Audi RS5 vs AMG C63S vs Delivery date

[RichardG]

Has anybody looked at the new 2019 AMG C63S Coupe vs the RS5 ? The new AMG C63S seems to check all the boxes, except for the Quattro box for me.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AlVHFjez1q4&t=1426s

I have a 2019 RS5 coupe on order that I placed mid August with a dealer that had two 2019 allocations, it had an estimated build ETA of second week of October and now has slowly moved out to a mid December estimated build date. I’m pretty sure the new WLTP certification is causing the delay but can’t seem to get a straight answer form my dealer or Audi. The 2019 RS3 production also seems to be delayed as noted in different forum post. It looks like the manufactures are getting the most popular selling cars certified first which leaves the specialty cars at the back of the list to get certified.

Mercedes is saying the 2019 AMG C63S will be in the states at the end of the year and I plan on going to check it out.

[superswiss]

Oh yes I have and I have a '19 C63 S Coupe on order for a May 6th European Delivery. The first '19s should be hitting dealers fairly soon. As you say the '19 does check all the boxes at least for me. The B9 RS5 just doesn't have enough character or edge for me and the distinct dual personality of the previous one, which the C63 still has, is kinda gone with the new RS5. Same for the sheer driving experience the C63/S provides, courtesy of that great V8TT.

I think all German manufacturers are grappling with the new WLTP certification in Europe, but Audi/VW seems to be particularly struggling. I've heard that half their fleet doesn't meet the new standard. RS3 production is on hold for example, same for the TTRS I believe. Haven't heard anything about the RS5. Mercedes hasn't released the '19s yet, either. The online configuration still shows the '18s. All the '19 models across the board seem to be delayed. Usually, the next MY gets released September/October and the online configurators become available. The '19 C63/S order guide and pricing is out, though and they are scheduled to officially go on sale next month.

I haven't really been paying attention if people's orders are getting delayed, but you might wanna browse the MB forums. I figured since I'm doing ED and staying for 8 weeks in Europe, my car isn't gonna get here until August, so things should be sorted out by then.

[Beast]

Also have an order for the 19' C63S coupe. It is currently in production, expected delivery late Jan/Early Feb.

There are already customer delivered 2019 C63Ss out on the streets as we speak.


B9 RS5 is boring.

[Motown_Dub]

What I've been seeing on the MB forums are the beginnings of delays for cars with the 12.3 digital instrument cluster. Allegedly those cars can't be ordered right now.

[Jimmy ny]

2018 RS5 is not selling. A lot left on dealer lots across the country. This is part of it to. It unbelievable that they don’t want to discount these cars to make room for the 2019 year.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Nez136]

AMG has really outdone the competition with that car. I’m jealous of you guys that are getting them. It seems the RS5 and M4 aren’t even in the same class anymore.


Sent from my iPhone using Audizine

[Motown_Dub]

AMG has really outdone the competition with that car. I’m jealous of you guys that are getting them. It seems the RS5 and M4 aren’t even in the same class anymore.


Sent from my iPhone using Audizine

As a guy who likes both cars and is really close to a C63 purchase, I think it's all about the experience. The RS5 seems to have the whole "competent, repeatable performance" thing down. The C63 is all about the experience it's way more engaging and needs a little more care when really hustling the car. I can appreciate both but am a little put off by my initial experience with Mercedes dealers and the carrot stick keeps moving on the C63.

[jpenneck]

I'm assuming that most of you guys considering a C63 do not live in a snowy climate ? The primary reason I have never seriously considered an M3/4 or C63 is because of the snow we get in Denver. I always put snow tires on my car in the winter but have always assumed that a high performance rear wheel drive car would just be more trouble than it's worth during snowy conditions, even with winter tires. I drive one car all year round...

[evanseric21]

Are all of you guys that are interested in the C63s getting the coupe? I ordered the RS5 Sportback and the C63s Sedan does not offer the same levels of practicality that the RS5 SB does. I can see why some would prefer the C63s coupe over the RS5 coupe but not the sedans.

[superswiss]

I'm assuming that most of you guys considering a C63 do not live in a snowy climate ? The primary reason I have never seriously considered an M3/4 or C63 is because of the snow we get in Denver. I always put snow tires on my car in the winter but have always assumed that a high performance rear wheel drive car would just be more trouble than it's worth during snowy conditions, even with winter tires. I drive one car all year round...

