The Audi S5: Better than BMW's M5?

this is a silly review but I know how this site loves flame wars

August 22 2007: 4:59 PM EDT

(Fortune Magazine) -- There are a lot of desirable high-performance German four-seaters on the market: several Mercedes AMGs, almost everything from BMW, multiple Audis, even VWs. In my opinion, however, the granddaddy of them all is the BMW M5.

I owned the last-generation M5. It was my idea of a family car (I had just had a baby and was determined not to go the minivan route). My M5 ate tires for breakfast, and the dealer experience was appalling, but each time I drove the car I was transported to a higher, faster, better-engineered place.

And so, fair or foul, the current M5, bless its 500-horsepower V-10 soul, is the mental benchmark against which I assess all other German coupes and sedans. That seems like an unfair hurdle for the latest entry into the club, Audi's new S5, which arrives in the U.S. in November. At roughly $55,000 (as tested), it's half the price of the BMW and offers two-thirds of the M5's power.

Read Article

Treeman888 - 8/23/2007 4:56:34 PM

-2 Boost

Even though the S5 is a less powerful, I think it looks better than the M5. Plus it's $40,000 less expensive. And $40,000 is a whole other (decent) car.

BenzW124 - 8/23/2007 4:57:15 PM

-6 Boost

LOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOOOOOOOOLLLLLLLLLLOLOLOLOOOOOOOLOL!!!

Audi will NVER be beter than anything BMW. What a joke, good one autospies!

Hwany - 8/23/2007 5:24:59 PM

+3 Boost

I guess he doesn't know how to read.
It's by Fortune Magazine, not Autospies.

Idiot

jmrA480 - 8/23/2007 11:05:38 PM

+3 Boost

benz-if you believe that your an idiot. MB made the best cars for years and BMW surpassed them, So why cant Audi Surpass BMW? Audi already makes the best car between the 2, the R8.The RS6 will be better then the M5 and the RS5 should be better then the M3, seeing as how good the S5 is already.

r_driver04 - 8/24/2007 10:05:06 AM

+2 Boost

Can't say I disagree with you. Go ahead, somebody deboost me too.

EnnNorak - 8/24/2007 11:16:19 AM

+2 Boost

I drive an A6 Quatto and can attest to the fact that it's fit and finish is totally on par with or better than any of the other German brands. The A6 is slightly larger than the E-Class and much cheaper -- a much better bang for the buck.

GermanNut - 8/24/2007 6:53:40 PM

+2 Boost

LOOOOOLLLL! BenzW124 will never post true facts. He only posts his opinions and when he does attempt to post facts they are always false.

AdmiralT20 - 8/23/2007 5:23:54 PM

+2 Boost

I guess you can use the same logic to ask a similar question " BMW 335i:Better than an Audi S6; or IS350 better than a Mercedes E63 AMG Wagon??
You get what I mean- I honestly don't see it as a fair comparison because the classes are different, and their functionalities are also different.

Hwany - 8/23/2007 5:26:27 PM

+1 Boost

Yeah I dont get why they would compare two different cars that have two different characteristics. Maybe because he has owned the M5 and could put his personal input to the comparison.

jeffy210 - 8/23/2007 5:29:59 PM

+3 Boost

Yes, but just because you have $100,000 to spend does not necessarily mean that you'll spend all of it. It just means you may have a wider range of cars to look at.

jeffy210 - 8/23/2007 5:30:34 PM

+4 Boost

Yes, but just because you have $100,000 to spend does not necessarily mean that you'll spend all of it. It just means you may have a wider range of cars to look at.

BMW4me4ever - 8/23/2007 5:38:18 PM

0 Boost

jeffy ... psst I could get a 335 coupe with a vishnu chip and piggy back it so no warranty void and it will walk all over the Audi S5 for still less money. Does this mean I am going to compare it to the Race Bred M5? no the 335 would get murdered on the track.

minimalist - 8/23/2007 5:41:39 PM

-2 Boost

if the quality and finish of the 335i were comparable or better than the m5, than yes, a comparison could be made. unfortunately, it is not although the interior design of the 3 series is better than the 5 series. lol.

