3 weeks in with the RS4
 

So I'd like to report on the differences between the BRZ and the RS4. This may help those that are considering ditching their cars since you want the next cool shiny thing, or got "bored" with the car.

From the outside prospective now, you guys look like a bunch of guys with that hot crazy girl friend that you got bored fucking. Now you want "stability" and done with crazy girls, a girl you can take home to your parents. You expect her to be still fun, crazy in bed, sacrificing a little bit of looks, but still want the whole package without the unreliable craziness.

I'm sorry to say but you will need to keep your crazy hot girlfriend BRZ on the side, and get a stable calm "keeper" DD. You won't get both in one package, ever.

I wanted to accomplish the "everything car", and I would assume that the B7 RS4 may be one of the most exciting sedan to drive (M3, M4, C63 AMG etc), raw and the "precise" steering. Yea right, it is nothing like driving the twins.

420hp V8, and it doesn't feel fast because its so damn stable. It understeers like a goddamn asshole, feed back is numb, and feels very very heavy. Straight line acceleration is smooth but doesn't have the old turbo lag kick like my BRZ does. Seating position, although Recaro seats, is still high. The connected feeling is not there like the BRZ, and the steering response is much slower. I'm looking at a tuning solution already, which is sad. First world problems. Oh and I'm listening to FM radio since the head unit is a dino. Working on this car is a BITCH, and the ECU/electronics freak out if you change anything. Price for aftermarket parts for these cars? hahaha

Now for the good parts: I was able to take my clients out without switching to my company car, which was less of a hassle. Exhaust note is intoxicating, and interior is much nicer with full carbon fiber/leather. The big ass trunk, the utility over all is awesome, and not worrying about scraping every where is awesome too. N/A throttle response is also good, I got so used to turbo lag that it jolted me when on/off throttle. I love how the car looks, mix between sleeper and aggressiveness, which to the right people they know exactly what it is, and the people that don't, its just another Audi.

So in the end, a dedicated sports car + DD is the ONLY way to go, without wanting more and making your DD something its not. Unfortunately I didn't have the luxury to do so, and I tried to get something that can do everything. So I am a bit confused with the "everything car" popularity, which these cars do NONE of it excellently (Harsher ride, gas guzzling, high maintenance, etc).

Don't get me wrong, I love the RS4 so far, but I am not fooling my self that this is a better sports car than my BRZ. In every aspect.

TLDR; Sports Sedans does everything poorly, will never replace true sports car, you need 2 cars to fully enjoy both sides of the world. But RS4 still kicks ass.

Are these more words of wisdom, written while seated upon the throne like your other literary creations? haha

I had thai food

The biggest benefit and downfall of the twins is that they are a niche car aimed to fill the enthusiast-but-not-a-baller crowd. It's a great platform for driving and begs to be tossed around, it's raw yet underpowered to keep it tame. The gas mileage is good for daily driving, and the rear seats and trunk space provide ample support in times of emergency porting of extra passengers and light luggage. It offers some practicality, but does not accommodate for all situations.

I think sports sedans like the RS4 are more refined and mature. They offer creature comforts and provide a more solid ride experience in terms of comfort. These sorts of cars offer top notch performance, yet might seem dull when compared to a lightweight sports coupe which has compromised comfort for fun.

So.. yes, the only option is to have a multi car garage and a fat wallet to fill that garage with toys and utility.

Best of both worlds in a cheap package? Used Nissan Leaf to commute $10k used, and a Dodge Neon SRT4 $8k used. That's on a small wallet, yet lots of fun and may be what I'd get if I sold both my beasts to go the cheap route for a while.

I'm disappointed this wasn't a review of the Hankook RS4 tires :P

Honestly, I feel like the RS\M3\AMGs are better cars in like 95% of circumstances, but that other 5%... Well, that's why you see so many people with "weekend cars" and "fun cars" in addition to a daily driver. And as for maintenance, at least you don't have an engine-out service every 60k miles, I mean that's basically Ferrari level bullshit!

...also at least you're back in a manual. :thumbup:



And @indesign doesn't have to be a fat wallet! You can drive a rusty beater alongside the 86 like me.:bonk:

Speaking of which. I saw your brz listed on Craigs again.

But... But... RWD!?! :(

For me it would be a Buick Roadmaster wagon with a built LT1 for about $3k, and a nice S2000 for $15k (or an FD if I'm feeling particularly masochistic)

I just wish I had cars like @torqdork . Frs for weekend fun, fj cruiser for city and offroad navigation, and a 2000gt for collector's fantasy.

Nice little toyota family.

I'd be inclined to get a 2nd-3rd Gen Prius (wouldn't have to pack an extension cord, 600 mile range) and MR2 Spyder (nearly a motorcycle), both run on regular, have modern safety and convenience features, are reasonable to insure and with $2 gas, used Prius prices have cratered.

Together, figure $20K +/- for a fun (with proper tires, Prius handles better than expected), reliable, economical all weather stable.

I'm just waiting to pay off my twin, then i'm going to pick up a nice car for Marla and i'm taking her car (a lovely mazda p5) to use as my daily beater. But i'm happy that for the time being, the twin fits all my needs and desires in a car. Sure something in 4 doors will be nice at some point, but that's what the P5 and whatever i get for Marla will be for.

Id get a Prius. I saw a stanced one that looked good. Dropped and wheels totally change the appearance of those things.

Honestly, not bad.
http://data.3dtuning.com/tun/m0oCwwUnh.jpg

I'd drive it. :party0030:

Idk about that gt wing and the decals. But I'm down.

