The allure of a high-performance sedan with a manual transmission and all-wheel drive is undeniable, especially for those navigating diverse climates. When considering such vehicles, the 2007 Rs4 often surfaces as a strong contender, especially for enthusiasts who appreciate rarity and distinctive design. Like many, the writer of the original forum post also found themselves drawn to the 07 RS4, alongside other formidable options like the Mercedes C63 AMG and the BMW E90 M3. Living in an area with challenging weather conditions, the Quattro all-wheel-drive system of the Audi RS4 was a significant draw. The sedan format and the desire for a 6-speed manual transmission further narrowed the field, making the 2007 Audi RS4 a very tempting proposition.
Having friends with a C63 AMG and an earlier generation Audi S4 (B7), the author had the opportunity to experience these German performance cars firsthand. The C63 delivered exhilarating power and a captivating sound, but the automatic transmission proved to be a major letdown. The experience felt less engaging, described as simply “gas or brake,” something akin to driving a powerful SUV rather than a true sports sedan. Furthermore, the C63’s tire consumption was alarming, with sets needing replacement every 7,000 miles, and its handling in wet conditions was described as precarious. While the seats were heavily bolstered like those in the M3, the firmness of the Mercedes seats made them less comfortable for long journeys. Ultimately, the automatic transmission was the C63’s biggest drawback in this comparison.
The ’07 RS4, on the other hand, presented a unique appeal. Its rarity and the B7 generation design remain highly admired by many, including the author. Features like the European-spec seats and the Lamborghini-esque steering wheel further enhanced its desirability. However, lurking beneath the surface were persistent concerns about carbon build-up in the engine and issues with the Dynamic Ride Control (DRC) suspension. These problems were not isolated incidents but common across 2007 Audi RS4 models. Driving the B7 S4 provided a glimpse into the Quattro system’s sure-footedness, but it also revealed a critical flaw: understeer. Even during spirited driving on public roads, the car’s tendency to understeer was pronounced. The author even recalled feeling more connected and agile in their older Acura TSX, a sentiment echoed by automotive publications that highlighted the RS4 lapping significantly slower than the Audi R8, which shared the same 4.2-liter V8 engine. This served as a stark example of a potent engine being hampered by a less-than-ideal chassis.
Ultimately, the author’s quest for the perfect performance sedan led them to the BMW E90 M3, considered their “dream car.” The driving experience of the E90 M3 was described as exceptional. While fuel economy was a concern, the sheer enjoyment derived from every drive outweighed this drawback. The M3 offered excellent seats, a user-friendly iDrive system (CIC version), a fantastic 6-speed manual transmission, and an engine response that was almost too sharp for daily road use (often requiring the “power” button to be deactivated). Crucially, the chassis of the E90 M3 was highlighted as a significant advantage over the 2007 RS4, making it superior for track driving and tuning potential. A 1600-mile road trip with four occupants further solidified the M3’s practicality and grand touring capabilities. While acknowledging the M3’s rear-wheel-drive nature necessitates garage storage during snowy conditions, the author concluded that they preferred “the BEST rwd 6mt sports sedan than a GOOD 4wd sports sedan.” This ultimately positions the BMW E90 M3 as the preferred choice over the 2007 Audi RS4 and Mercedes C63 AMG in this personal comparison, prioritizing driving dynamics and engagement above all-weather capability and all-wheel-drive traction.
