15' S3 vs '15 S5

[fundulz]

Hey guys,

Silly question... Deciding between a 2015 S3 and a 2015 S5. I love the S3 for how small it is especially for someone of my size; 5'9'' but am not too fond of the headlights. It reminds me of a Lexus for some reason. I was leaning towards in S5 because I love the front end of that car. What do you guys think? If you had to choose between an S3 or S5?

[mpsmith]

S3.

[pw-sherman]

New S5 is coming out in a year or two, if you can wait, get one then. If the new one isn't as pretty, you can get a good deal on a lightly used one That being said, the new S3 is IMO the perfect size (I am also 5'9") a bit more sporty, and probably just as fast. Best of luck to you on your decision!

[Guitarmageddon]

Well, if power isnt a factor, then go for the s3. Whats your engine preference? What about the rs3 thats supposed to be coming to the US soon? I couldn't justify paying what audi wants and only getting a 4 cylinder, but thats just me.

[fundulz]

Don't really have an engine preference. I love the quickness and getup of the S3.

[Dwelve]

I was on the fence between the S3 or A5, but the S3 not coming in a manual pushed me towards the 5 which I ordered mine last month. Yes loosing ponies when power comparison, but as you say about the front end, I feel the same and the major thing for me is the 6MT still available. Best of luck on your decision.

[EBS4]

The S5 is a huge step up in drivetrain and interior refinement. The S3 has newer tech which is great but one minute in the S5s seat or one prod of the throttle at 1500rpm will show you why it costs more. That's to say nothing of the sport diff which greatly improves handling or the rear biased AWD. The S3 is a sweet ride but it's not as luxurious or well balanced (I have driven both). Also the S5s sexy looks are worth 10k more to my eyes. In straight line speed they are similar and the S3 does feel a little more tossable at turn in bc it's lighter...but the S5s is smoother and more comfortable...and if equipped with a sports diff it's handling is far better once you reach mid corner.

Again I think the S3 is a sweet ride and have tremendous respect for it...but new tech or not it doesnt hold a candle to the S5s in looks, overall handling, refinement, or comfort. That's why it's $10k cheaper. S3 is the better deal, S5 the better car. (My opinion only)

EBS4.

[JsnMR2]

The S5 is a huge step up in drivetrain and interior refinement. The S3 has newer tech which is great but one minute in the S5s seat or one prod of the throttle at 1500rpm will show you why it costs more. That's to say nothing of the sport diff which greatly improves handling or the rear biased AWD. The S3 is a sweet ride but it's not as luxurious or well balanced (I have driven both). Also the S5s sexy looks are worth 10k more to my eyes. In straight line speed they are similar and the S3 does feel a little more tossable at turn in bc it's lighter...but the S5s is smoother and more comfortable...and if equipped with a sports diff it's handling is far better once you reach mid corner.

Again I think the S3 is a sweet ride and have tremendous respect for it...but new tech or not it doesnt hold a candle to the S5s in looks, overall handling, refinement, or comfort. That's why it's $10k cheaper. S3 is the better deal, S5 the better car. (My opinion only)

EBS4.

As far as looks go... The S5 is pretty dated these days. It's still a good looking car, but to me it's already dated and the new one is not even out yet! Wait till the new one hits the streets. The S3 is fresh...

[EBS4]

S3 fresh? Looks the same as every other Audi to me only bite size. The proportions of the S5 are nearly perfect and it will go down as one of Audis most beautiful cars. Sorry to say that is not true for the S3 (or the S4 I own for that matter).

EBS4

[gamegenie]

Hey guys,

Silly question... Deciding between a 2015 S3 and a 2015 S5. I love the S3 for how small it is especially for someone of my size; 5'9'' but am not too fond of the headlights. It reminds me of a Lexus for some reason. I was leaning towards in S5 because I love the front end of that car. What do you guys think? If you had to choose between an S3 or S5?

based on what you said, there are some stark differences

S3 = 4-door sedan
S5 = 2-door coupe

S3 = Bi-Xenon Headlights or LED Headlights (so whichever ones you think looked like Lexus get the other that doesn't.)
S5 = Bi-Xenon Headlights only.

