Signicant difference between S5 vs RS5?

[Cut You Off]

Given the low production numbers, it's been difficult finding a local B8.5 RS5 for sale so I checked out a 2009 and 2010 S5 and was very underwhelmed. Both models weigh in around 2 tons so I'm not expecting the RS to be light on it's feet but my 4 door V10 M5 weighed about the same but it hid rather well, all things considered. S5 felt soft and a bit too refined.

[brilliant_black]

The 4.2 S5 and the RS5 are two completely different cars.

The 4.2 in the RS5 is very similar to the V10 engine from the R8/Gallardo and pumps out nearly 100 more horsepower and has a little over 1000 extra redline

The RS5 also has a DCT transmission, much larger brakes, better suspension, etc.

It’s a totally different beast.

The V8 S5 was not that great of a car hence Audi brought it line with the S4 by switching to the 3.0 supercharged V6. I owned one and while it looked great and sounded amazing, I wish I could go back and make myself wait for a 3.0T

A low mileage RS5 is still $40k in SoCal and I feel they will hold their value.

I have a B9.5 S4. Only reason I didn’t buy the B8.5 RS5 was because I fixed a lot of things in my S5, and I didn’t want to pay to fix stuff on an older car again.
Labor is high on RS5 due to the V8 being crammed in there.


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[Mrads]

The previous poster covered it. They are very different cars.

My first S5 was the B8 4.2. Gorgeous looking car and made great noises but I wasn't particularly happy with it. Too meek and mild. I moved to a B8.5 S4 and currently have a B8.5 S5. The 3.0T was a better motor for the B8 platform cars.

I went looking for a B8 S5 M6T as a supercharger project car but couldn't find one that hadn't been thrashed or didn't had paint/body damage. Ended up looking for a RS5 and I was prepared to travel to get one. After a few months of looking finally got a smoking deal ($33k CDN) on a RS5 from a BMW dealer who had taken it on trade. It had been sitting on their lot for 3+ months. After a few $thousand in repairs the car was perfect and I started on the mods.

The B8 RS5 is one of the most expensive Audi's to maintain mostly because of the low production numbers and all the unique parts.

TLDR: take your time, find a RS5. You won't regret it.

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[Leedaar]

I got my 2014 Misano Red in the Bay Area a few months ago at a real good price. Keep looking! I previously owned a 2012 S5, totally different... it does not pick up at all. The power band of the S5 drops in higher RPMS. The RS5 however, doesn’t stop pulling until redline... and second and third gear it feels as if you’re launching again pulling even harder. Difficult to explain if you haven’t drove one yet. Plus with JHM tune, I hear the experiences will be better.

[adaydreams]

I got my 2014 Misano Red in the Bay Area a few months ago at a real good price. Keep looking! I previously owned a 2012 S5, totally different... it does not pick up at all. The power band of the S5 drops in higher RPMS. The RS5 however, doesn’t stop pulling until redline... and second and third gear it feels as if you’re launching again pulling even harder. Difficult to explain if you haven’t drove one yet. Plus with JHM tune, I hear the experiences will be better.

I have a 2014 RS5 and recently got the JHM tune and it’s worth every penny! Car is a different beast....
Also did a 034 Motorsports insert kit which took the car’s handling to the next level as well.

Enjoy your new ride!


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[Mrads]

I got my 2014 Misano Red in the Bay Area a few months ago at a real good price. Keep looking! I previously owned a 2012 S5, totally different... it does not pick up at all. The power band of the S5 drops in higher RPMS. The RS5 however, doesn’t stop pulling until redline... and second and third gear it feels as if you’re launching again pulling even harder. Difficult to explain if you haven’t drove one yet. Plus with JHM tune, I hear the experiences will be better.

I confirm the JHM Stage 2 tune transforms the car!

AK and CR-15 made a huge difference to the turn-in characteristics and steering feel of the car.

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[Treeskier]

I've got my 2015 RS5 in Philly for sale. It's posted in the classifieds. Philly to SF sounds like a great road trip to get to know your new car...

Given the low production numbers, it's been difficult finding a local B8.5 RS5 for sale so I checked out a 2009 and 2010 S5 and was very underwhelmed. Both models weigh in around 2 tons so I'm not expecting the RS to be light on it's feet but my 4 door V10 M5 weighed about the same but it hid rather well, all things considered. S5 felt soft and a bit too refined.

