Liz Kim submitted this double-feature test drive of the 2007 Audi A4 and S4 convertibles a few months back, and yours truly promptly allowed it fall through the cracks. It's a fantastic review written in Liz's inimitable style, and it's also quite relevant, as neither car has changed much for 2008.
What has changed for 2008 is that there's now a third 4-series cabriolet. The 420 horsepower RS4, which earned a spot on our Best New Cars of 2007 list, is available in a convertible version for 2008. Matter of fact, the RS4 Cabriolet is due to arrive for testing today -- so don't be surprised if I don't answer email or phone calls for the next week or so...
Anyway -- enjoy Liz's Audi A4/S4 Cabriolet test drive. I sure did. -- Aaron Gold
Photo © Liz Kim
This month’s Automobile Magazine has a 4 season wrap-up of the RS4. They loved it. But when they came to the pluses vs. minuses, the price and mpg popped up. I noticed the 20k depreciation in only one year! I probably could negotiate a deal pretty close to 20k on a GTI and have almost as much fun on any switchback(but not in the snow of course). The issue that really irks me on this one is the total blandness of the side and rear views of the car. It lacks a certain panache!
Can’t say that I agree with you on the GTI, Don — the behavior when blasting out of the corners is totally different. With the GTI it’s all wheelspin and understeer — that’s just the limit of FWD. With the RS4, it’s like — well, I know the pleasurable event I want to describe, but since this is a family-oriented site, I’ll restrain myself!
If only the VW R32 came with a stick-shift, it might approach the RS4’s fun factor. Ah, the things that could have been. — Aaron
Well for a lot less money you could get a WXR or Evo. Both come with a lot of power and all wheel drive.
While not an RS4 they are probably going to be about half the price.
The VW R32 doesn’t come with stick??? How very “un-German” of those German’s!
Yes I’m sure that the limitations of the GTI’s FWD substantially reduces the the competancy of the car…but for just the depdreciation of one year on the Audi, the GTI packs a heck of a lot of fun, but is certainly uncomparable toe to toe with this superbly engineered car. Losing 20g’s in one year would drive this cheapskate totally out of his mind. I would have to keep it at least 7-8 years & 150k miles. Unfortunately, Audi’s aren’t bulletproof and their parts are super expenive. This car would be a long term worry for me and thus, a poor investment in my books.