What are somethings I should know when deciding between a S5 Prestige or RS5?

[taikex]

Hi everyone! Due to some car problems I may be forced to leave my V8 S4. I've always admired the S5 and was hoping owners can chime in on some of the major selling points for a S5 vs. RS5? I hear the S5 with aftermarket upgrades can achieve similar results?

The other alternative is I get an S4 or some cheap hybrid lol.

In case anyone is interested. The three cars I've been looking at are below:

2013 RS5
2010: S5
2015 S4

[yjypm]

Get the RS5. Yes an S5 with stage 2 pulley upgrade is generally a little faster than a RS5 but the exhaust note is not comparable. Not to mention the wide body, the rear wing, 8 piston big brakes, and if you care, front parking sensors. The RS5 might not be a faster car but it's a better car. If I could go back, I'd rather buy a CPO RS5 than my S5 new.

Btw you are looking at a 2010 s5, which is the v8 not the v6t, which means, it doesn't have the tuning potential. If you care about speed, you should only consider rs5 or s4

[01northernS4]

I went through this process January 2015 coming from a 2006 S4 and was trying to decide (at basically the same price point) between a used 2013 RS5 (horny exterior but I already had the basic 4.2 Audi V8, albeit much less horsepower), 2015 S5 (sex on wheels and supercharged... never had a supercharged engine) and 2015 S4 (great engine but wanted a coupe)...

I would say if you are looking for something different as I was go with the S5 but make sure it has the supercharged engine (2013+)... coming from a NA V8 it's nice to have the supercharged instant power off the line and the S5 is hella sexy... hottest attainable car on the road imho... mild drop, tint and 20's with spacers and watch the necks crank...

oh, and don't forget the dsg... I was a manual guy but the dsg has changed me.

I love this car.

Hi everyone! Due to some car problems I may be forced to leave my V8 S4. I've always admired the S5 and was hoping owners can chime in on some of the major selling points for a S5 vs. RS5? I hear the S5 with aftermarket upgrades can achieve similar results?

The other alternative is I get an S4 or some cheap hybrid lol.

In case anyone is interested. The three cars I've been looking at are below:

2013 RS5
2010: S5
2015 S4

[01northernS4]

Wow, we are soo on opposite sides... I respect your opinion but have driven both and would not change my choice at all... maybe because I had that V8 exhaust note and have had other V8's so it's not a big deal for me.

If the RS5 has a supercharged V8 I would be all over it... supercharged all the way.

I've also had the tt B5 S4 and drove an E63 amg tt this past weekend... I don't care for the turbo lag at all... supercharged, supercharged, supercharged!!! lol

Great choice to make you can't go wrong either way... drive both, pick and enjoy!

Get the RS5. Yes an S5 with stage 2 pulley upgrade is generally a little faster than a RS5 but the exhaust note is not comparable. Not to mention the wide body, the rear wing, 8 piston big brakes, and if you care, front parking sensors. The RS5 might not be a faster car but it's a better car. If I could go back, I'd rather buy a CPO RS5 than my S5 new.

Btw you are looking at a 2010 s5, which is the v8 not the v6t, which means, it doesn't have the tuning potential. If you care about speed, you should only consider rs5 or s4

[Optiondoc]

Oh boy.....(gets popcorn)


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[01northernS4]

What? I said I respect his opinion! lol

Oh boy.....(gets popcorn)


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[Optiondoc]

Nothing against you mate. This topic usually brings out the crazies is all. Answer is, get whichever one suits your needs and tastes.


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[01northernS4]

110% agreed

Nothing against you mate. This topic usually brings out the crazies is all. Answer is, get whichever one suits your needs and tastes.


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[zhclvn]

Wanna know the sad part of owning an RS5? YOU LOSE TO MOST TUNED CARS.
Stage 2 S3 - Lose
Stage 2 S4/S5 - Lose
Stage 1 S6/S7 - Lose

But if you want a car that looks distintly different than the rest of the Audi Line up RS are the way to go. They arent the fastest compared to the F80 M3/M4 (E92 M3 Stock vs Stock you will win) But as a car, it is definitely my cup of tea. if you like boosting V6 Supercharge S5. You want looks and sound RS5.

