6 and wow i think its the best audi rs they made.
A shame you never reviewed it on this episode
Agreed
C7 rs6 is the daddy
I haven't driven them but the C8 is too over the top on tech and looks imo. The C7 is so sweet
Long live the Audi RS Avants!!!! Arguably, the best looking wagons(estates) out there!
Ahh the fast Audi estates. Just a legendary lineup of cars! For me it is B7 and B9 RS4'S.
b7 manual:-) was not a thought for me ❤ mine :-)
Its sad how people dont understand the Unicorn that is the RS6 V10, you need to actually experience it on the road in ALL conditions to appreciate it fully. A family car with a V10!? The more time goes on the more its Legendary status will grow.
I had a S4 B7 that ticked lot of boxes other than fuel economy. Steve, your insights make you one of my favorite writers.
And timing chain guides. They were a lot less of an issue on the RS4. It's also very difficult to find one with a proper transmission, at least where I live.
Not to split hairs but the competition RS4 is a 2.9 not 2.7. I agree though, the B7 RS4 would be the one to have, probably to do the soundtrack of the engine
The most significant for me was always the C7 model version. It was the best they ever produced. ❤ The C8 is just over assisted and controlled and is not really any faster than a C7 given its additional weight penalties.
Had my C7 RS6 for 2 years now. Best car ive ever owned. Does everything i need it to, perfectly 😊
C7 RS7 owner here and I can totally agree. Such an amazing car, peak Audi for sure
Sold my b5 rs4 and bought a c7 rs6 2 months ago.
I agree wow what a car ...brilliant in every way.
C8 owner here….. you boys must be feeling left out!
@@LongyUK01 I actually own a RSQ8 and the new gen RS models are too soft. They’re quieter, heavier, slower but do handle better. However the DRC system on my RS7 keeps the car glued to the road.
Hi @@Pabla98. Does your RSQ8 not have DRC? I’m in a C8 RS6 Vorsprung and it has DRC.
Only pulling the C7 owners legs. They are stunning cars. I had a C7 (not an RS6) before I went C8 and they are very comparable - it’s just the technology that’s light years ahead - literally light years. The C7 tech is from 2011 😵
All super wagons though!
Yay! More Steve!! (and fast cars too). Still the benchmark for other reviewers :)
How do I add more "+" to this comment?
@@ruexpatlive I'll help you out
This is brilliant! Thank you Auto Express
The latest C8 RS6 performance is by far the best looking RS6 so far. The B7 RS4 is just sublime and would be the one I'd go for...
b7 rs4 all day long it's absolutely magnificent to own and drive :-)
I have very fond nd memories of my Avis silver B5 RS4 in 2000. It was the days before monster power and weight took over, and with 380hp and great torque, it was a great on road fast car.
Great reviews of these cars. I have a C6 RS6 and yes, with the DRC on sports setting it is very, very bumpy! Comfort is of course nice and smooth and dynamic is just about bearable on the UK roads for a short while!!
Remember when the b5 came along and was when i started to be interested into cars. Was 10 years old. And could not beleive the power and spec it had
Auto Express has answered my prayers. Top video. Thank you.
I believe the B5 RS4 is a late run Clubsport model.
They came with Recaro PolePositions, alcantara wheel and most (if not all) are finished in Imola Gelb.
I remember the billboard advert for the RS2. My other car's a Porsche, but today I'm in a hurry.
great review and piece...always had a soft spot for the fast avant
I absolutely love my b5s4 which is all we got in the US. Its got rs6 hybrid turbos and makes 450whp/475wtq and is really quite quick and with coilovers handles pretty well. Wish we got the b5 rs4s though
YOU MIGHT BUY AN
AUDI TTRS
⚡️⚡️⚡️⚡️⚡️⚡️⚡️⚡️⚡️⚡️
Its the C6 RS6 for me. Love the twin turbo V10 combined with subtle looks. Absolute handling not really an issue with a 2 tonne estate, and these are never going to be track cars. Chris Harris, for one, really rated these when launched and that's good enough for me.
I remember he didn't like it at all? There is a video about it 😂
Yes he did. I've just watched the original Autocar road test video. Really positive review, said it had a great gearbox and was better than the M5 V10 Touring!
I had a ride in RS2 back in 1996! it was damn fast for those times, really impressive
This episode was Mega 💥🤜🏾💯🙌🔥 Steve is a legend
Love Steve and loved the lineup, great video. Always got to be the B7!! 💪
deff agreed 👍
I want a Rs2 so bad. I remember it from the car magazines back in the day. I was totally floored by it!😍
I will always watch anything Steve does until the end. And flag it with a like !
Where’s the C7 RS6? You tested the two previous gens, which isn’t as good as mentioned, then you leave out the C7 RS6!? What gives?
I was gonna ask the same
It's much faster than a new one
No it’s not.
