My review of the Audi S4 and S5

Brey335i · 03-25-2010, 11:12 AM

Let's face it; there have been a lot of people lately who have decided to go the Audi route with the new S4. Therefore, I decided to stop by my local Audi dealership where a friend of mine works and check out the S4; luckily, he also let me have a spin in the S5. This is my impression of these cars:

Note that since these cars were owned by a dealership who would presumably like to sell them in a working condition at some point, I refrained from turning off any traction control or doing any illegal driving.

First the S4: Well, it's a Sedan that weighs almost 2 tons and that's a lot. The interior is nice, with expensive leather all around and the MMI system with all the goodies; however, I can't really say I prefer it to the 335i even though Audi is known for its interiors simply because I feel that the 335i has a more sporty and cooler looking design and I think the materials are pretty much on par. The engine starts up with a nice rumble from the quad exhaust tips and I slot it into Sport and head out of the parking lot. Holy crap!!! This thing is a beast off the line, the grip from the Quattro system is outstanding and it feels direct and brutal. There is a hint of whine from the supercharger but that is to be expected. It's noticeably slower than my 335i but definitely faster than a stock 335i and the dual clutch shifts are smooth and lightning fast. Cornering is fairly flat and uneventful, expect for the strange feel of the Quattro system and the overwhelming curb weight that definitely rears its ugly head when cornering hard. I have not been converted by this test drive, I still prefer a rear wheel drive layout, even if this thing can apportion most of the power to the rear. All in all it was a fun drive, but for the sticker price I would happily take an M3 and call it a day. I don't know how this engine is for tuning but it could have serious potential. I can't help but feel that a more buttoned down and powerful RS4 could really make the most out of this chassis but would probably cost an arm and a leg.

The S5 was mostly the same so I will only comment on the differences I noted. The engine is radically different! The burble from the exhaust of the V8 is much better sounding and sexier than the Supercharged V6 in the S4; that being said, it feels a little slower but with a more linear and natural feel to it. The transmission was a six speed manual, which I preferred to the dual clutch box in the S4 but is undoubtedly slower but more involving (makes me wish I had gone with a manual 335i) although it feels a little rubbery at times. Cornering is similar but feels a little flatter. Styling is more aggressive; feels less like an executive's car and more like a sports car.

In the end, I love my 335i and wouldn't trade it for either of these cars, but I would seriously consider it if they somehow kept that V8 but with more power... kind of what I would expect from an RS5. The 420 hp V8 they have would really compliment this car, especially with some weight saving. I can't help but feel that they're a little too expensive and I'm afraid to ask what the RS versions will cost.

kgb1637 · 03-25-2010, 11:15 AM

Nice write up, I must say I really dig the A/S5 look, just something about it, but you're right, the sticker is higher and I still love my 335i too.

Nalod · 03-25-2010, 01:06 PM

Your 335 is modded out nice and wonder stock to stock what the outcome is. Since you have yours to your tastes I would have doubted the Audi "Wins".

Isn' t the S5 going turbo?

THe demand for those S cars from Audi are very high and used they are crazy keeping the value.

TommyLi · 03-25-2010, 02:10 PM

I have both an S4 and a 335i in the garage and I must admit, I like watching an racing up next to me from my side mirrors a lot more than I do driving it..

HPIA4v2 · 03-25-2010, 03:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bargamon

Your 335 is modded out nice and wonder stock to stock what the outcome is. Since you have yours to your tastes I would have doubted the Audi "Wins".

Isn' t the S5 going turbo?

THe demand for those S cars from Audi are very high and used they are crazy keeping the value.

Not confirmed yet.
Some dealers say both engines will be available starting 2011 but some insist V8 stay and others V6 SC only starting 2011. Only AudiNA knows for sure.

I am looking all over for 2010 335xi coupe with man but I think I owe myself to look at S5. Funny BMW CA have been pretty nice and heard Audi sales people rather cocky right now; how things changed in a couple of years.

