Let us already abstract from the price tags in this – purely hypothetical – problem statement. If you go to the Audi configurator today, you will pay 95,000 euros for an RS4 Avant and 145,000 euros for an RS6 Avant. That is already a difference as big as a freshly used Porsche 718 Boxster or Cayman, to name but one, and then we have not even mentioned the versions that we slide under our bums in this test. ‘Our’ yellow RS4 25 Years Limited Edition starts at 143,000 euros in Germany, the RS6 in GT Trim costs at least 219,000 silver rings there (rings, do you have them? I’ll show myself). Incidentally, both models prove that even money cannot always buy everything. Because both limited series are already completely sold out. Of the 250 European cars of the RS4 25 Year, 8 have a signed order form from a Belgian customer. For the RS6 GT, only 2 compatriots have been chosen. TWO!
Canary tree
That we were going on the road with exclusive good was already a certainty. Let us first take a closer look. The RS 4 Avant edition 25 Years is based on the ‘regular’ RS4 Avant, but is further refined in various areas to make it the ultimate RS 4. For example, the V6 biturbo (purely through new software) gets 20 hp more, so that it now peaks at 470 hp. Even more impressive is the torque of 600 Nm that guarantees a firm push in the back every time.
Furthermore, the RS 4 Avant Edition 25 comes standard with the RS Sport Pro suspension, including a manually adjustable coilover kit that allows you to set the ride height yourself (although the car does have to be put on a bridge). But it does allow you to opt for a ride height that is up to 20 millimeters lower than the production model. The model also comes with the Quattro sport limited-slip differential, and there is new software in the transmission control unit. This provides faster shift times and a noticeably greater spread between the different driving modes. Were you still waiting for the performance figures? Well, with a top speed of 300 km/h, the RS4 25 Year is faster than the regular RS4 (which ‘only’ does 280) and it sprints to 100 km/h in 3.7 seconds.
RS6 GT
Even more than the RS 4, the RS 6 has an image of the ultimate supercar estate. With an RS 4, you still have to know your place a little bit at the traffic lights when, say, a 911 or BMW M5 challenges you next to your post. With an RS 6, you can confidently and with a ‘bring it on’ look show that you are the better one in the duel. As an ultimate farewell (the next generations of RSs will be electric), Audi launched the RS6 Avant GT earlier this year in a limited edition of 660 units for the entire world.
Technically, nothing changes to the impressive 4.0 V8 of 630 hp in Performance version (the Performance already gets 30 hp more than the regular RS 6), but due to the extensive use of carbon fiber, the GT is a little less embarrassed when it stands on the scales. For example, the hood and fenders are made of carbon, it gets ultra-light aluminum wheels and the roof rails have been omitted. These interventions have paid off, because the performance of the RS 6 GT is hallucinatory. For example, it flashes to 100 in 3.3 breaths and only stops accelerating when it reaches 305 km/h. Impressive!
Squeezing with the buttocks
It’s raining old women when we tackle the German roads in the vicinity of Ingolstadt with these two extremely exclusive and precious gems. We start with the bright yellow RS 4 25 Years and immediately feel that the interior can no longer hide its age. Fortunately, the legendary Audi finish quality is still on the roll, which alone gives a lot of confidence when you exhaust the V6 BiTurbo in the puddles.
Although the steering and chassis of this RS 4 inspire confidence, we have to work hard at the first fast right-hand bend because of 1) first understeer, followed by 2) a big slide from the rear. Here we immediately see the limitation of the unforgiving Pirelli P Zero shoes of the RS4 25 Year. On dry asphalt, or on a dry circuit, we would have taken this bend with our fingers in our nose, but in rainy weather with these tires it is a tight squeeze. Although we have to admit that we may have pressed the accelerator pedal to the floor a bit too enthusiastically. The RS 6 GT is a lot more forgiving in that respect and also gets (for the rain) more suitable Continental rubber. Everything goes so smoothly in the RS 6 GT that you can send grandma to do some shopping with a clear conscience in this super sports car. In the RS 4, it is generally more work. But of course that is also part of the (driving) pleasure.
Which one to choose?
Back to that (hypothetical) dream garage. Which of the two would we like to give a permanent spot? You may be surprised, but we’d definitely go for the RS 4. The RS 6 is of course a great sports car that you can easily race down the Autobahn at 250+ km/h. But it’s all much more sterile and civilized than in the RS 4. The otherwise wonderful V8 sound of the RS 6 always remains in the background, even in sport mode, and that’s a crying shame. It’s a bit like going to a Metallica concert, with earplugs and headphones on. Can it be a bit louder, please?
Then the RS 4 offers a lot more experience and emotion. With every change between acceleration and deceleration, there is a full brass band that treats you to a fantastic sound from the exhaust. And even at legal speeds, the deep roar and the successive pops provide a unique sensation. In other words, you will enjoy the RS 4 as a daily driver more than with the sterile RS 6. And all that, while the comfort for everyday use is guaranteed. So give us the last RS 4, before Audi goes on the electric RS tour.