@@LongyUK01 than base one , not special edition
@@LongyUK01 i don't mention that most of the tuners still take c7
I’m American and B5 RS4 has always been my favorite car. I love wagons and hatchbacks which makes me think I was born in the wrong country….maybe one day I’ll have the $100k to import one.
You can get them for around $50kish depending
I sold and drove one of the very first B5 RS4’s when working for Chelmsford Audi to a guy in slough. Avus silver and red leather. Ever since my hear is Audi and RS. currently driving an A6 C7 quattro, but wanting an RS4 B9 to add to the fleet.
Back in 1994, I visited the Porsche museum at the factory in Stuttgart. I was more excited about seeing an Audi RS2 than even a 959.
Missed a trick not sharing power, torque and power to weight ratio's across the generations... Would have put the commentary into perspective...
I enjoyed watching the Video. My favourite Model Is the current RS6 Avant 😊
B7 was peak Audi, closely followed by the B5. The modern stuff is just too brash.
B7 RS4’s (good ones) are going to worth absolute fortunes of money as the years go by. A car that will always represent possibly THE best era of cars ever made.
How would you rate the B7 to the B8.5? I know for a purist the manual is the way to go but I really like dual clutch gearboxes. At the moment I own a C63S (the 4.0 twin turbo one) but there is something missing and I have an itch for a RS4 or e90 M3
get the b7 rs4 bro You won't be disappointed they fockin rock check every box plus going up in value manual v8 4 door rare :-)
Now this is a segment
Throughly enjoyed this video , ❤👍
I’ve owned a C6, a C7 and 2 x C8’s. RS6 is immense!!! 👌
A reminder the first was an S2 not an RS2 , the RS4 performance is a 2.9 V6 not 2.7 nice to have some research verified !
It only came in left hand drive.
@@incognito96 no it didn’t 😂 there was 292 built , the one tested here was actually an S2 Avant dressed up as an RS2 , they’re over £250k now if you can find one , my point was the article was actually factually wrong on several fronts , C8 RS6 he said the backend kicked out but in actual fact it was the rear wheel steer activating , crap article by auto express again
Always does a good test this man. Hate when motoring journalists knows little .this man knows he's suff.
Steve stucliffe
best man in the business
thank you very much
The B7 is the one I would like.
WAGONS RULE!
What do you drive privately?
Strange you say the B5 RS4 brakes were better than you remember - I remember back in 2000 that the brakes were one of the stand-out features of the car. They were rudely capable at the time. They were a bit strangely damped, but I have often wondered what a set of KW v3s might do to one for example. The later cars were much sharper, but the older ones for me had the character
Im lucky to be part of a great local b5 group, and there are 3 b5 RS4s (conversions as the US market never got them, but conpleted to the highest level of parts and skill). They are all running KW V3 and are absolutely phenomenal. Fantastic suspension that compliments the car so well
What was the e34 m5 estate ? Came befor the rs2
340 bhp 2 w drive
I would pick the c7 rs6 over any of them but since it's not there b7 rs4
Agree in part regarding the C5, not all the best as new. Fast forward to now the reality is that a lot have had the problematic DRC suspension replaced by coilovers. The standard or factory brake pad compound is terrible, not letting the huge 365mm, 6 pot Brembo calipers shine. Add some good modern tyres and it's a marked improvement. But for the sake of this comparison, I can't argue with the conclusion about it. I've got a C5 Avant and a w211 E55. Counterparts and quite different in a lot of areas, both are highway brutes, no point trying to carve around canyon's.
Absolutely amazing Video to watch You Absolutely killed it !!! Thanks its winter here in Canada 🇨🇦 my b7 rs4 is in storage shes warm and safe b7 rs4 all day 😊!!! Get a b7 You will be happy for life :-)
0:12 1992 BMW M5 E34 wants to know your location and remind itself of existing
Or W124 AMG estates even before that
People always forget about the E34 M5 touring, probably because it only came in LHD. It's a pity BMW never continued that recipe, other than the E61 M5, another masterpiece.
Great group
Why did we skip an entire generation of the C7?
Cause the C8 is pretty much the same thing, only updated
Nice video and fair appraisals from Mr. Sutcliffe……loyal owners love them, as they’re one of the best all round vehicles, for everyday life. They more of a practical ‘Gentleman’s Express’ than a circuit car, which in turn, makes them easier to live with in real life. Have C5, B7 & C6 avants all for sale by the way, Steve👍🙂
I’ve just purchased a b7 rs4 avant it’s a beauty 😘
Always loved sport estates. I would like B5 and C7 please
Fabulous, can we have an hour long edit?
The Rs4 B7 ..🥰..is the best RS built and the last of its kind, a naturally aspirated manual V8... which will never exist again..😢..
U are absolutely correct agreed fully brother will nevrt sell mine 👍
If i had the money i would definitely buy the b5 Rs4. Is like a dream car to me. That sound of that sweet 6 cilinder. I remember it when i was young. Today those cars ( when you have a crisp one ) are outrageous expensive.
