RS5 or 2020 M3

[soptic425]

Hi everyone-

After a 2 year hiatus having sold my GIAC b8.5 S4, I am now looking to come back to Audi. I am focused on the RS5 sportback or next gen M3 as I want awd. I do regret going to my current 440i, and I am looking for something a bit more raw out the box than the either the 4 series/S5 cars. My only concern is performance wise I'm not sure if I'll regret the RS5 as it is close to my B8.5 and 440i tuned, along with the fact that the new M is going to easily trap 125mph based on the X3M doing 119mph. I know I'm getting caught up in numbers, but curious if anyone is in a similar boat. RS5 vs AMG/M etc. on a performance front. Not looking to start arguments about which is better just honest feedback from those who have driven/owned both.

Thanks

[sjuhawks19]

I had a B8.5 S4 and went to an F80 M3 and now to a B9 RS5 Sportback. All 3 are quite different. I would say the M3 was definitely the most raw and visceral. But it was also the least forgiving, both in terms of ride quality, and if you made a mistake (thankfully I didn't). Now the new version is supposed to be AWD, so some of that craziness will be gone in the M3. For me though Audi just fits me better. The overall refinement of Audi vs BMW is higher in my opinion. The RS5, while not as raw as the M3, is smoother in terms of the ride quality, the shifts, and the coarseness of the engine. The interior is also a step above. I am enjoying my RS5 Sportback but I also really liked the M3. At the end of the day it's really a matter of which type of driver you are, and what you prioritize at this point in your life. I'm in my mid 40s with kids, and the AWD and smoothness of the RS5 was something I as happy to get into coming from the M3. It was fun while it lasted, but I got tired of the in your face nature of the M3 after 3 years.

The new M3 probably won't be in showrooms until this time next year though, and Audi is not making a RS5 Sportback for 2020 in the states, probably coming here in 2021. So you're only choice at this point is a 2019 RS5 Sportback or a used F80 M3. Good luck!

[soptic425]

Thank you very much for your reply. You have the perfect background to give me feedback on this. I have not owned an F80 but have driven quite a few and I will admit it is absolutley a riot in rawness, although it is tail happy which would scare me a bit since my wife will be driving it (if I went a CPO F80). The RS5 and audi overall seem more grown up and rare which I really like 90% of the time. I guess I am concerned that Audi did not go a bit further on power since I saw caranddriver post M340i results and they are scary close for a lower end model. Alas, numbers don't quite dictate the overall experience.

Curious, do you feel the power difference from F80 to RS5 and did you have the ZCP? Also great point on the timing of the 2020's. I am trying to get a 2019 used for a little discount, but for the G80?M3 I will have to drive my beater 4runner for a while. Thanks again!

[RS5fvr]

I have driven the F80 M3 on many occasions as a close friend has had one since they launched. It is pretty much what your looking for if you want a raw/visceral experience. Just make sure you can live with it on a daily basis. I find the ride quality borderline abusive whereas the Audi is much better by comparison(relatively speaking of course).

At this stage in my life I very much appreciate the more mature nature of the RS5 and to some degree the exclusivity. Honestly I have only seen a few since I took delivery 1.5 years ago. Its kinda nice.

The M3 is and will always be more popular. Even the older RS5 is a rarity. I actually like this little fact even though it didn't carry any weight in my decision.

If you are concerned about trap speeds, I would say there will always be someone faster but l understand where you're coming from. All of these cars are too fast whichever way look at it.

Honestly the new M3 is prolly the way to go for you especially if you plan to track or modify.

[XSWG]

I had the F82 M4 definitely preferred it over my B9 S4 (I know it's not the same comparison) but you won't be disappointed with the M4 daily driving or the track. I sold it in November and I miss it already. I did upgrade the exhaust and tune it for the sound that I wanted but it was phenomenal

[sjuhawks19]

Thank you very much for your reply. You have the perfect background to give me feedback on this. I have not owned an F80 but have driven quite a few and I will admit it is absolutley a riot in rawness, although it is tail happy which would scare me a bit since my wife will be driving it (if I went a CPO F80). The RS5 and audi overall seem more grown up and rare which I really like 90% of the time. I guess I am concerned that Audi did not go a bit further on power since I saw caranddriver post M340i results and they are scary close for a lower end model. Alas, numbers don't quite dictate the overall experience.