[Rshane]

Wanna know the sad part of owning an RS5? YOU LOSE TO MOST TUNED CARS.
Stage 2 S3 - Lose
Stage 2 S4/S5 - Lose
Stage 1 S6/S7 - Lose

But if you want a car that looks distintly different than the rest of the Audi Line up RS are the way to go. They arent the fastest compared to the F80 M3/M4 (E92 M3 Stock vs Stock you will win) But as a car, it is definitely my cup of tea. if you like boosting V6 Supercharge S5. You want looks and sound RS5.

+1 You'll lose to lots of cars...if you simply want to prowl the streets looking for "kills." However, if you want a great GT, can't go wrong with the RS5.

[taikex]

Get the RS5. Yes an S5 with stage 2 pulley upgrade is generally a little faster than a RS5 but the exhaust note is not comparable. Not to mention the wide body, the rear wing, 8 piston big brakes, and if you care, front parking sensors. The RS5 might not be a faster car but it's a better car. If I could go back, I'd rather buy a CPO RS5 than my S5 new.

Btw you are looking at a 2010 s5, which is the v8 not the v6t, which means, it doesn't have the tuning potential. If you care about speed, you should only consider rs5 or s4

Oh good catch! I forgot the 2010's come with V8s and not the v6t. I may have to find a 2013+ model then...

+1 You'll lose to lots of cars...if you simply want to prowl the streets looking for "kills." However, if you want a great GT, can't go wrong with the RS5.

Haha I have no wish or need to be the fastest. I'm just interested in hearing if there have been any key benefits or drawbacks from owning one or another? All I have read so far is the S4 and S5 are lighter and have great tuning potential. I have to admit I love the RS grill (I know I can buy a knockoff and replace if I choose the S5), but my biggest struggle has been between trying to decide between the throaty naturally aspirated V8 vs. a supercharged engine. I'll be testing the RS later this Saturday so I'll have a better idea then. But I just wanted to make sure going in I'm not missing any key facts regarding performance, maintenance, or anything else :)

[Loe]

Whats the carbon build-up like on the 4.2 FSI? I've always been curious as the previous 4.2 FSI was a nightmare.

[zhclvn]

Whats the carbon build-up like on the 4.2 FSI? I've always been curious as the previous 4.2 FSI was a nightmare.

62K Miles in and still no issues yet. Probably soon but also probably due for one LOL

[Endi]

here's how I'd look at it..


buy a manual 6 spd S5 so u have a reason for buying the S5 and then used those extra funds to modify.

or

plug n play with the RS5 with the wide booty.

[Rshane]

Oh good catch! I forgot the 2010's come with V8s and not the v6t. I may have to find a 2013+ model then...



Haha I have no wish or need to be the fastest. I'm just interested in hearing if there have been any key benefits or drawbacks from owning one or another? All I have read so far is the S4 and S5 are lighter and have great tuning potential. I have to admit I love the RS grill (I know I can buy a knockoff and replace if I choose the S5), but my biggest struggle has been between trying to decide between the throaty naturally aspirated V8 vs. a supercharged engine. I'll be testing the RS later this Saturday so I'll have a better idea then. But I just wanted to make sure going in I'm not missing any key facts regarding performance, maintenance, or anything else :)

Well, you can't go wrong with either one. My S4 is my daily driver and I love it for the city streets, and the RS5 is a blast out in the country when I can rev it out. Both make a great daily driver; however, in the RS5, I find myself in sport mode or manually shifting to keep the car in the power band. I could tune the S4 and be faster than the RS5, but I'm not willing to risk my warranty. But damn, the sound of the high revving V8 with the Capristo makes me smile every time, even if I am breathing Corvette exhaust.

[GotRS?]

