Some insight on V8 vs. V6 3.0T

[a4innov]

I'm not sure what to do here. I recently sold my 2012 A5 2.0T 6 speed. Definately going back to same body style but unsure on which model to get. I thought I was set on a brand new 2015 S5 DSC till today when I was given an option to buy a used S5 V8 6-speed. Both are the color I want but I can't decided on which motor to settle on. I'm hoping thru everyone experience I might get pushed one way or the other. Like is the V8 a better motor enough to stick with the same year I previously had.

[Okan509]

the v8 isn't a better motor IMO.

the 3.0t is a wonderful powerplant.

[4RingRook]

V8 is good for exhaust note, but that's about it. It's a boat anchor and dated now.

3.0 S/C FTW.

[Leedaar]

the v8 isn't a better motor IMO.

the 3.0t is a wonderful powerplant.

I have the v8, truthfully I'm quite jealous of how much hp the v6 can get but in the end, the rumble of a v8 is all I need. Some people want this car for speed but honestly it's a touring car.

[Chanman94]

Better sound on the V8, but that's about it. 3.0T is better on gas, more tuning potential. Throw on an AWE track on it and you'll have an amazing sound coming from it.

[LINDW4LL]

I'm not sure what to do here. Both are the color I want but I can't decided on which motor to settle on. I'm hoping thru everyone experience I might get pushed one way or the other. Like is the V8 a better motor enough to stick with the same year I previously had.

Get the 3.0T. It blows away the 4.2 in every single category other than the exhaust note.

[a4innov]

Great feedback so far. I really do like the exhaust sound, but all the new upgrades make getting back into this car for me more appealing. I know Chanman said putting on an AWE would get me close. Any other options in exhaust that I may want to look into?

[4RCFED]

The torque on the 3.0 is so awesome. Maybe Armytrix if you have 3k+

[LINDW4LL]

I know Chanman said putting on an AWE would get me close. Any other options in exhaust that I may want to look into?

Yep, can't go wrong with AWE Touring or Track. Best sounding IMO, almost GTR-like.

Also, just to clarify- the 3.0 with exhaust is much better than a stock exhaust V8 IMO. It's not horrible or anything. You're just not going to have that V8 grunt. On the bright side, you can get an awesome supercharger whine out of the 3.0T with the Roc Euro intake. Highly recommended.


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[Mops@Nemesis]

I agree 100% with the pro 3.0 comments, but I still have lots of love for the 4.2. If I only planned to roll around, and look pretty… 4.2 IMO. If performance is meaningful, 3.0 no doubt.

[ENV²]

4.2 to just cruise and enjoy engine harmonics

3.0T for performance, longetivity, and everything else.

[TOOGECKO]

I was going to go bUy the M3 until I drove a 4.2L S5. The 6 cyl didn't seem very exciting to me. I wanted a more sporty car and the sound was a huge difference (I was coming from a Corvette Z06). Anyway, found a Supercharged V8 and there was nothing left to think about. I had trouble finding a V8, the dealers told me they couldn't keep them on the lot. Over the long haul. A same year V8 will likely retain higher residual value than the 6 cyl. Because of this. Just an opposing opinion.

[GSS5]

both great cars, but finances aside, there's really no logical reason to buy a v8 s5 over a v6t s5. emotionally however, if you like the v8 and the more handsome (imo) front end of the v8 s5, you can't really go wrong with that either provided the car is low mileage example and has been well-maintained.

my v6t s5 with the awe track sounds amazing and plenty aggressive, and i hardly ever find myself missing the v8 soundtrack. yes, the v8 does sound better but an aftermarket exhaust on the v6t more than suffices for what it is.

the tuning potential of the v6t and all the updated bits and pieces, especially inside, should sell you on the newer s5. besides, nothing beats the feeling of driving off the lot in a brand new car.

[SLU_S5]

Supercharge the V8 and have the best of both worlds.

I love my V8 in every aspect but I'm jealous of how much power the V6 can make with a simple tune and some bolt ons.

[blackluna]

I thought stock for stock both V8 and V6T were about the same. At least that's how I felt from the test drive.

[01northernS4]

+1

I've had both, 3.0T is the way to go... exhaust note is great... best describe as the 3.0T sounds filthy with the DSG when it burps and rasps on shifts whereas the V8 rumbles and loafs, which is nice but not as "racy" as the 3.0T... imho

Get the 3.0T. It blows away the 4.2 in every single category other than the exhaust note.