Curious, do you feel the power difference from F80 to RS5 and did you have the ZCP? Also great point on the timing of the 2020's. I am trying to get a 2019 used for a little discount, but for the G80?M3 I will have to drive my beater 4runner for a while. Thanks again!

Off the line the RS5 is quicker, the AWD is the key. I had the non-comp pack F80, and it was difficult to really get the power down consistently off the launch. It also had a tendency to buck a bit if I was too aggressive with the throttle in 1st gear. A friend has a Comp pack M4 and he had the same issue. Read enough about the F80 and you'll see that come up again and again. It was just hard to launch aggressively, the car didn't seem to like it. Once you were in second gear though it took off when the tires hooked up. But in a quarter mile I think the RS5 would take it because the AWD will give you that advantage off the line.

The one area the M3 was superior was in the handling. Not that the RS5 is a slouch, but there is a difference there. i notice that more than any difference in power. But for me the ride quality, interior quality, and transmission are a step up in the Audi.

Good luck!

[mabs]

Did you consider the X3MC at all? I used to have a M4 before going to the RS5 SB. The rs5 is plenty fast, and fun to drive, but it's more "calm" than the m4. Recently I've been taking the X3M on test drives. It is plenty fast, and feels more aggressive, even though number wise they are very similar. RS5 handles better, feels so much more planted.

I also slightly prefer the M exhaust note. I'm debating if maybe I want to switch, really tough call. If I keep the RS5 I think I would mod it as soon as the APR tune was available, and change out some exhaust elements.

Not sure how helpful any of that is. The X3M engine is a blast, maybe give it a spin to see if its something you'd love in the new M3.

[IamRacer X]

I was semi waiting for the new 2021 M3 when I found my RS5 SB and fell in love. Glad I didn’t wait. The newest renderings are not very appealing imo. That big grill is nuts.

[303 Spartan]

Funny timing of this thread...

I previously owned a Stage 2 B8.5 S4 before switching to an F80 M3 about 9 months ago. With recent news that we're expecting a new baby (our first) in 6 months, I'm now seriously thinking about moving to an S5 Sportback or RS5 Sportback as the extra rear cargo space will be very helpful and it will be very nice to have AWD again, especially for these Colorado winters.

As others have mentioned, when it comes to overall performance, the M3 is an absolute monster that has a very "raw" feeling to it. As a result, it rides very stiff, even in "Comfort" mode. And while the 6-speed manual transmission is very solid and a blast to experience, having nice smooth shifts can be difficult. In my case, this could spell trouble with a sleeping baby on board.

Last week I test drove a '19 S5 Sportback and a '19 RS5 Sportback. The interior of both cars make my M3 interior feel dated. It wasn't surprising as this is an area where Audi typically outdoes their competition by a large margin. From what I've seen, the G80 interior isn't going to be significantly different than the F80 interior, so I wouldn't expect much for the next generation, on that front.

In terms of power, the S5 feels like a significant downgrade from the M3. Which makes sense since the S5 has much less HP/TQ and notably heavier curb weight. On the other hand, the RS5 felt as fast or faster than my M3, thanks to being able to put down the power right off the bat. It also handled corners surprisingly well given how heavy it is. With that said, I still think it lacks when hitting the throttle at highway speeds by a noticeable margin.

At the moment, I'm torn on whether to keep the M3, "downgrade" to the S5, or make what I'd consider to be a lateral move to the RS5. The S5 is somewhat appealing because it's currently priced very well. My local dealer is ready to unload them for under MSRP before the 2020's come in. However, my wife really thinks I'll regret the downgrade to the S5 as it seriously lacks in power, in direct comparison with my M3 and the RS5.

The RS5 is more appealing. But at $85k+ out the door, I personally think Audi is overpricing it for what it is. I'm just not sure it offers enough over my M3 to make the switch justifiable, financially. Regardless, I'm not really considering a G80 as I think Audi's AWD system is superior, the interior quality will inevitably remain of higher standard, and the extra storage space of the sportbacks is going to be very useful.

[wwhan]

....The RS5 is more appealing. But at $85k+ out the door, I personally think Audi is overpricing it for what it is. I'm just not sure it offers enough over my M3 to make the switch justifiable, financially. ....

The Audi dealers are really dealing on the last of the 2019 RS5 SB on the lots. Check it out.

