Used RS5 or S6?

[WsmataU]

I'm in the market and wanted to see if anyone had firsthand experience with both of these models. I posted the same question in the b8 S6 section, so I thought I'd ask here to do a comparative analysis.

I understand these are very different cars, and I don't want to go down the "naturally aspirated vs forced induction" rabbit hole. I'm just looking for a fun daily driver that I can haul a child around in. I don't anticipate tracking the car, but I do like to go out on spirited drives. If an RS6 were available in the US, I think I know what my answer would be. I have looked at the older RS4s, but the higher mileage cars make me shy away.

For now, I'd prefer keeping comparisons stock/stock. I could dress up the S6 with some new shoes and possibly an RS grill down the road, but we'll cross that bridge when I come to it.

Pros on RS5 (As I see it)
More aggressive styling
Better sounding exhaust note
Better re-sale

Pros on S6 (As I see it)
I think the quilted seats on the S6 are gorgeous and wish they were offered throughout the whole line.
4 doors
Adults could ride in the back
Serious HP when tuned.

So, for ~$45k which car gets your vote? Feel free to school an Audi newb on any major points I've missed.

[gqambitions]

This is a tough question. As someone who has driven a lot of my friends rs5's I love the thing. The styling, the feel is bar none. You will turn heads for sure. I have driven in some friends s6's. You will not turn many heads from the stock version unless people know what it is. Complete sleeper and with stage 1 you get some serious gains. It is all a matter of preference . I know you are concerned about the kids and having room. I would say go for the s6 for sure. Way more ability to tune and get hp. but if you want the style and a more aggressive look then rs5. I would suggest driving both and seeing which you like more. I know maintenance on the rs5 can get up there. Not sure on the s6. but you can daily both I have heard. I am no expert, hopefully the rs5 and s6's owners can chime in more. I vote RS5 though :)

[Beast]

RS5 all day.

[GOB]

I had a RS5 until two days ago and you are on the right track regarding pros and cons. That said, even after just owning the RS5 for 10 months, it does get kind of "old" having to get out of the car so my kids (15 year old twins) could exit the car. Four doors is the way to go if you want to avoid headaches regarding entry/exit. If you are concerned about the younger kids inadvertently opening the doors, then just make sure the "child lock" is activated on the rear doors.

[JoshDub]

I'd go with RS4, S6, or something else. Maybe S8?

It sounds like you want a fun family hauler. The S6 fits the bill. The RS5 looks cool, but it's slower, less practical, less comfortable, and the interior isn't as nice.

Or just find a well taken care of RS4. 4 doors, 400+hp V8, manual, smaller B7 chassis, what's not to love?

[Sazexa]

If you want something more fun in the twisties, I'd say the RS5.

If you want something practical that's fun to open up on the highway or long roads, the S6.

Or as Josh said, consider a RS4 if it's the right price and condition. It's often revered as Audi's "best sedan ever made," even to this day.

[bknewtype]

@chuuey is selling an rs4 (;

or is it@chueeuy? damn it matt!

[JamesRS5]

The S6 would be the more sensible choice for you, all the performance from that twin turbo V8 and the practicality of 4 doors in a very ‘family’ looking shape.
The RS5 is more focused and quicker point to point than the 6 but has non of the practicality, it replaces that with looks.

Both cars sound great so no need to worry about that.

Tough choice but in your position I’d probably go S6 and may I say congratulations on having such a tough choice.

[Diesel S5]

If you want to haul a child take the S6 ALL DAY...

Not even a debate...

[F80Dreamer]

S6...perfect blend of speed, space, and grace.

[WsmataU]

Tough choice but in your position I’d probably go S6 and may I say congratulations on having such a tough choice.

Thank you, and of course, you're right. The S6 beckons, I'll just need to save up for some aesthetic improvements.

The RS4 would be a good option, except I can't find one for what I consider a reasonable price/mileage. I can't see spending $30k on a 10 year old car with 75k miles for a DD. Maybe I'm missing something, but the RS5 seems a better deal given the pricepoint. Plus, the S6 has a significantly better interior IMHO.

[Mops@Nemesis]

@chuuey is selling an rs4 (;

or is it@chueeuy? damn it matt!

I struggle with this too lol!