[01northernS4]

+1

I've had both, 3.0T is the way to go... exhaust note is great in dynamic mode... best describe as the 3.0T sounds filthy with the DSG when it burps and rasps on shifts whereas the V8 rumbles and loafs, which is nice but not as "racy" as the 3.0T... imho

Get the 3.0T. It blows away the 4.2 in every single category other than the exhaust note.

[dseag2]

Looking at things from another perspective, yes the V8 sounds great but it also makes the S5 more nose-heavy. I drove one when they were first introduced.

The V6 doesn't, which helps make the steering around corners more neutral. My S5 w/ V6 feels absolutely planted to the road.

[JimWB]

The V6 sounds pretty boring from outside the car, but inside it sounds great....even if it is pumped in over the speaker ;)

[Okan509]

Looking at things from another perspective, yes the V8 sounds great but it also makes the S5 more nose-heavy. I drove one when they were first introduced.

The V6 doesn't, which helps make the steering around corners more neutral. My S5 w/ V6 feels absolutely planted to the road.

v8 will also have many more issues associated with carbon build-up, etc.


(since we are getting into a little deeper level)

also, for the guy thinking they are similar is speed.

the v8 is 0-60 in ~5.8 seconds, while the 3.0t is closer to ~5 (i've seen as low as 4.4), so a v8 s5 is basically the same realm of the 2.0t and the 3.2 v6, so you are paying the premium of gas prices and price of the car for the visceral sound of the car, which doesn't come out unless you have an aftermarket exhaust, which at that point, you can achieve almost the same with the 3.0t.



(if this isn't loud enough, or aggressive enough, then you may be seeking too much attention.)

and some stage 2 0-60's numbers are mid 3 seconds, which is just insane. I don't know why'd you would need more power than that.

[Beast]

I would go for the 2015 just due to the fact that it is new. I always found the old prefl v8 to be underpowered also as others have mentioned.

[01northernS4]

also this

I would go for the 2015 just due to the fact that it is new. I always found the old prefl v8 to be underpowered also as others have mentioned.

[SLU_S5]

v8 will also have many more issues associated with carbon build-up, etc.


(since we are getting into a little deeper level)

also, for the guy thinking they are similar is speed.

the v8 is 0-60 in ~5.8 seconds, while the 3.0t is closer to ~5 (i've seen as low as 4.4), so a v8 s5 is basically the same realm of the 2.0t and the 3.2 v6, so you are paying the premium of gas prices and price of the car for the visceral sound of the car, which doesn't come out unless you have an aftermarket exhaust, which at that point, you can achieve almost the same with the 3.0t.



(if this isn't loud enough, or aggressive enough, then you may be seeking too much attention.)

and some stage 2 0-60's numbers are mid 3 seconds, which is just insane. I don't know why'd you would need more power than that.

Where are you getting a 5.8 second 0-60 for the V8? Practically every source I found lists it at 4.8. Some big publications like Road & Track have tested the V8 S5 with a 4.5 second 0-60.

[The Outrage]

When I was shopping for my latest car, I wasn't able to find a new S5 to test drive. In attempt to synthesize the experience; I test drove a new S4 and a used S5. The S4 was equipped with the 3.0 TFSI (V6) engine. The S5 had the 4.2 FSI (V8). I preferred the 3.0 TFSI engine. It had a superior power band. Its low RPM torque was more impressive than the 4.2 FSI. I think, stock to stock, the 3.0 TFSI sounds better in the cabin due to the Soundaktor. I don't care if it's a synthetic noise. Having the ability to make a car quieter or louder is a desirable trait.

I was shopping for an automatic transmission. That is a major difference between the drivetrains. The 4.2 FSI is hooked up to a six-speed Tiptronic (torque converter automatic). The 3.0 TFSI runs through a seven-speed S tronic (dual-clutch automated manual). I preferred the S tronic primarily for its faster shifts between gears.

