Is the comparison absurd? Of course not. All excuses are good arguments for putting two models so well born side by side.
As a matter of respect, let's first recall the “oldest” model. Time has been generous with the Audi RS4 (B5). Launched in 2001, the lines of this RS4 make as much sense today as they did 17 years ago. This sports van is still impressive, don't you think?
At that time, its quattro traction system combined with the willful V6 twin-turbo engine at 90º with 2.7 liters of capacity were all the rage. The numbers were impressive: 381 hp of power at 7,000 rpm and 440 Nm of maximum torque.
Despite its 1,620 kg weight, this portent of strength − developed and manufactured by Cosworth − put the Audi RS4 (B5) in direct competition with the best sports cars of the time. Top speed was limited to 262 km/h, but acceleration was not. 4.9 seconds from 0-100km/h; 11.3 seconds from 0-160km/h; and 17 seconds from 0-200 km/h. It still commands respect today.
On the other side is the newly introduced Audi RS3 (8VA). A model that was launched in 2015 but this year appeared in Geneva with its strong arguments. The 2.5 TFSI engine now develops 400 hp of power. Thanks to this power, the DSG gearbox and the quattro traction system, the Audi RS3 fulfills 0-100 km/h in just 3.9 seconds. I will write again: 3.9 seconds.
Placed side by side, despite differences and years, they share some obvious similarities. That said, there is a question that we still can't answer here at Ledger Automobile: which one would you choose?
On one side we have the pedigree from one of the most beautiful sports vans in history, equipped with an increasingly romantic solution, our beloved manual gearbox. On the other side we have a missile l with 400 hp and the latest technologies from Audi.
Effectiveness or heritage? Leave your choice in the comments box.