BMW4me4ever - 8/23/2007 5:51:29 PM

+4 Boost

minimalist ... that is your opinoin about exterior styling and interior styling. But since you are the majority then BMW must have missed the boat. Last time I checked they are the number selling luxury car maker in the World. So, apparently all 800k people so far have it wrong. I like the 2008 5-series. I currently have a 2008 535 with a sports package.

BMW4me4ever - 8/23/2007 5:51:38 PM

+1 Boost

minimalist - 8/23/2007 5:59:29 PM

+3 Boost

"But by choosing an S5, you can remain $40,000 richer, money you'll need for the gas - and the speeding tickets. Yes, I speak from experience."

you are talking about something completely different. the article gives people an alternative opinion to cars such as the m5 not a direct comparison in performance or in looks. its irrelevant whether bmw is number 1. the article simply says there are choices that some can consider just as nice in certain aspects other than just mere performance.

guess what? i also own a 03 m5 and a 07 997. i will say out of experience that the interior of the m5 is nice but nothing great. the new 5 turns me off even more in boredom and i cant say other interiors arent nicer than the 5 i own. reason i chose a porsche.

does owning a car from a brand considered number 1 in the world preclude me from looking at other cars? no.

minimalist - 8/23/2007 5:29:54 PM

-3 Boost

wow. there is a lot to say about audi & perhaps even bmw regardless of words when consumers and enthusiasts are comparing the top end of the lowest end models of audi to the highest performing car of bmw.

anyone who says that nothing will every be better than a bmw has never owned a bmw or perhaps not even own a car. lol.

BMW4me4ever - 8/23/2007 5:54:57 PM

+1 Boost

not saying nothing will be better than a BMW. I am saying that comparing a S5, which according to some magazines handles like a 1969 Plymouth Road Runner, to a M5 is ridiculous. The S5 fits in right between the 335 and the new M3. The S5 looks like a nice car. Have to drive one before I make my assestment of it.

IamEvilHomer - 8/24/2007 12:55:21 AM

+4 Boost

bmw where is the review
i have to read it
1969 roadruner?

CLK63BlackSeries - 8/24/2007 3:52:56 AM

-1 Boost

I have owned a 745i for three years and have driven the m3, 335i and m5 among others, and I can say that the driving experience is unmatched. I have driven every model that mercedes has to offer right now, except for the R class and the ML, and I know for a fact that the BMWs all drive better. I'm not saying ride... I'm saying drive! And I've driven the S4, and compared the the M3, the M3 takes the cake. I am sure the R8 will be a better drive than any BMW thus far, but that's a completely different car than anything any of the German brands make. I'm not saying that nothing is better than BMW... but I am for sure saying that almost nothing drives like one. (I said ALMOST)

BMW4me4ever - 8/24/2007 1:45:24 PM

0 Boost

Iamevil ... here is the link to that article by Motive Magazine ...
http://www.motivemagazine.com/pub/feature/comparison_tests/The_Lion_the_Witch_and_the_Wardrobe_-Infiniti_G37_vs_BMW_335i_vs_Audi_S5.shtml

I have never ever seen a BMW in any test compare the front end lifting to a 1969 Plymouth Road Runner.. " The S5's double-wishbone front/multilink rear suspension isnt BMW-taut either. Poke the 4.2-liter, 354-hp, direct-injection V-8 and the front end will rise up like a 1969 Plymouth Road Runner. On the track, the suspension feels soft and the car leans hard into corners." .... this car compares to the Race Track Ready M5 how exactly? Such a stupid article

S4cabriofoxone - 8/24/2007 2:52:23 PM

0 Boost

Everyone knows the M3 is a better driver's car than the M3, even me. That's not news. But the RS4 is the one that gives it a run for its money.

S4cabriofoxone - 8/25/2007 4:17:34 PM

0 Boost

Better driver's car than the *S4*, sorry.