[Mops@Nemesis]

My 3.2 6MT ran right with a 4.2 tip. The 4.2 had me by a quarter panel maybe to 70. Reasonable numbers are 5.2/5.7 to 60 for 3.2 to 4.2


Plain ole Mops on the move

[ExhaustNote]

While my old V8 S5 was a bit of a pig, I LOVED it. The sound alone, added so much character to the car.
When I decided to upgrade, I skipped over the new 3.0T S5 and went directly to the RS5 as I didn't want to lose that sound and substance. If you do go with the V8, make sure you do the 6mt.

[Okan509]

Where are you getting a 5.8 second 0-60 for the V8? Practically every source I found lists it at 4.8. Some big publications like Road & Track have tested the V8 S5 with a 4.5 second 0-60.

while magazines say that, I have not seen any real world results that mimic that. These are results from forums members, many of which live at the track on the weekend.

Not only that, the carbon build-up I was talking about can seriously lose you some horsepower.

[SE-Chris]

Are you buying this car to run on the race track or to drive around and enjoy? I assume the latter, which means it's 100% up to you.

Do you want it to sound good? v8 is your only option.
Do you want it to be the fastest? BOTH are equally fast when it comes to daily driving.
Do you want it to handle well? BOTH are equal daily driving
Do you care about gas prices? If so, v6 hands down
Do you care about looks? If so, they are slightly different body styles so it's up to you.

Point is, unless you're running this car on the track, they are both going to be the same more or less... So do you want new and "cheaper" to operate? Or old and better sounding?

[Runge]

While my old V8 S5 was a bit of a pig, I LOVED it. The sound alone, added so much character to the car.
When I decided to upgrade, I skipped over the new 3.0T S5 and went directly to the RS5 as I didn't want to lose that sound and substance. If you do go with the V8, make sure you do the 6mt.

can't forget about that 8500rpm redline with the RS5 v8 :)

[01northernS4]

Do you want it to sound good? v8 is your only option.
3.0T sounds filthy with the awe resonated exhaust... enough so it made me forget my v8 because it's a better car in all respects... the v8 is horny but the v6 doesn't leave much on the table in this regard and that soundakutor thing amplifies the sound in the cabin nicely in dynamic mode

Do you want it to be the fastest? BOTH are equally fast when it comes to daily driving.
not really, the 3.0t is much faster in real world driving... the wide torque band is intoxicating... there are not many good options for the v8 beyond that... I did the +30hp jhm, piggies, exhaust, blah blah blah and while it woke up the v8, it wasn't like adding 100+hp to the v6 supercharged like revo/giac/awe engine and tranny tunes and pulley does... apparently make the 3.0T RS5 territory or better fast... just watching chris Harris's revo b8 s4 vs rs4 video over and over again made me buy my 2015 S5... not to mention the dsg... oh baby that dsg and lightning quick instantaneous shifts.

Do you want it to handle well? BOTH are equal daily driving
v6 lighter and better weight distribution... while it may be only a little lighter it feels much, much lighter and well balance when actually driving it... also, not sure if the v8 came with the Quattro sport diff... maybe someone else knows

these are only my personal opinions and observations.
go 2013+ if you can, you will not be disappointed.. or drive both back to back... I was a 6sp mt guy my whole life... the dsg changed me and my preferences for good, lol

Are you buying this car to run on the race track or to drive around and enjoy? I assume the latter, which means it's 100% up to you.

Do you want it to sound good? v8 is your only option.
Do you want it to be the fastest? BOTH are equally fast when it comes to daily driving.
Do you want it to handle well? BOTH are equal daily driving
Do you care about gas prices? If so, v6 hands down
Do you care about looks? If so, they are slightly different body styles so it's up to you.

Point is, unless you're running this car on the track, they are both going to be the same more or less... So do you want new and "cheaper" to operate? Or old and better sounding?

[SLU_S5]

Do you want it to sound good? v8 is your only option.
3.0T sounds filthy with the awe resonated exhaust... enough so it made me forget my v8 because it's a better car in all respects... the v8 is horny but the v6 doesn't leave much on the table in this regard and that soundakutor thing amplifies the sound in the cabin nicely in dynamic mode

Do you want it to be the fastest? BOTH are equally fast when it comes to daily driving.
not really, the 3.0t is much faster in real world driving... the wide torque band is intoxicating... there are not many good options for the v8 beyond that... I did the +30hp jhm, piggies, exhaust, blah blah blah and while it woke up the v8, it wasn't like adding 100+hp to the v6 supercharged like revo/giac/awe engine and tranny tunes and pulley does... apparently make the 3.0T RS5 territory or better fast... just watching chris Harris's revo b8 s4 vs rs4 video over and over again made me buy my 2015 S5... not to mention the dsg... oh baby that dsg and lightning quick instantaneous shifts.