S3 = 6-gear
S5 = 7-gear

S3 = 292 horses
S5 = 333 horses

S3 = gas tank is 14.5
S5 = gas tank is 16.1

[bknewtype]

S3 fresh? Looks the same as every other Audi to me only bite size. The proportions of the S5 are nearly perfect and it will go down as one of Audis most beautiful cars. Sorry to say that is not true for the S3 (or the S4 I own for that matter).

EBS4

lol. seriously.

its sad that a dated car looks better than almost all newer cars (;

heck i even feel my super outdated 2011 looks better

[doug97gxe]

this is an odd comparison .. usually i would expect S4 vs S5 .. but anyway on to my commentary ..

I love my S5 .. as others have said its a timeless design.. and honestly i have my fingers crossed that Audi screws up the design of the B9 to keep it even more timeless.. its kinda like the B7's .. they are beautiful and a timeless design.. i still love how they look .. B6 not so much.. i would still rather a B5 over a B6

as far as the S3 .. the performance and upgrade ability on the S3 is amazing .. if you don't plan to keep it stock I would choose the S3 over the S5 .. no need for pulley's .. and i prefer the power delivery on a turbo over the supercharger any day .. you can also get bigger turbo's and get even more power out of the S3 than the S5 .. provided the internals and tranny can handle it.

as Echo'd before the S3 looks like all the other Audi's on the road, but it is a new design and you will see less of them on the road.. you don't want to buy a car the last model year of its design.. i mean who does that

[musasabi]

S5 comes with a manual, if that's a thing for you. S3 doesn't, and any S B9 probably won't.

[LINDW4LL]

The S4 and S5 are in a class above the S3, and the B8 has the better engine. Take your pick!

[musasabi]

That too. 296hp 2.0T is super impressive, but a 333hp V6 will always strike me as the smallest motor that deserves the modern S badge. Especially when tuing is considered.

[RudyH]

IMO, it's two different cars, where the S5 is a coupe and the S3 is a sedan.

I would still go down the S4 / S5 path (B8.5), however as mentioned the new is coming. I have a feeling though that a lot of the gripes of it being a 'big car' but feeling 'small inside' are going to be addressed, and I don't think from an enthusiasts prospective in a positive way. Likely will get bigger and use some of the 'big inside' methods Audi used in the A3/S3 in the new A4 / S4.

Personally I bought a used B8 S4 with the intention to sell it and grab a S3 when the options I wanted come out. I bashed the S4 for being 'too big'. After taking an A3 for a test drive and now being spoiled with the S4 interior, a B8.5 S4 is likely going to be the currents replacement unless the B9 is something special. Size is still a bit of an issue, but that lasted a week. Also I love the smooth power delivery of the 3.0T vs the 2.0T

[tico]

The S5 even if "dated" is a better looking car so my vote goes to the S5. The S3 is nice but it doesn't catch my eye the same way the S5s do. Also, I think Audi should add memory seats and garage door opener to the $50K cars as a standard feature. Dont like where the front cup holders are located either.

[4rings2turbos]

Funny how beauty is in the eye of the beholder. I do not find the A5/S5 to be timeless, the wheel arches are too small making it look heavy and overweight. It can look good to me in the right color with the right wheels. Overall though, too much sheetmetal in the haunches (a la BMW 3-series coupe) the facelift headlight LED is sinister though. Also I feel that the B6 is one of Audi's most timeless designs, the bauhaus era at it's pinnacle.

But to throw my two cents at the original question: personally I would have the S3, it's new (as of right now I see S5s many many times throughout every day, only seen one S3) the S5 is a BIG car, the dimensions (exterior and perhaps more importantly interior) of the S3 lend it to a more purposeful and sporty feel vs the S5s GT-esque aspirations. As for the seats... they're essentially the same.

[4rings2turbos]

Dont like where the front cup holders are located either.

Major annoyance for all recent Audis for me. Why can't they fold into the dash like the old days. Instead we have a persistent massive plastic void.

