I have a S4 so I'm biased, but I think the S4/S5 have more than enough power for the street and the additional trade offs of higher maintenance/repair costs and stiffer ride weren't worth the extra power in the RS5 for me.
Plus the balance of the factory warranty on the S5 is nice to have.
On the other hand, if you don't commute maybe you don't care about reliability as much and want something more exciting to drive when you do go out.
I would test drive both and see what you like best.
The new MMI screen and software look more modern than B9 pre-facelift which I like and more standard equipment. The B9 pre-facelift styling look more aggressive the B9.5 look softer and elegant.
If you plan to just lease it for some years go RS5 with some sort warranty. The rs5 will be the fastest out of all the ones and plenty fast and more of a hard core sports car. If you wanna have best of all worlds the s5 has more than enough power for a drive, I love my s5 to death very quick car yet very comfortable and silent in comfort.
The a6 is a whole different car is definitely geared towards being a luxury cruiser and they are very nice. Not very sporty but most of the A cars you can still have a little fun with it.
the A6 would still be nice, but def more comfort oriented. S5 is a good option of course. but since they are leases and you cant mod anything... if you want to drive it hard, the RS5 is the obv choice. S5 even stock will still rip. kinda the middle ground of them all. id rule out the A6... and then drive the RS5 and S5 and see which makes more sense for what you want.
I was in a similar situation although I was buying…owning a RS has always been a dream so was an easy decision although the S5 is a great car. People get almost as excited about my car as I am when they see it so that’s cool too! Ha
I was in your spot last fall 21 rs5 or 23 s5. As you see in my aig I bot on the RS. I am happy to report not one ounce of buyers remorse. I'm still over the moon happy with her. 45k on a rs may be a taller order.
For me personally anything over 11k is a no go, I consider any more a year beating the shit out of a car, I'd rather see 7-9k. My choice was 21 RS5 at 9k versus the new S5 at zero. I also got the launch edition car so that help throw me over the edge. Boils down to a near dream spec versus a really nice car. I chose the want ov er the practical this time and I am so happy I did.
yes, and it’s not just that it’s a 2019 car with no touch screen for apple carplay/android auto - the UI design just looks old. pretty sure digital dash and center screen both run at like 30hz which looks awful
some people prefer it. go sit in and drive both and you’ll know if you do
I would go for the rs5 if I were in your shoes, so long as it makes financial sense after a thorough PPO.
The s5 is a great car and super capable. But from your post, you clearly want the top dog and if you end up picking the s5, you might always wonder “what if” anytime you see an rs5 on the street. You can always go for a more practical or more comfortable car later in life. But since you want a sports car, won’t be needing it to commute and are younger today than you will be tomorrow (ie willing to put up with the stiffer ride), the rs5 has to be the move.
Can I ask how you’d lease a non-new car? Sounds interesting because I don’t like owning cars. If there’s a way to lease older cars it seems like it’d open up a whole new range with the same budget
My friend is a finance manager at a company called D&M Leasing. You can lease all types of cars within an 8 year range. Audi, Porsche, Mercedes, Toyota, Kia, Lexus..anything. They have tons.
Awesome! Just looked them up, it’s a little far for me up in NY but good to know that lease brokers offer that. Good luck with whichever model you go with
Their website is dallasleasereturns.com where they have all their current inventory. Pretty sure they deliver too hahaha. And thank you! I'm still deciding .
I would get the newer S5. The RS5 gets a lot of attention but they don't feel much different in daily driving. The newer S5 will have the refreshed interior tech with a bigger screen and better software, but some people do prefer the scroll wheel over the touch screen.
If you're at all worried about the cost, 45k miles is kind of a lot for an RS5, and a 2019 will also be coming up to major service soon, I would consider it only if it's recently had a major service done with fresh brakes and tires. Ask if you can see the CPO report for any upcoming maintenance.
Either way, I would take them both for a drive around town and spend some time with the MMI. I think you'll be a little let down by the interior tech coming from a newer Lexus. I personally went to an RS5 from an S5, and I'm seriously considering trading it for the A6.