Well, you can't go wrong with either one. My S4 is my daily driver and I love it for the city streets, and the RS5 is a blast out in the country when I can rev it out. Both make a great daily driver; however, in the RS5, I find myself in sport mode or manually shifting to keep the car in the power band. I could tune the S4 and be faster than the RS5, but I'm not willing to risk my warranty. But damn, the sound of the high revving V8 with the Capristo makes me smile every time, even if I am breathing Corvette exhaust.

The engine is a masterpiece, the handling is very good for all that weight, the DSG in RS tune is arguably the best of its type.
If you really like cars choose the RS.

[ExhaustNote]

Hi everyone! Due to some car problems I may be forced to leave my V8 S4. I've always admired the S5 and was hoping owners can chime in on some of the major selling points for a S5 vs. RS5? I hear the S5 with aftermarket upgrades can achieve similar results?

The other alternative is I get an S4 or some cheap hybrid lol.

In case anyone is interested. The three cars I've been looking at are below:

2013 RS5
2010: S5
2015 S4

I've owned a v8 S5, I've extensively driven a heavily modded V6T and I've owned an RS5. Out of those three, I'd choose the RS5. As an overall car, it just ticks all the right boxes for me. When you start getting to that level, overall speed is not really a factor anymore for me. Sure the modded v6t is faster but is it as fun? I'd have to say no. What everyone here fails to mention is that the drive between the cars is so different. The joy you get out of hearing a v8 scream at 8200rpm is something you'll never get with a modded v6t. Also the DSG transmission on the RS is a completely different beast than the S5. My suggestion to you is to go drive both and you'll see what I mean. While a modded s5 may be faster, I got way more satisfaction out of my RS.

[Vanimal]

+2 on get whichever car fits what YOU want to do. I own a 2010 V8 S5 and its perfect for -MY- needs as a DD. I wanted something that looked good, sounded good, and i can drive all year round as a DD. I love the growl that the V8 gives and how i drive these days the power is plenty as my DD.

As for the RS vs B8.5 S5, i would hands DOWN get the RS5 if it fits your budget its a special car. Of course the V6T can be made faster once tuned in the B8.5 S5. But there is SO much soul in the RS engine and the car is just the total package engine/exterior & it will hold its value pretty damn good as all RS cars do. There is always going to be something faster on the road you will run into.

Like @RSShane said The one thing with the V8 in the RS compared to say the V6T in the S5. The V6T will be a good light to light car around town traffic with the low end torque from the supercharger. That torque will build in the lower RPM just making the car scoot along easier without pushing it so to speak. The RS V8, & same with my 2010 S5 with the V8 they like to play in the upper RPM's so the 325lbs of torque in my S5 doesn't really start to build that much in the low rev's & i find myself cranking it out more often which is fine . However once you start climbing those RPM's its a awesome feeling the feel that linear power that is produced.
the RS5 will be a sexier car FOREVER!

[bknewtype]

my v8 r8 is slow as fuck, but revving up to redline and listening to the exhaust rawr on the highway is an amazing experience a v6 just cant satisfy. besides, I like being late to the party. go for an rs5 if you don't care to tune.

not to mention to bring an s5 to the levels of an rs5, u need to tune with the possibility of losing warranty, and add some other cosmetics.

rs5 is perfect out of the box in terms of looks and power. could it be faster? sure. but so can every other single car.

[HazeMyth]

If it's between the V8 S5 and the RS5, for me, no doubt I'd go RS5. Ultimately it comes down to what you want. Maybe take them for a test drive and see which one gives you the nicest chubby.

[milesed]

What do you plan on doing with the car?
Just a DD or take it to the track?
What is your comfort level on repairing an Audi out of warranty?

For the track, get the V6 S5 or S4 and mod it. It's lighter and cheaper to replace parts for. For a long-term daily driver, you may want the newer car with a warranty. These cars are fairly expensive to repair and maintain.
Wiper blades are about $20 each (can't find them at Wal-Mart or local parts stores), air filters, oil, etc are all more expensive than most other brands of cars. I agree with others about the V8 exhaust note and exterior styling being much better with the RS5.

