A5 vs. S5 - Daily Driver

[A4orce84]

Hey Guys,

Sorry to make such a newbie post, but to give some background, I've been around Audi's for a while (2 B5 A4s, currently drive a B6 A4) and have tried searching for all kinds of information I can find on the A5 and S5. Recently, I've decided to start doing some research into my next car, and I want to stay in the Audi family. However, I feel like I want something a bit sportier this time around (coupe), and don't want such a big 4-door sedan that the B8's have grown into. So my interest has shifted (get it?) to the A5 / S5 coupes.

I know the basic differences in engines (2.0T A5 vs 3.0T or 4.2 V8 S5) as well as some small changes with interior (seats, steering wheel) and outside cosmetics, but I was hoping someone could give me a full breakdown on what differences are between each. One thing I should mention, is I'm looking for an Audi with stick (manual transmission). It looks like Audi has started phasing the manual out it of many other models (A3, A4, etc.), and the A5 / S5 is one of the few you can still get a manual on.

Thanks in advance for all your time and help, it is greatly appreciated! =)

Thanks,
Asif

[trinim3]

S5 is on a whole other planet from an A5. If you want something sporty I wouldn't even consider an A5.

Engine, gearbox, suspension, wheels, tires, quattro/ torque vectoring/differential, exhaust, seats, front and rear bumper/diffuser are just some examples of substantial upgrades from an A5 to a S5.

Worth every penny.

[UFfitz56]

I was in a similar situation as you. In the end it really comes down to gas mileage.

[A4orce84]

I was in a similar situation as you. In the end it really comes down to gas mileage.

I know the S5 is probably a bit more of a gas guzzler than the A5, but what are we talking about here? Also, it's probably a good idea to confirm that both fuel tanks are 61 liters (16ish gallons) in both cars, is that correct?

See I did my hw! =)

[jrabakker]

If you are leaning to the A5, don't even test-drive the S5. If you do, you won't look back. Another advantage: you will get to a first-name basis with your local gas station personnel


edit: fyi I have 4300 on it, and averaging 18.7mpg. 40 Miles daily highway commute, with sporty driving mixed in.

[pw-sherman]

Here's some mpg info on the S5: http://www.fuelly.com/car/audi/s5. Go for the V8 S5 if you can, we have both an A5 and an S5 in our garage and the S5 is a lot more fun. If you do a lot of city driving you could be in the single digit mpgs, but the noise it makes makes it all worth it! Good luck with your purchase!

[trinim3]

Here's some mpg info on the S5: http://www.fuelly.com/car/audi/s5. Go for the V8 S5 if you can, we have both an A5 and an S5 in our garage and the S5 is a lot more fun. If you do a lot of city driving you could be in the single digit mpgs, but the noise it makes makes it all worth it! Good luck with your purchase!

To each his/her own but I would highly recommend the 3.0 V6T S5 over the V8 S5. The V6T feels much more nimble and handles better than the V8 S5. You do lose the V8 sound but the V6T with an exhaust still sounds awesome or stock with soundoktor (noise through the speakers) it's loud enough. You'll also get better gas mileage, reliability, and tune-ability with the V6T.

Also surprising as it may be the V6T with a manual transmission (if you can find one) is one of the smoothest gearboxes you'll ever drive. On par if not better than the 6spd in a S2000.

[dha]

For what it's worth, I can get 28-30mpg highway in my 2.0T A5. It looks like your current A4 is modded but I had a stock B6 A4 1.8T and it definitely felt a lot less responsive, sluggish, top heavy, and just generally "looser" compared to my A5 so maybe a modded A5 will be sporty enough for you.

Are you looking at brand new or used?

[A4orce84]

Are you looking at brand new or used?

Looking at used currently, and as I said I'm in the research phase. My B6 A4 is doing just fine for the time being, so I'm not in a super rush to get into a newer A5/S5 anytime soon. I took almost 6 months to find my B6 A4, so I'm pretty careful and like to look at all my options / do my homework before purchasing anything.

Thanks for all the feedback everyone, but I'm not looking to turn this into a thread around MPG between the 2 cars (even though I know it is a significant factor, but I know obviously the S5 will be more of a gas hog than the A5). I rather want to know what specific features are different between the 2 cars, and what each owner prefers about their specific car (Either A5 or S5).

Thanks again for all the comments so far! =)

[trinim3]

where do you do most of the mods for your A4 in Austin? Soul Speed?

Personally it seems like a natural progression to go from a modded A4 to a classy yet sporty S5. You won't have to worry about the headaches of modding and you'll never be able to mod things like feeling the sport diff rotate the car on a 80mph sweeper on 2222. Trust me, get a used 2013 S5 with a manual and you'll thank me later.