BMW4me4ever - 8/23/2007 5:32:09 PM

-1 Boost

idiots ... M5 vs S5 .. you have got to be kidding? is everyone that posts these ridiculous articles smoking all the time day and night? Why dont we compare a school bus to a porsche Cayenne turbo? Since they handle nothing alike, but you could buy the school bus for $40k less. Think of all the performance upgrades available for the money I saved. I can transport about 30 of my closest friends. I cant do that in the porsche ... what a great buy?

minimalist - 8/23/2007 5:35:41 PM

+2 Boost

i had no clue the only reason people buy cars is for its handling capabilities. gosh.

lotus elise has got it made.

BMW4me4ever - 8/23/2007 5:56:43 PM

+2 Boost

but no one is going to compare the S5 to a M5. Why stop at the M5 and not compare it to a Bentley Continental? That way I could save over 100k for it.

Treeman888 - 8/23/2007 6:04:39 PM

+3 Boost

Well you could compare the BMW M5 to the Bentley Continental GT...they are both cars. Except that the Bentley is for people that have more money. But hey, the M5 is the better value.

But if you are rich enough to buy a Bentley, who cares about the price?

r_driver04 - 8/24/2007 10:10:22 AM

0 Boost

Dude you're funny. The M5 is the absolute greatest sports sedan to ever grace this planet.............ok now you can all deboost me.

PS- Minimalist- I'm pumped on you 'bout the 997.

BMW4me4ever - 8/23/2007 5:35:26 PM

+2 Boost

I could add plush carpeting , a bar, a strippers pole, strippers and a strobe light for the money I would have saved. Forget the Porsche, my next car will be a school bus .......

Treeman888 - 8/23/2007 5:56:11 PM

+2 Boost

Are you making a case for the Audi S5 against the M5? Seems like you are.

IamEvilHomer - 8/24/2007 12:56:48 AM

+3 Boost

bmw this is Forbes mag that is saying this
not Autospies or anyone here

minimalist - 8/23/2007 5:39:00 PM

+5 Boost

a new schoolbus cost more than a new m5.

mini22 - 8/23/2007 7:10:48 PM

+5 Boost

Ok-You guys are car fanatics.The average Joe Blow Yuppie is not. He or she will read this Forbes article and conclude that there is a savings of 40 grand,more comfortable seats,slightly better gas mileage in a car that frankly is better looking then the M5. He or she won't care if it's a second slower to 60 MPH. Its German,its reasonably quick,and it's affordable. Audi has the S5 pegged right.

r_driver04 - 8/24/2007 10:13:40 AM

-1 Boost

But it's not an M5 fighter.

S4cabriofoxone - 8/24/2007 2:54:08 PM

0 Boost

"Reasonably" quick? It's faster than 99% of the cars on the road. I think anyone would be okay with driving a car that goes from 0-60mph in 4.6 seconds.

indoctrin8ed - 8/23/2007 7:56:12 PM

0 Boost

Lame comparo.

These cars do not align well for a comparison.

Coupe vs. Sedan?
Small coupe vs. midsize sedan?
V8 vs v10?

Why not compare the RS4, hell even the S4 to the M5?

If money is the big gap here, then make the point even stronger by comparing the M6 to the S5 - at least they're both coupes for krise sakes.

Treeman888 - 8/23/2007 8:05:10 PM

0 Boost

I'm pretty sure for it's "for Christ's sake"

Treeman888 - 8/23/2007 8:05:22 PM

0 Boost

I'm pretty sure for it's "for Christ's sake"

IamEvilHomer - 8/24/2007 1:03:33 AM

+4 Boost

there have been reviews with the RS4 and the M5

in this link

http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do/Drives/Comparos/articleId=119784

RS 4 is enormous fun, and a much more engaging drive on our favorite roads than the M5. There's an honesty to the RS 4, a willingness to play that cannot be elucidated by bench-racing its specification sheet.

In comparison, there's a sense of artificiality to the BMW M5, even as fleet and composed as it is. Maybe it's the extreme measures taken by BMW's engineers to keep their 4,000-pound sedan from not feeling like one, but after driving the RS 4, the M5 felt strangely detached from the road. Fast, but aloof.

enthusiastx11 - 8/23/2007 9:13:17 PM

-1 Boost

yes, another silly review.