Chuuey is correct.

RS5 for me.

[aboone]

You indicated child, not children so it’s the RS5 without question. The room in the backseat is enough for most children under 14 unless you have been feeding your child too much cake. If he/she is older than that then they will want their own car in 2-3 years so let them sacrifice and deal with the back seat for that timeframe as I’m sure you have sacrificed to get in a position to afford an RS5 and are continuing to sacrifice in order to get him/her ready for college.


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[DetRebel]

New S4? S7? S8?

All of these fit in the price range, are practical with 4 doors, and have serious HP when tuned.

I think the RS5 sportback will be everything you’re looking for but that something to wait for.

I vote for the S6.


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[chekraze]

Have you driven both? I drove and S6, S4 and S5. To me the S6 felt too big and not as dynamic and nimble. This wasn’t a long test drive mind you.

For me the ‘18 S4 was near perfect. Large enough for rear pax, very sharp reflexes and terrific engine and exhaust crackles and pops. Drawback was price and exterior aesthetics.

Due to price I ended up with a used S5.


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[namvar]

coup vs sedan. Let us know when you drive them both.

[Chuuey]

@chuuey is selling an rs4 (;

or is it@chueeuy? damn it matt!

Thanks for the tag, Steve. Sorry I'm so late, just got off the flight.

OP if you have interest or any questions feel free to PM. Good luck in the search. I think a CPO S6 would fit your needs well. Big car, though.

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[brilliant_black]

If you are looking to spend $45k I would say save up and wait a few more months. A loaded 2016 S6 CPO are starting to go for 55k.
The facelift is much better looking, has an updated dct, and a faster mmi.

S6 is the ultimate sleeper car and is what I plan to get in two years time.

When it comes to the luxury aspect the S6 murders the RS5.

In terms of what is fun to drive, some people like the NA V8 whereas some people love the ridiculous power of the 4.0 Twin turbo and since it's FI there is room for massive improvements with tunes.

[HMS]

OP you are in an interesting pickle. It almost seems as if you need two separate cars. on the one hand is the RS5 has great feel, presence and overall performance. It's not the fastest but its the most rewarding when you get it "right." EDIT: the RS5 is extremely practical with the right additions. I have hauled 5 people, bikes, 3 suitcases and a lot more at the same time. It's not convenient, but it is very adaptable and practical.

The s6 is a super sleek, practical hauler, but what you gain in practicality you lose in overall appearance and presence. You also gain power but to me, power is no fun without looks. Or maybe thats just what I mutter to myself every time before I go to bed at night...but I digress.

As a proud Rs5 owner, I can tell you resolutely that there is absolutely no better car for what you are looking for than an Rs4.

Find a well taken care of one with Mugello exterior and white interior. And buy it. and never look back.

[WsmataU]

You indicated child, not children so it’s the RS5 without question. The room in the backseat is enough for most children under 14 unless you have been feeding your child too much cake.

Yes, just one and done ;) BUT she is in a carseat for the next 2-3 years (5 now). The problem isn't as much her size as it is getting out to let her out (every time). Call me lazy. College is paid for, thanks to the GI Bill.

[WsmataU]

New S4? S7? S8?

All of these fit in the price range, are practical with 4 doors, and have serious HP when tuned.

I think the RS5 sportback will be everything you’re looking for but that something to wait for.

I vote for the S6.


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My budget is below $50k so all of those are out. I'm not a big fan of the sportback look or else I might try to stretch for the new RS5. I still haven't ruled out a RS4 if the right one comes along.

[WsmataU]

As a proud Rs5 owner, I can tell you resolutely that there is absolutely no better car for what you are looking for than an Rs4.

Find a well taken care of one with Mugello exterior and white interior. And buy it. and never look back.

Wow.... you even know my tastes. There was a nice 2003 RS6 a few months back that hit all the marks, but I wasn't ready to pull the trigger at that point.

[WsmataU]

Thanks to everyone for the advice and recommendations! I'll keep searching and report back (with pics) once I do make a decision.

[Hey_T_S5]

It’s not as bad as you think, I got a 2 year old and she loves riding in my car. She’s almost able to buckle herself but I still have to make sure to check she’s safe and secure. The S6 is really nice but the 5’s are fun!!!


