The station wagon is a dying breed quickly being replaced by SUVs and cross overs. Its no surprise then that petrol heads around the world rejoice at the sound of a company releasing a new station wagon [especially a fast one] But before the Cadillac CTS-V Wagon, BMW M5 Estate and Mercedes E63 AMG Estate, there was the Audi RS2 Avant, the first real sports car worrying station wagon [outside of the American muscle car wagons]
10) It had a 6 speed manual
During the time it was being built, 5 speed manuals were still the top of the line transmissions with only elite supercars running 6 speeds. To put this up there, Audi's own top of the line 6 speed was dropped in for good measure. Even now 6 speed manuals are rare [for all the wrong reasons] and traditional cars are going all sissy with their automatic only options [evil eye at Mercedes and Ferrari] But because you are a man, you'll want a 6 speed.
9) It had quattro
Audi's proven 4WD "quattro" system was taken straight out of the rally ready Quattro sports car and plopped in this car for maximum fun. 4WD turns this heavy wagon into a fling-able grip machine. Expect the children in the backseat to magical get thinner due to constant nausea.
8) It had a 5 banger Turbo
And not just any 5 banger but a tuned version of the engine from the Audi Quattro sport car. Because of the engined had Group B technology, the engine was sturdy and able to take as high as 800hp, but from a 2.2L, 315hp stock isnt bad either.
7) 162MPH [limited] top speed
Already you're faster than most BMWs, Benzes and a couple of Porsches. Imagine if you were to remove that limiter [NOOOeeeeeessssssss]. The acceleration was also epic, 0-60 in 4.8s
Compared to sports cars of its time [94-95]
Ferrari F355: 4.6s
Porsche Carrera RS: 4.7s
Aston Martin DB7: 4.9s
The most amazing thing however was its 0-30 time: 1.5s [this was faster than F1 cars at that time]
6) It's GERMAN
No, it will not invade Poland [but it would be helpful] Germans make good cars, as in they really make good cars. You can feel safe knowing that the springs are made from materials that springs are supposed to be from [which is handy knowing especially with a car this age] Unfortunately being German means that when things go wrong, expect to earn a doctorate in mechanics before you can attempt fixing something [which can work for you if you like a challenge]
5)It was the first Audi with an RS badge
Audi's RS range is a prestigious range, its Audi's answer to the AMG's, V's, F's and M's flying around the place, of course to launch the brand new badge they had to do it with a bang. Only the Audi Quattro would have been more appropriate.
4) It's a WAGON
Wagons are the coolest forms of transportation EVER, no argument necessary. As Clarkson said when describing the M5 Estate "This is one of the most exciting cars made to date, but because its also an estate, your dog can come too." Nothing warms the heart of an auto enthusiast of knowing that they can have a fun car + a car to take the family out in + a ton of space all in one package.
3) It's a Sleeper
Because its a wagon, no one would expect you to blow their doors off, even though you easily could. Expect to give other cars that flaunt their speed problems [Evolutions and Imprezas are made to look obviously fast due to their spoilers and scoops and such, which is the opposite of sleeper mentality.]
2) It Was Built By Porsche
When I saw built by Porsche I mean it, the brakes, the suspension, the wheels and even the rear view mirrors are all by Porsche. Engine tuning was also done by them. To date, Porsche has not helped to build another car alongside other manufacturers [Before this they did the Benz 500E and the VW 914] Of course if you want to keep it a sleeper, just hold on to this piece of information.
1) It's Cheap [Relatively]
I've seen RS2 prices vary from 10,000 pounds all the way up to 38k and the fact is present owners don't want to let go. But face it, you are getting a car more powerful, faster, more practical and rarer than the Audi Quattro for [roughly] the same price. [This one's for sale]