I have the V8 S5 2011 prestige with about 34k miles and zero problems so far. I had the Audi care deal that has run out and if I DIY oil change it will still cost at least $90 for oil alone.

Just something to consider.

[HazeMyth]

^ I'm pretty sure the oil capacity on the B8 S5 is substantially higher than the B8.5, so that would explain your crazy oil cost. Isn't it like 9+ qt. capacity on the 4.2 FSI? The 3.0TFSI is somewhere around 6.8 to 7 qt. capacity I think.

[djlynch]

I was faced with this decision a few months ago when purchasing my 2014 RS5. Test drove a 2016 S5 first, then ended up buying a low mileage CPO 2014 RS5 for the same money. Here are my personal thoughts on differences after owning the RS5 for a few months:

Pros: The RS5 is a great car out of the box. It looks great (spoiler is awesome on the RS, you wont get that in the S5). The factory "wide body kit" on it is subtle but noticeable when parked next to a S5. Even with factory exhaust it sounds great, especially in the upper RPM band (sport exhaust on mine, saving up for capristo). Comfort and interior quality is second to none IMO. Interstate driving is perfect. With the RS, there is a definite "prestige" about having a RS5 vs a S5, its just a rarer car (mine is the only one in my city.) For a daily driver, it has been perfect for me.

Cons: Depending what you are coming from, its definitely slower (day to day driving) than I expected. Its not that the power isn't there, but u have to be in the upper RPMs to get the power. When driving in the city in Drive (not sport mode) it is an extremely "boring" car. When driving in sport mode it does tach it up a little bit and makes it a little more peppy but also be ready for every downshift to burp (which is cool for a little bit but also is kind jerky and can get annoying at times.) The exhaust sound, again, sounds great in sport mode but the car is extremely quiet in Drive mode. People say the ride is a little rougher than the s5 (tbh it feels fine to me) but just know that the factory suspension is not adjustable in the RS5 (in the US), whereas the S5 is i believe.

Modifying: With the RS5, the car you buy from the lot is pretty much the car you will have.. meaning if you love the RS5 the way it comes or don't want to mess with potentially voiding a warranty then its awesome. If you are buying a car to do a lot of stuff to tho, the RS5 is prob not the car for you. There just aren't a lot of performance mods that can be done to the RS5 to make it significantly faster, and the mods that are available are expensive. You can add the basics but if you think you want to really make it fast, it prob won't happen. It def seems that the S5 is the car for mods, but again, say goodbye to a warranty if so.

Other cons: I'm not sure what the difference would be between the S and RS, but check: Insurance premiums difference. Also MPG is abysmal in the RS (at least for me, I do drive in Sport mode a lot, I get around 13mpg). Also, the cost of parts (ie. BRAKES) can be outrageous on the RS.

So really figure out what you want to do, if you want to throw money at it after the fact to make faster, the S5 is prob the better choice. But if you love the RS5 after the test drive and want something exclusive, sexy, and don't really care about mods, the RS5 is an awesome car. I personally love mine, and while i was a little bummed at first after looking at options of modding, I have just accepted what the car is: A fantastic daily driver.

[Okan509]

RS5.

Both front heavy understeering cars. Might as well have the one that sounds and looks the part.

[thierryfabrice1]

2013+ RS5 best car all around

2012 S5 V8 prestige + facelift + stage 3 supercharger = best package but $$$

2013+ S5 power easily attainable when you drive it you will fell like something is missing (the growl and for me it is all part of the driving experience)

just my 2 cents. it is a matter of your own choice and money you are willing to spend

[Vanimal]

my v8 r8 is slow as fuck, but revving up to redline and listening to the exhaust rawr on the highway is an amazing experience a v6 just cant satisfy. besides, I like being late to the party. go for an rs5 if you don't care to tune.

not to mention to bring an s5 to the levels of an rs5, u need to tune with the possibility of losing warranty, and add some other cosmetics.

rs5 is perfect out of the box in terms of looks and power. could it be faster? sure. but so can every other single car.

Another thing people often overlook is how expensive it is to tune the B8.5 with the V6T.

