Drove these back to back: Audi S4, S5 ,S6, S7, S8 and SQ5

[S4owner]

Over the last several weeks, I had a chance to drive the newest Audi S4, S5 ,S6, S7, S8 back to back, each car for one week. It was a great exercise to compare them accurately and experience the differences. I won't go in to details now but it was startling how sporty the S4 (mine is a 2013 S4) felt in comparison to the other S's. The SQ5 feels the closest to S4 despite being a SUV. Surprisingly, the S8 felt better than the S6 or S7 primarily because it retained the hydraulic steering while the S6/S7 has the "light feel" electromechanical steering.

I was glad to be the owner of the S4 because even if someone gave me extra cash to buy the other models, I think I prefer to drive the S4 as an everyday car.

[SwankPeRFection]

It's kind of a shame that Audi is softening the look/feel of their S models like they have. They need to maintain the sportier aspects of previous years before they lose some followers.

[infinkc]

I had a chance also to drive pretty much the same cars at the Audi experience program. Got to drive s4, s6, s7, s8, rs5, r8.

The one I was impressed with most was the s8. I couldn't believe how much power and how comfortable it was. The rs5 was a close second.

[SwankPeRFection]

I had a chance also to drive pretty much the same cars at the Audi experience program. Got to drive s4, s6, s7, s8, rs5, r8.

The one I was impressed with most was the s8. I couldn't believe how much power and how comfortable it was. The rs5 was a close second.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hf01C7Wpppg

Pretty good video on it.

[Akatsuki...]

It's kind of a shame that Audi is softening the look/feel of their S models like they have. They need to maintain the sportier aspects of previous years before they lose some followers.

Unfortunately it's cause of the RS line they are really pushing now.. They have to re adjust the market.. S4 used to compete with C32/C55 AMG and M3s... now it only competes with C350s and 335...

I wish they brought the RS4 and RS3 to Canada. The RS5 really doesn't do much for me.

[Draw007]

Interesting point. You should tweet that directly to @audi (if you haven't already...)

[LakeShow]

I drove most of those as well. The one that stands out is that S8. That car just pins you to the seat while still being a full size luxury sedan. Just has the perfect blend of everything while still being able to crack mid 3's to 60mph.

[S4owner]

Another odd thing I noticed was that S6 was slightly sportier, with a better on-center feel in steering than the S7, even though both cars are almost identical in spec and features. Since I drove each car for a full week, to/from work and running errands, it was interesting to see which car I ultimately enjoyed as a daily commuter. The S4 and S8 were my top picks - except the S8 was a bit too large to move around in busy traffic.

[Wusty]

Over the last several weeks, I had a chance to drive the newest Audi S4, S5 ,S6, S7, S8 back to back, each car for one week. It was a great exercise to compare them accurately and experience the differences. I won't go in to details now but it was startling how sporty the S4 (mine is a 2013 S4) felt in comparison to the other S's. The SQ5 feels the closest to S4 despite being a SUV. Surprisingly, the S8 felt better than the S6 or S7 primarily because it retained the hydraulic steering while the S6/S7 has the "light feel" electromechanical steering.

I was glad to be the owner of the S4 because even if someone gave me extra cash to buy the other models, I think I prefer to drive the S4 as an everyday car.

I got to do this same thing last fall and my feelings were exactly the same as yours.

[phillips2024]

I want in on this program ha


Sent from my iPod shuffle

[Moose201]

How the hell are all you people getting to drive these cars for a week apiece?

[NyRevenge]

How the hell are all you people getting to drive these cars for a week apiece?

Exactly what i was thinking...dafuq?!

[Wusty]

How the hell are all you people getting to drive these cars for a week apiece?

I drove mine back to back all in one day at an Audi "S" Model driving event. I didn't get em all for a week a piece like the OP.

[Celiot29]

Maybe he's a sales rep or technician , I would think they encourage driving these if your a head tech or sales rep but maybe not

[SwankPeRFection]

Maybe he's a sales rep or technician , I would think they encourage driving these if your a head tech or sales rep but maybe not

Yep...

[S4owner]

Sorry but to clarify I don't work for Audi and I'm not a sales rep nor technician. But I do have special connection to various car companies for a number of reasons. For confidential reasons that's all I can say.

However whenever I learn something interesting that can benefit others in this forum I will share that information - I will promise that.

Next round of vehicles include a number of new Land Rover and Porsche vehicles....busy times ahead.

[Moose201]

Sorry but to clarify I don't work for Audi and I'm not a sales rep nor technician. But I do have special connection to various car companies for a number of reasons. For confidential reasons that's all I can say.

However whenever I learn something interesting that can benefit others in this forum I will share that information - I will promise that.

Next round of vehicles include a number of new Land Rover and Porsche vehicles....busy times ahead.

Okay, I think I remember you from the steering thread where you shared your engineering observations. Anyway, thanks for sharing your comments about the S4.

[Mike00]

Kind of curious how did the s4 and s5 compare? I have always loved the coupe- incredibly sexy but I struggled to purchase a car that was more money for same perforamance and less in some cases as it's heavier.

[wwhan]

Kind of curious how did the s4 and s5 compare? I have always loved the coupe- incredibly sexy but I struggled to purchase a car that was more money for same perforamance and less in some cases as it's heavier.

This may relieve you, the current Audi USA web page list the S4 & S5 as the same weight;

S4 Exterior measurements
Wheelbase (in) - 110.7
Length (in) - 185.7
Height (in) - 55.4
Overall width with mirrors (in) - 80.3
Overall width without mirrors (in) - 71.9
Track front (in) - 61.1
Track rear (in) - 60.6
Curb weight (lb) - 3,858
Drag coefficient (Cw) - .30

S5 Exterior measurements
Wheelbase (in) - 108.3
Length (in) - 182.7
Height (in) - 53.9
Overall width with mirrors (in) - 79.5
Overall width without mirrors (in) - 73.0
Track front (in) - 62.5
Track rear (in) - 62.0
Curb weight (lb) - 3,858
Drag coefficient (Cw) - .31

[YelloJello]

Will be exciting to see when the S4 and S5 will change to the lighter aluminum frame, whereas the S6, S7, and S8 already have it.

[S4owner]

The 2013 S4 and S5 are extremely similar. The S5 has slightly (like say 5%) heavier steering but almost identical to S4 otherwise. I also drove a 2012 Audi S5 and it is vastly better because of its hydraulic steering and the wonderful V8 engine... it's a shame that they changed that for 2013.

[riegeraudi]

The 2013 S4 and S5 are extremely similar. The S5 has slightly (like say 5%) heavier steering but almost identical to S4 otherwise. I also drove a 2012 Audi S5 and it is vastly better because of its hydraulic steering and the wonderful V8 engine... it's a shame that they changed that for 2013.

I hear you. The hydraulic steering makes a hell of a difference. I have a 2010 and was about to trade in for a 201 and after driving the 2013 I couldn't stand the difference in feel of the steering even though I like the upgraded interior and tech. That said I have also driven the S6 and S8. The S6 and S8 are fast but feel huge in comparison to the S4 and the S4 already feels huge compared to my B5.