Anyone else have a real dilemma S4 vs S5 ?

[Seis-Speed]

I have little kids, but they they are not in my car much at all, but I do keep car-seats in the car. I know a coupe would suck for the few times a month they are in the car. I also worry about getting them out if anything happened in an accident etc...it is also easier to have a sedan for putting things in the back seat etc; but the S5 looks insanely good.
Anyone else really struggle with this decision?

1st world problems-

[Wilbur]

I have little kids, but they they are not in my car much at all, but I do keep car-seats in the car. I know a coupe would suck for the few times a month they are in the car. I also worry about getting them out if anything happened in an accident etc...it is also easier to have a sedan for putting things in the back seat etc; but the S5 looks insanely good.
Anyone else really struggle with this decision?

1st world problems-

Yup. Sunroof doesnt open in S5 too.....and its more dough.

[VeryBadman]

Not really a problem when I bought mine since S5 had 4.2 engine at that time. I prefer a smaller engine with force induction after all so S4 is my only choice.

But if I were to replace with either new S4 or S5, I admit that would be a tough choice too since now they have the same engine but S5 is surely looking better.

[PitchS4]

To me I like the look of the S4 more. Call me crazy. If I were to get an M3 it would be the 4 door. I just like the more sleeper look of a Sedan.

[tgofsweden]

S5 SB would easy that problem for sure, sad tho they don't ship it over to NA

[Vi112]

I had exactly this dilemma. But my wife was strongly against S5 because of two-doors. So I tried to find all possible disadvantages S5 has comparing to S4.

Main things are:
1. S5 for some reason has worse aerodynamics. So at high speeds S4 should be faster :)
2. S5 has smaller clearance that starts to make problems during winter times (if there is winter in your region)
3. S5 obviously is more difficult to get in/out due to two doors, especially in a tight parking
4. Tuning is released first for S4, there is always a chance something is not compatible with S5 :)

[MrFunk]

Does not seem like you have much of a dilema - you worry about the safety of your children and the hassle of getting them in and out vs. just liking how the S5 looks.

Seems like an obvious choice to me.

[drew4392]

I was in same boat.

S4 is more practical, same power, looks good IMO, and has lower insurance premiums. Sure, there is the allure of a coupe. I know. At the end of the day, I am very happy with my decision. Coilovers, tint, etc.... the sedan can look very, very good.

[Dr GP]

Yup. Sunroof doesnt open in S5 too.....and its more dough.

So the S5 has a sunroof that doesn't open at all? That would be a deal braker for me. S5 will cost you about $3k for a similarly optioned S5 VS an S4

[isles1]

I loved the looks of the A5/S5 when first released. Since then the S4 definitely grew on me. The S5 simply is not practical as a daily driver for someone with a family.

[lcarron]

Hi

Yes one is a sedan the other one a coupe. No comparison on the look.
2 doors with one kid is not such a big deal. I even had two kids with two doors. That is what to pay to get a Nice looking car.

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[BrianV]

S4 just has more practicality, it weighs less and therefore is faster, is cheaper. I had a 4dr M3 before my S4 and I agree with the earlier comment, there's something just special about fast 4 doors/sleepers.

I loved the S5 when it came out, but now I've seen enough that it is just another good looking car and not significantly special anymore.

[tgofsweden]

Does not seem like you have much of a dilema - you worry about the safety of your children and the hassle of getting them in and out vs. just liking how the S5 looks.

Seems like an obvious choice to me.

+1

[Tomasz@Startup]

I had a 2 door E92 M3, and was leaning towards the S5. Took one for a test drive and did not like it:

1. Odd driving position - visibility
2. No space in the back, when compared to M3 coupe it is like night and day. I think TT has about the same amount of room.
3. S5 is more expensive

Without hesitation went for the S4. Now, I do miss my M3 very much.

Tomasz

[visualguy]

I had the same dilemma, and ended up getting the S5. If I had to do it again, I'd get the S4.

The S5 looks a little nicer, but other than that the S4 has many advantages over the the S5. Better visibility, easier entry/exit, smaller car width, usable back seat, lower price.

[Nuccadoc]

I agree with above posts. LOVE the look of the S5, but after I took it for a test drive, didn't feel right for me. Even though it has the same engine, it didn't feel as quick to me and I didn't like the driving position either. Plus, with kids, wife shot it down (for now). Drove the S4 right after and fell in love. Not hating on the S5 at all, might look at an RS5 in the future, but for me, the S4 will be perfect, just can't wait till she gets here! But yeah, here ya, it's a tough choice! Both awesome cars!