You are looking at about $1400 for the tune, another $600 roughly for the pulley. And if you have DSG that's another $999. Add that all up that's about $3,000 just for tuning software, that you can't resell like you could with my B5 S4's.

This is the same type of argument with people in the BMW 335i's tuned vs the guys in the V8 e92 M3's. Even though a tunes 335i can beat a e92 M3, hands DOWN I would take the M3. These NA V8's are the last of their kind. Grab one now!


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[bknewtype]

Another thing people often overlook is how expensive it is to tune the B8.5 with the V6T.

You are looking at about $1400 for the tune, another $600 roughly for the pulley. And if you have DSG that's another $999. Add that all up that's about $3,000 just for tuning software, that you can't resell like you could with my B5 S4's.

This is the same type of argument with people in the BMW 335i's tuned vs the guys in the V8 e92 M3's. Even though a tunes 335i can beat a e92 M3, hands DOWN I would take the M3. These NA V8's are the last of their kind. Grab one now!


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Heres a meme i made for a friends s4 with the 3.0 sc engine. He went to waterfest and got a tune. Later that night, Well...

[HazeMyth]

WTF is that hanging from his car?

[usjwes85]

I just purchased my 14 S5 a few weeks ago. I previously had a 10 AMG C63 and a 15 GTI that I left unmodded. I bring both of these cars up because they seem so far apart but I purchased each for different reasons. The C63 was incredibly fast and a hoot to drive around but the cost of ownership was through the roof compared to other vehicles I have had. If that isn't an issue for you then by all means rock an RS5. The looks are incredible and from what others have said it is an incredible machine. It was out of my price range. I wanted to make sure I got the 13+ B8.5 model and I know the S5 is going to be more costly to maintain than my GTI but not quite like my AMG or an RS5 would be. I really enjoy the B8.5 so far. The looks of the car are what I really like, much more than just the performance. I like the look of the S5 much more than the 4. Obviously a coupe is going to have different lines and if you need to transport people in the rear seats it is going to be a big factor in going for a 4 or a 5. Once mine is out of warranty then I am figuring to go stage 2 but I know no matter what I do there will always be something faster on the road. I knew I wasn't going to go the supercharged route of the B8 v8's but I wanted options to make the car faster still. Good luck with whatever you choose to do.

[taikex]

What do you plan on doing with the car?
Just a DD or take it to the track?
What is your comfort level on repairing an Audi out of warranty?

For the track, get the V6 S5 or S4 and mod it. It's lighter and cheaper to replace parts for. For a long-term daily driver, you may want the newer car with a warranty. These cars are fairly expensive to repair and maintain.
Wiper blades are about $20 each (can't find them at Wal-Mart or local parts stores), air filters, oil, etc are all more expensive than most other brands of cars. I agree with others about the V8 exhaust note and exterior styling being much better with the RS5.

I have the V8 S5 2011 prestige with about 34k miles and zero problems so far. I had the Audi care deal that has run out and if I DIY oil change it will still cost at least $90 for oil alone.

Just something to consider.

Very little tracking and I have little time or experience doing repairs myself. So any future maintenance will be with 034motorsports. You got me thinking now... what is the annual maintenance cost between a S5/S4 vs RS5? I am assuming no major failures - unless there are common failures in the newer B8s at certain milestones??

Cons: Depending what you are coming from, its definitely slower (day to day driving) than I expected. Its not that the power isn't there, but u have to be in the upper RPMs to get the power. When driving in the city in Drive (not sport mode) it is an extremely "boring" car. When driving in sport mode it does tach it up a little bit and makes it a little more peppy but also be ready for every downshift to burp (which is cool for a little bit but also is kind jerky and can get annoying at times.) The exhaust sound, again, sounds great in sport mode but the car is extremely quiet in Drive mode. People say the ride is a little rougher than the s5 (tbh it feels fine to me) but just know that the factory suspension is not adjustable in the RS5 (in the US), whereas the S5 is i believe.