Yes, no snow here. Just rain during the winter. The '19 does have a slippery mode now that makes its power more manageable in less than ideal conditions, but if you really need AWD traction then it's not a good choice. Next gen will most likely offer AWD like the E63.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[superswiss]

Are all of you guys that are interested in the C63s getting the coupe? I ordered the RS5 Sportback and the C63s Sedan does not offer the same levels of practicality that the RS5 SB does. I can see why some would prefer the C63s coupe over the RS5 coupe but not the sedans.

Yes the coupe for me. I have no interest or need for a sedan or SB.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Beast]

I'm assuming that most of you guys considering a C63 do not live in a snowy climate ? The primary reason I have never seriously considered an M3/4 or C63 is because of the snow we get in Denver. I always put snow tires on my car in the winter but have always assumed that a high performance rear wheel drive car would just be more trouble than it's worth during snowy conditions, even with winter tires. I drive one car all year round...

i live in Canada, throw on some winters and you are good to go.

[superswiss]

i live in Canada, throw on some winters and you are good to go.

This is probably a never ending debate. Many think they need AWD, but then strangely they skimp on tires, putting on all-season instead of a proper winter tire. While AWD helps a car get going, it doesn't do anything about stopping or steering the car on slippery surface. Hit a patch of ice and AWD doesn't help much. I just came back from a vacation in Iceland. Iceland often gets icy roads and freezing temps as well as snow, so pretty much everybody has studded tires on their car, including rentals. I saw very few AWD cars, but the unmistakable clacking sound of the studded tires is everywhere cars pass you. It just goes to say that ultimately the tires are the only thing between the car and the road, whether you have AWD, RWD or FWD.

[Nez136]

This is probably a never ending debate. Many think they need AWD, but then strangely they skimp on tires, putting on all-season instead of a proper winter tire. While AWD helps a car get going, it doesn't do anything about stopping or steering the car on slippery surface. Hit a patch of ice and AWD doesn't help much. I just came back from a vacation in Iceland. Iceland often gets icy roads and freezing temps as well as snow, so pretty much everybody has studded tires on their car, including rentals. I saw very few AWD cars, but the unmistakable clacking sound of the studded tires is everywhere cars pass you. It just goes to say that ultimately the tires are the only thing between the car and the road, whether you have AWD, RWD or FWD.

I agree 100%. I have this convo with people so often and they look at me like I’m an alien. I have my S4 equipped with Michelin IceX tires and these things stop on a dime on glare ice. Really incredible all around winter tires.
When someone tells me they have all seasons on their AWD I shake my head. All seasons in general are just junk. Should always have a dedicated summer set and winter set. I live in Milwaukee, Wisconsin and you wouldn’t believe the idiots driving around with crap tires. Sliding and barely moving bc they are too cheap to invest in a good tire.



Sent from my iPhone using Audizine

[JohnEnglish]

The C63S drivetrain is amazing, the styling, eh not so much.

[tbone323]

The C63S drivetrain is amazing, the styling, eh not so much.

+1

Performance is not everything. I’m not actually racing this car...it’s all about balance.

[evanseric21]

This is probably a never ending debate. Many think they need AWD, but then strangely they skimp on tires, putting on all-season instead of a proper winter tire. While AWD helps a car get going, it doesn't do anything about stopping or steering the car on slippery surface. Hit a patch of ice and AWD doesn't help much. I just came back from a vacation in Iceland. Iceland often gets icy roads and freezing temps as well as snow, so pretty much everybody has studded tires on their car, including rentals. I saw very few AWD cars, but the unmistakable clacking sound of the studded tires is everywhere cars pass you. It just goes to say that ultimately the tires are the only thing between the car and the road, whether you have AWD, RWD or FWD.

AWD is definitely better then RWD/AWD in the snow or rain. I agree that there is not a huge benefit when stopping the car but that's not why people want AWD. When you are in several inches of snow or get stuck and your rear wheels keeps spinning AWD is great in these situations. The rear wheels may get stuck or keep slipping but the front wheels can still get you moving. AWD also gives you better traction in general which limits the tires from slipping. I'm from Minneapolis where we get hit with a lot of snow. I now live in Houston where this is not an issue but I know from first hand experience the benefits of AWD vs RWD in the winters. If someone chooses to skimp on tires on AWD, RWD or FWD then obviously this is a negative, but the AWD car will still handle the snow better.