[303 Spartan]

The Audi dealers are really dealing on the last of the 2019 RS5 SB on the lots. Check it out.

That's the thing. I just checked the 19 RS5 sportbacks out last week. The best either of the two dealerships I went to could do is $3k off the asking price, which still keeps the cars at $85k+ out the door. I'm sure it doesn't help that the only models they have left seem to be the completely optioned out models.

[ap610]

That's the thing. I just checked the 19 RS5 sportbacks out last week. The best either of the two dealerships I went to could do is $3k off the asking price, which still keeps the cars at $85k+ out the door. I'm sure it doesn't help that the only models they have left seem to be the completely optioned out models.

There are significant discounts out there, I got my coupe $80k out the door and it stickered at $85k. You'll have to shop around, check neighboring states even. Try dealerships in small towns; I live in Atlanta and none of the five dealers we have here wanted to negotiate. I was sending e-mails out to dealers all over the country and I got lucky with a dealer in Montgomery, AL and found an amazing deal. Most dealers are willing to sell out of state and ship to you in an enclosed trailer.

[mabs]

A year ago, I was only able to get 3k off. I was looking to trade it in, and the offer from a couple of dealerships was only 67k. Good ol depreciation, that said maybe there are some used sportbacks that might work for you.

[stanfna]

There are significant discounts out there, I got my coupe $80k out the door and it stickered at $85k. You'll have to shop around, check neighboring states even. Try dealerships in small towns; I live in Atlanta and none of the five dealers we have here wanted to negotiate. I was sending e-mails out to dealers all over the country and I got lucky with a dealer in Montgomery, AL and found an amazing deal. Most dealers are willing to sell out of state and ship to you in an enclosed trailer.

I got my RS5 SB for 15% off at Audi Gwinnett a couple weeks ago.

[sjuhawks19]

Funny timing of this thread...

I previously owned a Stage 2 B8.5 S4 before switching to an F80 M3 about 9 months ago. With recent news that we're expecting a new baby (our first) in 6 months, I'm now seriously thinking about moving to an S5 Sportback or RS5 Sportback as the extra rear cargo space will be very helpful and it will be very nice to have AWD again, especially for these Colorado winters.

As others have mentioned, when it comes to overall performance, the M3 is an absolute monster that has a very "raw" feeling to it. As a result, it rides very stiff, even in "Comfort" mode. And while the 6-speed manual transmission is very solid and a blast to experience, having nice smooth shifts can be difficult. In my case, this could spell trouble with a sleeping baby on board.

Last week I test drove a '19 S5 Sportback and a '19 RS5 Sportback. The interior of both cars make my M3 interior feel dated. It wasn't surprising as this is an area where Audi typically outdoes their competition by a large margin. From what I've seen, the G80 interior isn't going to be significantly different than the F80 interior, so I wouldn't expect much for the next generation, on that front.

In terms of power, the S5 feels like a significant downgrade from the M3. Which makes sense since the S5 has much less HP/TQ and notably heavier curb weight. On the other hand, the RS5 felt as fast or faster than my M3, thanks to being able to put down the power right off the bat. It also handled corners surprisingly well given how heavy it is. With that said, I still think it lacks when hitting the throttle at highway speeds by a noticeable margin.

At the moment, I'm torn on whether to keep the M3, "downgrade" to the S5, or make what I'd consider to be a lateral move to the RS5. The S5 is somewhat appealing because it's currently priced very well. My local dealer is ready to unload them for under MSRP before the 2020's come in. However, my wife really thinks I'll regret the downgrade to the S5 as it seriously lacks in power, in direct comparison with my M3 and the RS5.

The RS5 is more appealing. But at $85k+ out the door, I personally think Audi is overpricing it for what it is. I'm just not sure it offers enough over my M3 to make the switch justifiable, financially. Regardless, I'm not really considering a G80 as I think Audi's AWD system is superior, the interior quality will inevitably remain of higher standard, and the extra storage space of the sportbacks is going to be very useful.

I got my RS5 for about 10% off MSRP, there are deals out there. Just be patient and play dealers against each other.

I have 3 kids and had the M3. I don't think you'll need more room, the trunk in the M3 is ample enough. The lack of AWD in Colorado though I can see as an issue.