[brilliant_black]

It’s a shame the RS5 isn’t stable with a supercharger. Last I heard this PES kits weren’t any good.

E92 M3s are absolute monsters with a blower kit.


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[Leedaar]

adaydreams and Mrads, looking forward to JHM stage 2 but recently had them install their full exhaust. Going to enjoy the sound, then add the tune when I get bored. Most likely in winter when I’m due for carbon clean, new injectors and spark plugs. That way, I can fully feel the difference.

[Mrads]

adaydreams and Mrads, looking forward to JHM stage 2 but recently had them install their full exhaust. Going to enjoy the sound, then add the tune when I get bored. Most likely in winter when I’m due for carbon clean, new injectors and spark plugs. That way, I can fully feel the difference.

I did tune first. Was planning to do the exhaust and lowering springs in March but then Covid happened and the CDN$ took a bit of a beating.

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[2by2handsofblue]

It’s a shame the RS5 isn’t stable with a supercharger. Last I heard this PES kits weren’t any good.

E92 M3s are absolute monsters with a blower kit.


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I guess there are more bmw enthusiasts than Audi.
It's too bad there isnt more aftermarket superchargers that are reasonably priced and works.
The rs5 great sounding car (just like most v8), but it lacks the power. Especially the tq.

we are the borg! resistance is futile.

[adaydreams]

I did tune first. Was planning to do the exhaust and lowering springs in March but then Covid happened and the CDN$ took a bit of a beating.

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I have their exhaust system as well and love the sound too. Did them at the same time...used the affirm financing to make it happen.


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[Mrads]

Being a Canadian Affirm isn't an option. Regardless, I prefer to pay outright. I just need our $ to gain some ground on the US$. Right now we're at about 1.33 to buy US$.

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[adaydreams]

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[Durin]

I guess there are more bmw enthusiasts than Audi.
It's too bad there isnt more aftermarket superchargers that are reasonably priced and works.
The rs5 great sounding car (just like most v8), but it lacks the power. Especially the tq.

I’d be surprised if anyone with the RS5 with JHM downpipes and Stage 2 thinks it lacks power,
0-60mph in 3.7sec is quick in most peoples language, that’s RS6 territory (twin turbo V8)

[Don Arco]

I’d be surprised if anyone with the RS5 with JHM downpipes and Stage 2 thinks it lacks power,
0-60mph in 3.7sec is quick in most peoples language, that’s RS6 territory (twin turbo V8)

Will we ever earn the S5 guys’ respect? It’ll actually be even quicker than 3.7s with the flywheel — mind you this without E40. Even without the supercharger, the RS5 I’d bet could be a 3.2-3.4s 0-60 car. I know personally for those who have gone the supercharger route (PES and APR) that they’re running 2.7-2.8s 0-60... fucking impressive. That will be the benchmark for JHM’s centrifugal supercharger, and I look forward to partaking.

[2by2handsofblue]

I’d be surprised if anyone with the RS5 with JHM downpipes and Stage 2 thinks it lacks power,
0-60mph in 3.7sec is quick in most peoples language, that’s RS6 territory (twin turbo V8)

I dont mean it's a slow and under powered. But it definitely lacks tq.


we are the borg! resistance is futile.

[Mrads]

Will we ever earn the S5 guys’ respect? It’ll actually be even quicker than 3.7s with the flywheel — mind you this without E40. Even without the supercharger, the RS5 I’d bet could be a 3.2-3.4s 0-60 car. I know personally for those who have gone the supercharger route (PES and APR) that they’re running 2.7-2.8s 0-60... fucking impressive. That will be the benchmark for JHM’s centrifugal supercharger, and I look forward to partaking.

I am eagerly waiting for the JHM supercharger.

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[Mrads]

I dont mean it's a slow and under powered. But it definitely lacks tq.


we are the borg! resistance is futile.

Actually that's is basically what you said but whatever. I own a '17 S5 and a '13 RS5 and I much prefer driving the RS.

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[2by2handsofblue]

Actually that's is basically what you said but whatever. I own a '17 S5 and a '13 RS5 and I much prefer driving the RS.

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Well its not fast either lol. But I figured the rs5 would be more fun to drive. The exhaust note alone is enough to make it fun.
Only if there was an affordable supercharger for the rs5


we are the borg! resistance is futile.