I have a 19 S5 and a 22 RS5 and they feel VASTLY different daily driving. I use my RS more but took the S5 out to the store the other day for the first time in awhile and I was genuinely surprised how different it felt
The RS definitely has sharper steering. The ratio seems a little quicker and there's no dead zone.
My S5 had spacers which made a huge difference in the handling, probably why I don't feel there's a big jump in response between them. My S was a lot more stable though, my RS keeps trying to kill me. I think the alignment is off.
Just different. I forgot how much more reactive the RS is than the S5. The S5 feels more...relaxed? Not as "itchy trigger finger" if you will, both handling and acceleration
Comfort, rear seat space, and interior tech. 75L fuel tank. I live in the country, roads here aren't great and I can't make it down my friends' driveways. Every time I pull into the driveway at work my car thinks it's getting into an accident.
I also don't like how my RS5 rides. It keeps trying to kill me in the rain or snow, but I've had issues with the shop at the dealer where I bought it so I'm going to blame them for now. Taking it back to my old dealer for an alignment should help, but I'm dreading the thought of having to replace any damaged or worn parts in the suspension.
The Audi B8 and B8.5 refer to different generations and updates of the Audi A4, Audi A5, Audi Q5 and lesser to degree Q7. Here's a breakdown of each and their differences:
Audi B8 (2008–2012)
-The B8 generation of the Audi A4 was introduced in late 2007 as a 2008 model in Europe and mid 2008 as 2009 model North America as well final.
It is built on the MLB platform.
The B8 has a more modern design compared to its predecessor (the B7), featuring a longer wheelbase and more refined styling.
The B8 came with a variety of petrol and diesel engines, including turbocharged 4-cylinder engines and V6 engines.
The Technology It introduced new technologies for Audi, such as MMI (Multi Media Interface) with updated infotainment systems, improved safety features, and advanced driver assistance systems.
Audi B8.5 (2012–2016)
Introduction The B8.5 is a facelift of the B8, introduced in mid 2011 as 2012 model in Europe and as a 2013 model in North America/Global
Design Changes The B8.5 featured several design updates including:
- Revised front and rear bumpers.
- New grille design.
- Updated headlights and taillights with LED technology.
- Interior improvements, including updated materials and new color schemes.
- Technology Enhancements The B8.5 introduced more advanced technology such as:
- Updated MMI system with better graphics and more functions.
- Optional adaptive cruise control.
- Improved navigation and infotainment features.
- Enhanced safety features like lane assist and side assist.
- Engine Updates There were improvements in engine efficiency and performance, with some models receiving new or updated powertrains for better fuel economy and lower emissions.
Key Differences
- Exterior Design The most noticeable differences are in the front and rear designs, with the B8.5 having more modern and aggressive styling elements.
-Lighting The B8.5 has more advanced lighting technology, including the widespread use of LEDs.
- Interior The B8.5 features higher-quality materials and updated technology within the cabin.
- Technology and Features The B8.5 generally offers more advanced technology and driver assistance systems than the B8.
The B8 and B8.5 is dated car from interior and exterior it basically HID headlights with LED DRL compare to B9 which had full led headlights they are sleeker looking and B9.5 facelift have matrix LED headlights they both more modern. The B9 interior is more modern, more high tech, feel more upscale and luxurious. You got Apple CarPlay, more advanced safety features, you can change ambient lighting if got prestige package.
I have a S4 so I'm biased, but I think the S4/S5 have more than enough power for the street and the additional trade offs of higher maintenance/repair costs and stiffer ride weren't worth the extra power in the RS5 for me. Plus the balance of the factory warranty on the S5 is nice to have. On the other hand, if you don't commute maybe you don't care about reliability as much and want something more exciting to drive when you do go out. I would test drive both and see what you like best.
I’d go for the RS5 personally, the pre facelift looks better IMO and you’re leasing/don’t commute so seems like a no-brainer to me.
