RS5 vs...

[prolific]

This is a "fun" topic of sorts. I've had this conversation, back and forth, with a handful of buddies over the past six months or so. I've actually posed this same question over on a couple different BMW forums, in order to get the opinions from the other side.

I know this is an Audi forum, so the bias will inherently be there. Which is fine, because these cars are awesome. I currently drive an A5, and was about to make the jump to the S5, but opted to hold back and splash a bit bigger shortly down the road.

Truth be told, I've always wanted an M. I think for the next ride, that'll be a possibility. I'm curious, however, as I look around: what are my other choices? Like I alluded to above, I pulled back, and passed on a S5, in hopes of something in that next tier (the RS5, and the M, which I already mentioned).

Generally speaking, and (more or less) in the same conversation, here is the list I've come up with. What would you choose and why? Am I silly for considering any of these options? Am I overlooking a model or two, one's that I failed to mention?

1) '08+ BMW M3 - price would be great; would look for something low mileage, baby'd - probably hard to come by nowadays? Throw a supercharger in it, call it a day.

2) '09+ Nissan GT-R - again, probably could find "a bargain" out there; thing is obviously a beast, interior not as nice as the BMW, and Audi's of the world. Same issue as the M3: how easy could you find one of these things?

3) Audi RS5 - coming from an A5, then an S5, and currently an A5, I'm an Audi fan. RS5 is definitely in this tier, and combines the style/interior profile with that quattro that Northeastern drivers such as myself enjoy. Could probably find a decent deal here as well.

4) Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG (507?) - arguably the best sounding car of the group, and definitely would be a "different, unique" car in my area, so I'd factor that in.

5) BMW M4 - if I'm looking to spend a bit more money, I think I'd simply pony up here. Again, I've always wanted an M, and the 4's are sexy.

I'd daily drive, for the most part, or at least until the weather turns. Not a big track guy personally.

Cheers.

[doug97gxe]

test drive them all and see which one suits you and your needs

[GotRS?]

test drive them all and see which one suits you and your needs

Exactly -
Use http://turo.com formerly RelayRides and drive them. (e.g. I rented an M4 for a week, very nice but I'm back in my RS5 now and much happier)

[Leavinu]

In a similar situation as you with regard to options and ironically my list looked almost identical to yours. I've chosen to go RS without question but my reasoning is purely personal and should mean nothing to what you're looking for. Considering the last line of your OP, you should truly take a hard look at the list and honestly identify those that don't fit that need for you.

*I have a 600rwhp+ Corvette so I'm not in need of another highly modified all-around fast car. That helped me in my decision making process.

[jamin_00]

http://www.a5oc.com/forums/drivers-l...d-replace.html

[jkownz]

Oh boy another one of these. Haha

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[PEM]

Ask yourself what your priorities are. 2 doors or 4? Living in the NE, if you want a DD all year round you can go ahead and eliminate all but two of that list or you'll be in for some scary driving. Also if you go used on performance vehicles, good luck finding a well cared for and unmolested example.

As far as cross shopping is concerned, it looks like you've tapped all of the ones that would be cross shopped together. I can't think of anything else off the top of my head to put on the list.

[PeregrineNYC]

I hesitate to add this car to the mix because it's basically a glorified Chrysler with a detestable interior, but I drove a Maserati Ghibli the other day and was surprised at the ride. I like my RS5 much better, but I didn't expect the Ghibli to be as enjoyable to drive as it was. That said, landslide depreciation and unreliability keep me away from cars like that.

[essfour]

You'll be hard pressed to find one car that can do everything as well as the RS5 can. You compromise on some things relative to the other cars you mentioned, but as an all rounder, the RS5 is hard to beat. .

If you are looking used and are in the 45-55 prince range (or thereabout) you should also consider a 997 4S which would be an awesome all season daily driver.

[jpenneck]

I have been starting to ponder the same question as I have had my RS5 for 3 years now and will be looking to replace it in another year or 2. Personally I think I am looking at going back to 4 doors and living in Colorado, I really want something that I can drive all year round as my daily driver. If the new B9 RS4 comes back to the US as a sedan that will go straight to the top of my list!

