Audi A5's

[Howie]

I've seen a few S5's and A5's running around here and looked them up because I love the look of the cars.  From what I've read, unfortunately, for what you pay, you are better off with a BMW performance wise.  But looks wise, the S5 is one of my favorite cars out there!

BMW definitely gives you better numbers for your money.  When it comes to power and handing on the performance models it is getting a little like the motorcycle super bike war.  They all offer more than most of the population is capable of using and much more than is needed to land you in jail.

My Audi is an A4 Avant 2.0T automatic with the Stasis computer upgrade.  I priced a BMW sport wagon.  With the  more or less equivalent equipment (vinyl seats in a $40K car?) the price was higher.  Less horsepower in the Audi, but more torque.  With the Stasis upgrade, way more torque (305 ft lbs out of a 4 banger!) plus a bigger, more comfy interior.  Both are great cars, and, to me, the BMW is more fun.  I have become used to being coddled by the Audi though.

The biggest reason why I bought the Audi over the BMW?  My wife wears a brace on her left leg which rules out a manual transmission.  The A4 Avant comes with the choice of automatic, automatic, or if you don't like either of those choices, automatic.  Owning a car available with an automatic when a manual is available would drive me crazy.  I love the Audi, the Tiptronic transmission is fantastic, but I miss having clutch and shifting.

[muskrat]

RS5 coming soon:

http://www.leftlanenews.com/audi-rs5.html

[sugarcrook]

TopGear reviewed the RS5 not too long ago, also comparing it to the M3. 

http://www.topgear.com/uk/audi/a5/road-test/rs5

The M3 came out on top from what I recall, but I'd still rather have the RS5 due to exclusivity.

[Monster Dave]

Given that Audi is owned by VW, the A-5 reminded me of the Jetta coupe concept that VW released in 2010:

[Kopfjager]

RS5 coming soon:

http://www.leftlanenews.com/audi-rs5.html

Audi RS 5 Coupé

[cokey]

Just saw a supercharged s5 parked on maiden lane in downtown..  looks sweet..