I drove both the S5 SB and RS5 SB coming from the M3 and although I thought the S5 was a really nice car, you can feel the difference in power. It was just too dramatic for me (although the S5 is still really quick), that's what led me to the RS5 after I worked the deal.

[303 Spartan]

I got my RS5 for about 10% off MSRP, there are deals out there. Just be patient and play dealers against each other.

I have 3 kids and had the M3. I don't think you'll need more room, the trunk in the M3 is ample enough. The lack of AWD in Colorado though I can see as an issue.

I drove both the S5 SB and RS5 SB coming from the M3 and although I thought the S5 was a really nice car, you can feel the difference in power. It was just too dramatic for me (although the S5 is still really quick), that's what led me to the RS5 after I worked the deal.

Over on the M3 forums I've been asking around about other's thoughts on using the M3 as a daily "Dad mobile" and the general consensus is that MANY do it with absolutely no issues. So my concern for cargo space is definitely dwindling.

Like you said, it's the lack of AWD that concerns me most. The M3 has been manageable this winter with some brand new Alpin PA4 snow tires. But I'm not going to pretend it's nearly as solid in the snow as my S4 was with similar 'high performance' snow tires.

I also have to agree with you about the S5. I know it's a great car, but directly compared to the M3 and the RS5, it severely lacked in power. If I'm being honest, it didn't feel any quicker than the A5 we drove from the showroom to the lot where the S5/RS5 were for test driving. Granted, the S5 really shouldn't be compared to either of these two cars. But still something I took note of. I know a simply piggy back tune will help the S5 a lot. But my days of adding mods that could potentially lead to warranty claim denial are behind me.

I've actually had an ongoing text exchange with the salesman at the dealership as he loved my M3 and we were chatting about M2 Comps. Anyway, he was open about telling me that they expect a bunch of RS5 Sportbacks to start coming in off lease in the first half of 2020 with sub-20k miles. He said there should be some considerable savings to be had there. So for now I'll enjoy the M3 for a bit longer and see what deals I stumble across.


....
Sorry for hijacking your thread, OP!

To get a little more on track, I think I've made it pretty clear that I vote RS5 over an AWD G80 M3 as I think Audi's AWD system is better, the trunk has more room and the interior will be a bit nicer. However, in terms of pure performance, the new M3 with AWD and likely a small HP bump from what it already has, is probably going to wipe the floor with an RS5 since the M3 will now be able to hook and go without spinning the tires. It's also considerably lighter (unless they make some drastic changes to add weight), so cornering will remain better.

With that said, I personally think the RS5 is the more ideal "all around" car to have, if you can find a good deal that makes it around the same price as a similarly optioned M3.

[ap610]

I got my RS5 SB for 15% off at Audi Gwinnett a couple weeks ago.

I bought my coupe last year--things change I suppose. Plus, I was dead set on Daytona Gray and no one had it in stock at the time.

Side note, were you on Lawrenceville Highway and 285 at around 8:30am a couple days ago? I saw a white RS5 SB on my way to work.

[wwhan]

Generally, the end of December is a better time to buy a new car than than the beginning of January.

To get the options choices you prefer, may require looking outside your area.

[Bikerunner]

I went from an F82 M4 to an LCI F87 M2- and now a B9 RS5. A lot of what can be said has already been mentioned here, but I will point out as others have, the F80/F82 on it's best day doesn't come close to the ride comfort of the B9. It's not unbearable, but having spent 4 years on that type of suspension and then moving to the RS5, it's a night and day difference. Yes, the M4 is exhilarating (especially tuned) but I have just had my ECU flashed by Eurocharged and let me tell you, it turns this RS5 to a beast. The Audi interior and tech is on another level from the F80 and I while I'm sure the gap will be bridged with the new model M3, you'll still land ahead with a B9. If you're a purist, M3 all the way. If you like dancing on the line, M3. If you want the swiss army knife of it's class, this B9 is it.

[303 Spartan]

The Audi dealers are really dealing on the last of the 2019 RS5 SB on the lots. Check it out.

That's the thing. I just checked the 19 RS5 sportbacks out last week. The best either of the two dealerships I went to could do is $3k off the asking price, which still keeps the cars at $85k+ out the door. I'm sure it doesn't help that the only models they have left seem to be the completely optioned out models.

