Coupe vs Cabriolet

[swagger_jacker]

Hey guys, looking to purchase an S in the near future and can not make up my mind on which to get. I am in Miami and noticed coupes seem to be a rarity here but notice a lot of cabs for sale. Also going back n forth between the older v8 model or the v6 style. Any ideas to help make the decision. Old style vs new, v6 vs v8, coupe vs cabriolet? Never owned a convertible before and not sure if i would like it or not.

[NoMojo31]

New style coupe.

Coupe is lighter and more rigid, thus better for sporty driving.

Although with a cab you get the joy of finding out your teenage son snuck the car out for a joyride with some hot girl.

[fasteddy91]

It's a matter of taste.... I prefer a hardtop, but that's me. When I was younger I liked the convertibles or targa tops.

I would also get the B8.5.

[diego_demarco]

Hmm that's weird! I just got my cabriolet in September but noticed a lot more coupes for sale at that time. I've always had coupes but I've been wanting a convertible for a long time and I love it. Especially in south Florida.

[swagger_jacker]

That a nice cab Diego, how is the noise level with the top up and down and any issues to look out for?

[Gonzoe11]

I've had both. It all depends on your driving style, road types, ever plan on tracking the car, etc....
The coupe is lighter, more planted, and rock solid. The cabrio is a little shaky on bad roads and doesn't feel as planted but you can't beat the open top feel. If you like to cruise, and and less concerned about track time, the cabrio is for you.
The cabrio top is well insulated and pretty quiet.

[diego_demarco]

That a nice cab Diego, how is the noise level with the top up and down and any issues to look out for?

Thanks! It's actually pretty quiet compared to other soft tops! I wouldn't trade it for a coupe that's for sure lol I just think a convertible is perfect for Florida.

[swagger_jacker]

Thanks, I will have to test drive a cab then and see how I like it. Anything to look for? Leaks, canvas care, etc?

[rooneyy]

Swagger_jacker did you decide between the two?

[AUDIMAN33]

New style coupe.

Coupe is lighter and more rigid, thus better for sporty driving.

Although with a cab you get the joy of finding out your teenage son snuck the car out for a joyride with some hot girl.

I don't think Men look "right" in a cab. I don't picture a guy and a girl together in a cab more of a guy on guy thing. IMO

[ryanhmusic]

I don't picture a guy and a girl together more of a guy on guy thing. IMO

you picture guy on guy things?

[AUDIMAN33]

you picture guy on guy things?

Nope....

[AllroadCorbin]

I don't think Men look "right" in a cab. I don't picture a guy and a girl together in a cab more of a guy on guy thing. IMO

I'd rather have a cab than my moms A4

[AUDIMAN33]

I'd rather have a cab than my moms A4

Yawn.

[bknewtype]

trololol

[bknewtype]

anyways, everyone knows I am biased to the pre fl ( older style ) so id much prefer a 2012 or older. it depends what engine u want. if u go for the cab, it wont matter since they share the same engine

I was on the same boat as you. cab vs coupe. I personally think the coupe looks much better from the side view. but having a vert is pretty cool esp if u live in florida. get to enjoy the top down all year round. in the end I chose coupe because of 6mt.

I say, whatever deal u find that u cant pass up, go for it.

[miked1978]

the lines of a coupe are so daym seksy. cab roof ruins the look IMO. Would be a surprise hit of the B9 had a retractable hardtop...

[i1overice]

Listen to the V8. That will make your decision. V8 Coupe.

[ICU2]

The sound of a V8 (like the one in my RS5) is infinitely more pleasurable on a beautiful autumn/spring/summer day with the top down and the sun shining. Trips to the ballpark, wineries, and restaurants w/the wife always draw attention, and I have never owned a car that has received so many unsolicited compliments. Keep in mind I've been driving since I was 16 and I am now in my early 50's. Given the OP' s location in Florida, I would think he would have far more opportunities for top down driving then I do in central Illinois. Either choice will be a wonderful experience, but definitely try and drive both back to back. + 1 to Gonzoe's comment ~ driving/cruising/tracking the car. That makes a big difference in the selection process. A nice "problem" to have. Good luck & keep us posted.

Listen to the V8. That will make your decision. V8 Coupe.