[tico]

Funny how beauty is in the eye of the beholder. I do not find the A5/S5 to be timeless, the wheel arches are too small making it look heavy and overweight. It can look good to me in the right color with the right wheels. Overall though, too much sheetmetal in the haunches (a la BMW 3-series coupe) the facelift headlight LED is sinister though. Also I feel that the B6 is one of Audi's most timeless designs, the bauhaus era at it's pinnacle.

But to throw my two cents at the original question: personally I would have the S3, it's new (as of right now I see S5s many many times throughout every day, only seen one S3) the S5 is a BIG car, the dimensions (exterior and perhaps more importantly interior) of the S3 lend it to a more purposeful and sporty feel vs the S5s GT-esque aspirations. As for the seats... they're essentially the same.

I went to "buy" an S3 before Christmas and took my wife with me. As we entered the dealership she looked at the S5 at the showroom and said why not this one :) it looks better :)

I ended up buying another B5 S4 ;)

[4rings2turbos]

Good point: also the S5 is more girly looking.

Haha, just kidding. Age really is a factor here too though. I'm 25 but I don't expect an average 50 year old to drive an S3. More of a boy racer car.

[doug97gxe]

Good point: also the S5 is more girly looking.

Haha, just kidding. Age really is a factor here too though. I'm 25 but I don't expect an average 50 year old to drive an S3. More of a boy racer car.

most S5 owners i've seen are between 25 - 35

[4rings2turbos]

Not saying a young guy won't own an S5, I'm saying an older guy wouldn't probably choose an S3 over S5.

[doug97gxe]

true true .. though lately i've seen a couple colder guys driving GTI's .. shocked me a little

[4rings2turbos]

Those are the cool guys. OT but reminds me of a 60 year old guy I met that drove a lime green 930 Targa with a turbo engine swap and 11" fender extensions.

[doug97gxe]

more OT .. weirdest blow my mind experience was weekly Motorcycle meetup at Marcus Dairy in Danbury CT .. saw a guy 60+ get off a Kawasaki ZX10R with full leathers .. i was shocked and impressed at the same time

[4rings2turbos]

Hahah

[the_runner213]

The S5 is a huge step up in drivetrain and interior refinement. The S3 has newer tech which is great but one minute in the S5s seat or one prod of the throttle at 1500rpm will show you why it costs more. That's to say nothing of the sport diff which greatly improves handling or the rear biased AWD. The S3 is a sweet ride but it's not as luxurious or well balanced (I have driven both). Also the S5s sexy looks are worth 10k more to my eyes. In straight line speed they are similar and the S3 does feel a little more tossable at turn in bc it's lighter...but the S5s is smoother and more comfortable...and if equipped with a sports diff it's handling is far better once you reach mid corner.

Again I think the S3 is a sweet ride and have tremendous respect for it...but new tech or not it doesnt hold a candle to the S5s in looks, overall handling, refinement, or comfort. That's why it's $10k cheaper. S3 is the better deal, S5 the better car. (My opinion only)

EBS4.

Hmmm... have you guys checked audi's website in regards to their own assessment on speed? The S3 is rated at 4.7s and S5 at 4.9s (0-60). The S3 is quicker and more agile. As for looks, I agree that the latest A/S5's design is really clean, but it's been out in the market for some time now and getting old. The interior is looking dated too, just like the A/S4.

You really can't go wrong with either choice, but if you care about the latest tech and actually appreciate the interior, I'd go with the S3. That's if you cannot wait for the next S5...

I got the S3 because it was the perfect size with everything I needed/wanted. Just remember, you can't get LED headlights on the S5 yet, so if that's a deal breaker, it's an easy choice for you.

[Spoonie]

As nice as the S5's are, the design is getting a little long in the tooth. Plus i think that the S3 handles better than the S5. I also think that the S5's design is too chunky looking. I never really liked the design. Then there's the tons of tech that you will be missing out on if you picked the S5. I'd wait for a complete redesign of the A5/S5 before I'd consider it. The current model is really just a brand new old car.