Do you want it to handle well? BOTH are equal daily driving
v6 lighter and better weight distribution... while it may be only a little lighter it feels much, much lighter and well balance when actually driving it... also, not sure if the v8 came with the Quattro sport diff... maybe someone else knows

these are only my personal opinions and observations.
go 2013+ if you can, you will not be disappointed.. or drive both back to back... I was a 6sp mt guy my whole life... the dsg changed me and my preferences for good, lol

Sport diff was an option on late model '09+. I have it on my 2010.

I recently went in for service and the dealer let me test a 2014 DSG and 6MT. DSG is extremely smooth and shifts fast although I prefer rowing through the gears myself. For some reason, the '14 seemed a lot easier to shift and it seemed like the throws are a tad shorter.

I fell in love with the S5 when it first came out. One of the reasons being the V8. The facelift is really growing on me and I absolutely love the fact that they can be so easily upgraded. I think my next car will be a 2013+ S5 (unless I can afford an RS5).

[dseag2]

Do you want it to sound good? v8 is your only option.
3.0T sounds filthy with the awe resonated exhaust... enough so it made me forget my v8 because it's a better car in all respects... the v8 is horny but the v6 doesn't leave much on the table in this regard and that soundakutor thing amplifies the sound in the cabin nicely in dynamic mode

Do you want it to be the fastest? BOTH are equally fast when it comes to daily driving.
not really, the 3.0t is much faster in real world driving... the wide torque band is intoxicating... there are not many good options for the v8 beyond that... I did the +30hp jhm, piggies, exhaust, blah blah blah and while it woke up the v8, it wasn't like adding 100+hp to the v6 supercharged like revo/giac/awe engine and tranny tunes and pulley does... apparently make the 3.0T RS5 territory or better fast... just watching chris Harris's revo b8 s4 vs rs4 video over and over again made me buy my 2015 S5... not to mention the dsg... oh baby that dsg and lightning quick instantaneous shifts.

Do you want it to handle well? BOTH are equal daily driving
v6 lighter and better weight distribution... while it may be only a little lighter it feels much, much lighter and well balance when actually driving it... also, not sure if the v8 came with the Quattro sport diff... maybe someone else knows

these are only my personal opinions and observations.
go 2013+ if you can, you will not be disappointed.. or drive both back to back... I was a 6sp mt guy my whole life... the dsg changed me and my preferences for good, lol

What he said.

[greenturbo]

The amount of back and forth in this thread is

[LINDW4LL]

I'll second that. Both are similar enough from a performance standpoint if left stock- at least before the 4.2 intake ports get caked in carbon .

Obviously the biggest benefit of the supercharged V6 is the easy mod-ability. A simple tune/pulley for and you're faster than an RS 5. Still, there are many other benefits of the B8.5's drivetrain that have been mentioned above.

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[01northernS4]

I think my next car will be a 2013+ S5 (unless I can afford an RS5).

I faced the same dilemma, used 2013 RS5 or new 2015 S5 for approx. same price... nothing against the RS5 as it is a marvelous piece of engineering and looks sexy as all hell but I heard soo much about the 3.0t and tuneability and the fact that it can be made quicker than the RS5 that it swayed me to go S5 (along with being new at same price vs used)... having come from the v8 (albeit much less power than the RS5, but 4.2 nonetheless) I wanted something different and believe me, even in stock form it puts a grin on my face every day. Also had the b5 S4 (twin turbo) so it was time to try something different that I never had before (supercharged 6)... again, one of the best engines I've personally owned.

The old 4.2 really disappointed me in terms of modding... I've always loved tweaking my vehicles and it left much to be desired... nothing like the old B5 S4... this new 3.0T S5 brings back the glory days for me.

Again, just my personal opinion... if the next RS5 comes forced induction of some kind, that'll be my next upgrade... or else I'll have to make do with an S6/S7/RS7 with the twin turbo 8, lol

Sport diff was an option on late model '09+. I have it on my 2010.

