Porsche 911 or Audi S5? Buy The Dream Or The Better Looking Car And Pocket $50G's?

As you know, I just got my first glance of the 2009 Porsche 911 and posted a nice gallery and video of the updated icon.

I love the new 911...what's NOT to like?

Carrera S with Sport + package and you're zooming to 60MPH in 4.1 seconds. And that's NOT a typo.

But when i configured the 911S I would want, the MSRP rides right around $105k!!!!!

Which has a WHOLE new meaning in this economy.

I CAN afford it but SHOULD I spend it like a drunken sailor?

Then it hit me.

I could buy a fully loaded S5 coupe that would make most LA girls panties damp and SAVE over $50G's in the process.

Yes, the 911 is faster, but the S5 is better looking, has a nicer interior and it's WAY more rare in snobby Socal.

If I buy the 911, no one would even turn their head on Rodeo drive.

Because EVERYONE has a Porsche in SoCal.

Am I off my rocker here or is the S5 and pocket the cash, the better move?

What would YOU do?

Also, be sure to keep checking our 2008 SEMA Auto Show Photo Gallery for updates

veyron1001 - 11/2/2008 2:34:29 AM

0 Boost

The Audi has a way more aggressive style. I have yet to see someone drive the new Audi's as well

B7FAN - 11/3/2008 9:20:11 AM

0 Boost

I would take the balanced out beauty S5

zorbeeze - 11/4/2008 7:15:13 PM

+1 Boost

"the balanced out"
WHAT the heck are you talking about??????????????????
Balanced out??????

Jaybrn - 11/2/2008 2:52:46 AM

+5 Boost

or wait for the RS5 for closer performance and will be even more rare

993Turbo - 11/3/2008 6:41:16 AM

+5 Boost

The S5 is nice but don't compare its understeering, spongy brakes, and numb steering with the 911. It's not really a fair trade.

WorldofLuxury - 11/2/2008 3:07:18 AM

+5 Boost

For some reason, I'm really attracted to the chrome strip on the Porsche 911 targa.

And I think that the S5 is much more attractive than the A5 and RS5...don't know why 'cause that's just the way it is for me.

Some part of me keeps reminding me that I'd enjoy the Porsche more, in all dimensions.

aarononymous - 11/2/2008 8:07:11 AM

0 Boost

nobody has seen the RS5 yet, the production version will clearly be more aggressive looking & probably more attractive than the s5.

Jaybrn - 11/3/2008 10:34:15 AM

+4 Boost

I agree, the S5 is nice but the Porsche is just a different caliber, I cant believe Agent 001 is even pondering this one. No car for me can ever trump driving experience for appearance under any circumstances; I drive a bolt-on EVO IX after all!

528i - 11/2/2008 3:21:11 AM

+5 Boost

I would get an S5 and a used an E39 M5 with the 911 price.

S4cabriofoxone - 11/2/2008 10:34:47 PM

-4 Boost

Or an S5 and a new M Roadster. Winter car and summer car.

Bored - 11/2/2008 3:56:55 AM

-1 Boost

Get the S5, maybe find an authorized tuner to make it more unique.
Or wait patiently for the RS5.
Then if you just gotta have a 911, a used 996 or 997 can be had for less than $50K with low miles in your area.

Hyundai - 11/2/2008 8:46:08 PM

+3 Boost

*clap*clap*clap*clap*clap*clap*clap*clap*clap*clap*clap*clap*clap*clap*clap*clap*clap*clap*clap*clap*clap*clap*clap*clap*clap*clap*clap*clap*clap*clap*

:)

KZ258 - 11/2/2008 9:23:32 AM

+2 Boost

LOL!!!

Agent001 - 11/3/2008 1:03:18 AM

+3 Boost

Then I really AM an over acheiver! ;)

001

henbmw - 11/2/2008 7:28:46 AM

+1 Boost

Skip 'em both and get an M3

whatsrightisright - 11/2/2008 10:31:53 PM

0 Boost

great car - but obviously you have not driven a porsche

henbmw - 11/3/2008 11:46:58 AM

+3 Boost

Hah. I have, buddy, but these days, it's hard to justify 100k for a 911.

Agent63 - 11/2/2008 7:43:50 AM

+2 Boost

The way I look at it is. If you want a pure driving experience with the expected luxury ammenities and traditional styling choose the 911, you simply can't go wrong no matter how you look at it. In this regard, a GT-R is and shouldn't be in the picture.

If you want a conservatively styled German coupe with a great interior and a nice V8 to boot then the S5 or (A5) is the choice of car for you.