[jrabakker]

I understand your desire for a manual, but have you given the dsg box a proper testing? Spoke to a few people this weekend before the start of the Leavenworth drive, and there's plenty of people that were true stick people, but after having driven the dsg, no longer look back....

[trinim3]

I understand your desire for a manual, but have you given the dsg box a proper testing? Spoke to a few people this weekend before the start of the Leavenworth drive, and there's plenty of people that were true stick people, but after having driven the dsg, no longer look back....

I actually also highly recommend the DSG. I had a e46 M3 with a autosolutions SSK and I've raced formula cars; the DSG doesn't make me miss driving stickshift one bit. That said, if you absolutely refuse to go with DSG be rest assured that the manual on the S5 is one of the best and for that awful traffic in Austin it has an effortless clutch take-up.

[LINDW4LL]

Someone already mentioned the main differences.

-Engine
-Transmisson
-Suspension
-wheels, tires
-Sport Diff
-Exhaust
-Seats
-Front and rear bumper/diffuser/sideskirts, sportier trunk


The engine is the heart of a car, and the 2.0T is no comparison to the S5s 3.0T. The S5 is the better car in every way, and if you get the A you will regret it.

[bknewtype]

i dunno what these guys r talking about, but i have lots of fun with my stage 2 a5 2.0t and i get great gas mileage with enough power as a daily.

i have no desire for a 3.0t cause i wont ever get to use that much power, not to mention i dislike the face smash

i owned the v8 s5 as well. great car, great noise. but crappy mileage for the city.

[switchedstance]

i dunno what these guys r talking about, but i have lots of fun with my stage 2 a5 2.0t and i get great gas mileage with enough power as a daily.

+1. No regrets here.

[BAHNSTORMER]

I went from an S4 with the 4.2 V8 to an A5 with the 3.2 V6 and immediately missed the extra 75+ hp. I bought the car for its looks and after 2 years really like it as my DD. My commute is a mix of city/highway and get 24-26mpg. Given this, I would still prefer a 3.0T S5 and have very good power & handling, great looks and decent mpg.

[ssv22]

If the S5 is within your budget, then not too many reasons to go for an A5. if i could go back in time, i would put a bit more money on top of the 52k i paid for my A5 and get an S5 instead. not a huge difference in gas mileage if you consider 3.0S5 vs 2.0T.

[A4orce84]

Thanks guys, that's super helpful feedback so far! =)

How about the carbon issues with all 3 motors (2.0T, 3.0T, and V8)? Do you guys do scheduled cleaning after say every 30-40k? I know the 2.0T motor suffers from them, but unsure on the 3.0T and V8 motors.


Thanks.

[LINDW4LL]

The 3.0T seems to be the best engine based on carbon buildup. The 4.2 had bad carbon buildup, the 2.0T had less but still some issues. Expect to clean every 50k or so with the 4.2. I would highly suggest going for the 3.0T over the 4.2 if you can afford the newer model; it's a better engine in every way.

[FaceSmA5h]

Fuelly has a fair indicator. But keep in mind, people posting there are a little bit more MPG minded. I have over 30k miles logged for all my cars there. Here is my Manual A5 (Weekend Car, about 80% Highway. I have another DD)

On a Full Tank
Low MPG: 23.90 (344 Miles)
HGH MPG: 28.33 (370 Miles)

AVG MPG: 25.80 (Overall MPG after 5993 Miles).

http://www.fuelly.com/car/audi/a5_qu...eking4u/263640

I didn't track my 4.2 S5. But my Manual S5' light would come on at 175 miles. If it came on at 200 miles, that was considered a good day. I think i was averaging about 12.5 miles per gallon. Long term wise, that was one of the deciding factors on why I had to let it go.

I would guess the 3.0 is somewhere between my A5 and my 4.2 S5. I would say averaging 17.5 - 18.5 is about right. I personally go with the EPA City MPG as my overall MPG number to consider when buying my car. This at least holds true for the last 4 cars I've owned.

[moondev]

I went from an S4 with the 4.2 V8 to an A5 with the 3.2 V6 and immediately missed the extra 75+ hp. I bought the car for its looks and after 2 years really like it as my DD. My commute is a mix of city/highway and get 24-26mpg. Given this, I would still prefer a 3.0T S5 and have very good power & handling, great looks and decent mpg.

Haha I did the same exact thing, b6 s4 to 3.2 a5. I miss the horses (and the sound) too but a5 is enough for now. And the looks are unparalleled.

