S5 V8 vs S5 V6T in handling

**mmmham** · 03-04-2014 12:02 PM

Hey guys, how big of a difference is there? I drive b8 S4 and it handles very well, like driving on tracks with little under steer if taking hard turn but otherwise very impressed. I've read the weight distribution is slightly better in face life models.
Any one own both models and can chime in? Also people with supercharged V8 do you guys feel the heavy up front even more?

**YelloJello** · 03-04-2014 01:27 PM

You can definitely feel the difference between B8 and B8.5 model. I had the B8 for 3 years, and it handled pretty well, but after driving the B8.5 for 10k miles, it feels lighter on its feet and more nimble.

**GSS5** · 03-04-2014 02:01 PM

the weight difference isn't actually that huge, but as yellojello said, the v6 does feel much lighter and nimbler. it's just so much more fun to drive than the v8. my old s5 did not have the sport differential whereas my new one does, so i'm sure that accounts for some of the difference in handling that i've observed, but the new engine really makes a world of difference in terms of driving experience, even in most everyday driving situations. however any type of track/canyon/twisty backroad situation is where you'll really get to enjoy the handling advantages of the v6 s5. for such a relatively heavy car, it really grips and corners amazingly well.

**Rusty Axle** · 03-04-2014 03:03 PM

The car does handle amazingly well for its weight. There were a few occasions on the track where I was certain I was going to leave the pavement. But the car stuck and got me (and itself) through the corner unscathed.

**milesed** · 03-04-2014 06:09 PM

I think the engine sits further back behind the front wheels in the 8.5 V6 so it has somewhat better handling.

**adam123** · 03-04-2014 09:09 PM

Originally Posted by YelloJello

You can definitely feel the difference between B8 and B8.5 model. I had the B8 for 3 years, and it handled pretty well, but after driving the B8.5 for 10k miles, it feels lighter on its feet and more nimble.

+1 , add some coils, ale kruz and some sway bars and its redicccc

**Wilbur** · 03-05-2014 12:22 PM

............but the sound of the V8!!!!!!

**John P.** · 03-05-2014 01:39 PM

Originally Posted by Wilbur

............but the sound of the V8!!!!!!

That and the sport diff work for me.

**pdubb** · 03-05-2014 07:08 PM

Originally Posted by John P.

That and the sport diff work for me.

I'm with you there.

**rmh** · 03-06-2014 05:38 PM

The rear sport differential makes night-and-day differences in how either vehicle handles corners.

My 2010 S5 (V8) with lowered center of gravity (coils), alu kruez, and upgraded sways front and rear easily throttle oversteers on the street and many different tracks - even with PS2s. Now that I've worn the PS2s out (4 full summers of street/track wear), when summer comes, I'll see what the PSSs can handle. I'm amazed at the way this car handles at the precipice of traction

I've driven a friends 2009 A6 Avant with the 3.0T (chipped, and pulley'd, but no sport rear diff, but better weight distribution than the B8/B8.5 sedans/coupes with the 3.0T) and I still say the V8 S5 properly setup is no less the cornering performer.

I'd love to street and track a B8.5 S5 with the same setup as my B8 S5 but haven't found a willing participant yet to make a true comparison.

**John P.** · 03-06-2014 08:01 PM

Re: the sport diff--the tide changed in reviews of Audis vs. BMWs once they were being included on test vehicles. Finally the benefits of awd with fun added in. I'm really surprised they're not standard yet. Or maybe they are and I haven't looked.

**stingray84** · 03-06-2014 08:37 PM

Day and night difference with or without sports rear diff. For those of you that has the option. Try turning it off and corner hard then you'll appreciate it even more so.

**Diamond Dog** · 03-06-2014 09:49 PM

Originally Posted by stingray84

Day and night difference with or without sports rear diff. For those of you that has the option. Try turning it off and corner hard then you'll appreciate it even more so.

I have a 2011 v8 with sport diff. How do you turn it on and off?

**stingray84** · 03-06-2014 09:51 PM

Go to drive select -> individual -> keep everything else the same but change sports diff to comfort

**mmmham** · 03-07-2014 11:29 AM

Thanks for all the responses. I cannot decide between V8 vs V6T. My opinion so far is I love the V8 sound and front end. But I also love/need the torque and handling in S4 so I assume its the same in the B8.5 S5, but I do not like the exhaust sound of V6T...I had an G35x few years ago and though that V6 sounds much better. Also the steering wheel and other little interior upgrades are definitely a plus. A lot of my buddies opinions were the same, poor handling in the V8(heavy up front, steering numb) but they come from 335i and Lotus(s) . I say "but" cause they are biased like all of us, but the Lotus does handle well.