Other cons: I'm not sure what the difference would be between the S and RS, but check: Insurance premiums difference. Also MPG is abysmal in the RS (at least for me, I do drive in Sport mode a lot, I get around 13mpg). Also, the cost of parts (ie. BRAKES) can be outrageous on the RS.

No plans to really mod the car except for a new exhaust and potentially flash the ECU (if it makes sense). How much are the brake pads? The RS I'm looking at actually needs a replacement soon (front and back)

[bknewtype]

WTF is that hanging from his car?

After tune, he decided to "push" his car. He went 130mph in mexico and shit was falling apart underneath


Sent from my iPhone 6s

[djlynch]

Do some research on flashing the ECU. I had a guy in Houston that said it could be done but since it is a NA car, 15-20hp is about max what you will get out of it. And if you read on here about TD1/warranty issues with flashes, personally i won't take that chance.

As for the brakes, I just got my first service done at the dealership last week and they said my rotors/pads are at 50% on both front and rear.

Fronts = $2200. Rears = $1800

Then I looked at the carfax, it says the fronts were replaced at 13k miles (right before I got it.) Now my car is at 18k. After doing some research on here, yeah, that's going rate for replacement and the factory brakes do wear pretty bad. I don't ride them at all, don't track the car, so it is definitely concerning me that potentially I can be looking at a 4k job every 10/15k miles.

Another issue/thing to be concerned $$ wise is with is alignment. For an alignment, the dealership quoted me $200. HOWEVER if it would have came with adaptive cruise (which luckily mine didnt), the price skyrockets to $900 for an alignment.

[HazeMyth]

After tune, he decided to "push" his car. He went 130mph in mexico and shit was falling apart underneath

Honestly, it was probably the drive from New York to Mexico that took the biggest toll on his car.

The Mexico street racing seen is out of control, and that authorities don't even know about it!

[milesed]

[QUOTE=taikex;11762885]Very little tracking and I have little time or experience doing repairs myself. So any future maintenance will be with 034motorsports. You got me thinking now... what is the annual maintenance cost between a S5/S4 vs RS5? I am assuming no major failures - unless there are common failures in the newer B8s at certain milestones??


Oil change discussion for RS5- http://www.audizine.com/forum/showth...ge-for-the-RS5

Mine only needs change once a year as I put few miles on it.

Tires for 20's are $300-400 each- http://www.tirerack.com/tires/TireSe...nLoadRating=XL

Brake pads and rotors are abit more for RS5 too.
Air filter- you need 2 for RS5 instead of one for S5/S4.

[superswiss]

[QUOTE=milesed;11762953]

Very little tracking and I have little time or experience doing repairs myself. So any future maintenance will be with 034motorsports. You got me thinking now... what is the annual maintenance cost between a S5/S4 vs RS5? I am assuming no major failures - unless there are common failures in the newer B8s at certain milestones??


Oil change discussion for RS5- http://www.audizine.com/forum/showth...ge-for-the-RS5

Mine only needs change once a year as I put few miles on it.

Tires for 20's are $300-400 each- http://www.tirerack.com/tires/TireSe...nLoadRating=XL

Brake pads and rotors are abit more for RS5 too.
Air filter- you need 2 for RS5 instead of one for S5/S4.

A few more pointers to get you a better picture of the required maintenance.

RS5 requires fluid changes at different and regular intervals for both transmission oil circuits as well as the sport differential. S4/5 S-tronic only requires the mechatronic fluid to be changed regularly and Audi claims the other fluids are lifetime. The DSG service alone can set you back close to $1000 for example for the 35k service where all three fluids get changed. Audi Care is a good idea for the RS5. DSG fluid changes are labor intensive, because the transmission has to go through several warm up/cool down cycles while filling the fluid.

Tires is where you'll spend a lot if you stay with the sticky OEM tires and drive the car the way it's meant to be driven. I need a new set every 10-12k miles. You can switch to less sticky tires with longer tread life if you don't mind giving up some of the handling and grip the OEM tires offer. Keep in mind the OEM tires are specifically formulated for Quattro Gmbh if they are labeled RO1.

