Skip advert
Advertisement
Advice

Audi RS – used performance bargains

quattro sensibility clothed in a muscular body can be had these days for a lot less money than you might think

If BMW’s M division is a toned and trim athlete and Mercedes-Benz AMG is the rowdy hooligan, Audi’s RS offshoot could be thought of as the sensible, understated parent figure.

Audi’s quattro GmbH division was formed in 1983, at first merely selling Audi accessories and branded merchandise. While the organisation was involved in the production of the groundbreaking Audi RS 2 in 1994 along with Porsche, it was not until the arrival of the S6 Plus in 1996 that quattro GmbH independently produced its first model.

Advertisement - Article continues below

Since then, quattro has been involved in nearly every fast Audi’s production, including the mighty R8 and supremely capable RS 4 and RS 6 load luggers. Historically, quattro GmbH only produced one RS variant at a time, but with this policy abandoned and with some models rolling off the production line simultaneously, higher production numbers have made certain Racing Sport models more affordable.

Offering solid construction and classy interiors (if sometimes at the expense of a playful or involving chassis), we look at some of the most affordable RS models to grace the UK classifieds.

RS 4 (B5)

The third car to be produced by quattro GmbH remains one of the most visually striking. A six-speed manual gearbox allowed all 375bhp from its 2.7-litre V6 biturbo to be transferred to the road, while the aluminium mirror caps and bulbous arches started an RS trend that continues to this day. Offering effortless practical pace, this model had a reputation for bending wheel rims, with many owners opting to repair them under warranty or replace them entirely. Not as agile as other sports cars, but then again you can’t fit nearly as much in an E46 M3 or C32 AMG.

The original RS4 is beginning to climb in value, with models priced in the mid-to-late teens offering a clean, well-documented slice of fast Audi ownership. With the last models arriving in 2002, look out for lacquer peel and rust spots as on any other car of this age.

Find Audi RS4s for sale on Classic and Performance Car

RS 6 (C5)

With two wide oval pipes at either side of the rear bumper married to unassuming estate bodywork, the RS6 shares its little brother’s stealthy approach. But with a 4.2-litre bi-turbo V8 generating 444bhp and 413lb ft on board, its soundtrack is anything but unnoticeable. If you can look past the slightly numb steering, you’ll find a comfortable continent-crusher.

Prices for these models vary wildly, with private sellers offering them for under £10k. The gearboxes fitted to RS 6s of this era had a habit of failing, so make sure that a replacement or repair has been carried out on the model you’re looking at. Models priced in the low teens come from specialists, with the limited-edition RS 6 plus in this bracket capable of 174mph and 480bhp.

Find Audi RS6s for sale on Classic and Performance Car

Skip advert
Advertisement

Recommended

Audi has already sold part of its F1 team
Audi F1
News

Audi has already sold part of its F1 team

A Qatari sovereign wealth fund is set to take a c30 per cent stake in Audi’s Formula 1 team, which will line up on the grid in 2026
29 Nov 2024
Audi Q6 e-tron 2024 review – a calling card for future Audi EVs
Audi Q6 e-tron – front
Reviews

Audi Q6 e-tron 2024 review – a calling card for future Audi EVs

Audi’s new Q6 e-tron debuts the firm’s PPE architecture, which will go on to underpin its future EVs. Is it a worthy alternative to the Porsche Macan?…
20 Sep 2024
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

Best Jaguars – big cats that defined the breed
The best Jaguars
Best cars

Best Jaguars – big cats that defined the breed

As Jaguar stares down the barrel of a polarising new era, it’d do well not to forget some of the brilliance from its past. We list Jag’s modern greats…
6 Dec 2024
2024’s best performance cars battle it out – car pictures of the week
evo Car of the Year 2024 lineup
Features

2024’s best performance cars battle it out – car pictures of the week

A little taste of eCoty 2024 to whet the pallet is the subject of this week’s car pictures
8 Dec 2024
McLaren's future secured as Abu Dhabi buyer confirms sale
McLaren for sale
News

McLaren's future secured as Abu Dhabi buyer confirms sale

McLaren’s Bahraini owners agree to sell the automotive division to Abu Dhabi’s CYVN Holdings, which already has investments in Gordon Murray Technolog…
9 Dec 2024