It's too hard for me to choose which poison fits my taste because both of them are unique in their own ways.

001, since you've had previous 911's I say you try out an Audi S5 :). The 911 will always be great and will always be there. The S5 of today will not be the same S5 in it's later years.

A win win situation Don!

whatsrightisright - 11/2/2008 10:44:59 PM

0 Boost

being a drunken sailor - isn't that what owning a sports car is about. S5 is to be admired but a 911 is to be adored! Tell the Audi marketeers to stop being something they're not - stick to your core!

Lexurious - 11/3/2008 5:52:20 AM

+2 Boost

i agree with a63 it is a win win situation.

222max - 11/2/2008 7:46:28 AM

+3 Boost

I don't se how these 2 cars even make a good comparison. I like the Audi more but it's not a sports car to compete with the Porsche.

BTW, I never realized how much front and rear overhang the 911 had until this photo. Still looks good though.

JRobUSC - 11/2/2008 9:10:19 AM

+7 Boost

split the difference and get an M3 coupe. Virtually identical performance to the 911 Carrera S (0-60 in the same 4.1 seconds, similar skidpad grip, shorter braking distance, higher slalom speed, all of which are much better than the S5) and you pocket $30k. In Alpine White with carbon fiber roof, red extended leather (or black leather if you're less adventurous), and 19" wheels, you'll turn plenty of heads. Whether you can "get the LA girls panties wet" or not, well, that's up to you.

KZ258 - 11/2/2008 9:22:34 AM

+1 Boost

the 911S, oo1. the 335i already beat the S5 around the track(the numbers are extremely close, i think the 335i won by 2/10s of a sec) so surely the new 911S could toast the S5 in everyway. I say they booth look really nice but I know i would opt for the 911S without a second thought

S4cabriofoxone - 11/2/2008 10:33:52 PM

+1 Boost

Truth.

I don't know when it will find its way into my life, but I'd like to have some form of 911 within the next few years.

M316 - 11/2/2008 10:14:19 AM

+5 Boost

I know I will get roasted for this but the same way I don't consider the TL or RL serious sports car I dont consider any FWD based Audi a serious sports car. They are beautiful inside and out though.

jayr1 - 11/2/2008 11:06:49 AM

+5 Boost

There's a reason the Audi is "WAY more rare in snobby Socal". Buy the 911, remember, "There is no substitute".

dlin - 11/2/2008 11:30:05 AM

+3 Boost

I don't think 911 is that dream car anymore, but I do think it's a better looking car of these 2.

S5 looks well made, but way too chunky.

Stefano - 11/2/2008 11:31:36 AM

+2 Boost

I'd find out if the Audi has a clutch warranty. Porsche does NOT. I found out the hard way.

SixxFive - 11/2/2008 11:37:43 AM

+4 Boost

I test drove the new 911 Carerra S here in Austin yesterday....all I can say is WOW....what a stunning machine. 001 it sounds like you are more concerned about your image and being seen in the latest "in" car and in that case, yeah, maybe you should buy the Audi but for those who appreciate substance and character over the latest fashion accessory the choice is more than clear..911.

Agent001 - 11/2/2008 12:16:35 PM

-1 Boost

My point in the article is although the Porsche is clearly the better performance/driver of the two, IS the Porsche worth TWICE as much for the $.

001

KZ258 - 11/2/2008 1:32:49 PM

+4 Boost

oo1, if can you really, really afford the 911 than theres your answer. it seems like you cant really afford it unless you do alot of compromising. the leases are sure expensive on 911s arent they? ; )

pcar4evr - 11/2/2008 11:45:19 AM

+3 Boost

I drove both cars. There is no comparison unless you can't afford the Porsche, in which case I'd buy an M3

VISO - 11/2/2008 2:06:18 PM

-1 Boost

I thought they banned this fool, but like roach it keeps reproducing.

Rupert - 11/2/2008 12:13:18 PM

+3 Boost

Well, if I wanted a 911, I'd buy one, and if I wanted an S5, I'd buy that. No comparison. They are completely different cars.

investor27 - 11/2/2008 12:21:03 PM

+3 Boost

I don't know, 001. The 911 S turns my head every time. I was just around the Rodeo Drive last week when I was in Southern California and I did see a few beautiful 911 S. Doesn't diminish the experience at all. I am in the market for one for my wife. The S5 is a beautiful car with an exceptional interior, but there's no comparison here.

investor27 - 11/2/2008 12:40:37 PM

+2 Boost

And why even wait for the RS5 that will be about $20,000 than the $60,000 S5 when you can consider the BMW M3 now. Here's a video review comparison between the new S5 Vs M3 for your enjoyment.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wF5EtSzR7so&feature=related

LUXCAR32 - 11/2/2008 1:04:16 PM

+2 Boost

hard decision! that A5 does look sexy with the LED lights and like you said porsches have become pretty commonplace. I would personally go for the S5, it's aggressive, luxurious, still a good ride, and the price is pretty nice. that is if you are looking for the uniqueness factor. Or if you're looking at the 911 price range, why don't you consider an R8!!!

