We’ve heard about the M4 being tested against the retiring Audi RS5 before, but we didn’t have proof of them actually going against each other or video of the entire contest. Now, we can actually see them going at it, and it’s a marvelous experience.
The guys from Auto Express, Owen Mildenhall to be more precise, took the two around their test track to see how the new guy fares against the aging legend. It’s time for the BMW turbocharged engine to go up against the naturally aspirated Audi unit.
Yes, it’s one of those ‘new versus old’ tests and we’re pretty excited about it. That’s because the M4 represents the future while the RS5 is the past.
It’s not because the manufacturers chose this road but because that’s how things have to develop in the future, to protect the environment and respect the laws at the same time.
Looking over the specs, the M4 looks like a winner already. Fitted with a smaller twin-turbocharged engine making 431 HP and 550 Nm (406 lb-ft) of torque, the BMW is also lighter in all the right places. However, it’s rear-wheel-drive and putting that power down might be an issue.
The Audi, on the other hand, has a 4.2-liter naturally aspirated V8 engine making 450 HP and 430 Nm (317 lb-ft) of torque, a similar 7-speed dual-clutch gearbox and the quattro all-wheel-drive system that makes sure you have more traction out of corners. It’s also heavier.
So, some extra HP for the Audi and some extra torque for the Bimmer coupled with less weight to go around and less traction. Who will win?
At this point, it doesn’t even matter who wins. The fact that Owen has a big grin on his face from the moment he presses the gas pedal and starts shouting things like “Oh my god!” and “It’s perfectly balanced” says quite a lot about what BMW managed to achieve here.
There’s no mention of turbo lag whatsoever and the exhaust sound seems to be better than the V8’s, at least from the outside... Furthermore, the M4 posted a better time than the mid-engined Cayman the guys had around the track and that says a lot.
Google News