[HazeMyth]

As others have stated, test drive the car and see which one puts the biggest smile on your face. My 2 cents.. You can't go wrong with AMG, M or RS. They're all amazing in their own right, and it really just comes down to what feels right for you. I have a lot of love for AMG and M's, but Audi just makes more sense for my climate, so that's why I personally tend to lean towards anything made for snowy conditions.

The GT-R is a great car, but all of my friends that own them have the same complaint. All of them say it's really not amazing as a daily, and it tends to only put a smile on your face when you hit the track. I've driven a couple GT-Rs, and I know I'd personally have fun with it as a daily, but I could also understand where they are coming from.

[PEM]

I can see the GTR not being a great daily. Clunky transmission at low load/speeds in addition to stiff suspension = not so fun day to day.

[HazeMyth]

I can see the GTR not being a great daily. Clunky transmission at low load/speeds in addition to stiff suspension = not so fun day to day.

The transmission tends to be the biggest complaint from people I know that daily them. That car is not meant to be driven at speed limits.

[zcspec]

I've been fortunate enough to drive 3 of those cars and being a passenger in the other two. From experience and my personal opinion, I fell in love/always will be a hug fan of the E92 M3. In stock trim, it's a fantastic car. Put a blower in it, it's a different beast. Absolutely nothing wrong with the other premier choices though.

[GSS5]

based on your post..seems like rwd vs awd isn't a concern to you and if you're willing to spend the extra $$$$ there's absolutely no reason for you not to get the m4 imo. it's the newest, lightest, quickest, most technologically advanced, most maintenance-friendly (assuming brand new with warranty and free 50k mile maintenance) and probably the best compromise between performance/looks/daily usability of the group.

[Sgibb16]

Mazda Speed 3

[Johnhanson]

Just get the RS5. It's the best.

Sincerely,
The entire forum


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[DominoEdge]

Just get the RS5. It's the best.

Sincerely,
The entire forum


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+1

[prolific]

I appreciate all the replies thus far, really enjoy this kind of conversation (as repetitive as it may seem for some). I suppose I just view each of these cars almost equal, really can't go wrong of course, so it's fun to put each one under the micrscope so-to-speak. I've driven every car on my list with the exception of the 507 C63. Again, I've heard it plenty of times, in person, but haven't been able to get behind the wheel at this point. Definitely an intriguing option.

For me, at the moment (and all bias aside), the RS5 is at the top of the list. The AWD is a big considerations but not necessarily an end all/be all - I will have a Jeep to cruise to and from the office with when the weather turns.

I do have to mention, while I do have some money to play with here, I would say a used '15 or so M4 coming in at $65-66k would probably top out my budget (or what I'm consciously looking to spend).

I almost would prefer springing for a E92 M3 (over an M4, but maybe that's just me). I think finding one in good shape (low miles) with the features you want is becoming harder and harder...

[jwr9152]

Not sure if you've driven a supercharged E92, but it is definitely a beast, but kind of pointless. I was strongly considering one, before I got my car. You just can't put all of that power down. If you like drifting it is fantastic. I would rather have a stock M3 with the competition package. For a daily it would be hard to beat a RS5. Either way you can't go wrong, but in my opinion the RS5 is a better daily, and the M3/M4 is more for the track. GTR would be a blast. What about the new Guilia? Don't know if you need back seats or not, but cars on my list besides those mentioned above, Mustang GT350, Porsche Cayman, Dodge Viper, Acura NSX, BMW M2, M5, Jaguar F type, ATS V. I'm all over the map. My next will probably either be a 911 variant or a viper, because I've always wanted both and I can't afford a 458.

[namvar]

Drive them and decide for yourself. I have driven the M4 a few times and I did enjoy it but it is a different beast that the RS5. The GTR is not a daily driver but it is nice piece of engineering with a lot of power.