[Hippyshakes]

Pffft. Coupe lines are better - my a... er my cab.

Untitled by jackson hale, on Flickr

[Hippyshakes]

I don't think Men look "right" in a cab. I don't picture a guy and a girl together in a cab more of a guy on guy thing. IMO

Sorry dude but this may be the most ignorant thing I've ever heard..... "IMO"


(and yeah @Mojo31 my son and I have a story for life! - and I'm quite sure there is more to his story...)

[doug97gxe]

i had a vette vert as a rental.. i don't know Vonn it was pretty damn manly

[ICU2]

Definitely biased but I agree ~ the lines. Regarding vehicle preference, there is no accounting for taste.

Pffft. Coupe lines are better - my a... er my cab.

Untitled by jackson hale, on Flickr

[ICU2]

Best example of a RS5 Cab I've seen on AZ would be Hippyshakes, take a look & imagine the possibilities taking a slow ride on A1A or a weekend down to the Keys, drop top style. Jealous just thinking ~ it.

Hey guys, looking to purchase an S in the near future and can not make up my mind on which to get. I am in Miami and noticed coupes seem to be a rarity here but notice a lot of cabs for sale. Also going back n forth between the older v8 model or the v6 style. Any ideas to help make the decision. Old style vs new, v6 vs v8, coupe vs cabriolet? Never owned a convertible before and not sure if i would like it or not.

[Sweep]

Used to believe I was a "coupe-guy" but I recently drove around on a beautiful spring day in a miata with the top down. It changed my life. I would have no qualms owning a convertible cruising around with the top down, especially if it was as nice year round as it is where you are.

Sent from my XT1575 using Tapatalk

[Mops@Nemesis]

Used to believe I was a "coupe-guy" but I recently drove around on a beautiful spring day in a miata with the top down. It changed my life. I would have no qualms owning a convertible cruising around with the top down, especially if it was as nice year round as it is where you are.

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I used to spend a lot of time in 3.0 Z3. Many great feelings in there with the top down, even in cool weather with heat, and windows up.

[diego_demarco]

Cabriolet >

[Sweep]

I used to spend a lot of time in 3.0 Z3. Many great feelings in there with the top down, even in cool weather with heat, and windows up.

S2K is on the bucket list along with one of these:

[carlosvjr92]

I would say go with the V6. The V8 is a gas guzzler and from what I remember about it from when I was researching these cars it isn't as quick as the supercharged V6. Plus with the V6 you can get a lot from modding. I'm also in Miami, but I think coupe is the way to go. It's lighter and looks better. Plus the weather is sporadic. It could be perfectly sunny all day and then next think you know it's pouring rain

[TTRStud]

The coupe is more rigid car, and better looking in my opinion. I would also recommend the V8. NA will always be more reliable than forced induction any day of the week and twice on Sunday - less heat and less components. The 4.2 has proven to be one of Audi's most reliable and solid engines; essentially bullet proof. Also, there is nothing you can do to the v6 in order to get the eargasms that the v8 is capable of producing. Finally, stock for stock, my v8 pulled on my colleague's v6 - torque is rated the same but the v8 has a bit more hp out of the box. The only valid statement I've seen so far is the fact that the v6 will benefit from mods much more than the v8, and the gains would be greater. This is characteristic of any forced induction setup.

Then comes the subjective, personal opinion stuff: I prefer the look of the b8 versus the b8.5. It looks more mature and because of the bumper and headlight design, the car also looks wider. How do I know? My colleague and I park our cars next to each other, and we can see them from the windows at the office. People always ask how come the gray car (b8) looks wider than the black car (b8.5). Personally, you couldn't pay me for me to get rid of my v8 S5 to replace it with a v6 S5.

Drive both and get your priorities in gear. If modding is your priority, then the b8.5 will be the better car for you. Otherwise, I would suggest you consider the b8 and give it a fair shot.

[doug97gxe]

The coupe is more rigid car, and better looking in my opinion. I would also recommend the V8. NA will always be more reliable than forced induction any day of the week and twice on Sunday - less heat and less components. The 4.2 has proven to be one of Audi's most reliable and solid engines; essentially bullet proof. Also, there is nothing you can do to the v6 in order to get the eargasms that the v8 is capable of producing. Finally, stock for stock, my v8 pulled on my colleague's v6 - torque is rated the same but the v8 has a bit more hp out of the box. The only valid statement I've seen so far is the fact that the v6 will benefit from mods much more than the v8, and the gains would be greater. This is characteristic of any forced induction setup.

