Math majors relax, values we've assigned to numerals haven't changed, I'm talking Audi's. Specifically, the A4's clear superiority to the the S5 (though this does apply, in part, to the A5, one of which we do not have in our Long Term fleet.)
The board came 'round last night and there were two new Audis available, it took less than a fraction of a second for me to put a big "MM" next to the A4. I've fretted longer deciding between the Smart and the Nissan 370Z. Now, this wasn't an easy decision because I had hauling to do, or because I was heading out with a group of people and four-doors is preferable to two. No, this is was an easy pick for me because the S5 is one of my least favorite cars.
Want to read why? Or skip all of that and go straight to the comments to tell me off? Either way, follow the jump.
I've been in a list kinda mood lately, so let's run with it.
(1) The A4 is more functional (obviously)
(2) The A4's automatic transmission doesn't suffer from the same foolish, rubbery clutch our S5 has. It shifts smoothly and pleasantly.
(3) The A4's ride can get crashy sometimes, but it's not as wollowy and sluggish as the S5
(4) The S5 has one of the best motors in the world, and when flogged hard at the track, makes some nice numbers. But as Ed posted before, you just don't feel that in the real world. It's not like an AMG car where you don't feel the speed and you're doing 146, the S5 just doesn't go that fast without willful and malicious provocation.
(5) The 2009 Audi S5-- and here's where it gets fun-- is ugly. It looks like a bar of soap that's been partially used. It's got some pretty elements, sure. As a whole it's kind of bland. I once heard that Chris Bangle described it as looking like a deflated balloon, I've yet to corroborate that as true, but I'd buy it. The S5 does look like a deflated balloon.
Mike Magrath, Vehicle Testing Assistant
adavis2493 says:
03:10 PM, 07/ 3/09
Finally! Somebody finally told me what they think makes the S5 ugly!
With that said, I do not agree. I think it is one of the better looking cars on the road because it is so understated (when not in red).
clarkma5 says:
03:28 PM, 07/ 3/09
Well looks are clearly subjective, but I think you're in the minority calling the S5 ugly, I think it's a lovely car. Also kinda weird to call the S5 ugly and the A4 not when frankly they look pretty similar. As for the S5's engine, the 4.2 is definitely not an AMG-style big torquey lump...it's tractable, for sure, but it loves revs and that's its charm. When it comes to practicality, of course a 4-door wagon will be more practical than a 2-door coupe, but I would argue that the S5 is quite practical for its body style (adequate back seat, big trunk) and the A4 Avant is relatively not practical for its body style (sloping rear hatch and roofline being the main culprits).
Can't speak for the other points as I haven't driven either car but you sound a bit wide of the mark here.
DCuerpoJr says:
06:34 PM, 07/ 3/09
I think the S5 is a decent looking car. Though most of their cars now look alike, so in a sense the sytling is starting to look bland and dated.
When compared to other performance coupes in the same class, I'd rather buy a BMW 335i. It's $10k less than the S5 and puts very similar performance stats on paper.
adavis2493 says:
08:31 PM, 07/ 3/09
DCuerpoJr:
Price out the 335i to meet the amount of features of that of a base S5, and the difference is a small $1,100.
DLu says:
08:58 PM, 07/ 3/09
I see quite a few S5's in New England and it has a nice presence on the road -- it stands out on the freeway traveling towards you, not quite the way an exotic does, but more than the A4. Never drove one, can't say anything about the S5. But the A4, when revved, sounds like my mom's Corolla -- it whines and complains in a high-pitched/shrill way.
pengwin says:
10:42 PM, 07/ 3/09
comment number 5 is very, very false, the A5/S5 is one of the best looking cars on the market. you guys just got a crappy color, get it in white and it looks amazing.
nitrous683 says:
11:23 PM, 07/ 3/09
I agree (5). IMO the S5 is too chunky and a bit bland.
I also usually find my self in a practical mood. There a lot of coupes and sports cars out there that I really want to like, but I don't think I could live with day to day.
Versatility is important to me, since most people can usually only afford one car for themselves, it should be able to do any task hassle free.
kingkhalas says:
11:32 AM, 07/ 4/09
Don't agree with you on 5 (but that's subjective).
Ugly is a CTS, any current Acura, Infiniti fx50, or some of the new BMW's like the X1 or the hatchback thing.
Sorry to hear about the S5 transmission and ride because it really should compete with an M3.
Too bad.
bimmerjay says:
12:21 PM, 07/ 4/09
Crazy talk!
1) A bad manual is still > than any slushbox. And I don't think the S5 has a bad manual.
2) 4.2L V8 > 2.0T 4-pot that sounds like a blender
3) A4 Avant is beautiful. S5 is still beautiful-er
4) S5 is one of the best driving Audis I think I've ever piloted, R8 excepted. You're crazy, Mike.
tra2883 says:
06:18 AM, 07/ 5/09
Willful and malicious provocation? I'm studying for the bar exam right now, and reading words like this makes me want to kill myself - I come to this site to escape that kind of crap! Please avoid any semblance of legal jargon in the future, for the sake of my sanity.
;-)
mustang5507 says:
12:23 PM, 07/ 5/09
I think they A/S5 is a good looking car, but because it's essentially a very good looking Volkswagen with a mean motor, I would not buy one. Same with the Touareg. Unless it was a diesel. Then I'd consider. Hey...maybe we need a diesel A5?? 3.0 TDI anyone?
johnnyr3 says:
03:17 AM, 07/ 6/09
"I once heard that Chris Bangle described it as looking like a deflated balloon,..."
Ha, ha! Yes!
dougtheeng says:
06:41 AM, 07/ 6/09
I don't think I'd put much faith in the styling criticisms of one Chris Bangle.
ahightower says:
07:30 AM, 07/ 6/09
I agree, it has a nice stance and some nice details, but the S5 is bland. Not ugly, but not terribly exciting. Kind of like a Camry Solara or Accord Coupe.
canadia says:
08:18 AM, 07/ 6/09
Dear tra2883:
I find your above request unduly burdensome, overbroad, and outside the scope of the Inside Line (TM) Privacy Statement (hereinafter, "the Statement"). Please refrain from making arbitrary and capricious requests in the future, as said action would preclude the Edmunds staff from exercising rights afforded to them by the First Amendment.
Thank you for your time and attention in this matter.
Very truly yours,
Canadia
lukemc01 says:
10:15 AM, 07/ 6/09
I definitely do not agree with the poster that any stick, even a bad stick is better than an automatic.
I bad stick is not fun at all and BMW makes a pretty good auto... All a bad stick does is remind you that there are better sticks out there.
I will note one thing: A mediocre stick may be worse than a truly bad stick - when I drove my college roomate VW Van, I did get a sense of accomplishment finding gears without grinding them...