I know all about supercharging the V8 vs tune. Which car should I get?!?

**bknewtype** · 03-07-2014 11:37 AM

stock v6t exhaust note is meh. with an exhaust and downpipes it will really open up.

also agree, i love the g series exhaust, main reason why i bought one too.

cant comment on the handling perspective. are you planning to go hardcore tracking? even if one car is better handling than the other, i dont think that should make or break ur decision as you need to factor other things that are important. such as cost of car vs fuel consumption vs exhaust note, etc etc.

i also love the v8 front better. i am biased when it comes to pre fl vs fl. pre fl wins everytime for me.

**Mops@Nemesis** · 03-07-2014 11:50 AM

That Z/G exhaust note is one of the most boring in history. Yes it is distinctive, but it sounds like a buzzy vaccum cleaner, and super whiny. The drone is silly, and there is nothin muscular about it. Plus is really does not vary through the revs which I hate the most. The VR6 note poops all over it.

Ok, im done. Glad to help

**bknewtype** · 03-07-2014 11:55 AM

Originally Posted by Mops

That Z/G exhaust note is one of the most boring in history. Yes it is distinctive, but it sounds like a buzzy vaccum cleaner, and super whiny. The drone is silly, and there is nothin muscular about it. Plus is really does not vary through the revs which I hate the most. The VR6 note poops all over it.

Ok, im done. Glad to help

ur description is exactly how i feel about porsche exhausts :D

**Mops@Nemesis** · 03-07-2014 12:02 PM

Originally Posted by bknewtype

ur description is exactly how i feel about porsche exhausts :D

Hahaha! Depends on the Porsche though. Some sound very puss. Look up "GT Akrapovic"

**bknewtype** · 03-07-2014 12:05 PM

Originally Posted by Mops

Hahaha! Depends on the Porsche though. Some sound very puss. Look up "GT Akrapovic"

talkin about stock for stock. my g35/37 w/ exhausts sounds very very brawlic.

**Mops@Nemesis** · 03-07-2014 12:08 PM

Stock exhaust?? WTF is that? I'm with you though. My stock exhaust was pitifull. Current... Pretty fucking amazing, imo:) Anyways, just trolling lol.

**mmmham** · 03-07-2014 12:28 PM

Interesting Mops you are the first person I've ever heard say they dislike G37 exhaust note!

If I get the V6T would anyone with 2008-2012 be interested in swapping front ends?

**bknewtype** · 03-07-2014 12:36 PM

Originally Posted by mmmham

Interesting Mops you are the first person I've ever heard say they dislike G37 exhaust note!

If I get the V6T would anyone with 2008-2012 be interested in swapping front ends?

i am sure many would be interested. wow. lol. ur gonna open up a can of worms.

**Wilbur** · 03-07-2014 01:24 PM

Originally Posted by mmmham

Thanks for all the responses. I cannot decide between V8 vs V6T. My opinion so far is I love the V8 sound and front end. But I also love/need the torque and handling in S4 so I assume its the same in the B8.5 S5, but I do not like the exhaust sound of V6T...I had an G35x few years ago and though that V6 sounds much better. Also the steering wheel and other little interior upgrades are definitely a plus. A lot of my buddies opinions were the same, poor handling in the V8(heavy up front, steering numb) but they come from 335i and Lotus(s) . I say "but" cause they are biased like all of us, but the Lotus does handle well.

I know all about supercharging the V8 vs tune. Which car should I get?!?

just looked it up....V6 gross weight 2210kg and V8 is 2130.........weird. Sound takes it for me. V8 is still fast and fun but sound makes it. If youre tracking then you might notice handling difference.

**Mops@Nemesis** · 03-07-2014 06:30 PM

Originally Posted by mmmham

Interesting Mops you are the first person I've ever heard say they dislike G37 exhaust note!

If I get the V6T would anyone with 2008-2012 be interested in swapping front ends?

Haha, there are MANY who agree. Its just so blah. Anyways, I say 4.2, but its all situational. No one can really tell you what to buy. Most will never notice any gains in the handling dept, so I pro noise/pre-smash. If they do, the internet likely talking them into it:)

**rmh** · 03-07-2014 06:40 PM

Buy both, drive them both on street and on track.

Six to twelve months later let us know (in excruciating detail) what your conclusions are.