[evanseric21]

+1

Performance is not everything. I’m not actually racing this car...it’s all about balance.

I agree with you 100%. I have never been to a track and never plan on going honestly. So the benefits the C63S offers doesn't really benefit me on a day to day basis. I want balance. Something I can put a car seat in the back of and has plenty of speed when I'm solo or out with the wife.
I want a nice mix of styling, performance and practicality and the RS5 Sportback checks all of those boxes.

[superswiss]

+1

Performance is not everything. I’m not actually racing this car...it’s all about balance.

That's an odd thing to say here. If Performance is not a strong factor then why even get an RS5 over an S5? The S5 provides plenty of off track, daily driving performance. Most won't even be able to truly utilize its performance. In terms of 0-60, 1/4 mile the C63 and RS5 are in the same ballpark. Where the C63 excels is in driving dynamics and driving experience. It's a more balanced platform, has the best EPS in this segment and offers a far more entertaining driving experience. I know not everybody wants sound, but it does add to the overall driving experience. I don't really track my cars, either. I will take it on the Nurburgring while I'm in Germany, but that's probably all the track it will see. But the superior driving dynamics and driving experience, the smoothness of a V8 over a V6 and many other intangible factors can be felt in regular driving. I'm enjoying driving my RS5 V8 much more in regular driving, than I do most other Audis. That's perhaps subjective, but these differences can be felt.

I give you practicality for those that consider the SB. A coupe is certainly not a practical choice in general. The C63 comes as a wagon for those who want more practicality, but unfortunately, Americans don't buy wagons, but apparently they buy sedan hatchbacks.

AWD is definitely better then RWD/AWD in the snow or rain. I agree that there is not a huge benefit when stopping the car but that's not why people want AWD. When you are in several inches of snow or get stuck and your rear wheels keeps spinning AWD is great in these situations. The rear wheels may get stuck or keep slipping but the front wheels can still get you moving. AWD also gives you better traction in general which limits the tires from slipping. I'm from Minneapolis where we get hit with a lot of snow. I now live in Houston where this is not an issue but I know from first hand experience the benefits of AWD vs RWD in the winters. If someone chooses to skimp on tires on AWD, RWD or FWD then obviously this is a negative, but the AWD car will still handle the snow better.

Definitely agree, AWD will provide better off the line traction and as I said, if you really need that, then the C63 is probably not a good choice.

[evanseric21]

I can't speak for tbone but for myself performance is a factor but not the only factor. The extra performance is why I like the RS5 SB over the S5 SB. Now with that being said I don't need to take the car to the track or drive through the canyons to notice the difference in power. I will be able to feel the difference when merging on the highway. When passing cars on the highway or when taking off from a stop light. I also personally don't like very loud cars. To some people what may sound amazing, sounds terrible to me. I like the sound of the RS5. I also do like the sound of some V8s if I'm being honest. I think people get a little caught up in the whole V8 vs V6 thing. The facts are the B9 RS5 has more power then the B8 RS5 and you get to enjoy that power at much lower RPMs. This trumps the fact that it may not be as loud in my opinion.

The reality is we all have our set of wants that we look for when buying a car. You seem to push your cars really hard. I thought you were a track guy. Honestly to see all the benefits of the C63s over a RS5 you have to be on a track or on some back roads in "Mexico". For daily driving I don't think the C63s is better then the RS5. The traction you get with Quattro and how controlled the car is a plus for me as well as many others who don't push their cars really hard.
From the reviews I've read this is my summary:

RS5:

- Very Well Controlled (Goes where you want it)
- Excellent daily driver
- Very Good when pushed hard or take to the track

C63s:

- Not as well controlled (requires a more skilled driver to get the most out of the car)
this is a plus for those who really want the most out of the car as it requires you to be more engaged. I don't equate this to better driving dynamics though, it just less controlled.
- Very Good daily driver
- Excellent when pushed hard or take to the track

The reality is they both are bad ass cars. One is fast but well mannered, the other one is fast but a bit disrespectful. I don't think the C63s has better driving dynamics or a more well rounded platform. One puts more emphasis on high performance and the other puts more emphasis on the daily driving. Both vehicles can do both. Your preferences will determine which is more well rounded.