Then comes the subjective, personal opinion stuff: I prefer the look of the b8 versus the b8.5. It looks more mature and because of the bumper and headlight design, the car also looks wider. How do I know? My colleague and I park our cars next to each other, and we can see them from the windows at the office. People always ask how come the gray car (b8) looks wider than the black car (b8.5). Personally, you couldn't pay me for me to get rid of my v8 S5 to replace it with a v6 S5.

Drive both and get your priorities in gear. If modding is your priority, then the b8.5 will be the better car for you. Otherwise, I would suggest you consider the b8 and give it a fair shot.

as an owner of a B8 and a B8.5 when i first got the B8 i was in love with the head light design.. then every other car maker started doing the same thing.. it has lost its uniqueness .. the same thing is slowly happening to the B8.5 as well.. Tesla headlights are almost an exact replica .. and now Honda and Ford are copying the "paper clip" as well.

I gotta say i got to work on monday and a guy who works in my building pulled in with a v8 S5 (STOCK EXHAUST) and man that thing sounded beautiful and mean.. i can only imagine what it sounds in person with an aftermarket exhaust .. not these videos.. that stock one i heard sounded better than what i hear on youtube so i know in person its a beast..

as far as the v6T ... that motor is pretty damn good.. you could say stock form its bulletproof .. guys in the S4 forum are starting to run dual pulley's and full 85 .. and currently the fastest Stock Supercharger v6 is an S5 (Loe) running 11.2 .. that's just amazing the car is almost running 10's and he says he has a lot more into it and couple more tricks up his sleeve .. and when he ran 11.2 he forgot to take his spare tire and jack.. so that was full weight. The v6T platform is really just now starting to push its limits .. i think that stock motor can handle 500 hp no problems...

that being said after the eargasm i got on Monday i would say for anyone who isn't into modding or doesn't care for going faster and faster the v8 S5 is just wonderful to listen to and is an amazing choice

[PEM]

^ +1. I thoroughly enjoy the V8 and I try to find any chance I can to roll the windows down just to hear the full glory of it all. If you don't care about speed and weight savings and just want to cruise and enjoy life, V8 in cab/coupe would suite you very well. If you want a little more pull when you put your foot down, the V6 do get a bit better gas mileage and with an exhaust, they sound pretty good as well. I went with the RS5 and haven't looked back since.

[doug97gxe]

^ +1. I thoroughly enjoy the V8 and I try to find any chance I can to roll the windows down just to hear the full glory of it all. If you don't care about speed and weight savings and just want to cruise and enjoy life, V8 in cab/coupe would suite you very well. If you want a little more pull when you put your foot down, the V6 do get a bit better gas mileage and with an exhaust, they sound pretty good as well. I went with the RS5 and haven't looked back since.

just a slight correction ..

Pre-FL S5 Coupe = V8
Pre-FL S5 Cab = v6T
FL S5 Coup= v6T
FL S5 Cab = v6T

[PEM]

Oh shiz I thought pre-fl cabs were v8's as well. My b! I guess you'll have to go coupe if you want that V8 or spring for the RS5 cabrio haha.

[TTRStud]

One thing I wanted to add is that v8 or v6, the weight difference is basically negligible. We are talking about a gt (grand touring) car here. These cars are not and will never be "fast," mods or not; that's not what they were designed for. Even the RS5, which is supposed to be at the top of the chain, is still not only heavy, but also nose-heavy which throws off its balance and makes it inferior to the competition. That said, Audi's fleet of 5's (a/s/rs) offers a great compromise of luxury and sporty driving, whichever flavor you end up going with. If speed is all you're after, forget about the S5 period, or any Audi outside of an R8 for that matter.