Just as an update, yesterday I closed on one of the few remaining RS5 Sportbacks in my area. I ended up paying $73k OTD on one of the RS5's that was previously priced at $85k with "no room to budge", back in December. I watched this particular car sit on the dealer's website for almost 2 months, with a couple of small drops in price. So I decided to pay a visit and check it out again. This time the story was completely different and the salesman bent over backwards to make the deal happen. Including offering me $6k more for my M3 than EchoPark and CarMax, which was very surprising.

Like IamRacer X, I was initially planning on holding out to see what the G80 M3 offered, especially with the new AWD option. However, while I think BMW is going to make some notable improvements over the F80, in terms of interior quality, I just don't see how they are going to get to the level of interior quality/comfort that the current RS5 Sportback offers. BMW is 3+ model years behind, in this regard.

[IamRacer X]

Just to add to this thread. I recently got together with a buddy that has a F80 M3 comp. We switched cars for a short drive. I came back feeling like the Audi was the better made and more finished car. Now my car has 2k miles and his 14k. The RS5 road better, felt torquier but also felt heavier. The M3 C when pushed really goes though. It felt a bit more”wild” compared to the RS5. The upper rpm power was stronger imo than the RS5. Driving the two back to back though, the RS5 SB feels like the more expensive, also more polished and conservative car. The M3C felt more boy racerish. I can see it being a blast though. We only got one run together from a light.... I was able to get the RS to launch at 2.5k and just flat out left him. A few weeks back I ran 11.79 at the drag strip on just a few passes. He ran his car last year to a best of 12.22... but my best mph was 115 his 120... big difference.
Over all there is no doubt the new M3 will be a beast. But I love the way my RS5 Sportback looks and it is the more refined car. If I had just one car, I might crave the M3s edginess and zip. But I have another car for that. So for me I came away feeling I had the right car for me!

One more tid bit... my RS appears to be getting substantially better fuel mileage too... but could be driving style.

[IamRacer X]

I’ll also drop this here too... latest rendered G80 M36CE2537F-28B0-4F33-9579-CDB0DE7A3017.jpeg

[JWreck]

Just as an update, yesterday I closed on one of the few remaining RS5 Sportbacks in my area. I ended up paying $73k OTD on one of the RS5's that was previously priced at $85k with "no room to budge", back in December. I watched this particular car sit on the dealer's website for almost 2 months, with a couple of small drops in price. So I decided to pay a visit and check it out again. This time the story was completely different and the salesman bent over backwards to make the deal happen. Including offering me $6k more for my M3 than EchoPark and CarMax, which was very surprising.

Like IamRacer X, I was initially planning on holding out to see what the G80 M3 offered, especially with the new AWD option. However, while I think BMW is going to make some notable improvements over the F80, in terms of interior quality, I just don't see how they are going to get to the level of interior quality/comfort that the current RS5 Sportback offers. BMW is 3+ model years behind, in this regard.

How was your car optioned to get to 85k if it didn’t have dynamic?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[303 Spartan]

It was never worth $85k. It was either an error or they were purposefully over-pricing the hell out of it, convinced they could sell it with it being the few remaining. After it sat for a couple of months they changed their tone.

[Dan99]

Generally, the end of December is a better time to buy a new car than than the beginning of January.

To get the options choices you prefer, may require looking outside your area.

The end of a Quarter is good, as everyone is trying to hit a sales quota.

[soptic425]

Reviving this from the dead! With covid I ended up wfh and saving up so I only got a car in January 21’. Ultimately my wife and I decided on an F83 M4 convertible. I had to get the M out of my system 😊. I LOVED the RS5 on test drives but the M spoke to me. I’ll be back in a few years for an RS5 sport back once I have kids. Thanks again all!

[Kapetan93]

Big mistake

[NoSuchSol]

I went from an F82 M4 to an LCI F87 M2- and now a B9 RS5. A lot of what can be said has already been mentioned here, but I will point out as others have, the F80/F82 on it's best day doesn't come close to the ride comfort of the B9. It's not unbearable, but having spent 4 years on that type of suspension and then moving to the RS5, it's a night and day difference. Yes, the M4 is exhilarating (especially tuned) but I have just had my ECU flashed by Eurocharged and let me tell you, it turns this RS5 to a beast. The Audi interior and tech is on another level from the F80 and I while I'm sure the gap will be bridged with the new model M3, you'll still land ahead with a B9. If you're a purist, M3 all the way. If you like dancing on the line, M3. If you want the swiss army knife of it's class, this B9 is it.