[Don Arco]

Well its not fast either lol. But I figured the rs5 would be more fun to drive. The exhaust note alone is enough to make it fun.
Only if there was an affordable supercharger for the rs5


we are the borg! resistance is futile.

4.8s. That’s your 0-60 time and it takes how many modifications to dip into the 3s mark? Then how many additional modifications to break into the 2s? In reality, the RS5 with just a tune does 500hp while even after all of those modifications the S5 is up to maybe 520hp. Unless you’re in a Ferrari club, the RS5 is a fast car plain and simple. Of course, there’s room for improvement... just look at the lack of development in general. But to say the RS5 isn’t fast at all, you’re a troll.

[Mrads]

4.8s. That’s your 0-60 time and it takes how many modifications to dip into the 3s mark? Then how many additional modifications to break into the 2s? In reality, the RS5 with just a tune does 500hp while even after all of those modifications the S5 is up to maybe 520hp. Unless you’re in a Ferrari club, the RS5 is a fast car plain and simple. Of course, there’s room for improvement... just look at the lack of development in general. But to say the RS5 isn’t fast at all, you’re a troll.

I agree.

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[Dogger]

Test drive an RS5. That is all it took for me. I drove a V8 S5 a few years before and was totally disappointed. Came very close to buying a fully modded '15 S5 that was damn quick but once I drove my RS5 at the dealer I was sold. Nothing quite like a V8 that revs like that. Plus they are rare cars. Even here in Southern California I've only seen a handful since I bought my car 2 years ago. I was also looking at E92 M3's when I bought my car but it's a pretty common car. I see at least 2 or 3 a day.

[brilliant_black]

Test drive an RS5. That is all it took for me. I drove a V8 S5 a few years before and was totally disappointed. Came very close to buying a fully modded '15 S5 that was damn quick but once I drove my RS5 at the dealer I was sold. Nothing quite like a V8 that revs like that. Plus they are rare cars. Even here in Southern California I've only seen a handful since I bought my car 2 years ago. I was also looking at E92 M3's when I bought my car but it's a pretty common car. I see at least 2 or 3 a day.

I see e92 M3s all the time. I’ve only seen two RS5s foe the last one year. I’ve seen more new B9 RS5s


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[Mrads]

But I still love the e92 M3 and the e92 335i. I still have a soft spot in my heart for those machines.

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[Dogger]

But I still love the e92 M3 and the e92 335i. I still have a soft spot in my heart for those machines.

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They are really good looking cars. 335i is a great car to mod too.

[hahnmgh63]

I won't compare a B8 S5 to the B8.5 RS5, apples to oranges. Now I have a B8.5 Stg2 S5 and a B8.5 RS5. The B8.5 S5 is Stg 2 (software and smaller Supercharge pulley), ECS X-pipe and resonator removal, Stock shocks on H&R sport springs, currently running my RS5 20" Rotors. RS5 sits on H&R Coilovers, x-pipe, have JHM Headers and Stg 2 tune to install in the next month.
RS5 has a better interior, more standard items which are mostly options on the S5. If you want all out perf+) but you may end up with less reliability. S5 is about 100lbs less in weight. Both of my cars have Lithium batteries (only 5.5lbs) and Seibon (body color painted) Carbon fiber hoods. RS5 I went back with the original 19" wheel which are Forged and lighter than the Rotors which are Cast wheels. If you wrench yourself the RS5 is fairly easy to work on and parts through mail order are as cheap as any Audi except for a few specific RS5 only items but that would only be in case of an accident, not Mx items. Also, and a big one, you can't be the sound of the 8500rpm's, once you roll the windows down and hear that you will probably choose the RS5. I posted a video elseware on the forum from some Candadian guys who compared the B9 RS5 to the B8.5 RS5, Yes the B9 was faster and the electronics were more modern but both said in the end they'd pick the B8.5 RS5???

