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Are you cool.with the big wheels and skinny tires?
I think it would look better with normal wheels maybe.
Perhaps so. And I am seeing more press cars with different wheels now that the "embargo" seems to have lifted.
I am somewhat curious. I dig the overall vibe of the S5, but I also can't justify it right now. I have an IS 500 that's A) likely to be more reliable AND B) quicker in a straight line. Why trade up? For a big screen and some intangible German engineering? No thanks.
Now, the Q5 as a potential replacement for our X3 is a different story. I don't love the new G45 X3 aesthetically, inside or out, but I think I can get along with the way the Q5 presents itself. Though, my wife is a bit of a BMW fangirl, so I don't know that I'd be able to sell the Audi to her. I'd probably have more luck getting her to agree to a Lexus or even the new X3, which she's already said she has no interest in.
Perhaps so. And I am seeing more press cars with different wheels now that the "embargo" seems to have lifted.
I am somewhat curious. I dig the overall vibe of the S5, but I also can't justify it right now. I have an IS 500 that's A) likely to be more reliable AND B) quicker in a straight line. Why trade up? For a big screen and some intangible German engineering? No thanks.
Now, the Q5 as a potential replacement for our X3 is a different story. I don't love the new G45 X3 aesthetically, inside or out, but I think I can get along with the way the Q5 presents itself. Though, my wife is a bit of a BMW fangirl, so I don't know that I'd be able to sell the Audi to her. I'd probably have more luck getting her to agree to a Lexus or even the new X3, which she's already said she has no interest in.
Uh the old S5 is already faster than an IS500 and has better road holding and measured handling.....
It will also absolutely give you more issues since the EA839 has already proven it likes to explode, I reserve judgement for 4-5 years on engines and that one failed. There is also a major chance that there will be a recall shortly
Uh the old S5 is already faster than an IS500 and has better road holding and measured handling.....
Old S5 may be quicker 0-60 (by a tenth or two), but they have the same quarter-mile time according to Car and Driver, which means you can thank the gimmick of launch control for the 0-60. IS 500 has an NA V-8, so it doesn't need something like launch control. And, the IS 500 is traveling 5 MPH faster at the end of the quarter. So, I guess the definition of "faster" is up for debate.
Besides, that was the old S5 coupe. Don't forget that the new S5 sedan is about three hundred pounds heavier than the old coupe without adding significant power or torque to the equation.
Also, the stock tires on the IS 500 are junk. Most owners replace them with something much better, which will significantly improve the handling situation. Not to mention, it's actually RWD and not Quattro. So yeah, if I am buying an Audi, it ain't for the performance.
Old S5 may be quicker 0-60 (by a tenth or two), but they have the same quarter-mile time according to Car and Driver, which means you can thank the gimmick of launch control for the 0-60. IS 500 has an NA V-8, so it doesn't need something like launch control. And, the IS 500 is traveling 5 MPH faster at the end of the quarter. So, I guess the definition of "faster" is up for debate.
Besides, that was the old S5 coupe. Don't forget that the new S5 sedan is about three hundred pounds heavier than the old coupe without adding significant power or torque to the equation.
Also, the stock tires on the IS 500 are junk. Most owners replace them with something much better, which will significantly improve the handling situation. Not to mention, it's actually RWD and not Quattro. So yeah, if I am buying an Audi, it ain't for the performance.
Yeah....okay. A true AWD DSG system is clearly not as good as the old AA80E lol!
How so? They used to offer this stuff after all, I literally have cars with these options
respectfully your cars are a decade or more old. all manufacturers have cheapened their interior materials in most models or made changes due to tightening environmental regulations. part of that is to pay for screens, software and more complex drivetrains i'm sure.
I'm sorry that the performance numbers don't agree with your affinity for Quattro.
My whole point was that the new S5 does not impress me enough to trade up.
What do you mean? The performance numbers are in favor of the Audi and don't forget the RS5 exists with a similar engine.
You owe it to yourself to try one and experience the a lot to apply full power at any time. I've owned many RWD cars and driven countless more, it's just insane how much more power you can use with an AWD system that actively vectors power to the outside vs a dumb lsd diff
Last edited by Striker223; Jun 6, 2025 at 01:57 PM.
respectfully your cars are a decade or more old. all manufacturers have cheapened their interior materials in most models or made changes due to tightening environmental regulations. part of that is to pay for screens, software and more complex drivetrains i'm sure.
So they have gotten cheap like I'm complaining about....and I'm not lacking a single thing vs the new cars tech wise except the 48V active sway bars. I have all the same assists, thermal, seats etc that the newer stuff does.
Adjusted for inflation I guess it makes sense though since the new ones are way cheaper, hell even raw MSRP they are way less lol!
Last edited by Striker223; Jun 6, 2025 at 01:54 PM.
What do you mean? The performance numbers are in favor of the Audi and don't forget the RS5 exists with a similar engine.
You owe it to yourself to try one and experience the a lot to apply full power at any time
Yeah, the RS5 exists, but, new-for-new, it costs 50% more than my car did.
And, still, IS 500 will beat a stock S5 in a straight line. The new S5 is 300 pounds heavier than my IS 500 is, with less horsepower. The math ain't mathing. All the numbers I was previously talking about were for the outgoing, lighter S5 coupe. I can't imagine the new car will be faster given its substantial weight gain. Sure - maybe the S5 has a little edge in grip from the factory, but again, any IS 500 owner can and should swap tires to remedy that issue. The OE tires truly are tragic, and upgrading made a dramatic difference in my ability to put the power down as well as chuck it into a turn.
And, the whole "apply full power at any time" - I will say, that is a good thing about AWD performance cars. I think the M235i I drove recently (which, incidentally, posts extremely similar acceleration and cornering numbers to an S5) felt so zippy because it had short gearing and AWD. It just leapt off the line every time. It was fun. For me? Eh... it was a bit small and a bit harsh over bad pavement. But I did enjoy it a lot.
respectfully your cars are a decade or more old. all manufacturers have cheapened their interior materials in most models or made changes due to tightening environmental regulations. part of that is to pay for screens, software and more complex drivetrains i'm sure.
Not directed at you, but to addon.
The last holdout was Lexus, but they have smartened up. Why make interior design upscale, look for unique materials and complex designs, when literally minimalism sells in volume anywhere?
If they complain there either not a new car buyer, or distract them with gigantic screens.
I love the tightening regulations part btw.
Step 1: Remove Leather Surfaces because tanneries pollute
Step 2: Introduce non degradable materials and/or vegan leather which is made from petroleum.....that too in eco friendly electric cars.