[doug97gxe]

i respectfully disagree.. Audi's current line up RS7/S7/S6 when fully modded are deep in 10 seconds and the S5/S4 is knocking on the door .. outside of a Twin Turbo R8 those ares are holding their own big time.. especially when they are still luxurious and can take the family and groceries anywhere

[TTRStud]

i respectfully disagree.. Audi's current line up RS7/S7/S6 when fully modded are deep in 10 seconds and the S5/S4 is knocking on the door .. outside of a Twin Turbo R8 those ares are holding their own big time.. especially when they are still luxurious and can take the family and groceries anywhere

Your definition of fast and my definition of fast differ. Audi's handling blows compared to the competition. Not to sound like a fanboy, but out of the 24 cars I've owned, most have been M cars, all of which are trackable right out of the dealer. Likewise, tune any of the current BMW lineup and they will blow off doors, in addition to 50/50 weight distribution and amazing handling as a result. Put ANY Audi outside of an R8 on a circuit track/road course with its corresponding 50/50 rwd competition, and the rest is history. Some of us embrace cornering when we say "fast." The rs5 (2 door coupe) didn't hold a candle to any of my prior e90 (high revving v8) m3's, and those suckers had 4 doors each :). But yes, we can respectfully disagree.

By the way, regarding gas mileage, anyone looking into an s5 where gas mileage is a factor, is looking at the wrong car. A 2-4 mpg difference is not relevant enough to call one a gas guzzler and not the other.

Cheers!

[doug97gxe]

Your definition of fast and my definition of fast differ. Audi's handling blows compared to the competition. Not to sound like a fanboy, but out of the 24 cars I've owned, most have been M cars, all of which are trackable right out of the dealer. Likewise, tune any of the current BMW lineup and they will blow off doors, in addition to 50/50 weight distribution and amazing handling as a result. Put ANY Audi outside of an R8 on a circuit track/road course with its corresponding 50/50 rwd competition, and the rest is history. Some of us embrace cornering when we say "fast." The rs5 (2 door coupe) didn't hold a candle to any of my prior e90 (high revving v8) m3's, and those suckers had 4 doors each :). But yes, we can respectfully disagree.

By the way, regarding gas mileage, anyone looking into an s5 where gas mileage is a factor, is looking at the wrong car. A 2-4 mpg difference is not relevant enough to call one a gas guzzler and not the other.

Cheers!

fair enough .. i understand your point of fast now

[PEM]

TTRStud - The S5/RS5/S6/S7/RS7 are plenty fast for the rest of us for what they're used for. Not everyone wants to drift around or track their cars enough to care, either.

We live in America where most of our commutes happen on straight, boring highways. Why do you think so many people are obsessed with 0-60 times? If I want a track car that can go around corners, I'll buy a Lotus or Miata over a BMW all day every day. But you're right though, M cars do have better handling in pristine conditions on a track. Add some real world variables and weather in that mix and let me know how that goes for you.

[TTRStud]

TTRStud - The S5/RS5/S6/S7/RS7 are plenty fast for the rest of us for what they're used for. Not everyone wants to drift around or track their cars enough to care, either.

We live in America where most of our commutes happen on straight, boring highways. Why do you think so many people are obsessed with 0-60 times? If I want a track car that can go around corners, I'll buy a Lotus or Miata over a BMW all day every day. But you're right though, M cars do have better handling in pristine conditions on a track. Add some real world variables and weather in that mix and let me know how that goes for you.

Your first paragraph is 100% subjective and opinion-based, so I'm not even going to respond to that. It derails from the subject of the characteristics of the car, and you're making an assumption for the masses that may very well be true, or untrue.

I live in America as well, and clearly, my automotive interests are different from yours and those of the masses that you described above. While keeping practicality in mind, a Lotus or a Miata wouldn't cut it. Believe it or not, there are much better performing practical cars out there than our beloved Audi's. Don't get me wrong, I love my car, I enjoy it, and I stand by it; but I'm also realistic. I've never had an issue with balanced rwd cars, in any type of conditions - they also require a higher level of driving expertise while being pushed to the limit (under any circumstances), and I love a good challenge. It appears that these days people pick their cars based on what the cars do for them; even at my young age, however, I'm still of the mentality that I pick cars based on what I can do with them, and not what they can do for me. I've tracked rwd cars a few times, with "some real world variables" in the mix, and you'd be surprised to know that it went rather well for me.

Cheers!