LagMode335i · 03-25-2010, 06:14 PM

S5 Sportback already has orders being supplied (u can get on the list now), but the S5 coupe likes like it will go a year later with a weight loss program. Don't really want the S5 sportback, the S5 coupe is going to be a buy. You are sooo right about the cockiness at the Audi dealers, they already new every problem my 335i had as I drove in. If I didn't know better, I think they knew more than the mechanics at my bmw dealership. bmw has allowed Audi to really take off like a rocket this year.

phistyle · 03-25-2010, 06:19 PM

hate to say this...but this is a bmw forum and most of the people here will be bias towards their bmw....unless you're maybe comparing it towards a more expensive car like a lambo or ferrari then most of the time, you will say you like the bmw better...

faz · 03-25-2010, 06:21 PM

nice writeup.

LagMode335i · 03-25-2010, 06:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by phistyle

hate to say this...but this is a bmw forum and most of the people here will be bias towards their bmw....unless you're maybe comparing it towards a more expensive car like a lambo or ferrari then most of the time, you will say you like the bmw better...

BMW Rocks!!.......boom!

chenx15 · 03-25-2010, 06:36 PM

i have to agree with the rear look opinion. the bmw rear just sucks but with the interior i like the bmw more

TheRox · 03-25-2010, 07:28 PM

Audi's A4 def looks better than the bmw 3 series e90 LCI

I think the F30 3 series will solve that...the new 5 is beautiful.

The engine back and forth at the margins doesn't matter to the average person.

At the end of the day:

1. Audi S4/S5 - the interior looked like more of a race car...not a luxury car; no beige or oyster leather...

2. I wouldn't want to live with the brand of Audi for 7 or 8 years...BMW brand has a nicer cachet

3. Still front heavy handling and overboosted steering.

4. Other than that, S4 seems like a great car!

DerekS3 · 03-25-2010, 09:01 PM

Nice write up

dreamingat30fps · 03-25-2010, 09:21 PM

So basically BMW need to go steal some Audi designers!!!! I will admit if given a free S5 or M3 with paid for gas... I would be very tempted to go with the S5... it's just so sexy!

Brey335i · 03-25-2010, 09:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by phistyle

hate to say this...but this is a bmw forum and most of the people here will be bias towards their bmw....unless you're maybe comparing it towards a more expensive car like a lambo or ferrari then most of the time, you will say you like the bmw better...

Actually, I think I was almost wanting to prefer the Audi. I'm the kind of person who likes switching it up from time to time and I would love to own an S4/5... but the money isn't really available

I prefer the weight and RWD of the BMW but like I said before, that V8 with a little more power would be so sweet.

Put the engine from the S4 in the S5 body, make it growl and burble more, make it feel more linear like the V8, shed some weight, and tell me it's got the same tuning potential as the 335i and I'll sell my gf to afford it. (Just kidding about that last part... I think)

DrGP · 03-25-2010, 10:47 PM

Nice write up. I have to disclose that my 335i coupe will be returned on 4/2. Taking delivery of a 6MT S4 on 3/31. I must also disclose that this is my second S4 and I have really enjoyed my 3 yrs in my335i. It is a great car. My 04 S4 had almost the same engine as in the current S5. I would have liked to have gotten an S5, but unfortunately the only good thing about the 4.2 v8 is the exhaust sound. The performance and gas mileage of the S4 is better than the S5 coupe. Audi has already put the S/C V6 in the S5 convertible. I have to think that they either can't supply enough V6 Sc engines for the s5 and s4 or they have a surplus of the v8 to get rid of??? One thing the OP did not mention was if the s4 hes test drove had the sports differential. If it did not, the handling of the S4 would be totally inferior to both the 335i AND the S4 with Sport dif. IMHO, the sport dif is what really makes the S4 special and allows it to compete with the 335i in the handling department. IMHO, the s4 and 335i are great cars. But the S5 cannot be considered in the same league as long as it is saddled with the 4.2 V8. It ruins the S5.

AlanL · 03-25-2010, 11:00 PM

Funny to read your comments after all these years GP. You and I exchanged many a post over on AW back when we both had new B6 S4's ( I had a silver S4 Avant). I did finally go back to a wagon once again and did find myself wishing that Audi had some type of wagon that would yank my chain when I went shopping for a new one last fall but they have pretty much abandoned that market any more.