DieselRules - 11/7/2008 2:12:00 AM

+1 Boost

R8 -- now you're talkin'
Too bad they're sold out for 2+ years!

sizquik - 11/2/2008 1:25:27 PM

+3 Boost

001, you're too big for the P-Car. Get the S5

Hyundai - 11/2/2008 8:47:22 PM

+2 Boost

You mean too fat.

Oh yea, that's why 001 doesn't drive a Porsche anymore.

Fat people can't really fit into sports cars.

Agent001 - 11/3/2008 1:01:01 AM

-1 Boost

I fit fine in a 911.

What a douche.

001

sizquik - 11/3/2008 11:13:51 AM

0 Boost

@001 OK, that was harsh but I'm a chunky guy too. The las thing LA needs is another 911. The S5 will be much more enjoyable and easy to live with. Sit in a 911 then go sit in the S5 and you tell us which feels more exclusive. Obviously the 911 is a better drivers car but in LA the car really can't be pushed to it's potential.

Audiphile - 11/2/2008 2:57:40 PM

+4 Boost

LOL,

If you were as tall and long-torsoed as I am, 001, you would have no choice but to buy the Porsche 911.

The Audi A5 performs well but not as well as the Porsche Carrera4s, but it looks gorgeous and is a hell of a lot cheaper. The interior is lovely, but my head hit the ceiling! Blame that damned sunroof. It's not even a regular sunroof (i.e., tilt-only), but it takes up 1.5 inches of precious headroom.

I fit in the Carrera but just barely. I can fit in the new 'Vette as well. But all of the other sports/GT cars I have tried on (Nissan GT-R, Jaguar XK, Audi TT, BMW 335i coupe & Z4, Mazda Miata, Mercedes CLK & SLK, etc.) either have insufficient legroom, insufficient headroom, over-bolstered seats that are too narrow for my pelvic girdle, or all of the above. I haven't tried on the Audi R8 or the latest Mercedes CL & SL, but these cars are awfully expensive.

Audiphile - 11/3/2008 1:05:18 AM

+1 Boost

LOL - Sailor, remember I said I was long-torsoed. I'm 6'4" tall, but my legs are only 32 inches long. So I'm very tall from the waist up. My torso is as long as a 6'7" guy with normal-length legs.

Rupert - 11/3/2008 8:37:04 AM

+1 Boost

My god you have a long torso.
I'm only 6'2 but I have bizarrely long legs - if measured properly (not the size I buy my jeans in) they're 36 inches...

Rupert - 11/4/2008 12:38:08 PM

+1 Boost

Keep your (huge!) third leg and lard out of this. You're giving me some filthy thoughts about sailors.

And really, my Lupo is spacious - I have to push my seat back as far as I can but I have loads of headroom. My knees are a bit of a squeeze under the steering wheel...

S4cabriofoxone - 11/2/2008 8:46:41 PM

+2 Boost

Agree!

DieselRules - 11/7/2008 2:19:25 AM

+1 Boost

How about the S5 for daily duties, an older 911 to play with on weekends (you can spend a lot more time going flat-out in a 25 year old 911 than a new one, before you lose your license) and still have $30k left for a 5+ year old M3 convertible that you can tell your wife you bought for her :)

KZ258 - 11/2/2008 5:00:00 PM

+4 Boost

excellent point, sailor.

what is your response, oo1? are you just bored and posted this or is there a real reason?

t_bone - 11/2/2008 5:51:36 PM

+2 Boost

I alway like to go to my car show benchmark:

Ask yourself, in 30 years, will people be looking at these cars at a show?

Well, there aren't many that are, but cars like the 911, Viper, Corvette, etc., YES. Performance/luxury coupes and sedans? Aside from maybe a Maserati Quartroporto, NO WAY.

Hyundai - 11/2/2008 8:49:20 PM

+1 Boost

M-B CL? I would think so!

S4cabriofoxone - 11/2/2008 10:31:33 PM

-2 Boost

I think the S5 will go down as one of the most beautiful cars of the early 2000s.

