[RaidersFan]

Hi all,

I am doing some research for a friend: she is looking for a car in the $35-40k price range, enthusiast, and these come up as 2 strong competitors. Not much availability locally on either, so it is going to be a blind purchase most likely. We did go test drive an S5 locally, it was a lot of fun, as well as an M3 (she didn't like the latter, this will be a DD). I used to own a 335is, but I have to say, the S5 we drove had plenty of grip and a lot of torque, similar engine performance. Maybe a little heavier in the nose, but sure beats most Audis I have driven. Clutch spring was really stiff: I liked the 6mt on my 135i much, much better.

Looking at either a 335is or S5, 6mt. The 335is looks to be cheaper than an S5 for whatever reason (comparing 2013's). Must have NAV, also upgraded stereo is nice.

Thoughts: both quality, reliability, and performance on both cars? MPG on the 335is and 2013 S5 should be similar (although my 335is got 25-28 on the hwy).

Note: she does have kids: the 335is had tons of room in the backseat for kids, I have kids and they have as much room back there as in our old 328 sedan. How does the s5 compare with room back there?

[Douche]

There's not even comparison and shopping around, seriously.
S5 all the way, you just have to pick the transmission and colours. That's what you should be worried about.

[Antetokounmpo]

So you like the way the 335is handles, the way the clutch feels, it gets better mpg and is more practical for her needs (bigger back seat). Choice is obvious, 335is all the way. I really don't like the way the S5 looks. Too rounded for me, looks like a bar of soap. Also not a fan of the plow due to the nose heaviness. Get the 335is.

Originally Posted by Douche

There's not even comparison and shopping around, seriously.
S5 all the way, you just have to pick the transmission and colours. That's what you should be worried about.

Did you even read the OP?

[Benstuck]

RS5 > 335is > S5

I have not driven any of these cars, I just think that's how I perceive them in terms of performance, looks and value.

If she did not like M3 as DD, then 335is is perfect for her. S5 looks nice but seems to be getting old in the tooth IMO.

[Douche]

Originally Posted by bk335

So you like the way the 335is handles, the way the clutch feels, it gets better mpg and is more practical for her needs (bigger back seat). Choice is obvious, 335is all the way. I really don't like the way the S5 looks. Too rounded for me, looks like a bar of soap. Also not a fan of the plow due to the nose heaviness. Get the 335is.

Did you even read the OP?

I did.

Some of his opinions don't matter to her, though. Saying there's almost the same space in the back seat as the sedan is lying to get away with his preference (the car is not for him). The coupe has such a small backseat, it's the same as the S5. And it only seats 4 legally anyway (the sedan seats 5).

She didn't like the M3, and liked the S5. I too disliked the M3 and liked the A5. Kids fit in any of them, if you're shopping around for a coupe anyway.

The S5 is much more comfortable, easy to drive, silent, luxurious... And faster too, if somebody is going to talk about that (doesn't matter much for her).

It's not about reading op. It's about reading, understanding and knowing the 2 cars and what people need from them.

Most here (obviously, it's a bmw forum) will say 335. It's just not the car she'd enjoy the most. The audi 5s are just too good looking inside and out, and have a more premium feel and touch. No brainer.

[CantCatchMe]

Personally I like both a lot! But I'd choose the 335is. I like that it is a bit more appealing than the rest of the S5. Let us know what she gets!

[YouAreMyWorld]

Originally Posted by Douche

I did.

Some of his opinions don't matter to her, though. Saying there's almost the same space in the back seat as the sedan is lying to get away with his preference (the car is not for him). The coupe has such a small backseat, it's the same as the S5. And it only seats 4 legally anyway (the sedan seats 5).

She didn't like the M3, and liked the S5. I too disliked the M3 and liked the A5. Kids fit in any of them, if you're shopping around for a coupe anyway.

The S5 is much more comfortable, easy to drive, silent, luxurious... And faster too, if somebody is going to talk about that (doesn't matter much for her).

It's not about reading op. It's about reading, understanding and knowing the 2 cars and what people need from them.

Most here (obviously, it's a bmw forum) will say 335. It's just not the car she'd enjoy the most. The audi 5s are just too good looking inside and out, and have a more premium feel and touch. No brainer.

I think that is very subjective. Personally, when I was test-driving comparable options, such as the Audi S4, Audi S5, and a Mercedes C350, I didn't like any of them and inevitably chose my 335i.

I didn't like Audi's interior, it just didn't feel right to me personally. Again, let me reiterate, this is just my personal opinion. And through my experience, or rather a couple of my friends (owning both an A4 and a RS4) their interiors are not aging well at all. Especially the A4 and it's mind-blowing to me considering the A4 is I believe a 2011.

Yes the S5 had wonderful straight-line acceleration and plenty of torque, but I felt extremely disconnected from the car.. it felt.. "too easy." There was no thrill, none of that.. "this is a drivers car.. this requires my attention/skill or I'll wrap myself into a tree." (when doing spirited driving). The nose felt too heavy and I felt it almost impossible to "feel" the car when throwing it into a corner.