[EBS4]

Audi's published 0-60 times are meaningless...the S4 has consistently clocked far faster than their conservative claims. The S3 matches closely to their claims (both statements based on magazine times...not a fan of magazine racing myself). From the more intelligent power to weight ratio standpoint the cars are evenly matched at roughly 11.8Lbs/HP. The S3 has a hint of turbo lag that the S5 doesn't.

As for the argument of the S5 being dated...come on guys. On what planet is the short and stout S3 even mentioned in the same breath as the sexy and svelte S5? The S3 is nicely detailed but Audi couldn't hide its economy car roots - the trunk lid is too small, the car a little too tall. The girl who came with me to test drive one literally said "it's just like my jetta!" The S5's interior is vastly superior - look at the quality and amount of trim. Look at the plastic on the center console...the contours of the seats. As for technology, the S5 offers a more advanced AWD system and a sports differential. To some those might be more important than 4G in-car Wifi, a frustrating touch controller, or the ability to read texts on your MMI screen.

It's all about priorities. The S3 is a great value because it is based on the Golf. You get a car that's as fast as an S5 and a few new tech features. The S5 will give you better overall handling, a more refined/luxurious ride, and better interior quality. Looks I guess are subjective though I don't think anyone would genuinely find the S3 more attractive. I'm not even an S5 owner but I wish I was...my S4 is nowhere as sexy.

Cheers,
EBS4

[LINDW4LL]

I also think that the S5's design is too chunky looking.

I had a chuckle at this because the S3 is by far the "chunkiest" Audi I've ever seen.

[EBS4]

I had a chuckle at this because the S3 is by far the "chunkiest" Audi I've ever seen.

+1. The Audi details look nice but the overall shape is frumpy. The S5's shape is gorgeous and the detailing just sets it off. The S4 is somewhere in between to my eyes.

EBS4

[GramCracker]

So much trolling going on in here.

[the_runner213]

Audi's published 0-60 times are meaningless...the S4 has consistently clocked far faster than their conservative claims. The S3 matches closely to their claims (both statements based on magazine times...not a fan of magazine racing myself). From the more intelligent power to weight ratio standpoint the cars are evenly matched at roughly 11.8Lbs/HP. The S3 has a hint of turbo lag that the S5 doesn't.

As for the argument of the S5 being dated...come on guys. On what planet is the short and stout S3 even mentioned in the same breath as the sexy and svelte S5? The S3 is nicely detailed but Audi couldn't hide its economy car roots - the trunk lid is too small, the car a little too tall. The girl who came with me to test drive one literally said "it's just like my jetta!" The S5's interior is vastly superior - look at the quality and amount of trim. Look at the plastic on the center console...the contours of the seats. As for technology, the S5 offers a more advanced AWD system and a sports differential. To some those might be more important than 4G in-car Wifi, a frustrating touch controller, or the ability to read texts on your MMI screen.

It's all about priorities. The S3 is a great value because it is based on the Golf. You get a car that's as fast as an S5 and a few new tech features. The S5 will give you better overall handling, a more refined/luxurious ride, and better interior quality. Looks I guess are subjective though I don't think anyone would genuinely find the S3 more attractive. I'm not even an S5 owner but I wish I was...my S4 is nowhere as sexy.

Cheers,
EBS4

How in the world is the manufacturer's claim meaningless? And dude, why are you hating on the S3? Your comments are a direct insult to S3 owners. The S3 is not based on the "Golf".... Did you know platforms are shared across several models? Heard of MQB platform? Smh.... Damn right about the S4 being nowhere as sexy. It's probably the worst looking Audi at the moment, IMO.

I like the S5. It's a sexy looking ride, but like someone else posted, why buy an old new car? You sit inside an A/S4 or an A/S5 and you're thrown back into the days when people cared for sluggish old tech that's slower than a cheap smartphone...

[LINDW4LL]

How in the world is the manufacturer's claim meaningless? And dude, why are you hating on the S3? Your comments are a direct insult to S3 owners. The S3 is not based on the "Golf".... Did you know platforms are shared across several models? Heard of MQB platform? Smh.... Damn right about the S4 being nowhere as sexy. It's probably the worst looking Audi at the moment, IMO.