That's the reason I went from my M3C to a S4 - for a daily driver the S4 just makes more sense and I don't get to see any track time. The M3 wants to be on a track and the suspension really punishes in all the city driving. DCT is definitely more fun than the ZF tranny but there's about .5 seconds where you can have any fun with it around here. ;)

[dal59]

Big mistake

soptic425, I think he means, congratulations - enjoy and use it in the best of health. :)

[soptic425]

soptic425, I think he means, congratulations - enjoy and use it in the best of health. :)

He made a typo :). Thank you, enjoying it every chance I get.

[Ari1982]

I had s5 and then rs5 before I switched to m3. I drive f80 comp while my g80 is being build. Had the opportunity to drive new rs5 too. Very different cars. IMO Audi is suited better for a luxurious comfy ride great straight line speed. When it comes to handling nothing can touch the m3 which basically drives like a gokart. I can go around the same corner between 20-100% faster in my m3 than the rs5. It has no nose dive or under steer. I can also light up the tail when I want at any speed. Just more fun for me

Audi interior was a solid step up in the past compares to f80 but with the g80 I feel the Bimmer nudged up a bit over Audi in terms of fit and finish. You can get 100% leather wrapped dash while the rs5 still has fair bit of plastic although high quality plastic. Those carbon buckets seats are also a looker. but I still like RS5 virtual cockpit better it’s much nicer than the bimmer. Head up display and driver assist tech is newer and better in the bimmer. Not sure if these matter to you.

In terms of looks it’s all subjective. In an m3 there is never a dull driving moment though

I feel if you love the ultimate driving car you will like the m3 better. If you want a powerful fast luxurious long distance hauler with style Audi is for you.

Drive both and watch plenty of reviews before you decide

And we are really talking first world problems choosing between an rs5 and a m3

Good luck

[RudyH]

Pretty good info, that's my biggest problem...

I love my Golf R, it handles absolutely ridiculous now that I mod'd it. After putting in a Wavetrac, with the bracing I just need to get the rear end a tad more settled with a Haldex tune and I think it would be done. Maybe brakes, but haven't even spent near $10k on it.

BUT, it's a Golf...the interior is a $25-30k range interior and not comfortable for long trips. It is a fantastic grocery getter and to boot around roundabouts with. The one big thing I love, is how often I fly under the radar driving a 'Golf'.

Brings up a good point, are there any builds that there is an emphasize on handling vs power? Like what someone would generally do to a RS5, to be more 'M' like?
Obvious, good adjustable springs, sways, etc but is there more out there? With the R you have a lot of benefit of tapping into the heavier nosed RS3 to get more lighter weight parts (overnighted from Latvia of course haha)

[JWreck]

I do miss my AMG more and more. No understeer, leather on everything, more personality.

However at least the Audi, although it doesn’t have leather everywhere, doesn’t sound like it’s about to fall apart in yard sale fashion over the slightest bump. ;)

[303 Spartan]

Enough time has passed since the new M3/M4 was released that I've had proper time to digest the new look, including seeing a couple in person. At this point I'm confident that it will never grow on me and I could not imagine buying one, regardless of performance.

That said, it's been just over a year since I traded my F80 M3 in on the RS5. I must admit that I do find myself missing the "raw" feel of the 6-speed F80, more frequently.

Don't get me wrong, I absolutely love the RS5. Especially after having it tuned. I'd go as far as saying that in most daily driving scenarios the RS5 is the faster car. But since the RS5 is so much less engaging, you just don't 'feel' it like you do in the M3. Canyon road carving was just so much more fun in the M3.

I do plan on enjoying the RS5 for another year or two and I'm truly looking forward to getting the suspension dialed in with the ABT HAS kit that will be here next week. However, I'd be lying if I didn't admit that recently, I've been seriously toying with the idea of getting a nice truck for daily Dad duty and winter mountain trips, while also picking up an M2 Competition (or possibly Cayman GT4) to be my new toy/weekend warrior. I'm starting to think that would be the perfect combo, for me.

[JWreck]

Enough time has passed since the new M3/M4 was released that I've had proper time to digest the new look, including seeing a couple in person. At this point I'm confident that it will never grow on me and I could not imagine buying one, regardless of performance.