But the wing is necessary to break up the shape and make it look less like a minivan!

...plus downforce bruh!

If it lives up to the hype, the upcoming 2016 Prius could be an auto-x weapon. It's rumored to be smaller, lighter with the LiOn battery, have a more powerful motor/generator set and be lower priced since it'll be built in the US.

As much as I hate CVT's, they work well with the instant torque of the HSD system and really shine at launch and into the midrange.

Depending on the always unpredictable SCCA Solo II classification, the '16 could dominate. I know that sounds weird, but they have better balance than most F/F cars with the heavy battery under the back seat helping COG.

I've owned quite a few Prii back in the days of massive Fed/State tax credits and played with variables. No question, ditch the LRR tires in favor of a light performance tire and you'll surprise yourself and others while getting 45+ mpg (the '16's undergoing tests now are getting 78 mpg) on whatever yak pee 88 octane is around, those Atkinson cycle engines don't care.

Atkinson cycle engines are engineering pornography.

http://i56.servimg.com/u/f56/11/83/75/33/atkins11.gif
http://www.curbsideclassic.com/wp-co...son-anim-6.gif

Though I'll always be a two cycle fanboy for the power density :)
http://www.2strokeengine.net/2stroke...o-stroke_c.gif

Truest words spoken. Ultimately, you will need two cars. Each one to fill each void. I've been doing that for years. My sw20 is the sports and I had a shit ton of Civics over the years to use as winter/daily beaters. There is no such car that can do it all. The closest thing I can think of is probably the Nissan GTR. It has outstanding performance, good enough space and cargo room, and seating for 4.

For now though, my sw20 is still the sports car and my FRS is the beater ahah.

Love the Prius. I love the Lexus Hybrids even more. We have an HS250h in our stable and that thing is cushy and luxury with all the amenities. Being somewhat of a hypermiler at heart (owned the legendary Civic VX at one point), I always believed a DD should be fuel efficient. Why burn more gas when you don't have to if you're just going a to b? It's not like you're racing on the streets. After my FRS is paid off, I will be in the market for a Lexus hybrid. Likely will be a CT200h. God I love those cars!

Former owner of Yamaha RD350 and Kawasaki H2 750 that I could barely hold on to under acceleration. Ridiculously dangerous bike that would wobble any time weight transferred to the rear. Scary fast, beyond my pay grade, couldn't wait to sell it.

Took a spin on a friends Suzuki GT750 a while back and I've got to agree, big bore 2 cycles on the road are way too sketchy (for me at least). Torque came on like a strong turbocharger, which isn't great on two wheels.

Big two cycles on dirt and sand are a riot though! I've been meaning to add a 1980s open class mx bike to my collection for a while...

Aaah..man I would buy a mint condition 1973 and later RD350 if I found one under 3 grand in a heart beat. Major major cult following back home in India.

The Kawasaki triple is a beast!

3 weeks in with the RS4
 

When I was in Japan I saw one of those Prius C with aero on it. Despite the fact it look like pikachu of a car I really love it and wouldn't mind owning Haha. Attachment 102320

However Honda just released a car I need to complete my life. Witness the glorious N-CampAttachment 102315Attachment 102316

Hey Robert, couldn't help but notice the new avatar and "drives" changes. That's an interesting toy in the collection, so we can add aerobatic pilot to the list of your accomplishments?

Jon, flying is my first love. It adds a third dimension, weather and terrain to the mix. The RV-7 is a hoot, cruises at 200 mph on 180 hp (75% power setting), climbs 2,200 fpm, STOL takeoff in 275', lands in 350', pulls +6/-3G, 775 mile range at 8-10 gph, all-metal and manufactured mostly in Oregon. I self-limit to amateur aerobatics, mostly enjoy the views day tripping when CAVU.

Sold the FR-S to an enthusiast who appreciates it and will track it. He likes it better than his M3. I miss it and might get a Gen. 2.

Meanwhile I'm considering entering vintage racing and am looking at a sorted, turnkey Mk. IV A-H Sprite for road and hillclimbs.

See you at a track day in something, even if I have to rent.

Edit: Standing offer to FR-S/BRZ track day pilots who might consider ride sharing with me in exchange for your entry fee. I never spun or wrecked my FR-S at PIR or ORP. Preference to ORP track days.

Sorry to jack the thread, back at you OP.

I'll jack the thread for one more post....


Great stats on the plane, I can see why you love to fly it. I got my privates 20 or so years ago, but never did much with it. It got very expensive and I got to the point where I couldn't justify the "$200 hamburger" (90's prices). Other priorities were consuming the disposable income.


Good luck with the Sprite, I'll keep your offer in mind regarding the track days.

Make it another jack...

Yeah, it's even more expensive than ever. During college years I earned Commercial/Instrument/Multiengine ratings and flew on demand charters for hire to work my way through school. It was a great way to build time and earn a little income.

Interesting how many high performance drivers are also pilots. There's similar attributes involved like vision, balance, spatial awareness, problem solving and intense focus. For me the main difference is that cars are far more controllable and predictable. As you know, aircraft control input behavior changes throughout the airspeed envelope. Toss in unpredictable, unseen wx like turbulence, wind shear, thermals, mountain rotors, ice, navigation, new moon flights over open ocean and IFR ATC management and things can get hairy fast.

Remind me to tell you about the time ATC vectored me directly into a thunderstorm in the pre-Doppler days. Whew, completely out of control, glad I'm still here.

Thanks for considering me for track days. AROO coming soon!

The Sprite seller can't decide what to do so I might be back to square one.