**Mops@Nemesis** · 03-07-2014 06:43 PM

Gonna leave this here as well :P

Mops on the move

**bknewtype** · 03-07-2014 06:47 PM

Originally Posted by Mops

Gonna leave this here as well :P

Mops on the move

And i raise

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

**Mops@Nemesis** · 03-07-2014 07:12 PM

I'm just trolling for fun btw. I have neither motor:( Honestly, I wish I had a pre-smash 2.0 Ko4. I have not driven one, but my 1.8 Stage 3 was a riot.

**JimWB** · 03-07-2014 07:20 PM

I like the shape of the headlights on the 8.5, but like the way the hood drops to the bumper in the 8. Can we frankenstien that?

**Mops@Nemesis** · 03-07-2014 07:21 PM

Originally Posted by JimWB

I like the headlights on the 8.5, but like the way the hood drops to the bumper in the 8. Can we frankenstien that?

Yea, the bumper cover itself is very weak. No sure anyone could argue. But every other aspect of the smash is better.

**mmmham** · 03-07-2014 09:15 PM

I do like the face lift look too. But everytime a pre-face lift model drives by I'm thinking hawt damn.......but face lift drives by I barely notice to be honest until I see back view/2 doors.

**bknewtype** · 03-08-2014 01:56 AM

^ story of my life

Everyone thinks im a facelift hater. Im not. I like and respect the facelift as a standalone car. But when comparing to a pre face , the preface is just soo much better looking and i will pick that every time. This is just talkin about exterior though.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

**Okan509** · 03-08-2014 05:13 AM

v6t is such a good engine. I absolutely love it, will probably end up keeping my car long term just because it's a fucking blast to drive. Some may say it's an underpowered pig, but I am grateful to even own the car in the first place.

It throws you back hard, and makes me giddy and giggling all the time.

v6t can sound really proper with an aftermarket exhaust too, and don't think it's all that weak stock, it's got some presence, raspy, but quiet.

V8's have the potential to make my knee's go weak, that's for damn sure. But I admire loud cars, and don't really want one for a DD. Just too much attention can be had with a loud ass v8. Garage queen, sure!

**BCT** · 03-11-2014 07:11 PM

I have driven the V8 and V6 back to back and found the V8 feeling "nose heavy" with a bit more understeer. Back in '09 I was on the fence buying the S5. Loved the way it sounded and the extra bit of power. I ended up buying the 3.2 A5 Prestige as it felt a bit more nimble and less front heavy. That being said, I have for years regretted not buying the S5 because of the lack of power and no low end torque vs. the A5.

Last month I was again on the bubble buying a CPO '12 S5 as I thought I wanted the V8 over the V6. That was until I test drove the V6. The V6 felt more nimble, and had more usable low end torque than the V8. Of course the sports diff makes a huge difference in handling. I ended up buying a CPO '13 S5 with 7k on it and I felt that I got the best of both worlds........lighter front end feel, good low end torque, and the power that I always lusted for that my A5 lacked.
Yes the V8 sounded better, but the V6 3.0T sound is a huge improvement over the quiet, silky smooth A5 3.2.

**Wilbur** · 03-12-2014 08:32 AM

Originally Posted by mmmham

Interesting Mops you are the first person I've ever heard say they dislike G37 exhaust note!

If I get the V6T would anyone with 2008-2012 be interested in swapping front ends?

I'm with MOPS. Don't like Infiniti but love that 4.2. It got a little louder in 06.

**FaceSmA5h** · 03-12-2014 08:50 AM

Originally Posted by bknewtype

talkin about stock for stock. my g35/37 w/ exhausts sounds very very brawlic.

IMHFuckinOpinion, The G35 stock exhaust note is fuckin beautiful. If my AWE Dual sounds anything like that this weekend, I will die a happy man.

With that said, staying on topic to the thread, I had the sports differential on my V8 S5. I didn't drive one without it, but man i was sticking to the ground at all times when going up mountains like big bear. Definitely felt a little moar confident on dynamic =)

**bknewtype** · 03-12-2014 08:51 AM

Originally Posted by FaceSmA5h

IMHFuckinOpinion, The G35 stock exhaust note is fuckin beautiful. If my AWE Dual sounds anything like that this weekend, I will die a happy man.

With that said, staying on topic to the thread, I had the sports differential on my V8 S5. I didn't drive one without it, but man i was sticking to the ground at all times when going up mountains like big bear. Definitely felt a little moar confident on dynamic =)

sadly, it wont. lol.