M5 or RS4

[BARRISIMO]

So time has come to replace the 911 with something a bit more practical (kids to follow etc). So right now I'm deciding between an E60 M5 and a new RS4. Now I'm sure on a BMW page i'm going to get totally unbiased opinions but which is better £ for £. I prefer the look of the M5 and in many ways its a bit more practical as it is a bit bigger. Test driven the M5 and I was blown away. Will be test driving an RS4 when I can find one. I like the understated looks of the RS4 and also it looks like it would attract less attention of the unwanted kind. On paper the performance does not look a million miles away from each other. So in terms of running costs I imagine the M5 will be quite a bit more to run. What's your thoughts on depreciation of the two? I'd probably buy second hand in both with a budget around £55k-£60k in January. So a penny for your thoughts?!

[rob05]

Just on looks and sound alone i would go for the Audi.
The interior of Audi feels rather more special and sophisticated also the M5 is only available in smg which you either love or hate.
When you do drive it it would be nice if you posts your thoughts back.

Edited by rob05 on Wednesday 30th August 20:48

[dazren]

I haven't driven an RS4, but I'd probably go for the M5. Although be aware the fuel economy is appalling (about 20% down on the E39 M5). In fact unless you really drive your cars quickly, take a 535d out for a demo.....

DAZ

Edited by dazren on Wednesday 30th August 11:53

[granville]

I'm sorry but ignoring the fiscal abandon either punt represents, the M5, by several furlongs.

I had a damn good snifter in one a while ago and it was a definitive drive, it would be my staple Sunday morning, pre-verm hoon tin for many months following acquisition.

It will maul the admittedly glorious RS4 and has the power to sustain your performance expectation from the wonderbug.

With respect to the views expressed re the build quality, I'd contend the Beemer is not outclassed, imhe.

Nice dilemma.

[Zod]

I'm biased of course, but I'd go for the M5. It's quicker and the engine is in the right place. The RS4 has a great engine, but they stuck it in front of the axle.

[Andrew D]

Zod said:

The RS4 has a great engine, but they stuck it in front of the axle.

But then the RS4 has got Quattro, which is brilliant on the shagged roads in most of the UK.

The M5 is bigger and quicker, but costs more to run. Residuals will probably be slightly stronger though.

If someone else was paying for the fuel, I'd have the M5, otherwise it'd be the RS4. Nice choice to be able to make though!

[rassi]

Comparing the RS4 saloon and the M5, I would go for the M5. But I would probably choose the RS4 estate, if I were in your position. Alternatively, if you want a super-fast, comfortable motorway eater, though auto-only, the (W211) E55 AMG estate would fit the ticket.

[panthro]

If my opinion counts for anything, I would say the RS4 simply because I think the M5 would be too big for me to drive. I also prefer the engine noise from the RS4. I generally think that the RS4 is a much better car.

[Zod]

panthro said:

If my opinion counts for anything, I would say the RS4 simply because I think the M5 would be too big for me to drive. I also prefer the engine noise from the RS4. I generally think that the RS4 is a much better car.

"much better"? That's a bold statement. Care to justify it? I would never say the M5 is a"much better" car than the RS4.

[Derek M5]

Bit biased, based on ownership and experiences, but I'd still like to try the Audi to see how it compares mile for mile, if you want understated then you'll have to go for the Audi. I wouldn't have thought there'd be much in it regarding runing costs... aren't the quattros a 'mare when it comes to suspension setup etc???

[panthro]

Zod said:

panthro said:

If my opinion counts for anything, I would say the RS4 simply because I think the M5 would be too big for me to drive. I also prefer the engine noise from the RS4. I generally think that the RS4 is a much better car.

"much better"? That's a bold statement. Care to justify it? I would never say the M5 is a"much better" car than the RS4.

Would I care to justify it......yes, but like I said, if it counts for anything. Ive only ever been passenger in them. Preferred the audi seats, the dashboard layout, controls, etc. Plus the engine noise and the way it felt as a passenger.

[jimbo22]

Driven both on test drives (admittedly the RS4 only lasted 30 minutes) and personally I'd take the M5.

Why? The difference in agility isn't actually that much although I think they should be driven in different styles, but the M5 feels significantly quicker in gear with over 500 ponies.

[eliot]

Isn't the RS4 considered to be the M3 equiv and the RS6 be the M5 Equiv?

[Zod]

eliot said:

Isn't the RS4 considered to be the M3 equiv and the RS6 be the M5 Equiv?

yes, althought he RS4 is a bit porky compared with the current M3 and, I expect with the next M3. Power more than compensates against the current M3, but I think it will be found wanting against the new one which will have siilar power but be considerately lighter. That is my expectation, at least.

[nbetts]

For me it would be the M5 -

Both cars are quite tasty it is fair to say, but I can't help thinking the RS4 was a bit rushed... there were and still are issues with Clutch life... and that engine is so far forward that if you drove it in reverse it would be a 911...

Getting back to the point - The M5 looks like a normal 5-Series (that might be good or a bad thing) which I like and is so so quick you have to ask yourself how it is legal... Also, I like the way that BMW M cars drive... they just feel 'good'

[Ashok]

Unless you really really need 4wd, get the M5. If you feel the interior is dull, then order something special from BMW Individual like I did or get full leather which means leather pretty much everywhere.

[sjn2004]

BARRISIMO said:

So time has come to replace the 911 with something a bit more practical (kids to follow etc). So right now I'm deciding between an E60 M5 and a new RS4. Now I'm sure on a BMW page i'm going to get totally unbiased opinions but which is better £ for £. I prefer the look of the M5 and in many ways its a bit more practical as it is a bit bigger. Test driven the M5 and I was blown away. Will be test driving an RS4 when I can find one. I like the understated looks of the RS4 and also it looks like it would attract less attention of the unwanted kind. On paper the performance does not look a million miles away from each other. So in terms of running costs I imagine the M5 will be quite a bit more to run. What's your thoughts on depreciation of the two? I'd probably buy second hand in both with a budget around £55k-£60k in January. So a penny for your thoughts?!

Maserati Quattroporte, different league but you can already get them for just over 50k.

[deadslow]

nbetts said:

... and that engine is so far forward that if you drove it in reverse it would be a 911...

very good

[d1bble]

You can shoot me down here, but...

i think you’re either an Audi man or BMW guy.

I have no desire to ever own an Audi, im not saying they’re not any good (they are).

It’s just its either coffee or tea with me.

M5 for me please

[hunttheshunt]

sjn2004 said:

Maserati Quattroporte, different league but you can already get them for just over 50k.

Agreed, stunning looking car both inside and out especially the new GT, albeit at closer to £80K. Older ones have some isssues I believe. I was 1/2 tempted myself but I fear they will have depreciation to make my M6 look good and you may need aqnother £10K in the bank for servicing. Also, they aren't that quick although that's not really what they are about.

Brave man to own one out of warranty.