[A4orce84]

Hey Guys,

I'm trying to find some images that compare the exterior changes, like the following:



Is this a good example of the bumper differences between A5 and S5?


Thanks.

[trinim3]

Hey Guys,

I'm trying to find some images that compare the exterior changes, like the following:



Is this a good example of the bumper differences between A5 and S5?


Thanks.

S5 from the back has quad exhaust. Makes all the diff. Can you just go to a dealer today and drive both? You won't have any more questions after doing soo. Just make sure to put the S5 in dynamic mode.

[A4orce84]

I'll try to go this week, but just doing some interweb research.

[Brycej]

I'm rather surprised by the mileage reports by others with A5's... I would be stunned if ever I see my gauge drop below 30 MPG (I'm typically around 35 with a record of 41 MPG).

As for performance, I don't mind what I get from mine... but to be fair, I'm another of the K04 water/meth cars so... it's all a question of what your goals are.

As for the sound, I've a little clip... it's not a V8 growl... but not quite what you would expect from a little 2.0t either: http://1drv.ms/1o9e44N

[Mops@Nemesis]

OP, are you concerned about the extra power and rear diff? Check out the A5 S-line pack. You get front cover, rear cover (minus quad tip), stone guards (side blades), very good seats, plus better mpg/insurance. I know everyone says S5, but that is not applicable to all. I do realize some do want an S regardless.

[Nastybutler]

I got rid of a F150 and bought an A5 for the looks, interior design, comfort, and gas mileage (in that order) not performance. I have a motorcycle for that. I won't say I wouldn't love the power of the 3.0T (my wife has that engine in her A6 and it's fantastic even at a lower level of tune and hauling more weight around), but my A5 still handles pretty good even with the standard suspension, without being too harsh on rough roads. I'm happy with my purchase, but at some point in the future, I'll either get a new Z06, GTR, or RS* just to scratch the sports car itch. The A5 is sporty, but it's not a sports car. Doesn't stop me from trying to drive it like one though, ha ha. Still got 22mpg with only in town driving, and that's not too shabby.

[trinim3]

The thing is the OP straight up said he wants something more sporty. S5 = sporty. That's why we're steering him in that direction

[Mops@Nemesis]

The thing is the OP straight up said he wants something more sporty. S5 = sporty. That's why we're steering him in that direction

Didn't read the original post closely. Apologize if he seemed to feel the A5 is not enough. Personally, I'd pick the S5. But I enjoy pushing a car, and would use every bit of the power each time it left the garage. And mpg's and premiums don't matter much to me.

[fasteddy91]

Hey Guys,

Sorry to make such a newbie post, but to give some background, I've been around Audi's for a while (2 B5 A4s, currently drive a B6 A4) and have tried searching for all kinds of information I can find on the A5 and S5. Recently, I've decided to start doing some research into my next car, and I want to stay in the Audi family. However, I feel like I want something a bit sportier this time around (coupe), and don't want such a big 4-door sedan that the B8's have grown into. So my interest has shifted (get it?) to the A5 / S5 coupes.

I know the basic differences in engines (2.0T A5 vs 3.0T or 4.2 V8 S5) as well as some small changes with interior (seats, steering wheel) and outside cosmetics, but I was hoping someone could give me a full breakdown on what differences are between each. One thing I should mention, is I'm looking for an Audi with stick (manual transmission). It looks like Audi has started phasing the manual out it of many other models (A3, A4, etc.), and the A5 / S5 is one of the few you can still get a manual on.

Thanks in advance for all your time and help, it is greatly appreciated! =)

Thanks,
Asif

I was in the same boat as you and the biggest factor was "what did my commute entail?"

My daily commute is 5 miles each direction and only reaching up to a max speed of 50-55 mph with mild traffic. The S5 would have been a waste for me as I would not have the chance to use all the power that was available. I only had the opportunity to go balls out on an on ramp every other week...even then I had to contain myself in not going over 70mph or get caught and be given a ticket.

The A5 has 258 ft/lbs of torque which I would say is enough for 90% of the folks out there. You can always get a flash from APR for 500-600 bucks to get an additional 55-60 ft/lbs torque and 50 horsepower. I use to have a Lexus IS350 that had around 325 horsepower and rarely used all that power. The car I had between the is350 and A5 was a 6spd manual 2002 celica GTS with 130 ft/lbs of torque and 180hp on a 2500 pound car and that car still sucked balls at slow speed. You had to rev the shit out of it to get the power whereas the A5 has plenty of power down low.

I have the S line competition package so the exterior looks identical to the S5 minus the dual exhaust which you can change.