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[JoshDub]

Yes, the RS4 is pricey, because of what it is. Just because you can get something newer with lower miles doesn't mean it's better.

If you want a driver's car, get the RS4. If you want a luxury super tank, get the S6.

The RS5 is a compromise of each that doesn't have any positive aspects other than being a coupe, which doesn't really suit your needs.

[jpenneck]

EDIT: the RS5 is extremely practical with the right additions. I have hauled 5 people, bikes,.....

You really had 5 people in an RS5 ? That sounds dangerous, even for short trips as there is no center rear seat and obviously no seatbelt for that center passenger either.

As far as the RS4 goes, I totally agree as I used to have one and loved it. I will be getting an RS5 SB this fall/winter because an RS4 sedan is not available . I enjoy driving my RS5 but the occasional need for more than one adult passenger has become a mild annoyance. I drove a stock S6 a couple of times, but the car felt a bit dull and too big at the time.

[HMS]

*shrugs* you do what you gotta do

[Benzo1133]

Save up and buy the loaded S6, then order European RS6 front facia and rear diffuser. Get tuned! You'll have exclusive look, performance, & practically. I guess that is just something I'd love to do, lol.

[WsmataU]

Save up and buy the loaded S6, then order European RS6 front facia and rear diffuser. Get tuned! You'll have exclusive look, performance, & practically. I guess that is just something I'd love to do, lol.

I'd love that too, but adding $10k to a car that already maxes out my budget isn't a great plan. I've pretty much resolved the S6 will fit my needs better. Now, the hunt!

[brilliant_black]

I would say should buy a 2015 if you aren't going to get the facelift.

Avoid the 2013 due to potential turbo issues.

[massboykie]

Sorry for the essay….

I was in this exact dilemma, so here's I how I came to a conclusion...

I was looking for a more sporty car to replace my A3 (which I got after I sold my tuned 2.7T). The A3 was a huge step down in power and not exactly the same level of “fun to drive”, but it served a purpose of getting me to work and back for a year and a bit.

I started looking for a RS5, but there were very few here around Boston. We got lucky and were able to drive the rs5 coupe and cab on the same day. The sound of that car in sport mode is just phenomenal... As far as butt dyno is concerned, the convertible was definitely much more sluggish (understandable due to a few hundred pound of extra weight). The coupe was impressive, but like I said I am pretty sure I could take the Cab with my old 2.7t so that one was scratched.

I was also looking for an RS7 I could afford... that bubble burst quickly... S7s were also too expensive for my budget, so that was out. The RS5 was still in the running until I drove the S6. I was hooked. The torque is awesome and this car moves for its size and weight. I felt like I was back in the A6 (be it with and extra 100 ponies).

I am not a race car driver, even though I like to push the limits when the road allows. The S6 corners like it’s on rails and I am sure the RS5 will be better, but like I said, I am not that good of a driver to ever be able to know the difference. lol So I guess the S6 handling was more than sufficient. I will probably do a swaybar upgrade somewhere along the line but out of the box I was happy. I will probably never track the car either, so that benefit wasn’t a big deal.

I decided to go with the S6 as I prefer the sleeper look and the extra torque and power improvement options it allows. I can also go to the home depot and pick up some supplies without having to rent a truck or hook a trailer onto the RS5 (which would be sacrilege). If you don’t intend to move some stuff once in a while, this will not be an issue, but it was great to be back in a larger car (from the A3) as the trunk space on this car is huge. You can fit 6 dead bodies in there easily… lol

I also know I will be tuning the car once it’s out of warrantee, so I will gain significantly more power for short money. The options on the RS v8 are limited and it gets very expensive once you start talking about supercharging it etc. Granted, at that point it will be a beast.

Another major point for me was the warrantee. Most the RS5’s out there are no longer under warrantee and are not offered as CPO cars, so there is a lot more risk involved, which I was trying to avoid, seeing that the payment on these cars are pretty high. My 2016 S6 was a CPO, so I have some piece of mind for a good few years.

I hope that helps make the decision easier… lol

Cheers
Massboykie

P.S. First mod on the S6 was to disconnect the exhaust flaps and now she sounds mean even in regular mode. Added the delete modules so no codes either.