[BleedingTeal]

I won't compare a B8 S5 to the B8.5 RS5, apples to oranges. Now I have a B8.5 Stg2 S5 and a B8.5 RS5. The B8.5 S5 is Stg 2 (software and smaller Supercharge pulley), ECS X-pipe and resonator removal, Stock shocks on H&R sport springs, currently running my RS5 20" Rotors. RS5 sits on H&R Coilovers, x-pipe, have JHM Headers and Stg 2 tune to install in the next month.
RS5 has a better interior, more standard items which are mostly options on the S5. If you want all out perf+) but you may end up with less reliability. S5 is about 100lbs less in weight. Both of my cars have Lithium batteries (only 5.5lbs) and Seibon (body color painted) Carbon fiber hoods. RS5 I went back with the original 19" wheel which are Forged and lighter than the Rotors which are Cast wheels. If you wrench yourself the RS5 is fairly easy to work on and parts through mail order are as cheap as any Audi except for a few specific RS5 only items but that would only be in case of an accident, not Mx items. Also, and a big one, you can't be the sound of the 8500rpm's, once you roll the windows down and hear that you will probably choose the RS5. I posted a video elseware on the forum from some Candadian guys who compared the B9 RS5 to the B8.5 RS5, Yes the B9 was faster and the electronics were more modern but both said in the end they'd pick the B8.5 RS5???

I believe this is the video in question. I actually randomly stumbled upon it last night.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_Kf-2D1vge8

[BuyTheWarranty]

I won't compare a B8 S5 to the B8.5 RS5, apples to oranges. Now I have a B8.5 Stg2 S5 and a B8.5 RS5. The B8.5 S5 is Stg 2 (software and smaller Supercharge pulley), ECS X-pipe and resonator removal, Stock shocks on H&R sport springs, currently running my RS5 20" Rotors. RS5 sits on H&R Coilovers, x-pipe, have JHM Headers and Stg 2 tune to install in the next month.
RS5 has a better interior, more standard items which are mostly options on the S5. If you want all out perf+) but you may end up with less reliability. S5 is about 100lbs less in weight. Both of my cars have Lithium batteries (only 5.5lbs) and Seibon (body color painted) Carbon fiber hoods. RS5 I went back with the original 19" wheel which are Forged and lighter than the Rotors which are Cast wheels. If you wrench yourself the RS5 is fairly easy to work on and parts through mail order are as cheap as any Audi except for a few specific RS5 only items but that would only be in case of an accident, not Mx items. Also, and a big one, you can't be the sound of the 8500rpm's, once you roll the windows down and hear that you will probably choose the RS5. I posted a video elseware on the forum from some Candadian guys who compared the B9 RS5 to the B8.5 RS5, Yes the B9 was faster and the electronics were more modern but both said in the end they'd pick the B8.5 RS5???

Pretty sure with the headers and stage 2, with launch control it will be faster than the B9.

[Murazor]

The previous poster covered it. They are very different cars.

My first S5 was the B8 4.2. Gorgeous looking car and made great noises but I wasn't particularly happy with it. Too meek and mild. I moved to a B8.5 S4 and currently have a B8.5 S5. The 3.0T was a better motor for the B8 platform cars.

I went looking for a B8 S5 M6T as a supercharger project car but couldn't find one that hadn't been thrashed or didn't had paint/body damage. Ended up looking for a RS5 and I was prepared to travel to get one. After a few months of looking finally got a smoking deal ($33k CDN) on a RS5 from a BMW dealer who had taken it on trade. It had been sitting on their lot for 3+ months. After a few $thousand in repairs the car was perfect and I started on the mods.

The B8 RS5 is one of the most expensive Audi's to maintain mostly because of the low production numbers and all the unique parts.

TLDR: take your time, find a RS5. You won't regret it.

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There's not much unique parts in RS5 except the engine really.

[03TLSinCO]

There's not much unique parts in RS5 except the engine really.

The RS5 experts will correct me if I am wrong, but I believe most of the suspension is different, along with brakes, transmission, sports diff, and some body parts. Probably a lot I'm missing too, but I think those are the major items.

[Mrads]

The RS5 experts will correct me if I am wrong, but I believe most of the suspension is different, along with brakes, transmission, sports diff, and some body parts. Probably a lot I'm missing too, but I think those are the major items.

In additional to the motor, you hit most of the major differences.

Sport diff was standard on the RS5 vs an option on a S5. The only body panels that are shared are the hood, doors and roof. Some mechanical differences are more pronounced when compared to the B8 vs. B8.5 S5 since some of the tech got put in the B8.5 S5.

There are some other things that are software voodoo, underbody panels for aero, etc.

Regardless, the differences are fairly substantial.

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