I do not miss that 4.2L v8 however - that thing was a terrible gas hog and I think the best mileage I ever got out of it was 18mpg in one direction of a road trip - with the wind at my back. I did like the sound of it....

Darkcyd_Turbo · 03-25-2010, 11:00 PM

Funny I see this thread, I just test drove the v8 S5 and the v6t (it says T but its supercharged) S5 and prefer the forced induction feel of the v6t vs the v8. BTW, the S5 V6T was a "cab" and auto. Interior I preferred over my 335xi.

cstavaru · 03-26-2010, 03:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DrGP

IMHO, the sport dif is what really makes the S4 special and allows it to compete with the 335i in the handling department.

That's why BMW Performance should rush with releasing that diff for the 335i...

cotmfk · 03-26-2010, 08:08 AM

S5 is getting the S4 engine for 2011. RS5 is coming, but who knows what the specs/price will be yet.

DrGP · 03-26-2010, 11:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cstavaru

That's why BMW Performance should rush with releasing that diff for the 335i...

Apparently BMW thinks LSD only belongs on M cars. They need to wake up and at least offer it as an option.

DrGP · 03-26-2010, 11:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cstavaru

That's why BMW Performance should rush with releasing that diff for the 335i...

Apparently BMW thinks LSD only belongs on M cars. They need to wake up and at least offer it as an option.

rooster3.0 · 03-26-2010, 02:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DrGP

Nice write up. I have to disclose that my 335i coupe will be returned on 4/2. Taking delivery of a 6MT S4 on 3/31. I must also disclose that this is my second S4 and I have really enjoyed my 3 yrs in my335i. It is a great car. My 04 S4 had almost the same engine as in the current S5. I would have liked to have gotten an S5, but unfortunately the only good thing about the 4.2 v8 is the exhaust sound. The performance and gas mileage of the S4 is better than the S5 coupe. Audi has already put the S/C V6 in the S5 convertible. I have to think that they either can't supply enough V6 Sc engines for the s5 and s4 or they have a surplus of the v8 to get rid of??? One thing the OP did not mention was if the s4 hes test drove had the sports differential. If it did not, the handling of the S4 would be totally inferior to both the 335i AND the S4 with Sport dif. IMHO, the sport dif is what really makes the S4 special and allows it to compete with the 335i in the handling department. IMHO, the s4 and 335i are great cars. But the S5 cannot be considered in the same league as long as it is saddled with the 4.2 V8. It ruins the S5.

I was just about to ask the same thing. I don't know why everyone rants and raves about the handling on the 335i. The 335i drives great, but it handles like crap(stock or ZSP). As far as the interior goes, take a look at the new generation BMW interiors. They seem to have taken some cues from the boys at Audi. I do love my 335i. In fact, I'm on my second 335i. The S4 built to my specs couldn't compete pricewise to the deal I got on my 09 ZMP. I'm almost avoiding a test drive in a 6MT S4 with sport diff. I know what will happen if I do drive one.