[tbone323]

That's an odd thing to say here. If Performance is not a strong factor then why even get an RS5 over an S5? The S5 provides plenty of off track, daily driving performance. Most won't even be able to truly utilize its performance. In terms of 0-60, 1/4 mile the C63 and RS5 are in the same ballpark. Where the C63 excels is in driving dynamics and driving experience. It's a more balanced platform, has the best EPS in this segment and offers a far more entertaining driving experience. I know not everybody wants sound, but it does add to the overall driving experience. I don't really track my cars, either. I will take it on the Nurburgring while I'm in Germany, but that's probably all the track it will see. But the superior driving dynamics and driving experience, the smoothness of a V8 over a V6 and many other intangible factors can be felt in regular driving. I'm enjoying driving my RS5 V8 much more in regular driving, than I do most other Audis. That's perhaps subjective, but these differences can be felt.

I give you practicality for those that consider the SB. A coupe is certainly not a practical choice in general. The C63 comes as a wagon for those who want more practicality, but unfortunately, Americans don't buy wagons, but apparently they buy sedan hatchbacks.



Definitely agree, AWD will provide better off the line traction and as I said, if you really need that, then the C63 is probably not a good choice.

Well performance IS a priority but I think we’d all agree the RS5 performance is great even if some of us think the C63 is better. I want great, but it doesn’t need to be the best.

[Mops@Nemesis]

In the end, none of these are true sporting cars. They're GT cars. And they all have pros and cons. The M and AMG cars are better performers, but the % of buyers that will ever realize that extra performance is slim to none. None of these cars are excellent at carving, so it's far from the correct to primarily rate them on such. This feels very C&D/MT. Select the one that suits you best. If you want a true sporting car, none of these fit the bill. Personally, I could never honestly shit on any of them. They all have great qualities.

[DFWRS5]

My neighbor has a C63 and let me drive it and its a very nice sedan. I recently went car shopping and found no C63s available, although there was an expected arrival in January at my local dealer. However, I did find and purchased an 18 RS5 at a good discount and favorable trade-in on my car. Being retired and just wanting a play car, I really did not need a sedan so the coupe fit my situation very well and the $s were reasonable, so I pulled the trigger. I've owned many performance cars over the years and have tracked several of them, and for most folks, they will never push their cars near the capabilities of the car on or off the track. All of these cars are extremely capable in the hands of a good driver. Now, if I had a slightly bigger garage, and wanted to spend the extra dollars for more mind blowing performance, I would have been shopping for an M5 or E63s. The other option is to mod your car to get to a level that makes you happier. I am trying to cure myself from doing that again.

[Johnhanson]

This thread is great. It’s a reunion of all the old B8.5 RS5 guys. And all share the same sentiment re B9. So boring.

Just to throw a wrench into the merc fanoboy fest...next M3/4 will have AWD available. And possibly still with manual. And all GXX generation BMWs have interiors that completely blow away the new Audi’s, and even Mercs in my opinion. New X3/5, 5/7 series, and upcoming 3 and X7 are light years ahead of their predecessors and current competition. It’s almost laughable.

I’m holding onto my RS5 for a few more years. I still completely love it, but it’s replacement isn’t likely to hail from Ingolstadt.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[superswiss]

This thread is great. It’s a reunion of all the old B8.5 RS5 guys. And all share the same sentiment re B9. So boring.

Just to throw a wrench into the merc fanoboy fest...next M3/4 will have AWD available. And possibly still with manual. And all GXX generation BMWs have interiors that completely blow away the new Audi’s, and even Mercs in my opinion. New X3/5, 5/7 series, and upcoming 3 and X7 are light years ahead of their predecessors and current competition. It’s almost laughable.

I’m holding onto my RS5 for a few more years. I still completely love it, but it’s replacement isn’t likely to hail from Ingolstadt.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Yeah, the next C63/S most likely will come with 4-Matic+ as well. Those switchable systems which are technically 4WD and not AWD definitely have peaked my interest and they are giving Audi quattro a tough run for the money. But the next C63/S will very likely get downsized to a V6TT EQ-boost or something like that, so pick your poison I guess. On the other hand there is talk that AMG is further expanding their line up with an all new range topping 73 series, so that might become the remaining low volume German V8 muscle in this segment. Audi Sport better step up their game or start letting Porsche fill this segment with exciting cars. On the BMW front, I agree, I think they finally got their interior game sorted out.