[Moose201]

So the S5 has a sunroof that doesn't open at all? That would be a deal braker for me. S5 will cost you about $3k for a similarly optioned S5 VS an S4

It tilts open for ventilation but that's it.

[snakeawesome]

I do like the looks of the S5 & one of the girls at work bought one & let me take it for a spin. Fastest trip to Starbucks to date, that is until I got my S4. The four doors are great for the kids & the dog (as long as you get a seat cover). I just wish it came with a sound proof divider but that might be a bit much to ask for.

[A5RIZ]

Sold my A5 for the S4

Have a 10 month old and one on the way

SUV is main car

[Massey]

S4 you won't be disappointed!!! Then Later on get the RS5

[TayTay]

had an s5 3.0t and now have an s4. I find myself loving the functionality and convenience of the S4, but seem to be missing the looks and effect the s5 gives off. With that being said you cant go wrong with either, also the s4 handles better than the s5 and is more fun to throw around. So it comes down to driving dynamics and functionality vs. looks.

[Okan509]

S5 when comparing the 3.0t to the 3.0t. All day, everyday - it's a drop dead gorgeous coupe

[Patrick Bateman]

I still cant get over the blindspot/poor visability of the coupe. it looks a bit too long down the sides without those extra 2 doors. I envy the wheel concavity which comes with the coupe though! i feel the 5 is a bit long in the tooth being out a tad longer than the new body S4. Sunroof not opening even partial is a deal breaker for me as well... and a few thousand more as well... doesn't sit well with me.

PB.

[visualguy]

I still cant get over the blindspot/poor visability of the coupe.

Yes - that is disappointing. There are blind spots on both sides even if you set the side mirrors correctly. I don't feel 100% sure that there isn't someone there even when looking over my shoulder in this car. It's particularly bad on the left side.

Also, very hard to gauge where the car is relative to stuff around it when reversing because of the lousy rear visibility due to the thick C pillars, the high belt line, and the general seating position and structure of the car. To be fair, though, this is a problem with many cars these days.

[MrFunk]

It tilts open for ventilation but that's it.

Really? Learned something new... that's pretty lame. I'd rather no sunroof at all and save the weight of the glass.

[Seinsmeld13]

I seriously considered the S5 as well as the RS5 and TT RS. In the end I couldn't see paying an extra $6,000 for the S5 with two less doors and no moon roof which I actually use even in sub zero temps that's celcius. The S5 is a looker. If my kids were gone I probably would have ponied up for the RS5 as it isn't that much more than the S5. If our TT RS was priced the way yours is in the States I would have leaned towards that car. I had two boys in travel hockey and made due with a two door GTI. If you really want the S5 go for it.

[Seis-Speed]

I have an AS4 on order, it really was a more practical choice, I do like the stealth factor, but when I see an A5/S5 I always admire the looks of the car. The coupes are beuatiful IMO.
Just does not work for family. Interesting to see some people's responses. Thanks.

[beckmaster]

Ask the same question in the S5 forum and you'll get the complete opposite response.

For me the S5 was a no brainer after test driving them both. But I have no kids and an A6 when I need 4 doors, and a Honda CRV when I need to lug shit around like my 110 pound dog. Plan to get another A6 whenever I get sick of this one. 120K miles and still drives great. APR 93 octane tuned.

Last 3 cars I have had all had sunroofs, and I can't remember the last time I opened them up. Can't hear the music over the wind.

Realistically getting to the back to put in a car seat would be a pain. There is a button that will move the front seat all the way up, and then another to put it back. Also, as your child gets bigger those feet will start kicking the back of the seat. Take a look at how many people switched from a 4 to a 6 because of kicking. If all you have is either a 4 or a 5, get the 4. Much more practical.

I got the coupe because it looks awesome, there are not too many of them on the road, and I prefer how it handles. To me, in the 60-80K price range I can not find a better looking drivers car. It's just a blast to drive. As I type this I want to go for a drive. Keep in mind I test drove everything you can think of, including GTR, Z06, M3, I refused to look at the 911 for personal reasons as well as starting to be outside my price range.

[Dr GP]

It tilts open for ventilation but that's it.

