The mid-2000s were a golden era for performance cars. Still heavily relying on both naturally aspirated engines and manual gearboxes, for the driving enthusiast, your choices were seemingly endless. One of the most heated battles at this time was in the sport sedan segment where the Audi RS4 was pitted against the E90 M3 and W204 Mercedes C63. All three of these cars were based around powerful, atmospheric V8s, but went about extracting performance in their own ways. The C63 was the ultimate choice for tail-out slides and peak power, the M3 was the most nimble and track-focused, and the RS4 had the most confidence-inspiring performance in all weather thanks to its advanced Quattro all-wheel drive system.

This 2008 Audi RS4 is a stunningly clean example, finished in the car's signature color of Sprint Blue. Showing just over 64,300 miles, this car has clearly been well-kept from new and has the look of a car with half as many miles on it. Although there is an obvious line that can be drawn from the RS4's lesser A4 and S4 siblings, the bodywork on these cars immediately gives away that there is something special under the hood. A set of muscular fender flares are required to fit the wide wheels and is accompanied by a more aggressive front and rear bumper treatment. On this car, the RS4's elegant 7-spoke wheels are finished in dark graphite gray which offers stunning contrast against the bright blue exterior.

On the inside, a pair of heavily bolstered Recaro seats dominate the RS4's interior and offer great support when driving fast, but are still comfortable on long drives. Upholstered in black leather, to make the RS4 feel more premium, white deviated piping is applied to both the front and rear seats which adds some visual interest. Most RS4s were produced with gloss carbon fiber trim on the doors, center console, and center stack but this car is unique as it features a piano black finish throughout which looks fantastic. Sitting behind the wheel and using an RS4 is a pleasure too thanks to the thick steering wheel with perforated leather, and bright bold back lit gauges that offer tons of legibility.

Under the hood of the RS4 is an absolutely outstanding 4.2 liter, all-aluminum, DOHC V8. Similar to that found in the brand's R8 supercar, the RS4 produces 414 horsepower and will rev to 8,000 rpm easily, while creating power throughout the rev range. A satisfyingly notchy 6-speed manual transmission allows you to extract all of the performance out of the car and is a joy to use even in traffic every day. The powerful V8 and 6-speed manual are a great pairing but what really separates the RS4 from its competition is the addition of Quattro all-wheel-drive. Utilizing a sport-tuned version of the system, the RS4 offers surefooted driving dynamics in all conditions and truly makes you feel like a superhero behind the wheel with the amount of grip the car produces.

The RS4 is an iconic sports sedan that even 15 years after it was produced, holds up against any performance sedan available today. Back when new, these cars were cherished by their owners and many of them had the miles piled on as they are so good to drive. This car with its low milage and finished in arguably the best color available, is an excellent example and will be exciting to drive for years to come.