carwow · Video summary
Can this £18k Audi RS4 beat a new S5 and R8 V10? DRAG RACE
Comparing various Audi RS4 models and other performance Audis reveals that older generations can still compete with newer models, especially when considering driver skill and specific race conditions.
Watch on YouTube ↗Key takeaways
- 📈Modern Audis, while offering more power and advanced technology like launch control, sometimes sacrifice the tactile feel and driver connection found in older models, particularly concerning interior quality and seat design.01:55
- 🔧Evaluate the driver engagement and interior feel of older performance cars, as they may offer a more rewarding experience than some modern counterparts.01:55
- 💡The choice of gearbox (manual vs. automatic) significantly impacts drag race performance, with manual transmissions offering potential advantages in driver control and engagement, but also risks of missed shifts.03:37
- 🚀When comparing performance cars, consider not just horsepower and model year, but also the impact of gearbox type and driver skill on real-world outcomes.03:37
- 🎯Older Audi RS4 models, like the B5 and B7, despite being outgunned in raw power by newer cars like the S5 and R8, can still be competitive in drag races due to factors like turbo torque delivery and driver proficiency with manual transmissions.04:08
- 📚For enthusiasts, study the specific strengths and weaknesses of different generations (e.g., B5 RS4 turbo torque vs. B7 RS4 V8 power) to understand their competitive potential in various scenarios.04:08
Chapters
- 0:00🎯 Introduction and Car Overview
- 1:09🎯 Old RS4 Models Described
- 2:49🎯 First Race Setup and Challenge
- 2:52🎯 First Roll Race and Brake Test
- 4:54🎯 Sound Check and Half Mile Race
- 16:55🎯 Upgrading to the Modern S5
- 19:42🎯 Modern Race and Brake Tests
- 24:02🎯 Drag Race and Replay Analysis
- 25:06🎯 Upgrading to the Audi R8 V10
- 32:51🎯 Final Drag Races and Outcomes
- 39:30🎯 Race Results Summary
- 40:00🎯 Conclusion and Additional Content Suggestions
The digest
This detailed exploration tests the quarter-mile and half-mile acceleration and braking performance of various Audi performance models across multiple generations. The core question: Can an older, relatively affordable Audi RS4 compete with newer and more powerful Audi S and R8 models? The comparison includes early 2000s RS4s, a modern S5, an original R8 V8, and an R8 V10 GT Spider. The video matters to enthusiasts and prospective buyers interested in how Audi’s performance estates and sports cars stack up in straight-line speed and driver enjoyment over time.
Drag Racing Audi RS4 Generations: B5 vs. B7 (00:35–08:15)
The initial heat revisits the early 2000s RS4 Avants: the B5 and its successor, the B7. The B5 features a 2.7L twin-turbo V6 producing 380 hp and 440 Nm torque, paired with six-speed manual transmission and all-wheel drive, weighing just over 1.6 tons. Originally costing £47,000, it currently values at around £50,000.
The B7 sports a 4.2L naturally aspirated V8 with 420 hp and 430 Nm, also all-wheel drive and six-speed manual, but heavier at over 1.7 tons. While it cost roughly £50,000 new, its current value is about £25,000.
Despite its age, the B5 interior impressed with its supportive “glorious” bucket seats, considered superior to modern Audi seats due to better comfort and design, a point underscored by the hosts’ comparison.
For the rolling half-mile drag races, the twin-turbo B5 showed strong mid-range torque, surprising the reviewers by keeping pace and sometimes edging ahead. The B7, with its V8, provided a more linear power delivery but was heavier and showed suboptimal braking performance that included noticeable brake fade and smell after repeated testing.
Key takeaway: Though the B7 offers more horsepower, the B5’s turbo torque and lighter weight keep it competitive in acceleration, while braking strongly favors neither.
Keep reading in The Digest
The full 6-minute article, 7 more sections, and every new episode from carwow and the creators you follow.
- The B8 RS4 Avant: Manual vs. Automatic Shift Challenge (08:15–16:20)
- Introducing the Modern Audi S5: Appearance vs. Real-world Acceleration (16:25–21:40)
- Classic Audi R8 V8 vs. RS4 and S5: Sports Car Vs. Performance Estates (24:00–30:40)
- The Ultimate Challenge: R8 V10 GT Spider (31:20–39:00)
- Conclusion and Quarter-Mile Time Summary (39:30–40:10)
- Practical Takeaways
- Suggested Actions
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