[Atmmac]

In a similar situation as you with regard to options and ironically my list looked almost identical to yours. I've chosen to go RS without question but my reasoning is purely personal and should mean nothing to what you're looking for. Considering the last line of your OP, you should truly take a hard look at the list and honestly identify those that don't fit that need for you.


*I have a 600rwhp+ Corvette so I'm not in need of another highly modified all-around fast car. That helped me in my decision making process.

600 rwhp corvette.... Sounds amazing

[bknewtype]

RS5 hands down for decent power, AWD for all seasons, v8 noise, and panty dropper looks. hard to find another car that can do it all for the same price range imo.

[Nilla_wafa]

If I were you I would also consider a cts-v, its a monster and should be in your price range.

[jpenneck]

If I were you I would also consider a cts-v, its a monster and should be in your price range.

But it's kinda ugly... just like the GT-R.

[FaceSmA5h]

I appreciate all the replies thus far, really enjoy this kind of conversation (as repetitive as it may seem for some). I suppose I just view each of these cars almost equal, really can't go wrong of course, so it's fun to put each one under the micrscope so-to-speak. I've driven every car on my list with the exception of the 507 C63. Again, I've heard it plenty of times, in person, but haven't been able to get behind the wheel at this point. Definitely an intriguing option.

For me, at the moment (and all bias aside), the RS5 is at the top of the list. The AWD is a big considerations but not necessarily an end all/be all - I will have a Jeep to cruise to and from the office with when the weather turns.

I do have to mention, while I do have some money to play with here, I would say a used '15 or so M4 coming in at $65-66k would probably top out my budget (or what I'm consciously looking to spend).

I almost would prefer springing for a E92 M3 (over an M4, but maybe that's just me). I think finding one in good shape (low miles) with the features you want is becoming harder and harder...

if you're considering an E92 M3, Just buy a 1M and call it a day

[GSS5]

But it's kinda ugly... just like the GT-R.

the last gens were atrocious inside out. the new gens are only atrocious inside.

[prolific]

Drive them and decide for yourself. I have driven the M4 a few times and I did enjoy it but it is a different beast that the RS5. The GTR is not a daily driver but it is nice piece of engineering with a lot of power.

How would you compare the M4 and the RS5 (they have their notable differences, sure). How close was it between the two for you?

RS5 hands down for decent power, AWD for all seasons, v8 noise, and panty dropper looks. hard to find another car that can do it all for the same price range imo.

This is more or less where I'm at. With the RS5, you're getting the most "bang for your buck", I think. I may be wrong with that assessment, but it does appear to be the complete package. The others are very close, however, hence the thread.

if you're considering an E92 M3, Just buy a 1M and call it a day

Not a fan of the look at all, personally. Wouldn't consider it.

Appreciate all the replies thus far!

[JoshDub]

I'm curious.

You want a M/RS/AMG, so you want high performance. You don't want small, lightweight, nimble, so the fact that you actually care about dynamics is in question. To top it all off you don't like going to the track.

So why exactly do you want the highest performance version of each model? What makes you "want a M car" if you state that you don't really care about the whole point of the M car? At that point what do the differences really matter?

Sounds to me you care more about being able to say you have a M, RS, AMG, ect and less about the actual car. Then in that case, buy which ever comes in the color you like.

[Beast]

Just test drive them and decide, I went for the RS out of all the other options because it fit my needs and it looks the best, and is the most exclusive.

[senatorswag]

You'll be hard pressed to find one car that can do everything as well as the RS5 can. You compromise on some things relative to the other cars you mentioned, but as an all rounder, the RS5 is hard to beat. .

If you are looking used and are in the 45-55 prince range (or thereabout) you should also consider a 997 4S which would be an awesome all season daily driver.

Exactly my line of thinking. All these "test drive em yourself and see what fits you!" replies lol. He's obviously looking for bias guys! I say 997.1 or 997.2 if you're not needing a 4seater. If definitely okay with 2 seater, I'd look at the 981 Cayman S.

[prolific]

I'm curious.

