2010 S4 or 2010 S5

[WhichS]

Hey guys, this is my first post here. Im looking to get into either a new S4 or S5 in the next month or so. I have a S4 on order and is set to arrive end of November. The dealer also has a S5 which is coming in in the next two weeks.
Im looking for some pros and cons of each car, and what you would do in my position!
The S5 is 16k(CAD) more than the S4, however this is not the end of the world.
I look forward to your responses!

[S4 FoSho]

I've seen some videos of the new S4 with a chip tune, and they're faster than a B7 RS4. Of the two exhaust notes, I would prefer the S5 (I have a B7 S4 and love that v8 growl/soul, whatever you want to call it.)

They're both a more balanced chassis than the B7. I would assume the S5 would be just a bit better than the S4 in the handling department even though they're made of the same underpinnings, were they to both have the Audi Drive Select... and I'm only saying this because you probably sit farther back in the S5 than in the S4. S4 has 245 wide rubber while the S5 has 255.

Now.. down to practicality: If you plan on having people in the back seat often, the S4's the way to go. If not, then the S5 is the car for you. My back seats are barely used.. I would say not even once a month.

Fuel economy? Obviously the S5's V8 doesn't fare too well when compared to the S4's supercharged V6, but we don't really buy the S cars with fuel economy in mind. Im sure the S4 is going to be a very easily modifiable platform for enthusiasts to have fun with, the S5 is going to be a bit more difficult and pricier I'd imagine, producing the most gains with a supercharger.. though I haven't seen anyone do a Supercharged S5 (just a few S4's by MTM, VF, and PES --and an RS4 by MTM).

Tough decision. The S5 is definitely sexier while the S4 has that sort of "droopy butt." But I'd be happy to have either at this point. haha

[L0U]

I like the A5 vs the S5 for dollars spent. For an s car the new S4 is the only choice, due to that 3.0, and the sport diff.

[KReddy05]

I had the same choice to make. I had a deposit locked in on a 2010 S5, and then made the switch to the S4. You have to drive both cars to decide what you like.

Key points (positive and negative) that you should be aware of:

-S5 sunroof does not open fully, it just vents
-S5 exhaust note is deeper
-S5 is probably one of the sexiest coupe designs in the market
-S4 exhaust "burps" on the upshifts, kinda cool
-S4 has back seats and is better if you have friends, family, etc.
-S4 is slightly cheaper when similarly equipped
-S4 comes with Dual Clutch Transmission

The biggest difference:
-S4 is V6 supercharged vs. S5 V8 natural aspirated

The V6 has better gas mileage (and no gas guzzler tax), and has more potential to take on aftermarket mods. For example, there's software that gives you 430hp on the supercharged engine. For the S5, I think the number is far less (30-40hp on intake/exhaust, etc).

Again, you should drive both and decide what is best for you. Both have Audi Drive Select w/ Sport Diff available, and it functions well in both. I drove both and decided I liked the driving characteristics of the S4 better (supercharged + DCT + ADS is awesome).

Remember one thing-- you'll be happy either way.

[Okan509]

The S5 is overdone, Its 4.2 liter puts out the same numbers as the S4's 3.0 liter. I would get the S4. If I was shopping for A4 vs. A5, that would be an easy decision of the A5. S4 all day though.

[Nickyracer]

IMHO the only 2 advantages of S5 in front of S4 are:
1) V8 sound - really great.
2) Incredibly looking good (S4 is good, but S5 is better, especially with 20" rims).

Disadvantages are:
V8 4.2 is dated - guess, they'll replace it with 3.0T in the future, like in S5 Cabrio
Less MPG (more litres per kilometer fuel consumption);
Heavier engine - more understeer, handling issues;
No sport-diff - really a monsterous device;
No LED rear lights;
Dated transmission - no S-tronic yet available.
Mods hardly applicable (exhaust and intake not much serious, huh?)