And don't get me started on the C350 that felt as if I was driving a boat.. but then again that's typical of Mercedes since they're meant for a more comfortable experience--that's their M.O.

All in all, as aforementioned, although those were just my personal experiences, choosing an S5 in contrast to an IS or even a 335i, isn't all so cut and dry for everyone in terms of the former. Even if the latter was for me..

[Douche]

Originally Posted by YouAreMyWorld

I think that is very subjective. Personally, when I was test-driving comparable options, such as the Audi S4, Audi S5, and a Mercedes C350, I didn't like any of them and inevitably chose my 335i.

I didn't like Audi's interior, it just didn't feel right to me personally. Again, let me reiterate, this is just my personal opinion. And through my experience, or rather a couple of my friends (owning both an A4 and a RS4) their interiors are not aging well at all. Especially the A4 and it's mind-blowing to me considering the A4 is I believe a 2011.

Yes the S5 had wonderful straight-line acceleration and plenty of torque, but I felt extremely disconnected from the car.. it felt.. "too easy." There was no thrill, none of that.. "this is a drivers car.. this requires my attention/skill or I'll wrap myself into a tree." (when doing spirited driving). The nose felt too heavy and I felt it almost impossible to "feel" the car when throwing it into a corner.

And don't get me started on the C350 that felt as if I was driving a boat.. but then again that's typical of Mercedes since they're meant for a more comfortable experience--that's their M.O.

All in all, as aforementioned, although those were just my personal experiences, choosing an S5 in contrast to an IS or even a 335i, isn't all so cut and dry for everyone in terms of the former. Even if the latter was for me..

I know, understand and agree. This is why I drive BMWs too.

But I simply understand how the audi's interior and exterior appeal to some people (me included, I can appreciate them). And I based my opinion on the fact she loved the S5 but did not like the M3. The 335 isn't all that better than the M3.

[headhunterz]

I've driven an S5 many times it feels like I'm driving a 5 series.. I like my 335i better

[uberbeast21]

stock vs stock s5 all the way but a modded 335is would be what i would take

[RaidersFan]

Thanks. She also drove a s5 (2010), but I wasn't around for that test. It has a V8, said it felt very planted. Oddly, it is the same as a 2012 335is price-wise. BMW seems to lose value more quickly. Any input on that engine vs. the 335is inline 6? I don't know that much about Audi, or what updates they did to the S5. As far as design being long in the tooth, the 335i came out in 2007, the S5 in 2008, so they are both aging. Then again, with a $40k, budget to work with, you aren't going to get the latest and greatest either way.

I suppose at that price point, a used F30 335i sedan (6MT) might come into the picture too....and she isn't opposed to a sedan. I just know she likes the coupe better in terms of looks, likes cars, is an enthusiast with a commute, but isn't really geeking out on what's what (hence the help I am giving her, narrowing it down).

Any other options I am missing? She checked out a 135i, too small though.

[335iVlad]

335IS > S5

[brewnami]

The S5 is just quite a bit more expensive than the 335is. Although performance of an S4/S5 is comparable to a 335i/is, the Audi is usually better equipped. Seats in an S5 are far nicer than the 335, interior is also a bit nicer. Both are a good choice, if she didn't like the M3, she will probably be more happy with the S5. As far as rear seats, the 335 coupe has plenty of room. More than my S4 and around the same as my wife's E90, only major differnce is the rear seats two in the coupe as opposed to three.

[ians]

I have both a N54 335i E92 with jb4 & V6T S5 and both are 6MT. The engine & 6MT of the Audi is way better, handling & brake are par, steering feel of 335 is slightly better. Winter driving, RWD can't complete with Quattro. I prefer driving S5 over 335i everyday. It drive smooth as a Lexus but handle as good as BMW. But my kids prefer 335i because the back seat of the 335i is more spacious.

[RaidersFan]

She made her decision...6MT as well. Tough to find!

[RaidersFan]

[Wingnut335]

This is like a triple advertisement photo.... BMW, Rolex and a jewelry store (brand unknown).

[YouAreMyWorld]

308 miles left on nearly half a tank?

WTF? Lmfaoooo

Obviously she made the right choice, but where can I get that MPG? Holy hell, by the time I hit half I'm at 150 miles.

F*ck the Rolek (obviously just kidding), but that MPG though.

Enlighten me please!

[Efthreeoh]

Originally Posted by Wingnut335

This is like a triple advertisement photo.... BMW, Rolex and a jewelry store (brand unknown).

Funny, I noticed her legs first... Who gives a shit about a frickin watch?

[ilicboris]

Originally Posted by YouAreMyWorld

308 miles left on nearly half a tank?

WTF? Lmfaoooo

Obviously she made the right choice, but where can I get that MPG? Holy hell, by the time I hit half I'm at 150 miles.

F*ck the Rolek (obviously just kidding), but that MPG though.

Enlighten me please!

Maybe the settings were in kilometers.

[mxchris727]

[924er]

I'm glad the forum was able to make a decision for her lol