Meet your grandfather, son.
These differences are obvious. Although the B9 is slightly larger than its predecessors it is not much. The B9 is slightly longer and wider than its predecessors, but not by much. Front and rear look completely different. Since 2001, crash test standards have become more stringent. Both models have large wheels and the RS badge. The B9’s rear hatch slopes more than that of the B5.
The engines under the hood are vastly different from what you see on paper. The 2018 RS4 has a 2.9-liter biturbo-V6 that produces 444 horsepower (600 Newton-meters) and 442 poundfeet of torque (442 lb-ft). 2001 RS4 had a 2.7-liter biturbo 6-cylinder engine. The original 2.7-liter biturbo V6 produced 375 horsepower (325 lb-ft) and 440 Nm (440 Nm). The B5 Auditography lists the engine as having 460 horsepower and 442 pound-feet torque (600 Nm). Expect an increase in performance. The 2018 model will have an eight-speed transmission with paddle shifters, while the 2001 RS4 is equipped with a six speed manual. Both models have Quattro all wheel drive.
Although the Nardo Grey is not as well-known as the Nogaro Blue in Japan, it’s still a stunning design. When you think about it, wagons look a lot like trucks. A wagon can only be designed in so many ways before it becomes a truck. While everything is the same, nothing has changed. Technology, tastes and expectations can change but the RS4 Avant looks amazing regardless of whether you are looking at the first or the second model.