[Nez136]

In the end, none of these are true sporting cars. They're GT cars. And they all have pros and cons. The M and AMG cars are better performers, but the % of buyers that will ever realize that extra performance is slim to none. None of these cars are excellent at carving, so it's far from the correct to primarily rate them on such. This feels very C&D/MT. Select the one that suits you best. If you want a true sporting car, none of these fit the bill. Personally, I could never honestly shit on any of them. They all have great qualities.

This is true. All the talk of performance on which brand is better luxury grand touring and I’m over here looking at GT3 RS’s for a sports car 🤣


Sent from my iPhone using Audizine

[superswiss]

This is true. All the talk of performance on which brand is better luxury grand touring and I’m over here looking at GT3 RS’s for a sports car 🤣


Sent from my iPhone using Audizine

And yet, the 911 is still a grand tourer. The GT3 specifically is named after the FIA Group GT3 in which it was designed to compete. The Group GT3 or known as Cup Grand Touring Cars refers to grand touring racing cars. The distinction between a GT and a sports car are widely misunderstood, especially in North America, where grand tourers don't quite have the history like they do in Europe.

[Mops@Nemesis]

This is true. All the talk of performance on which brand is better luxury grand touring and I’m over here looking at GT3 RS’s for a sports car 🤣

Sent from my iPhone using Audizine

Yea, it's all bit too much for me, but I can get it. The same arguments can be had in regard to watches, footwear, power tools, lawn care equipment and so on. I'm a lawn care equipment and overall tool snob actually, lol. Some like to have the most extreme high output variant. That same person might want the product that simply best suits them when talking another product category. I talk to many car peeps daily, so I hear pros and cons about all of these brands/models, and overall customer experiences. It's a hugely mixed bag, and totally situational. I will admit the Audi cars come soft, and need some aftermarket assistance to extract the good. I love my B9 S4. And I grew up with and am still surrounded by some of the best and most technical roads you'll find in the US. LITERALLY. I can leave my neighborhood and be on several within a mile or two. A beat the snot out of my cars, and they do very well. And they take it and never complain. Could I have a better tool for that particular job? Yea of course. I've been driving Audi cars for almost 20 years. I've had a few BMW cars too. They're fantastic, but Audi provides the package that suits us best. At the end of the day, none of them are bad or boring cars. There are thousands of buyers for each of them. If I wanted a really "good" car, I would not be looking at any of the mentioned. The kiddo will be driving soon, so we'll no longer need all 4 seater cars. . That said, if I had to select only one car to do it all, and the climate permitted, I can easily see looking at an AMG or M car. Or I was in my 20's and just wanted the most bad ass variant in the segment.

[JD23]

Is the RS5 afflicted with the same lackadaisical throttle response and ZF8 programming that many B9 S4 and S5 owners have been complaining about?

[ChrisRS5]

There’s nothing lacksadaisical in dynamic mode. Comfort is sluggish... dynamic is fabulous.

[Mops@Nemesis]

Is the RS5 afflicted with the same lackadaisical throttle response and ZF8 programming that many B9 S4 and S5 owners have been complaining about?

I enjoy the ZF8 in my B8.5 SQ5, and find the B9 to be very similar. Maybe a bit snappier. But I'm always in Dynamic and manual, and we really don't have any stop and go or traffic, so maybe it's there, and I'm not experiencing it.

[JD23]

I enjoy the ZF8 in my B8.5 SQ5, and find the B9 to be very similar. Maybe a bit snappier. But I'm always in Dynamic and manual, and we really don't have any stop and go or traffic, so maybe it's there, and I'm not experiencing it.

That's what I was hoping. I have a B8 with the ZF8 and it does exhibit some lag and is generally soft in D, but is far more responsive in S.

[Nez136]

I’ve never had any complaints about the ZF in dynamic mode. I usually keep the car in auto for all my highway driving and even then no real complaints.

Also mops I agree with your previous response including the part where Audi’s do come soft.