03-25-2010, 11:12 AM	#1
Brey335i Banned 112 Rep 4,771 Posts Drives: e46 ///M3 Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Austin, TX iTrader: (11)	My review of the Audi S4 and S5 Let's face it; there have been a lot of people lately who have decided to go the Audi route with the new S4. Therefore, I decided to stop by my local Audi dealership where a friend of mine works and check out the S4; luckily, he also let me have a spin in the S5. This is my impression of these cars: Note that since these cars were owned by a dealership who would presumably like to sell them in a working condition at some point, I refrained from turning off any traction control or doing any illegal driving. First the S4: Well, it's a Sedan that weighs almost 2 tons and that's a lot. The interior is nice, with expensive leather all around and the MMI system with all the goodies; however, I can't really say I prefer it to the 335i even though Audi is known for its interiors simply because I feel that the 335i has a more sporty and cooler looking design and I think the materials are pretty much on par. The engine starts up with a nice rumble from the quad exhaust tips and I slot it into Sport and head out of the parking lot. Holy crap!!! This thing is a beast off the line, the grip from the Quattro system is outstanding and it feels direct and brutal. There is a hint of whine from the supercharger but that is to be expected. It's noticeably slower than my 335i but definitely faster than a stock 335i and the dual clutch shifts are smooth and lightning fast. Cornering is fairly flat and uneventful, expect for the strange feel of the Quattro system and the overwhelming curb weight that definitely rears its ugly head when cornering hard. I have not been converted by this test drive, I still prefer a rear wheel drive layout, even if this thing can apportion most of the power to the rear. All in all it was a fun drive, but for the sticker price I would happily take an M3 and call it a day. I don't know how this engine is for tuning but it could have serious potential. I can't help but feel that a more buttoned down and powerful RS4 could really make the most out of this chassis but would probably cost an arm and a leg. The S5 was mostly the same so I will only comment on the differences I noted. The engine is radically different! The burble from the exhaust of the V8 is much better sounding and sexier than the Supercharged V6 in the S4; that being said, it feels a little slower but with a more linear and natural feel to it. The transmission was a six speed manual, which I preferred to the dual clutch box in the S4 but is undoubtedly slower but more involving (makes me wish I had gone with a manual 335i) although it feels a little rubbery at times. Cornering is similar but feels a little flatter. Styling is more aggressive; feels less like an executive's car and more like a sports car. In the end, I love my 335i and wouldn't trade it for either of these cars, but I would seriously consider it if they somehow kept that V8 but with more power... kind of what I would expect from an RS5. The 420 hp V8 they have would really compliment this car, especially with some weight saving. I can't help but feel that they're a little too expensive and I'm afraid to ask what the RS versions will cost.
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03-25-2010, 11:15 AM	#2
kgb1637 Lieutenant Colonel 21 Rep 1,519 Posts Drives: RS5 Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Baltimore, MD iTrader: (0)	Nice write up, I must say I really dig the A/S5 look, just something about it, but you're right, the sticker is higher and I still love my 335i too. __________________ Retired - '08 E90 335i Sparkling Graphite/Gray Dakota Leather, ZSP, ZCW, ZPP, Navi, ipod, Sat
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03-25-2010, 01:06 PM	#3
Nalod Major 79 Rep 1,073 Posts Drives: 2013 535i Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: NorthCarolina iTrader: (0)	Your 335 is modded out nice and wonder stock to stock what the outcome is. Since you have yours to your tastes I would have doubted the Audi "Wins". Isn' t the S5 going turbo? THe demand for those S cars from Audi are very high and used they are crazy keeping the value.
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03-25-2010, 02:10 PM	#4
TommyLi Second Lieutenant 5 Rep 208 Posts Drives: E90 335i Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Bay Area iTrader: (1)	I have both an S4 and a 335i in the garage and I must admit, I like watching an racing up next to me from my side mirrors a lot more than I do driving it..
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03-25-2010, 06:14 PM	#6
LagMode335i Private First Class 1 Rep 181 Posts Drives: 2008 335i DS2 but M OTW Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: TN iTrader: (0)	S5 Sportback already has orders being supplied (u can get on the list now), but the S5 coupe likes like it will go a year later with a weight loss program. Don't really want the S5 sportback, the S5 coupe is going to be a buy. You are sooo right about the cockiness at the Audi dealers, they already new every problem my 335i had as I drove in. If I didn't know better, I think they knew more than the mechanics at my bmw dealership. bmw has allowed Audi to really take off like a rocket this year.
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03-25-2010, 06:19 PM	#7