You want a M/RS/AMG, so you want high performance. You don't want small, lightweight, nimble, so the fact that you actually care about dynamics is in question. To top it all off you don't like going to the track.

So why exactly do you want the highest performance version of each model? What makes you "want a M car" if you state that you don't really care about the whole point of the M car? At that point what do the differences really matter?

Sounds to me you care more about being able to say you have a M, RS, AMG, ect and less about the actual car. Then in that case, buy which ever comes in the color you like.

I think you got me all wrong, but if that's what you're getting out of all this discussion, that's fine.

Without spending too much time explaining and/or defending myself, the main draw to a car like the M, is the performance. Despite not tracking personally, I think you can still get more than reasonable enjoyment out of these cars.

Thank you for the reply either way bud.

[JamesRS5]

An old video but still a very good real world comparison on a road test track.

[bknewtype]

I think you got me all wrong, but if that's what you're getting out of all this discussion, that's fine.

Without spending too much time explaining and/or defending myself, the main draw to a car like the M, is the performance. Despite not tracking personally, I think you can still get more than reasonable enjoyment out of these cars.

Thank you for the reply either way bud.

honestly, who cares. if u have the money to buy a higher tier car without needing ( or caring) for the power, go for it!

I personally don't care about performance at all as I live in nyc and I hit traffic all the time. I would only be able to use 25% of its power, and most times I just sit in traffic ( worst was doing 2 miles in 2 hours !) but if I compare an s5 and rs5, I would 100% get an rs5. sure rs5 power may not be usable for me, but I love the way it looks more than the s5 ( those who say they look alike can shove it ) and the v8 note is too damn glorious.

[essfour]

^agreed.

Also, 100% honest, if I lived in NYC like you, I'd be in an A5 or maybe Q5... but certainly not an RS5. Could you imagine the carbon build up issues you'd get slogging an RS5 through the city on a daily basis, rpm's never exceeding 3,000... just a terrible thing to do to an RS. A nicely tuned A5 with air suspension to raise you up above NYC road hazards = perfect sports car for the city.

[bknewtype]

^agreed.

Also, 100% honest, if I lived in NYC like you, I'd be in an A5 or maybe Q5... but certainly not an RS5. Could you imagine the carbon build up issues you'd get slogging an RS5 through the city on a daily basis, rpm's never exceeding 3,000... just a terrible thing to do to an RS. A nicely tuned A5 with air suspension to raise you up above NYC road hazards = perfect sports car for the city.

tee hee

yup my car perfectly suits me for my needs. was thinking of the EFR stage 3 turbo upgrade next year, but I scratched that idea cause I wont be able to use it at all

u can def exceed over 3k rpm. u just need to slam the brakes within 2 seconds (;

and honestly, I don't get how some people drive such beasts in nyc. me and nick saw a black edition s65 amg coupe going like 40 mph on the highway. also, saw a fresh bently parked in my neighborhood ( must be Asian ) and a couple of m cars and gt-r's. I always see them just driving by traffic every night picking up groceries

[Johnhanson]

I will stop complaining about our boring flat wide open roads immediately.


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[Leavinu]

600 rwhp corvette.... Sounds amazing

Fastest way to eliminate every ounce of stress in your head that's for sure. Given it's NA, the power delivery at WOT is intoxicating.

[PeregrineNYC]

^agreed.

Also, 100% honest, if I lived in NYC like you, I'd be in an A5 or maybe Q5... but certainly not an RS5. Could you imagine the carbon build up issues you'd get slogging an RS5 through the city on a daily basis, rpm's never exceeding 3,000... just a terrible thing to do to an RS. A nicely tuned A5 with air suspension to raise you up above NYC road hazards = perfect sports car for the city.

I love using my RS5 in NYC as a daily driver - no real issues driving it around town, but I also take it out of town almost every weekend - where I'm opening it up quite a bit.

[essfour]

^for sure, the RS5 does make a great commuter. I mean, I probably use my car for more unconventional purposes than most here, so i totally support the notion that this car is a great swiss army knife.