[A4orce84]

Interesting S-line package on the A5 really has all the same exterior bits as the S5? (Except exhaust)?

[Beast]

Interesting S-line package on the A5 really has all the same exterior bits as the S5? (Except exhaust)?

except exhaust, different wheels, front grille, and trunk lid.

[ssv22]

I'm rather surprised by the mileage reports by others with A5's... I would be stunned if ever I see my gauge drop below 30 MPG (I'm typically around 35 with a record of 41 MPG).

As for performance, I don't mind what I get from mine... but to be fair, I'm another of the K04 water/meth cars so... it's all a question of what your goals are.

As for the sound, I've a little clip... it's not a V8 growl... but not quite what you would expect from a little 2.0t either: http://1drv.ms/1o9e44N

Are you sure we are talking about the A5 here? I have never heard of 41 mpg for the A5. I drive in bay area traffic everyday and i dont get more than 22-23 mpg with 50/50 city/hwy reasonably sedate driving. If I drive to LA, i get 31-32 mpg at best.
and I don't trust the trip computer, its overly optimistic.

[trinim3]

Are you sure we are talking about the A5 here? I have never heard of 41 mpg for the A5. I drive in bay area traffic everyday and i dont get more than 22-23 mpg with 50/50 city/hwy reasonably sedate driving. If I drive to LA, i get 31-32 mpg at best.
and I don't trust the trip computer, its overly optimistic.

he must be in Europe...

[fasteddy91]

Interesting S-line package on the A5 really has all the same exterior bits as the S5? (Except exhaust)?

sorry...I was thinking of just the front and rear bumpers.....some of the S5's I've seen has my wheels. The trunk lid is slighty raised in the s5 and the front grill is dark gray whereas mine is black. The seats are sportier than the A5.

[rasetsu]

The folks with legitimate gas mileage concerns are chiming in from NY and CA. OP, you live in TX. We have more open roads and cheaper higher octane gas to enjoy what the S5 was designed to do. If you are financially sound to afford a S5 and its insurance, then it should be a no brainer.

[trinim3]

The folks with legitimate gas mileage concerns are chiming in from NY and CA. OP, you live in TX. We have more open roads and cheaper higher octane gas to enjoy what the S5 was designed to do. If you are financially sound to afford a S5 and its insurance, then it should be a no brainer.

93 OCT FTW. I also highly doubt there's much of a difference in insurance premiums between a S5 and an a A5. They are both 2+2 coupes. Only difference is one has 2 liter and then other has a 3 liter (if you get the b8.5). but both are AWD so they are safer by insurance standards.

[ssv22]

The folks with legitimate gas mileage concerns are chiming in from NY and CA. OP, you live in TX. We have more open roads and cheaper higher octane gas to enjoy what the S5 was designed to do. If you are financially sound to afford a S5 and its insurance, then it should be a no brainer.

+1. If you can afford a 60k+ car, then gas bills should be the least of your worries.

93 OCT FTW. I also highly doubt there's much of a difference in insurance premiums between a S5 and an a A5. They are both 2+2 coupes. Only difference is one has 2 liter and then other has a 3 liter (if you get the b8.5). but both are AWD so they are safer by insurance standards.

where do you get this? I know of a 76 gas station in south san jose which sells 100 octane.

[rasetsu]

93 OCT FTW. I also highly doubt there's much of a difference in insurance premiums between a S5 and an a A5. They are both 2+2 coupes. Only difference is one has 2 liter and then other has a 3 liter (if you get the b8.5). but both are AWD so they are safer by insurance standards.

Insurance companies know that the AWD in Audis are for performance more than safety. The different components in the S5 which make it more fun and more expensive are also a little more the insure. For someone in their mid-30's, the difference is probably negligible, but if OP is in his early 20's, then it could be a larger difference.

[trinim3]

Insurance companies know that the AWD in Audis are for performance more than safety. The different components in the S5 which make it more fun and more expensive are also a little more the insure. For someone in their mid-30's, the difference is probably negligible, but if OP is in his early 20's, then it could be a larger difference.

93 OCT is in TX. I live in the Bay Area now but used to live in Austin.

To the OP in my experience (i'm in my mid 20s) most insurance companies don't know squat about the cars they insure (particularly new models). AWD performance is still better than RWD performance in terms of insurance. What affects insurance the most is the categorization of the car (how many seats, how many airbags etc, coupe vs. sedan), the zip code and most importantly the price of the car which is where the S5 will be more expensive than the A5. The insurance company doesn't know/care about the components of the S5 vs. the A5 (is my guess).