Audi S4 or Audi A5

[OrbitalDawn]

Your wallet will also appreciate the A5's 2.0T...

 

[SauRoNZA]

And an S Tronic unit?

Is actually fixable in most cases...unless you go to Audi where they simply replace it.

I assume you are referring to the Mechatronics unit.

 

[Maverick Jester]

Agreed, although an enthusiast knows the differences, which are clear.

For the average Joe, the styling differences between the bodies of a regular Xenon/LED dot B8 and B8 S4 are subtle and insignificant. But the rear changes things a bit, those 4x divorce pipes, that diffuser...

If only they made the S4 'chunkier' and more aggressive. Then again the B7 S4 was also quite tamely designed and unassuming, besides the mags, quad exhaust and chrome side mirrors.

One would not have expected a 4.2L V8 plant under the hood, like they would an RS4 (chunky, aggressive, has a presence).



Agreed. If it was my money, I'd go for the non-facelift. Same car inside and 90% of the outside. And I do love those LED dots, gives the A5 pre facelift an awesome presence and 'wide' look.



I can vouch for this, my 2.0T sounds great (like a GTI) and turns heads but can be a bit whiney/tinny when the revs are high and slowly coming down. Downpipe and freeflow fixes this, but I won't be modifying my babe.

I dunno why I didn't notice missing the "pre" regarding the A5. I'm also partial to the pre-facelift model, for exactly that "wide" presence. I do wish that they made the S4 a bit more aggressive, but I think we've been spoiled by the RS series. Oh, and let's not forget the awesome sound of the 2.0T with a dual-shift 'box.

I have the same S4 (B8) - looks identical. The S4 (B8) although not great as the previous V8, has a very nice sounding exhaust note.

EDIT : It is early 2012 ; pre face lift

So you're basically swapping your current one for an S-tronic? That's no fun at all...

 

[Dolby]

Your wallet will also appreciate the A5's 2.0T...

True - lower capital outlay, lower fuel costs and hopefully lower insurance costs. I think my minds made up - but I'll miss the blasting in just over 5 seconds :/ Scared many a car ....

That said, the A5 seems to be no slouch with a 155kw / 350nm engine. Claimed 0-100km/h is 6.6 seconds

 

[PostmanPot]

I dunno why I didn't notice missing the "pre" regarding the A5. I'm also partial to the pre-facelift model, for exactly that "wide" presence. I do wish that they made the S4 a bit more aggressive, but I think we've been spoiled by the RS series. Oh, and let's not forget the awesome sound of the 2.0T with a dual-shift 'box.

Indeed. And pre-facelift A5 is ±R225,000.00 or less for one with decent mileage, could also look at a 2011 model with plan till 2016. Nice saving of R80,000.00 there. Although if financing, of course, then it's not as much of a biggie if looking at your car as a monthly expense.

So you're basically swapping your current one for an S-tronic? That's no fun at all...

He loves his car for its performance, but traffic is killing him. One of the hardest things is downgrading engine size. I say a 2.0T is going to be less fun. Look better yes, but that is not what's most important.

 

[Dolby]

So you're basically swapping your current one for an S-tronic? That's no fun at all...

When I got it, I thought I could deal with the traffic. I was on the road to 40 min (to work) and 30 min (back). That's increased to 1h30min (to work) and 30 min (back). So I'm now on the road 2 hours minimum every day :/

There's a point in the work which is a slight uphill of 1km which takes 40 minutes alone. I'm seriously battling with this and it's eating away the clutch, which is R30,000.00. So yea, the plan was S Tronic only.

Manual is great for zipping around and the control of the car - but S Tronic is better every day

 

[Dolby]

Indeed. And pre-facelift A5 is ±R225,000.00 or less for one with decent mileage

Where?

The same spec on Autotrader is R360,000.00. Trade is far far more than the R225,000 as well

 

[PostmanPot]

Where?

The same spec on Autotrader is R360,000.00. Trade is far far more than the R225,000 as well

+R225,000.00 is probably a bit low generally speaking, but I do base my figures on private sales I've seen on Gumtree. I am too careful with my money to buy from a dealer, and there's little point when you have FSH on the Audi system, balance of plan, etc.

We should also consider that your A5 is a private deal, stealerships would add 10% onto that. And we are comparing to the S4 at stealership price.

http://www.gumtree.co.za/s-cars-bak...op1?cy=2010,2011&km=0,70000&sort=pr&order=asc

 

[Maverick Jester]

Indeed. And pre-facelift A5 is ±R225,000.00 or less for one with decent mileage, could also look at a 2011 model with plan till 2016. Nice saving of R80,000.00 there. Although if financing, of course, then it's not as much of a biggie if looking at your car as a monthly expense.

