IMO it deserves that place. It wasn't as competitive as the 205 E2 and S4, but a strong underdog. It was very entertaining to watch (205 wasn't as fierce and the S4 struggled sideways driving) and while the S4 was indeed the most extreme interpretation of the regulations and one of the most nightmare-ish looking racecars ever made, the S1 E2 didn't look like a puppy either. It was the first group B awd supercar before group B.
I'll respectfully disagree - or rather partially agree - with you there; I absolutely agree that the Group 4 Ur quattro deserves maximum respect, as it shifted the sport in a new direction that we are still travelling in today. However, as much as I prefer the look of the shorter cars, I think both the S1 and E2 (
especially the E2) are overrated within Group B. The E2 definitely looks the part and sounds immense but, for the reasons discussed in the earlier posts, Audi went from redefining the sport to stragglers in an incredibly short period of time. The E2 is the epitome of that.
Perhaps an unfair statement to make, but I think there is a fair argument for the Audi withdrawal in 1986 being more a face saving exercise than a reaction to the FISA decision to cancel Group B.
Group B appealing is more nuanced, referred to what's happening behind what you see. Overpowered beasts taking legendary drivers way off their capabilities. Drama and political struggle. Total indifference for human safety (not good, just fascinating). Ludicrous technical applications: who the hell thought it was a good idea to use a ventury device in a racing car that's bouncing all the time.
All true and there is no doubt that it was a unique period in the history in the sport however, considering the era as a whole, the competition wasn't the closest. Plenty of manufacturers were involved, but few were truly competitive at any one time, mechanical failures were rife and Group B was ultimately unsustainable.
That isn't to say it wasn't an amazing moment in rally (and motorsport) history but, for me, other eras were more complete.
PS: I know we are way off topic, but the discussion is getting to places that are way too interesting and rarely seen online.
I blame Codemasters for the off topic: if they'd hurry up and give us a new game we'd be talking about that instead.
I think the 2017-21 cars are the modern equivalent. Totally special and never to be seen again, just like GrpB
Yeah, I thought the 2017 WRCars had more than a whiff of Group B about them. I think every one of the 2.0L and 1.6L have been technically impressive in their own way, but the first time I saw a 2017 car in full attack mode I was absolutely stunned. The speed - and control at speed - just looked unreal.
The 2022 hybrid cars have arguably moved even closer to Group B as they are now effectively space frames with some panels hanging off them. I have only heard the Puma in person, but I was surprised by how good the hybrids sound as well, reminds of some of the best cars of the early 2.0L WRCar era.
Well in general, it seems dr2 makes you feel the thrill of older cars pretty well, and landing not ligned up is pretty intense, hoping you pull it off and keep it under control.
Certainly much more than the older cars in wrc games.
The old audi in dr2 for me understeers quite a lot as soon as you throttle it, if you dont put it sideways a lot 1st in curves, i don't know, im no expert of course,,but it's a handful still and most older cars are fun to try handle.
It's a lot of effort as it is lol to me.
I am fairly surely they have dialed the Group B cars down a little. I was fortunate enough to played a very early version of Dirt Rally at Codemasters and the E2 we tried then was an absolute nightmare. Of course that was my first introduction to a much more challenging style of game, but I just remember copious understeer and horrendous amounts of turbo lag.
In their current DR2.0 form I definitely still find them a handful though and, as you say, there is quite a thrill driving/hanging onto them when you are absolutely flat out. I have said it many times - but I don't think it can't be stated enough - how great the audio for the cars is, especially those in the Group B class. Many iconic engine sounds all, in my opinion, superbly represented.