Audi underrates many cars, both 0-60 and horsepower wise. The former is usually faster in real world tests than is published by Audi AG. And the A3/S3/TT have always been built on the VW Golf chassis. That's no surprise. Not necessarily a bad thing, either.

I'm not sure why you're getting so defensive, though. The A3 model line is the entry level Audi. It's a good value but you sacrifice some quality.; that's to be expected.

Re: S4 being ugly, I guess everyone's entitled to have an opinion.

[Wests]

Hey guys,

Silly question... Deciding between a 2015 S3 and a 2015 S5. I love the S3 for how small it is especially for someone of my size; 5'9'' but am not too fond of the headlights. It reminds me of a Lexus for some reason. I was leaning towards in S5 because I love the front end of that car. What do you guys think? If you had to choose between an S3 or S5?

It seems to me you are focusing on aesthetics as the deciding factor in purchasing the car. As such, you're likely not going to get a consensus either way.

That said, after looking at and test driving the S3, S4 and S5, I went with the S3. Indeed, all are fabulous cars, however, the deciding factor for me was the fact that the S4 and S5 are "old" cars; meaning their replacements are very near. I just couldn't stomach seeing a newer and assuredly better model come out in a year or two.

[EBS4]

The runner don't be so sensitive. The S3 is a phenomenal car but it does share a platform and power train with the golf. And as far as technology goes it does not offer rear biased AWD or a sports diff. As such I'm not sure you can call it a technologically superior car to an S5. Its MMI system is definitely better but some of us care more about the performance aspects of the vehicle.

The S5 is a step up in terms of refinement, drivetrain technology, and styling. Whether it's worth the extra dough is up to the buyer but I merely explained my view. As for the S5 being an old car, I think you will see far more S3s in two years than S5s..and the S5 was just updated 2 years ago and still looks fresh. It also bears no resemblance to an economy car.

Honestly I think there are a lot of people hating on that car which is a shame bc it's one of Audis very best. At least I'm honest enough to admit it's a better can that what I own. You guys will probably argue the S3 is better than the R8 too bc it's old and has an older MMI lol

EBS4.

[Cid87]

As for the argument of the S5 being dated...come on guys. On what planet is the short and stout S3 even mentioned in the same breath as the sexy and svelte S5? The S3 is nicely detailed but Audi couldn't hide its economy car roots - the trunk lid is too small, the car a little too tall. The girl who came with me to test drive one literally said "it's just like my jetta!" The S5's interior is vastly superior - look at the quality and amount of trim. Look at the plastic on the center console...the contours of the seats. As for technology, the S5 offers a more advanced AWD system and a sports differential. To some those might be more important than 4G in-car Wifi, a frustrating touch controller, or the ability to read texts on your MMI screen.

It's all about priorities. The S3 is a great value because it is based on the Golf. You get a car that's as fast as an S5 and a few new tech features. The S5 will give you better overall handling, a more refined/luxurious ride, and better interior quality.

Cheers,
EBS4

I would say, that with mono.pur option S3/A3 interior looks better than my A6 C6 interior.

With mono.pur:
The insides of the door handles have hard un-textured plastic (mono.pur fake leather will cover this)
The part of the door handles that face you and armrests have soft touch textured plastic, identical to the dashboard (mono.pur fake leather will cover this)
The knee pads have horrible hard un-textured plastic (mono.pur fake leather will cover this)
Also mono.pur parts will have matching stiching to interior

This is S-line interior with mono.pur option, I actually ordered indentical about month ago.

[musasabi]

I had a chuckle at this because the S3 is by far the "chunkiest" Audi I've ever seen.

How about the new Q7? Eugh. I like the S3's "mean" look, but the new Q7 takes boxy to a whole other level.

In fact:

[doug97gxe]

I like the S5. It's a sexy looking ride, but like someone else posted, why buy an old new car? You sit inside an A/S4 or an A/S5 and you're thrown back into the days when people cared for sluggish old tech that's slower than a cheap smartphone...

its only 3 years old.. its not THAT old