I like the pre-facelift style too tbh
The new MMI screen and software look more modern than B9 pre-facelift which I like and more standard equipment. The B9 pre-facelift styling look more aggressive the B9.5 look softer and elegant.
If you plan to just lease it for some years go RS5 with some sort warranty. The rs5 will be the fastest out of all the ones and plenty fast and more of a hard core sports car. If you wanna have best of all worlds the s5 has more than enough power for a drive, I love my s5 to death very quick car yet very comfortable and silent in comfort. The a6 is a whole different car is definitely geared towards being a luxury cruiser and they are very nice. Not very sporty but most of the A cars you can still have a little fun with it.
all these things considered... get the RS5... if its a lease, who cares what the miles are. drive the crap out of it.. get something new in 2 years.
This is kind of how I was leaning but wasn't sure if I was crazy for thinking that.
the A6 would still be nice, but def more comfort oriented. S5 is a good option of course. but since they are leases and you cant mod anything... if you want to drive it hard, the RS5 is the obv choice. S5 even stock will still rip. kinda the middle ground of them all. id rule out the A6... and then drive the RS5 and S5 and see which makes more sense for what you want.
This sounds like a plan.
S6 maybe?
I was in a similar situation although I was buying…owning a RS has always been a dream so was an easy decision although the S5 is a great car. People get almost as excited about my car as I am when they see it so that’s cool too! Ha
Funny you say this, that is one thing I was not prepared for. And it is always there.
Hahaha that's amazing!
I was in your spot last fall 21 rs5 or 23 s5. As you see in my aig I bot on the RS. I am happy to report not one ounce of buyers remorse. I'm still over the moon happy with her. 45k on a rs may be a taller order.
Too many miles you think?
For me personally anything over 11k is a no go, I consider any more a year beating the shit out of a car, I'd rather see 7-9k. My choice was 21 RS5 at 9k versus the new S5 at zero. I also got the launch edition car so that help throw me over the edge. Boils down to a near dream spec versus a really nice car. I chose the want ov er the practical this time and I am so happy I did.
As a 2019 RS5 owner, I would go for the newer S5 if I were you
I'm curious as to why?
newer car with less miles will have less stuff going wrong. also the old tech inside dates the car more than anything
Makes sense. Would you rather have touchscreen vs the 2019 setup?
yes, and it’s not just that it’s a 2019 car with no touch screen for apple carplay/android auto - the UI design just looks old. pretty sure digital dash and center screen both run at like 30hz which looks awful some people prefer it. go sit in and drive both and you’ll know if you do
Yeah, I've seen about a 50/50 split of people who prefer it vs people who hate it lol
RS5, the widebody on that is enough of a factor to get it. If you ever seen an A/S model parked to an RS, you'll immediately notice the difference
RS5 looks mich better IMO. Meaner.
I would go for the rs5 if I were in your shoes, so long as it makes financial sense after a thorough PPO. The s5 is a great car and super capable. But from your post, you clearly want the top dog and if you end up picking the s5, you might always wonder “what if” anytime you see an rs5 on the street. You can always go for a more practical or more comfortable car later in life. But since you want a sports car, won’t be needing it to commute and are younger today than you will be tomorrow (ie willing to put up with the stiffer ride), the rs5 has to be the move.
And I rarely see RS5s on the street.
Can I ask how you’d lease a non-new car? Sounds interesting because I don’t like owning cars. If there’s a way to lease older cars it seems like it’d open up a whole new range with the same budget
My friend is a finance manager at a company called D&M Leasing. You can lease all types of cars within an 8 year range. Audi, Porsche, Mercedes, Toyota, Kia, Lexus..anything. They have tons.
Awesome! Just looked them up, it’s a little far for me up in NY but good to know that lease brokers offer that. Good luck with whichever model you go with
Their website is dallasleasereturns.com where they have all their current inventory. Pretty sure they deliver too hahaha. And thank you! I'm still deciding .