That said, it's been just over a year since I traded my F80 M3 in on the RS5. I must admit that I do find myself missing the "raw" feel of the 6-speed F80, more frequently.

Don't get me wrong, I absolutely love the RS5. Especially after having it tuned. I'd go as far as saying that in most daily driving scenarios the RS5 is the faster car. But since the RS5 is so much less engaging, you just don't 'feel' it like you do in the M3. Canyon road carving was just so much more fun in the M3.

I do plan on enjoying the RS5 for another year or two and I'm truly looking forward to getting the suspension dialed in with the ABT HAS kit that will be here next week. However, I'd be lying if I didn't admit that recently, I've been seriously toying with the idea of getting a nice truck for daily Dad duty and winter mountain trips, while also picking up an M2 Competition (or possibly Cayman GT4) to be my new toy/weekend warrior. I'm starting to think that would be the perfect combo, for me.

You crack me up, we’re the same person. I’m likely not keeping the RS5 past this year, and instead will grab a Raptor or new 110 Defender and an F Type manual or Cayman as the sporty car.

Great minds :)

[303 Spartan]

You crack me up, we’re the same person. I’m likely not keeping the RS5 past this year, and instead will grab a Raptor or new 110 Defender and an F Type manual or Cayman as the sporty car.

Great minds :)

Always seemingly on the same page.

Regardless of how long I keep the RS5, at this point it's safe to say that by October, I'll have a truck in the stable. There have just been too many instances in which a truck would have been absolutely clutch for me over the last 6 months and I don't see that ending, anytime soon. The GMC 1500 AT4 6.0 V8 is currently at the top of my list.

It's sad, though. I've only managed to put 8000 miles on the RS5 over the last year, while dumping thousands into PPF, tint, aftermarket parts and a tune. I'm making it my mission to rack up some real miles on it over the next 12-24 months. After which, I'll evaluate if it's worth keeping for a while longer or swapping out for something more 'raw', with 2-doors and a 6-speed manual.

[dal59]

As a younger man, I ALWAYS wanted more! Then, 2 years ago while driving around in my Hellcat, it hit me. I realized I needed a performance car that was more "age appropriate" for me. Hence, the search for an AMG, M, or RS car. Obviously, I chose the RS5 and could not be happier. To each their own. BTW 62 years old. :)

[IamRacer X]

This post revived... as I posted last year, I was waiting on the new G80 M3 when I saw a few renderings that turned me off. Bought my RS5 SB. Here we are just under two years later. I still love my RS5. I get compliments on it every day. I ran 11.69 at 115.7 complete stock at the track, and Ive been averaging 21mpg in my mixed driving. I am considering lowering the car now for looks mainly. I live minutes from a BMW dealership. They have had several G80 M3, M4 come through. Ive gone in and checked them out visually. I have to say I dont hate them, but I still feel like the design is a mess. Something about the car really doesn't flow well. It has what reminds me of Japanese tuner design influence. Sort of boy-racer style. The RS5 is much more understated by comparison. In looks, no question the RS5 is a better fit for me.

Edit... as I finished this post and went to shut down my laptop.... I saw my backdated 911 RWB background pic and realized... maybe Japanese boy racer IS my style???? lol

[DCB1951]

Edit... as I finished this post and went to shut down my laptop.... I saw my backdated 911 RWB background pic and realized... maybe Japanese boy racer IS my style???? lol

You *are* Racer X, aren't you?

[JWreck]

Always seemingly on the same page.

Regardless of how long I keep the RS5, at this point it's safe to say that by October, I'll have a truck in the stable. There have just been too many instances in which a truck would have been absolutely clutch for me over the last 6 months and I don't see that ending, anytime soon. The GMC 1500 AT4 6.0 V8 is currently at the top of my list.

It's sad, though. I've only managed to put 8000 miles on the RS5 over the last year, while dumping thousands into PPF, tint, aftermarket parts and a tune. I'm making it my mission to rack up some real miles on it over the next 12-24 months. After which, I'll evaluate if it's worth keeping for a while longer or swapping out for something more 'raw', with 2-doors and a 6-speed manual.

I am seriously considering selling my RS5 right now with the way that the used market is so crazy.

I don’t really need another car right now as we have the family car and working from home a while still, but the problem is 1- The Raptor and Defender are still commanding a premium, and 2- Options for my desired sports car are slim and high priced too.