I could not buy one without a fully functional sunroof. There goes my aspirations for an S5. My 335i coupe had a fully functioning sunroof. Must have something to do with the slope of the roof.

[s4buckeye]

I just ordered a car, I checked the $130 box for badges. With all that was going one and pressing so much on Stasis, color, lease, trade, ADS, Diff, etc... I am not even sure what is coming. I just said I do not want the V6T....

Why are you even asking this question? You said two weeks ago you ordered a S4 already.

[S4morris]

I didn't even consider the S5, even though I don't really have a need for 4 doors, I just thought the S4 had a better flow to it. Both great looking cars I just tend to prefer sedans for whatever reason.

[mcoomer]

I've always been a fan of sedans. We don't have kids and rarely have people in back but on the occasions that we do I like the ease of access. We've had one coupe...everything else has been a sedan.

Mike

[well_armed]

RS5? yes

S5? No

[offthewall]

I didn't even consider the S5, even though I don't really have a need for 4 doors, I just thought the S4 had a better flow to it. Both great looking cars I just tend to prefer sedans for whatever reason.

^this. The S5 is a nice looking coupe, I just prefer the S4's look more. I felt the same about the BMW 3 (my previous car). I had a sedan as well.

It really comes down to which one you like the looks / drive of better.


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[Seis-Speed]

Why are you even asking this question? You said two weeks ago you ordered a S4 already.

Cancelled that order and changed to a car in production, just made my final decision today. I was down to an S5 S4. Thanks for caring.

[ralniv]

It's a pretty straightforward decision in my opinion. The S5 is more exotic looking and the easy choice if you don't need 4 doors and you can afford to spend a few $k more. If you need 4 doors or can't afford the S5 price premium, then you get an S4.

I require 4 doors because I have kids AND the price difference is non-trivial for me. The S4 was a no-brainier and I absolutely adore my car. I'd make love to it if I weren't worried about soiling my Napa leather seats :)

[s4buckeye]

Cancelled that order and changed to a car in production, just made my final decision today. I was down to an S5 S4. Thanks for caring.

Ok man, sounds great. In the interim, be sure to post another 100 times in your 2nd month of being on AZ and start 10 or more threads once again without searching first.

Maybe by then you will have actually bought a car, it might be an Audi product and it might actually be an S4.

Then again, maybe not.

[s4ibis]

I had the s5 and traded it for my s4 after only 5 months. I dont have kids and only occasionally needed the back seat. For me the lackluster performance and poor gas mileage got old quick.

Dont regret the switch for a minute.

Edit: i had the 4.2. The 3.0T does look great

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[Seis-Speed]

Ok man, sounds great. In the interim, be sure to post another 100 times in your 2nd month of being on AZ and start 10 or more threads once again without searching first.

Maybe by then you will have actually bought a car, it might be an Audi product and it might actually be an S4.

Then again, maybe not.

Buying a 50-60k car after owning mainly BMW is a process, I would think an enthusiast board would be a source to ask questions and get input, during this process. I use the search method extensively, sorry this takes up space in your head.

Do I need to own an S4 to join AZ, or did I miss that? Got it on order, but life can change quickly, again thanks for caring. Excited about the purchase may post more, not sure, but I know I will not care about anyone else's post count on the internet.

Life is short enjoy it, do not let, search function neglect get in the way. FWIW I have been on the A BMW board almost 5 years and have less posts than I do on AZ. Because I know,the product and do not feel a need to ask questions about wheels, suspension, finance, ECU tune, etc...

[SSG JL S5]

For me, wasn't much of a debate... I ordered the S5 for me, maybe every once in a while my Wife and Daughter will be in the Car with me, but I didn't really need a sedan. I still have my X5 and I'm not trading it in towards the S5, so I will still have a larger vehicle for 'real' family outings, where its me, wife, daughter, son and mother (and it has third row seating for those just in case days).

That being said, if I didn't have the X5, I would have gotten the S4...

Also, s4Buckeye, I don't actually have my Audi yet as production on the 2014 models hasn't started yet, does that preclude me from joining an Audi site as well? I may not have the same issues as the OP in regards to his choice of vehicle, as I knew exactly which one I wanted, but your reasoning, makes no sense...

I would have gotten another BMW, a 335xi Coupe, but it's got less head room than the Sedan (E90's) and the S5 has plenty of space for me up front (I'm 6'4, 230lbs)...