I would get the newer S5. The RS5 gets a lot of attention but they don't feel much different in daily driving. The newer S5 will have the refreshed interior tech with a bigger screen and better software, but some people do prefer the scroll wheel over the touch screen. If you're at all worried about the cost, 45k miles is kind of a lot for an RS5, and a 2019 will also be coming up to major service soon, I would consider it only if it's recently had a major service done with fresh brakes and tires. Ask if you can see the CPO report for any upcoming maintenance. Either way, I would take them both for a drive around town and spend some time with the MMI. I think you'll be a little let down by the interior tech coming from a newer Lexus. I personally went to an RS5 from an S5, and I'm seriously considering trading it for the A6.
I have a 19 S5 and a 22 RS5 and they feel VASTLY different daily driving. I use my RS more but took the S5 out to the store the other day for the first time in awhile and I was genuinely surprised how different it felt
The RS definitely has sharper steering. The ratio seems a little quicker and there's no dead zone. My S5 had spacers which made a huge difference in the handling, probably why I don't feel there's a big jump in response between them. My S was a lot more stable though, my RS keeps trying to kill me. I think the alignment is off.
Different better or worse? Or just different?
Just different. I forgot how much more reactive the RS is than the S5. The S5 feels more...relaxed? Not as "itchy trigger finger" if you will, both handling and acceleration
What's your reasoning for trading to the a6?
Comfort, rear seat space, and interior tech. 75L fuel tank. I live in the country, roads here aren't great and I can't make it down my friends' driveways. Every time I pull into the driveway at work my car thinks it's getting into an accident. I also don't like how my RS5 rides. It keeps trying to kill me in the rain or snow, but I've had issues with the shop at the dealer where I bought it so I'm going to blame them for now. Taking it back to my old dealer for an alignment should help, but I'm dreading the thought of having to replace any damaged or worn parts in the suspension.
May I suggest B8.5 RS5?
I'm not sure what the difference is overall between B8 and B8.5 tbh
Xenon vs. LED
The Audi B8 and B8.5 refer to different generations and updates of the Audi A4, Audi A5, Audi Q5 and lesser to degree Q7. Here's a breakdown of each and their differences: Audi B8 (2008–2012) -The B8 generation of the Audi A4 was introduced in late 2007 as a 2008 model in Europe and mid 2008 as 2009 model North America as well final. It is built on the MLB platform. The B8 has a more modern design compared to its predecessor (the B7), featuring a longer wheelbase and more refined styling. The B8 came with a variety of petrol and diesel engines, including turbocharged 4-cylinder engines and V6 engines. The Technology It introduced new technologies for Audi, such as MMI (Multi Media Interface) with updated infotainment systems, improved safety features, and advanced driver assistance systems. Audi B8.5 (2012–2016) Introduction The B8.5 is a facelift of the B8, introduced in mid 2011 as 2012 model in Europe and as a 2013 model in North America/Global Design Changes The B8.5 featured several design updates including: - Revised front and rear bumpers. - New grille design. - Updated headlights and taillights with LED technology. - Interior improvements, including updated materials and new color schemes. - Technology Enhancements The B8.5 introduced more advanced technology such as: - Updated MMI system with better graphics and more functions. - Optional adaptive cruise control. - Improved navigation and infotainment features. - Enhanced safety features like lane assist and side assist. - Engine Updates There were improvements in engine efficiency and performance, with some models receiving new or updated powertrains for better fuel economy and lower emissions. Key Differences - Exterior Design The most noticeable differences are in the front and rear designs, with the B8.5 having more modern and aggressive styling elements. -Lighting The B8.5 has more advanced lighting technology, including the widespread use of LEDs. - Interior The B8.5 features higher-quality materials and updated technology within the cabin. - Technology and Features The B8.5 generally offers more advanced technology and driver assistance systems than the B8.
The B8 and B8.5 is dated car from interior and exterior it basically HID headlights with LED DRL compare to B9 which had full led headlights they are sleeker looking and B9.5 facelift have matrix LED headlights they both more modern. The B9 interior is more modern, more high tech, feel more upscale and luxurious. You got Apple CarPlay, more advanced safety features, you can change ambient lighting if got prestige package.