Dam was looking at purchasing an rs6 advant on a 16 plate which sadly didn’t feature
Didn't review the greatest. RS6 C7 performance. Much lighter than the c8 and exactly as quick. More fun to drive.
It's pity that UK hasn't got B9 RS 4 Competition with RS bucket seats. Those seats are so much better than regular ones and provides much cleaner feedback from the car, especially on the track.
As a b8 owner in what I think the best colour Sepang blue , it’s the sweet spot RS. In my opinion the best looking of the bunch with an engine that makes even the dullest of journeys epic
Great cars and good reviews but when I think of anything car related especially Audi performance; "lovely" and "cuddly" never come to mind. 😆
The Porsche built Audi... Thing of legends.
C6 rs6 had zf6hp gearbox ita good at its time whileback in 2008-10
dont know if im just weird. but i really love the c5
Had both RS4 B5 and RS6 C5 Avants (not estates please). Saw RS4 at Neckarsulm in 2001 and ordered it immediately on return to UK, silver (cream) interior and piano black trim. Superb car. RS6 was phenonimal, twin sequential turbos. You must have a tired one (thats an RS6 Plus too with black grille trim, doesnt look as good IMHO) as mine was mega, and gearbox very good (paddles and stick worked differently). B7 V8 no longer had turbos, same engine as in my R8 and doesnt have the low down grunt anymore. Seems like its come full circle as I would choose the B9 RS4, twin turbo torque and light (though I love the looks of the new RS6). PS I drove the RS2 in period; with 6 speed box. larger turbo and more understeer, not a patch on my UR Quattro 20v ;-)
B5 🤩
Wagons are best. My absolute favourite body style. Fast wagons are great, but I’d regather have a manual transmission with half the hp than get an automatic RS6
has this guy ever not be spot on
Love my RS4 ❤ best car ever built
They should have sent the engineers who signed off these cars chassis dynamics for a drive in something like an older 911 or 968/944 to show them what good steering is really like !
Wish Audi had brought the RS4 avants to America. We only got the B7 RS4 and then in a sedan and convertible. I still can’t believe Audi thought they’d sell more convertibles than wagons
Give me a C5 and B7, both RS estates, and i'll be over the moon. The current stuff simply don't do it for me. I regurlarly see a bright red current RS4, good looking car, but what comes out of the exhaust is the sound of disappointment. I want soul and fun, not efficiency. ..but man, this was fun. Having a look at some of the RS cars.. We petrolheads had it good back then..
They’re all part of Audi’s heritage fleet. That’s why they’re all in good nick.
Love them all but I'd have the RS2 or the B5 and B7s
where was the c7 rs6?! after all misses that had gone before audi finally nailed it with looks and performance. my fave RS avant. the new one has become too over the top looks wise i feel
11:24 manual swap, or engine swap into a B7?
B5 I think is still the best looking example they have made
B7 RS4 is the GOAT!
S6 C5 is the best buy overall in terms of reliability and maintenance.
Yes! It's so rare to find. I have a manual swap one and it's so under the radar cool. I'm a sucker for fender flares! The old 40v 4.2 are great engines.
Rs2 sest isn't fixed. Try looking at the seat for the electric buttons
RS4 b5 / b7 ❤
No C7 RS6?! For me it’s the sweetspot in extrovert design and subtleness that is the fast estate car.
Hmmm? No fast Estates before the RS2? What about the 200 Turbo Avant, S2 & S4 Avants or the W124 AMGs !
For such a celebratory piece, the camera work should be more stable.
Volvo 850 estate in British touring cars around the same time.
Now they were rapid.
The C7 RS6 should be here instead of the C8. The C7 destroyed everything, including supercars when it came out. C8 lost to every same segment competitor and had to take second fiddle in that corporate VAG doesnt allow it to outperform the Panamera Turbo.
RS2 seats are adjustable!
Always pleasing to see Steve bouncing up and down, left and right, whatever the car he's brutalizing.
well great video , but mercedes had estate hammer 124 with a 6 liter engine in the late 80`s wich had more than 350 horse power and over 280km/h top speed...
B7 for me ❤
You are smart love mine will never sell it :-)
B7 rs4 for me I want one as my next car
You 100% need one they are absolutely 💯 % one of the most enjoyable sedans ever to drive !!!!! Will never sell mine to special:-) get one fast
@@lancegallant3647 when I sell my Audi s3 8p I will definitely get one I was originally looking at the rs3 8p next
I never understood the concept of fast estates. I do own an estate but never have the urge to drive it fast. I do have a sports car for that application. However we are all different which is we have so many different types of vehicles to satisfy our weird and wonderful needs! Audi is most definitely the original and default choice for a fast wagon.
Great video. I've owned an RS4 B8 for 7 years now, it's the best everyday car for me and my family. Naturally aspirated V8 one love! 🇷🇺