Matter of fact the real deal killer when It came down to my purchase was the fact that I’ll have a booster seat with a 6 year old in back half the time. Kinda took me out of the sport car realm and planted me firmly where i have been, which is luxury sport sedans. I’ve had Audi’s for only 10 years but every time I try to step away they draw me back.
I even test drove a IS350F sport, was complete trash comparatively, but shows I was willing to try other things. The B9 S4 just all around suites me the best. When my buddy bought the new M4 he insisted I drive it. It was very raw. It’s a drivers car. Not for crappy streets and Midwest weather tho. I found the interior to be classic BMW boring, especially for a 80k+ car. I wasn’t jealous at all and was happy to be back in my s4. But that car suited him.
I’m a big fan of the 63s, especially when compared to the competition. I just think at the end of the day we are splitting hairs here. My JB4 equipped car can most likely pull them all anyway at the moment




Sent from my iPhone using Audizine

[Mops@Nemesis]

Also mops I agree with your previous response including the part where Audi’s do come soft.

Matter of fact the real deal killer when It came down to my purchase was the fact that I’ll have a booster seat with a 6 year old in back half the time. Kinda took me out of the sport car realm and planted me firmly where i have been, which is luxury sport sedans. I’ve had Audi’s for only 10 years but every time I try to step away they draw me back.
I even test drove a IS350F sport, was complete trash comparatively, but shows I was willing to try other things. The B9 S4 just all around suites me the best. When my buddy bought the new M4 he insisted I drive it. It was very raw. It’s a drivers car. Not for crappy streets and Midwest weather tho. I found the interior to be classic BMW boring, especially for a 80k+ car. I wasn’t jealous at all and was happy to be back in my s4. But that car suited him.
I’m a big fan of the 63s, especially when compared to the competition. I just think at the end of the day we are splitting hairs here. My JB4 equipped car can most likely pull them all anyway at the moment

Sent from my iPhone using Audizine

Yea man, they certainly do. It's no secret and there is no shame. They have no intent to build machines on the same level as M and AMG cars. Their niche is specially pulling back a bit from those cars. They provide us with the high out put power plant, but leave some baby fat intact.

I had a buddies F80 M3 comp for a couple of months this summer. Free reign, too. In the end, I was always so happy to get back into my S4. The road noise, the rattles, the brutal trans and overly stiff suspension were tiring. When I was beating on it.... WOW. What a great car. Otherwise, it was over the top. I refuse to drive that car with traction control fully engaged. It SUCKS. And when partially engaged, the rear end will step out in a straight line going from 1-2. That was fun for about a week lol. The paintwork and seams were... we'll just go with not great like the Audi. Eventually, I cleaned the car back up, and didn't drive it at all for the last 2-3 weeks I had it.

In regard to your comment about Audi pulling you back.... man it's so true. I bet once I a week I talk to a customer that has experienced just that. It's quite humorous! My sales guy went to an E63 for a bit. He enjoyed it for what it was, but had tried to sell it a couple of times over the past 6 months. He eventually took a bath, ordered an RS SB, and he cannot wait to get into it.

[Batman0424]

Yea man, they certainly do. It's no secret and there is no shame. They have no intent to build machines on the same level as M and AMG cars. Their niche is specially pulling back a bit from those cars. They provide us with the high out put power plant, but leave some baby fat intact.

I had a buddies F80 M3 comp for a couple of months this summer. Free reign, too. In the end, I was always so happy to get back into my S4. The road noise, the rattles, the brutal trans and overly stiff suspension were tiring. When I was beating on it.... WOW. What a great car. Otherwise, it was over the top. I refuse to drive that car with traction control fully engaged. It SUCKS. And when partially engaged, the rear end will step out in a straight line going from 1-2. That was fun for about a week lol. The paintwork and seams were... we'll just go with not great like the Audi. Eventually, I cleaned the car back up, and didn't drive it at all for the last 2-3 weeks I had it.

In regard to your comment about Audi pulling you back.... man it's so true. I bet once I a week I talk to a customer that has experienced just that. It's quite humorous! My sales guy went to an E63 for a bit. He enjoyed it for what it was, but had tried to sell it a couple of times over the past 6 months. He eventually took a bath, ordered an RS SB, and he cannot wait to get into it.

I had an E92 M3 for a bit. Loved it at first, but the fun started to subside when the day-to-day driving aspects were too harsh. The RS5 balances both - friendly commuter and then an aggressive GT.

[Mops@Nemesis]

I had an E92 M3 for a bit. Loved it at first, but the fun started to subside when the day-to-day driving aspects were too harsh. The RS5 balances both - friendly commuter and then an aggressive GT.

I still love the E92. That's a really cool car. I had an E90 325 sport pack. In regard to handling, that car felt better out of the box than my B9 S4.