I recently went in for service and the dealer let me test a 2014 DSG and 6MT. DSG is extremely smooth and shifts fast although I prefer rowing through the gears myself. For some reason, the '14 seemed a lot easier to shift and it seemed like the throws are a tad shorter.

I fell in love with the S5 when it first came out. One of the reasons being the V8. The facelift is really growing on me and I absolutely love the fact that they can be so easily upgraded. I think my next car will be a 2013+ S5 (unless I can afford an RS5).

[ians]

honestly, everyone with 4.2 V8 will prefer the V8 on the other hand, those with 3.0 V6 will prefer the supercharge over V8. I never drive the V8 S5 or any Audi V8. What I can tell is by switching between a 335i with N54 & S5 with 3.0T everyday, I really want to ditch my 335i asap!

[milesed]

I love my V8 sound and even though it's not super quick 0-60, it continues to pull at the same rate of acceleration to (at least) 130. Never drove the V6 SC S5 so I'm not sure if it's similar.

Negatives on the V8 for me-
Fuel consumption
Weight making it feel nose heavy. I think the V6 sits back closer to the driver so may have less understeer at speed.
V8 is mostly finished with regards to modding for more power unless you SC it. V6 only needs a quick and easy ECU upgrade to gain a lot of power for the money.

Having said all of that, I want an Audi with the 4.0 turbo engine the RS7 has for my next car. I hope it trickles down to cheaper models in the future.

[doug97gxe]

I thought stock for stock both V8 and V6T were about the same. At least that's how I felt from the test drive.

no.. the V8 dyno's 260/270ish .. the V6 dyno's 300ish... audi underated the V6's numbers

[RVJ]

I'll second that. Both are similar enough from a performance standpoint if left stock- at least before the 4.2 intake ports get caked in carbon .

Obviously the biggest benefit of the supercharged V6 is the easy mod-ability. A simple tune/pulley for and you're faster than an RS 5. Still, there are many other benefits of the B8.5's drivetrain that have been mentioned above.

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Great info in this post as I've got a 2015 S5 6MT coming in the end of June and kept wishing that the V8 was an option. Sounds like the 6 is a great motor and can't beat the lower gas usage.

One question, I'm a bit of a newb when it comes to modding...I've done the usual stuff, forced induction, exhaust, etc. but never did anything with an ECU tune or clutch pulley. Can you give me a little insight as to how easy / difficult this is, what the overall impact is, and how warranty is impacted? This will be my DD and I don't intend to ever track it but I still like to get out on the weekends for a little aggressive driving.

Thanks!

[doug97gxe]

Great info in this post as I've got a 2015 S5 6MT coming in the end of June and kept wishing that the V8 was an option. Sounds like the 6 is a great motor and can't beat the lower gas usage.

One question, I'm a bit of a newb when it comes to modding...I've done the usual stuff, forced induction, exhaust, etc. but never did anything with an ECU tune or clutch pulley. Can you give me a little insight as to how easy / difficult this is, what the overall impact is, and how warranty is impacted? This will be my DD and I don't intend to ever track it but I still like to get out on the weekends for a little aggressive driving.

Thanks!

there are a couple tuners to choose from GIAC/APR/EPL/Ultronic/REVO

all offer close to 100 hp increase with their Stage 2 (Pulley/Tune) for about $2000

If you bring your car in for service with a tune once the car is plugged in for diagnostic it will be automatically flagged with a code of TD1 which will void your powertrain warranty...

so far and a couple people have proven to avoid this .. you must bring the car back to the Tuner to flash back to stock "NOT STOCK MODE TUNE" .. but a stock flash and it will prevent the TD1.

Flashing back to stock and restoring the tune will cost anywhere from $40 - $200 depending on your tuner.. so your tune choice should really be based on the closest tuner for you as all the tunes are pretty much close to each other it will be a drivers race

there is also no risk with running stock tune with an upgraded pulley as the ECU is smart enough to only apply stock boost.

So far only 2 of those mentioned tuners above will be offering flash from home capabilities later this year (EPL and Ultronic) .. this allows you to flash back to stock from the comfort of your own home without having to pay and visit your tuner to flash for service appointments ..

another option is having ur service done at a local shop.. however going in for recalls to teh dealer will still cause the connection to Audi of America