[Infra]

I like the A5 vs the S5 for dollars spent. For an s car the new S4 is the only choice, due to that 3.0, and the sport diff.



No sport-diff - really a monsterous device;

I prefer the "V6T" (man that sounds wrong) but I'd like to point out (as KReddy05 said) that you can order the 2010 S5 w/ the sport differential.

[zillmc]

I had the same decision as well. I put in an order for an S5 but when I test drove S4 I canceled and went with the S4.

The main reason I did this is I felt that the driving experience in the S4 was much more intimate and fun. The S5 while obviously a better looking and sounding car, did not give me the feedback from the road and engine. I thought the V8 was very tame and lifeless compared to the fun factor of the S4.

[WhichS]

I appreciate the comments guys, Will update with a decision//pics

[mrbogangles]

why not wait until the s5 gets the v6
hopefully by then it will have the sport dif and all the other goodies

[Ryan_T]

I prefer the "V6T" (man that sounds wrong) but I'd like to point out (as KReddy05 said) that you can order the 2010 S5 w/ the sport differential.

Hah, I just realized that too. Vee-sixty..

[KReddy05]

No LED rear lights;


You get LED lights on the 2010 S5's.

[Okan509]

I thought all the new audis were getting LED tails?

[WhichS]

I thought all the new audis were getting LED tails?

They do.
Thanks for all the input guys,after much deliberation I have decided to cancel the S4 and go S5. The decision wasn't easy, but I believe i will enjoy the S5 more overall.

[riegeraudi]

They do.
Thanks for all the input guys,after much deliberation I have decided to cancel the S4 and go S5. The decision wasn't easy, but I believe i will enjoy the S5 more overall.

Good luck with the S5. The design is definitely sex on wheels.

[Okan509]

Congrats! The S5 is so gorgeous, I think you would have loved both cars. Now every time you walk into the garage you can get excited to step into this beautiful new car. A little more excited then the S4 anyways hahha

[Ianxcom]

You can get the S5 cab which comes with the v6 sc

[Okan509]

The cab still uses the old Chassis does it not? You don't want to buy that! And convertibles reduce handling, It also takes away from the looks IMO.

[L0U]

They do.
Thanks for all the input guys,after much deliberation I have decided to cancel the S4 and go S5. The decision wasn't easy, but I believe i will enjoy the S5 more overall.

You decided two days too soon.....the dyno graph has been posted. The S4 is putting out 330hp at the wheel, aka massive under rated at the shaft. Maybe it is not too late to keep the S4!

[L0U]

Hey guys, this is my first post here. Im looking to get into either a new S4 or S5 in the next month or so. I have a S4 on order and is set to arrive end of November. The dealer also has a S5 which is coming in in the next two weeks.
Im looking for some pros and cons of each car, and what you would do in my position!
The S5 is 16k(CAD) more than the S4, however this is not the end of the world.
I look forward to your responses!

16k more? maybe a loaded vs a stripper. My S4 was 6k less than a fully loaded S5 in canada. You can get a S4 to 80k on the road or an S5 to 85k if you had zero discount. M3s can hit nearly 100.

[riegeraudi]

You decided two days too soon.....the dyno graph has been posted. The S4 is putting out 330hp at the wheel, aka massive under rated at the shaft. Maybe it is not too late to keep the S4!

If that is the case than the MTM cantronic is only putting out 35hp more even thought they are using the rest of the boost? Man keep the 3 grand in my pocket than.
Something has to be off?

[NWS4Guy]

If that is the case than the MTM cantronic is only putting out 35hp more even thought they are using the rest of the boost? Man keep the 3 grand in my pocket than.
Something has to be off?

Heh, yea Lou actually pointed that out as well :)

[hcm2009]

I like the A5 vs the S5 for dollars spent. For an s car the new S4 is the only choice, due to that 3.0, and the sport diff.

Hi all !!!
I am a new member of forum. Would a newcomer be warmly welcome here? Good day you guys!!!