IamEvilHomer - 8/24/2007 1:06:05 AM

+2 Boost

yes i think we said that in the origional post

crackityjones - 8/24/2007 1:42:36 AM

+1 Boost

You guys have all covered the car. Does anyone feel Sue is a little twisted, in a good way?

S4cabriofoxone - 8/24/2007 2:56:19 PM

0 Boost

Yes.

crackityjones - 8/24/2007 1:47:34 AM

+2 Boost

Is the S5 really big enough in back to be a sedan?

IamEvilHomer - 8/24/2007 3:32:20 AM

+4 Boost

it is a litle bigger then an A4 but if you are puting people in the seats a lot you need a 4 door

r_driver04 - 8/24/2007 10:14:51 AM

+1 Boost

Does it have 4 doors?

IamEvilHomer - 8/25/2007 2:23:38 AM

+2 Boost

no that will be the new A4 2009

EnvyofyouRS5 - 8/24/2007 3:28:37 AM

+5 Boost

This is my first of many new posts, I hopefully will be lucky enough to own one of the new RS5's when they come out, and will buy the new RS6 the second it hits dealerships. As a car enthusiast i believe this comparison is Biased and unreasonable. because of the lack of options offered from the M5 vs. the S5 IE 2 more doors, 2 more cylynders, But i think its being compared as in size length feature and interior comfort to money. No one serious about tracking cars is going to spend 100,000 on an m5 when they could buy a 355 Ferrari or a Porsche 2003 turbo which would outperform the m5. As for a serious comparison i will track both the m5 and rs6 and make a true comparison and provide one when i get the chance here at autospies. Agent001 You RULE!

IamEvilHomer - 8/24/2007 3:33:39 AM

+2 Boost

i don't think he rules but he is a ok guy :)

S4cabriofoxone - 8/24/2007 2:59:07 PM

0 Boost

I want the RS5 more than the RS6... but I'll just wait and see.

EnnNorak - 8/24/2007 11:21:54 AM

+1 Boost

jeffy210, the problem I find is that the more you are willing to spend the narrower your choices become. Suddenly the lesser cars become unacceptable and there are fewer luxury cars around to choose from. I find myself spending far too much time trying to beat the sytem by looking at mostly middle-priced cars that have the most luxury features that have tickled down from the more expensive cars.

indoctrin8ed - 8/24/2007 6:34:51 PM

0 Boost

If money is the issue, I'd rather have an E39 M5 than this S5.

S4cabriofoxone - 8/25/2007 4:19:52 PM

0 Boost

I'd rather have an RS4 than either. It has the AWD practicality of the S5 and the driving appeal of the M5.

S4cabriofoxone - 8/25/2007 4:20:17 PM

0 Boost

The woman who wrote this has an M5 (or had).

GermanNut - 8/25/2007 2:39:38 PM

+2 Boost

fanboy host with no appreciation for cars that defeat BMWs regularly now in comparison tests:

AmazinBimmer

GermanNut - 8/25/2007 2:43:02 PM

+2 Boost

I have a feeling the RS6 will leave the M5 for dead. The same for the RS5 versus the M3.

Both cars will have substantially more power than their BMW M counterparts. They will weigh about the same or a little heavier than the BMW Ms, but most importantly Quattro AWD will allow for superior traction and therefore better launches for acceleration tests.

The Audis will have reworked suspensions and will likely defeat the BMW M cars in comparison tests.

The new M3 barely defeats the Audi RS4. Audi is simply making a more attractive daily sports car than BMW at the moment. The BMW M3 and M5 are fine machines but they are too high-strung and can't find the proper balance of luxury and sport on a daily basis.

S4cabriofoxone - 8/25/2007 4:22:07 PM

0 Boost

The Audi S5 is in fact lighter than the new BMW M3, which I find astonishing. The S5 is two inches longer, has AWD and apparently the M3 has the lightest eight-cylinder engine on Earth (as well as a carbon fiber roof), so I don't see how it's possible that the S5 is lighter, but it is. I would be surprised if RS5 was heavier.