RS4 vs. S5?
Registered User
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 252
From: Frisco, TX
Rep Power: 32
I own an RS4 and have driven an S5.
The S5 is more of a touring car. The power is good - it doesn't fall too far behind the RS4 except in the upper revs. For daily driving, you wouldn't be lacking in the power department. The S5 also handles quite well.
That said, the RS 4 is far more raw and far more involved. It is much more of a "driver's car". The S5 is much more "muted", and I don't just mean the exhaust tone. I would take the RS 4 any day of the week for pure driving pleasure.
The S5 is beautiful, so it has that going for it. The interior is nice - I like the new cockpit design. The RS 4 is mean looking, and appeals to those who like badass sedans. I'd say it's a tossup in that department and purely a subjective choice in terms of looks.
I'd say simply test drive both, it will quickly decide it for you. They drive differently enough, and one will speak to you. Can't go wrong either way!
The S5 is more of a touring car. The power is good - it doesn't fall too far behind the RS4 except in the upper revs. For daily driving, you wouldn't be lacking in the power department. The S5 also handles quite well.
That said, the RS 4 is far more raw and far more involved. It is much more of a "driver's car". The S5 is much more "muted", and I don't just mean the exhaust tone. I would take the RS 4 any day of the week for pure driving pleasure.
The S5 is beautiful, so it has that going for it. The interior is nice - I like the new cockpit design. The RS 4 is mean looking, and appeals to those who like badass sedans. I'd say it's a tossup in that department and purely a subjective choice in terms of looks.
I'd say simply test drive both, it will quickly decide it for you. They drive differently enough, and one will speak to you. Can't go wrong either way!
Registered User
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 444
From: South of heaven
Rep Power: 36
I own an RS4 and have driven an S5.
The S5 is more of a touring car. The power is good - it doesn't fall too far behind the RS4 except in the upper revs. For daily driving, you wouldn't be lacking in the power department. The S5 also handles quite well.
That said, the RS 4 is far more raw and far more involved. It is much more of a "driver's car". The S5 is much more "muted", and I don't just mean the exhaust tone. I would take the RS 4 any day of the week for pure driving pleasure.
The S5 is beautiful, so it has that going for it. The interior is nice - I like the new cockpit design. The RS 4 is mean looking, and appeals to those who like badass sedans. I'd say it's a tossup in that department and purely a subjective choice in terms of looks.
I'd say simply test drive both, it will quickly decide it for you. They drive differently enough, and one will speak to you. Can't go wrong either way!
The S5 is more of a touring car. The power is good - it doesn't fall too far behind the RS4 except in the upper revs. For daily driving, you wouldn't be lacking in the power department. The S5 also handles quite well.
That said, the RS 4 is far more raw and far more involved. It is much more of a "driver's car". The S5 is much more "muted", and I don't just mean the exhaust tone. I would take the RS 4 any day of the week for pure driving pleasure.
The S5 is beautiful, so it has that going for it. The interior is nice - I like the new cockpit design. The RS 4 is mean looking, and appeals to those who like badass sedans. I'd say it's a tossup in that department and purely a subjective choice in terms of looks.
I'd say simply test drive both, it will quickly decide it for you. They drive differently enough, and one will speak to you. Can't go wrong either way!
Registered User
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 41
From: Wasatch Front
Rep Power: 20
Here's my story:
I had a 997 C2S, but needed a more practical daily driver so I decided to get rid of it. Had my eyes set on a '08 RS4 (silver with Titanium package). Went to the dealer to drive it, negotiate and buy it. While on the lot I saw a brand new S5. They have just taken delivery of 2 (white and black). The white one was sold. I asked if I can test drive the black one and he just handed me the keys. I ended up driving both RS4 and the S5 back to back twice each. At the end of the day, I decided on the S5. In summary, my reasons were:
1. Engine: I actually though they were pretty close despite the obvious 66hp difference. Again, I am evaluating this car from a daily driving perspective not race track performance. I though the low to mid range acceleration on the S5 was fantastic and equivalent seat of the pants feel to rs4. RS4 may have had an edge on the top end, but since both cars were brand new (and one of them was going to be mine) I didnt want to push it hard during break in period.
2. Handling/Steering - I liked s5 more, much more intuitive, felt very natural. One thing, I am not a big fan of the active steering and certainly would not want that in my track car, but again for daily driving its fine.
3. Exterior - I liked both cars equally
4. Interior - hands down s5. Its a different league.
On balance, if you consider the difference in price it was a no brainer for me.
Hope this helps.
I had a 997 C2S, but needed a more practical daily driver so I decided to get rid of it. Had my eyes set on a '08 RS4 (silver with Titanium package). Went to the dealer to drive it, negotiate and buy it. While on the lot I saw a brand new S5. They have just taken delivery of 2 (white and black). The white one was sold. I asked if I can test drive the black one and he just handed me the keys. I ended up driving both RS4 and the S5 back to back twice each. At the end of the day, I decided on the S5. In summary, my reasons were:
1. Engine: I actually though they were pretty close despite the obvious 66hp difference. Again, I am evaluating this car from a daily driving perspective not race track performance. I though the low to mid range acceleration on the S5 was fantastic and equivalent seat of the pants feel to rs4. RS4 may have had an edge on the top end, but since both cars were brand new (and one of them was going to be mine) I didnt want to push it hard during break in period.
2. Handling/Steering - I liked s5 more, much more intuitive, felt very natural. One thing, I am not a big fan of the active steering and certainly would not want that in my track car, but again for daily driving its fine.
3. Exterior - I liked both cars equally
4. Interior - hands down s5. Its a different league.
On balance, if you consider the difference in price it was a no brainer for me.
Hope this helps.
Registered User
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 100
From: Los Angeles, CA
Rep Power: 23
If cost is not an issue (used RS4 and new S5 are pretty close), the RS4 is far superior. The chasis on the S5 is newer and less prone to understeer but the RS4 still handles better. Maybe its the 60/40 power split or the DRC. The feel of the RS4 is much better and more involved. It gives much more feedback from the road. The sound of the engine and aggressive looks is reason enough for the RS4.
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