phistyle Lieutenant 19 Rep 562 Posts Drives: 2007 BMW e92 335i Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Dallas, TX iTrader: (1)	hate to say this...but this is a bmw forum and most of the people here will be bias towards their bmw....unless you're maybe comparing it towards a more expensive car like a lambo or ferrari then most of the time, you will say you like the bmw better...
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03-25-2010, 06:21 PM	#8
faz Second Lieutenant 21 Rep 287 Posts Drives: 2023 X5 x40i, 2018 330i F30 Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Bay area, CA iTrader: (0)	nice writeup.
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03-25-2010, 06:36 PM	#10
chenx15 Lieutenant 43 Rep 545 Posts Drives: 335i/accord Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: yyz iTrader: (1)	i have to agree with the rear look opinion. the bmw rear just sucks but with the interior i like the bmw more
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03-25-2010, 07:28 PM	#11
TheRox Colonel 119 Rep 2,312 Posts Drives: 6mt Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Here and there iTrader: (2)	Audi's A4 def looks better than the bmw 3 series e90 LCI I think the F30 3 series will solve that...the new 5 is beautiful. The engine back and forth at the margins doesn't matter to the average person. At the end of the day: 1. Audi S4/S5 - the interior looked like more of a race car...not a luxury car; no beige or oyster leather... 2. I wouldn't want to live with the brand of Audi for 7 or 8 years...BMW brand has a nicer cachet 3. Still front heavy handling and overboosted steering. 4. Other than that, S4 seems like a great car!
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03-25-2010, 09:01 PM	#12
DerekS3 Private First Class 8 Rep 121 Posts Drives: e92 Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: SoCal iTrader: (8)	Nice write up
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03-25-2010, 09:21 PM	#13
dreamingat30fps Lieutenant Colonel 5330 Rep 1,912 Posts Drives: Miata, Cayenne, Model 3, F350 Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: South Florida & NC iTrader: (1)	So basically BMW need to go steal some Audi designers!!!! I will admit if given a free S5 or M3 with paid for gas... I would be very tempted to go with the S5... it's just so sexy!
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03-25-2010, 10:47 PM	#15
DrGP Lieutenant Colonel 137 Rep 1,914 Posts Drives: Sapphire 335i coupe Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: SE, PA iTrader: (0)	Nice write up. I have to disclose that my 335i coupe will be returned on 4/2. Taking delivery of a 6MT S4 on 3/31. I must also disclose that this is my second S4 and I have really enjoyed my 3 yrs in my335i. It is a great car. My 04 S4 had almost the same engine as in the current S5. I would have liked to have gotten an S5, but unfortunately the only good thing about the 4.2 v8 is the exhaust sound. The performance and gas mileage of the S4 is better than the S5 coupe. Audi has already put the S/C V6 in the S5 convertible. I have to think that they either can't supply enough V6 Sc engines for the s5 and s4 or they have a surplus of the v8 to get rid of??? One thing the OP did not mention was if the s4 hes test drove had the sports differential. If it did not, the handling of the S4 would be totally inferior to both the 335i AND the S4 with Sport dif. IMHO, the sport dif is what really makes the S4 special and allows it to compete with the 335i in the handling department. IMHO, the s4 and 335i are great cars. But the S5 cannot be considered in the same league as long as it is saddled with the 4.2 V8. It ruins the S5.
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03-25-2010, 11:00 PM	#16
AlanL First Lieutenant 8 Rep 332 Posts Drives: 2010 328ix Sports Wagon Join Date: May 2007 Location: Vancouver, WA iTrader: (0)	Funny to read your comments after all these years GP. You and I exchanged many a post over on AW back when we both had new B6 S4's ( I had a silver S4 Avant). I did finally go back to a wagon once again and did find myself wishing that Audi had some type of wagon that would yank my chain when I went shopping for a new one last fall but they have pretty much abandoned that market any more. I do not miss that 4.2L v8 however - that thing was a terrible gas hog and I think the best mileage I ever got out of it was 18mpg in one direction of a road trip - with the wind at my back. I did like the sound of it.... __________________ 2010 328ix Sports Wagon
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03-25-2010, 11:00 PM	#17
Darkcyd_Turbo "Booty Hole Bandit" 32 Rep 1,597 Posts Drives: 2008 Montego E92 335xi Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Madison, WI iTrader: (14)	Funny I see this thread, I just test drove the v8 S5 and the v6t (it says T but its supercharged) S5 and prefer the forced induction feel of the v6t vs the v8. BTW, the S5 V6T was a "cab" and auto. Interior I preferred over my 335xi. __________________ 2008 Montego Blue E92 335xi - MT - Sport - Cold Weather - Nav - iDrive - PDC - Logic7 - CA MODS: Unknown
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03-26-2010, 08:08 AM	#19
cotmfk Major General 2050 Rep 6,110 Posts Drives: M3 Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Somewhere between DC and FL iTrader: (12)	S5 is getting the S4 engine for 2011. RS5 is coming, but who knows what the specs/price will be yet. __________________ When you say impact instead of affect/effect, you are communicating that you don't understand the difference between the two words, and are too lazy to learn.
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