You can save quite a bit of money on the brakes if you go with aftermarket pads and rotors. Most aftermarket pads and rotors perform better, last longer and produce less dust. For comparison, my OEM front rotors and pads lasted all of 24k miles. My current ECS rotors with Hawk pads look like they gonna last 2-3 times as long. I'm at 48k miles and still have about 75% pad life left. Still driving the car hard through the California mountains and canyons.

[JoshDub]

Get the one with the manual transmission.

[xuandatou]

S5 FTW. well I would rule out the 2010 S5 first..

Pros for B8.5:

1. Daily Power (low-mid rev torque output)

2. 6MT as an option

3. Potential Power Gain through ECU remap

4. Free of carbon build-up or front rotor issues

5. Relatively lower maintenance cost & insurance premium

6. Who cares about dat front parking sensors? lol



BTW, if you decide to pull the trigger on dat S4, make sure you ask the dealer to remove the extra "S4" badge on the fender...


Automatic lover, Wide-body design, trunk lid spoiler, deeper exhaust tone, if those are something you can't resist, then go with the RS5

[PedroRS5]

Drive both and decide. I am very happy with mine as I didn't plan on modding...but I got e-codes, lowered, eventuri intake...

The RS5 engine is a jewel with high volumetric efficiency and there's not much more than can be attained. Many carmakers will not make another non-aspirated V8, this is Audi's last of the breed and they knew it. It has completely linear power delivery all the way to redline with no surges as it continually builds speed. It can be whisper-quiet but it just sings when you bury your foot with the sport exhaust opening its valves to clear its throat. The transmission is a delight while driving it as a luxury car or as it intuitively shifts on the sport setting while carving roads, but I love using the quick-shifting paddles. The quattro claws at the road, while the sports differential overdrives the outside wheels and the torque vectoring tightens the inside wheels as needed on curves. It handles with relaxed aplomb, never feeling overwhelmed under any circumstance including rain, snow or ice. Imaging blending a rally car, race car, and a GT car with a tight broad-fendered, unstoppable luxury package.

[Loe]

...looks like you are already wanting to tune, might as well get the S5 where a tune makes more than incremental changes. Upgrade the s/c pulley and whoa, upgrade the crank pulley to a larger 179mm one and wow, upgrade the crank pulley to an even larger 194mm one and holy shit. It doesn't take a lot of $$ (subjective of course) to make it run low 11's

I have power everywhere: down low, in the middle of the rev range, and up top as the S/C engine also delivers a linear/predictable powerband. It doesn't matter which gear I'm in, it will move out of its way and never runs out of breath and continue's pulling. Plus I can get near 30mpg on the highway.

just sayin'

I once shopped on a car based on the sound it made (my e90 M3), needless to say I got bored of it within a year despite being a good handling car to boot. I couldn't justify getting 13mpg any longer, and the need to having it rev above 6,000rpm for any meaningful joy. Why not go for something like an S6/S7 if you want that V8 sound and speed/modibility to boot?

[Gonzoe11]

Drive both and decide. I am very happy with mine as I didn't plan on modding...but I got e-codes, lowered, eventuri intake...

The RS5 engine is a jewel with high volumetric efficiency and there's not much more than can be attained. Many carmakers will not make another non-aspirated V8, this is Audi's last of the breed and they knew it. It has completely linear power delivery all the way to redline with no surges as it continually builds speed. It can be whisper-quiet but it just sings when you bury your foot with the sport exhaust opening its valves to clear its throat. The transmission is a delight while driving it as a luxury car or as it intuitively shifts on the sport setting while carving roads, but I love using the quick-shifting paddles. The quattro claws at the road, while the sports differential overdrives the outside wheels and the torque vectoring tightens the inside wheels as needed on curves. It handles with relaxed aplomb, never feeling overwhelmed under any circumstance including rain, snow or ice. Imaging blending a rally car, race car, and a GT car with a tight broad-fendered, unstoppable luxury package.

That is a dam fine looking car