Agent001 - 11/3/2008 1:05:19 AM

+3 Boost

I haven't responded because I have been stuck in LAX all day trying to get to Vegas.

Just got to my room at the Wynn.

001

Mugwump00 - 11/2/2008 5:37:57 PM

+1 Boost

www.autospies.com = www.volkswagen.de/marketing/Hahnwinken.psp

?? ;|

S4cabriofoxone - 11/2/2008 10:36:00 PM

+1 Boost

I don't really get this article.

You're trying to decide whether or not you want to get a car that makes you happy, or one that makes you look good to other people?

The S5 is amazing, I love it, but I don't think there's any comparison here.

Agent001 - 11/3/2008 1:52:56 AM

0 Boost

You guys have mistakenly read this article as if I was trying to decide between the two for ME.

When I wrote it, I did it from the perspective of what a consumer might think if they saw the new 911 and S5 and were trying to decide.

Don't think there is a wrong decision here...both great cars.

I would go 911 because I can have 0-60 in 4.1 AND mid 20's MPG on a long trip.

Plus I can buy the new 911 for a grand over invoice whereas the S5 is still selling for MSRP.

001

TauronB2G - 11/2/2008 11:45:08 PM

+3 Boost

This is a really dumb comparison. The cars don't even compete in any way. They both happen to be German and thats pretty much where the similarities end. that being said...911!!!
T

xj13 - 11/3/2008 5:15:52 AM

+2 Boost

The 911 all the way.

S4cabriofoxone - 11/4/2008 10:24:47 AM

+1 Boost

That's the thing... the 335xi doesn't beat the S5. It's close, but the S5 is quicker and faster.

macbjg - 11/5/2008 4:38:50 PM

+1 Boost

Why is it always about the BMW? Don't you get it, the question here is between an S5 and a 911. Not a 335, not a Gulfstream III or a Star Trek transporter. Perhaps I might like to have one of them but that is not the topic of this post. You just don't get it. I do. You are a BMW fanboy and, therefore, everything revolves around you beloved BMW. When someone asks you what your favorite band is do you somehow weave in how you get wet for BMW's? Finally, 001 is comparing two sexy pieces of machinery, not the two fastest vehicles in the universe. With all due respect, the 335, while fast, looks like the boxes the S5 and 911 come in. If it were all about speed you should rename yourself wrxguy or lancerevoguy. Grow up.

supermoto - 11/3/2008 12:12:20 PM

0 Boost

Why limit to these two choices? If you can truly afford a $105k 911, you can 'man up' and buy a new Vantage. Or used Continental GT...even a Gallardo.

S4cabriofoxone - 11/4/2008 12:09:32 PM

+1 Boost

Except the Vantage isn't as satisfying as a 911. Somebody buying a Vantage should just get an R8 instead, because it shits on it in every respect.

The Conti GT and Gallardo are out of the question here... and neither of them are appreciably quicker than a new Porsche Carrera S which can be had for less than half the price of either.

DieselRules - 11/7/2008 2:24:38 AM

+1 Boost

Vantage is so much sexier and exclusive.
And continental GT so much better for long road-trips.

jjl12 - 11/3/2008 2:34:15 PM

0 Boost

911!!!! No brainer.

klipprand - 11/3/2008 3:03:21 PM

+3 Boost

S5 all the way. Driven them both. Yes the Porche will outdrive the Audi when going 9/10ths. But on a day to day basis, the Audi captures more attention and offers more comfort and functionality.

DiamondJim - 11/3/2008 11:19:32 PM

+4 Boost

"I could buy a fully loaded S5 coupe that would make most LA girls panties damp and SAVE over $50G's in the process."

not that i need the help in that department, but to also save 50G's to put under my mattress S5 all the way baby! only seen 2 since they came out both in the same week and both times my emotions ramped up. cool article forget these haters...

Whattt - 11/4/2008 5:16:00 PM

0 Boost

Audispies used to be Lexuspies which used to be Autospies.

mini22 - 11/5/2008 6:21:44 PM

+1 Boost

The 2 are totally different cars. The 911 is a true sport car while the S5 is a luxurious sporting GT.The S5 is a beautiful car but it's not like driving a 911.You could more compare an S5 to a BMW 6 series coupe or a 3 series coupe etc.

jochet - 11/6/2008 5:43:21 PM

+1 Boost

I would but the Porsche,the S5 is not in the same class, and if I could buy the Porsche, my pants would be wet.

TheRealJT - 11/6/2008 8:30:52 PM

+2 Boost

I suppose if you're shallow enough that other peoples' opinions of your car matter more to you then your own desires regarding which car to own, then sure, why not save 50K.