Quote Originally Posted by A4orce84 View Post
Hey Guys,

Sorry to make such a newbie post, but to give some background, I've been around Audi's for a while (2 B5 A4s, currently drive a B6 A4) and have tried searching for all kinds of information I can find on the A5 and S5. Recently, I've decided to start doing some research into my next car, and I want to stay in the Audi family. However, I feel like I want something a bit sportier this time around (coupe), and don't want such a big 4-door sedan that the B8's have grown into. So my interest has shifted (get it?) to the A5 / S5 coupes.

I know the basic differences in engines (2.0T A5 vs 3.0T or 4.2 V8 S5) as well as some small changes with interior (seats, steering wheel) and outside cosmetics, but I was hoping someone could give me a full breakdown on what differences are between each. One thing I should mention, is I'm looking for an Audi with stick (manual transmission). It looks like Audi has started phasing the manual out it of many other models (A3, A4, etc.), and the A5 / S5 is one of the few you can still get a manual on.

Thanks in advance for all your time and help, it is greatly appreciated! =)

Thanks,
Asif
I was in the same boat as you and the biggest factor was "what did my commute entail?"

My daily commute is 5 miles each direction and only reaching up to a max speed of 50-55 mph with mild traffic. The S5 would have been a waste for me as I would not have the chance to use all the power that was available. I only had the opportunity to go balls out on an on ramp every other week...even then I had to contain myself in not going over 70mph or get caught and be given a ticket.

The A5 has 258 ft/lbs of torque which I would say is enough for 90% of the folks out there. You can always get a flash from APR for 500-600 bucks to get an additional 55-60 ft/lbs torque and 50 horsepower. I use to have a Lexus IS350 that had around 325 horsepower and rarely used all that power. The car I had between the is350 and A5 was a 6spd manual 2002 celica GTS with 130 ft/lbs of torque and 180hp on a 2500 pound car and that car still sucked balls at slow speed. You had to rev the shit out of it to get the power whereas the A5 has plenty of power down low.

I have the S line competition package so the exterior looks identical to the S5 minus the dual exhaust which you can change.