Absolutely.

He loves his car for its performance, but traffic is killing him. One of the hardest things is downgrading engine size. I say a 2.0T is going to be less fun. Look better yes, but that is not what's most important.

I don't actually blaming, merely teasing it's a great option to have, really.

I agree that downgrading the engine is difficult to do, but I dunno if the A5 will be less fun. The acceleration may not be up to the same level, but it's no slouch either, and he might be less tempted to floor the pedal. I've actually enjoyed the fact that my driving style has become a lot less aggressive and very relaxed- it's actually made it reasonably fun to drive in JHB again. Though, I do not drive an S-tronic Audi

 

[Maverick Jester]

When I got it, I thought I could deal with the traffic. I was on the road to 40 min (to work) and 30 min (back). That's increased to 1h30min (to work) and 30 min (back). So I'm now on the road 2 hours minimum every day :/

Ouch. Far better to perform that slog with an S-tronic.

There's a point in the work which is a slight uphill of 1km which takes 40 minutes alone. I'm seriously battling with this and it's eating away the clutch, which is R30,000.00. So yea, the plan was S Tronic only.

Completely understandable. Used to have a similar sort of traffic situation until I changed jobs.

Manual is great for zipping around and the control of the car - but S Tronic is better every day

So many people I know that have owned a dual-clutch vehicle, say that they could never go back to manual. I don't blame them, especially with the traffic in the north of JHB.

 

[DominionZA]

And an S Tronic unit?

I asked Audi Airport about this and they say out of plan Audi SA will cover 70% of S-Tronic repairs. This was a big concern of mine after my S-Tronic failure. No longer a concern.
I do however need to get this in writing though.

True - lower capital outlay, lower fuel costs and hopefully lower insurance costs. I think my minds made up - but I'll miss the blasting in just over 5 seconds :/ Scared many a car ....

That said, the A5 seems to be no slouch with a 155kw / 350nm engine. Claimed 0-100km/h is 6.6 seconds

Good move. I also vote A5. Beast of a machine - and looks it too.
The S-Tronic transmission is just wicked. I almost permanently floor it 1 through 4 just to hear and feel that insane gear change.

 

[Dolby]

I haven't dealt with that dealer - but I'd be very weary on a claim like that. I've dealt with Audi SA beforehand and I doubt they'd go f their way if they don't have to.

PS Try an S4 1 through 4 My biggest mistake was driving that S Tronic S4 yesterday, as it's on my mind. But the head prevails and the A5 it is. I plan an RS5 grill at some stage too

 

[PostmanPot]

I haven't dealt with that dealer - but I'd be very weary on a claim like that. I've dealt with Audi SA beforehand and I doubt they'd go f their way if they don't have to.

How much for your S4? Sad you're letting go now, you know I wanted to buy it.

PS Try an S4 1 through 4 My biggest mistake was driving that S Tronic S4 yesterday, as it's on my mind. But the head prevails and the A5 it is. I plan an RS5 grill at some stage too

 

[dualmeister]

View attachment 192956

I love these mags

 

[Dolby]

How much for your S4? Sad you're letting go now, you know I wanted to buy it

They're giving me R250,000.00

You've still got time

 

[PostmanPot]

They're giving me R250,000.00

You've still got time

Sjoe. You're really making my heart race here.

My current still looks better though.

Now I sound like an A5 over S4 advocate...

 

[Awesum]

I would choose the A5 purely based on looks. The S4 looks dated and boring.
The body of the A5 is a bit heavy for the 2.0T and makes it feel a bit sluggish. That's easily fixed with a Revo stage 2 map

Enjoy your new car.

 

[Dolby]

They've actually increased torque on that 2.0T for that A5 Quattro to 350nm. Gives it a claimed 6.6 seconds and more than likely a real world sub 7 seconds which isn't too bad

 

[DominionZA]

All this 0 to 100 talk... How do you get this info (besides doing it and timing it)? I am curious what mine can do (always too busy looking at the road when peddle to the metal).

 

[Foxhound5366]

All this 0 to 100 talk... How do you get this info (besides doing it and timing it)? I am curious what mine can do (always too busy looking at the road when peddle to the metal).

You can just go here: http://www.wheels24.co.za/PricesAndSpecs