Audi RS5 - the good, bad and ugly
Discussion
Had my 135i E82 for coming up to a year now, don'5 find it inspiring, don't wake up a Sunday and think fire it up and head to Wilton/Goodwood/SS etc.
Plus it's not been the most comfortable with recent work commutes to Coventry. Wish i'd gone DCT.
I'm no track guy and normal office is Segensworth in Hampshire, which I walk to unless chucking it down.
So thinking time for a change.
E92 M3 mDCT
C63
IS-F
RS5
RS5 interested in due to traction as my 135i isn't nice in bad weather.
Budget £25-27k ish
Mulling selling the 135i and saving any cash etc.
Plus it's not been the most comfortable with recent work commutes to Coventry. Wish i'd gone DCT.
I'm no track guy and normal office is Segensworth in Hampshire, which I walk to unless chucking it down.
So thinking time for a change.
E92 M3 mDCT
C63
IS-F
RS5
RS5 interested in due to traction as my 135i isn't nice in bad weather.
Budget £25-27k ish
Mulling selling the 135i and saving any cash etc.
Test drove an RS5 a few months ago and absolutely loved it. Probably contrary to what the press wrote about it, I loved the way it went, sounded and felt. I suspect your budget will get you into one. Given how everything is going forced induction these days, a nice N/A V8 will keep you entertained.
G
G
Depends what you've come from i guess. For me, the A5 is very dated now (it's a 9 year old car); the sat nav is very old and in general it is well behind current Audis which would bug me.
From a driving perspective, they go round corners and sound lovely. They also look great with the big arches. They are not an enthusiast's car though; it's not a b-road machine that you will look forward to drive.
It is - like most Audis - very 'capable'. It will cover ground quickly which is satisying in some regard, but it's not remotely involving (perhaps an ideal commuter then!). Compared to modern performance cars it's not THAT quick given it is sans turbo, which is where everything is headin now.
One last thing - I would look up the launch of the new RS5, as it may impact pricing of the outgoing one.
From a driving perspective, they go round corners and sound lovely. They also look great with the big arches. They are not an enthusiast's car though; it's not a b-road machine that you will look forward to drive.
It is - like most Audis - very 'capable'. It will cover ground quickly which is satisying in some regard, but it's not remotely involving (perhaps an ideal commuter then!). Compared to modern performance cars it's not THAT quick given it is sans turbo, which is where everything is headin now.
One last thing - I would look up the launch of the new RS5, as it may impact pricing of the outgoing one.
I've driven 3 out of 4 on your hit list, and I know someone who had an IS-F not so long ago.
I'd pretty much put them in the order you've listed in terms of desirability to me IF they were a special occasion car rather than a daily. If it were needed on a daily basis I'd swap the C63 to the top of the list for having a less manic gearbox that drops 2 cogs every time you breath lightly on the throttle, as the M3 does. I like the M3 (we test drove a saloon version) and for our use it would've annoyed us too much for the 5% of the time we would've enjoyed it as intended.
The IS-F has some thoroughly oddball switchgear ergonomics that would probably annoy you coming from a BMW or Audi - by coincidence my parents have an IS250 so am familiar with the model - the F does sound epic (on a par with the C63) but many have been chavved as they're so cheap to buy. They're very under the radar image-wise which will be either good or bad, depending on your priorities!
As a daily the RS5 has strong appeal, but i can't get excited about the FSI V8s of that era. We ended up with an S5 v6t instead as the low range punch was far more what we were after. It's dreadful on fuel, just like the V8, but if you get a post facelift one they're much better.
RS6 saloon might be in budget if you don't mind 4 doors? Might not be what you're looking for though....
I'd pretty much put them in the order you've listed in terms of desirability to me IF they were a special occasion car rather than a daily. If it were needed on a daily basis I'd swap the C63 to the top of the list for having a less manic gearbox that drops 2 cogs every time you breath lightly on the throttle, as the M3 does. I like the M3 (we test drove a saloon version) and for our use it would've annoyed us too much for the 5% of the time we would've enjoyed it as intended.
The IS-F has some thoroughly oddball switchgear ergonomics that would probably annoy you coming from a BMW or Audi - by coincidence my parents have an IS250 so am familiar with the model - the F does sound epic (on a par with the C63) but many have been chavved as they're so cheap to buy. They're very under the radar image-wise which will be either good or bad, depending on your priorities!
As a daily the RS5 has strong appeal, but i can't get excited about the FSI V8s of that era. We ended up with an S5 v6t instead as the low range punch was far more what we were after. It's dreadful on fuel, just like the V8, but if you get a post facelift one they're much better.
RS6 saloon might be in budget if you don't mind 4 doors? Might not be what you're looking for though....
Terminator X said:
Not likely to be any time soon as Audi generally save the RS version for the end of the product lifecycle.
TX.
Hasn't that changed somewhat in more recent times? I'm sure the RS3 and RS6 haven't lagged far behind the main models, as Audi have figured there's strong demand there for the halo model and they can knock them out on the regular production line.TX.
The new shape A/S5 coupe are showing on audi.co.uk and they're due to launch November-ish IIRC with deliveries early next year, but no imminent RS announcement by the looks of it
The new one would tempt me if it were available as a Sportback
I've got an RS5 at the moment and am just about to change it. The sat nav is a generation behind but it quick enough and routes well, and I don't think that the interior hasn't dated badly. It doesn't have the old S velour type seats which did date terribly, but just a plain leather - wonder if that's what you are thinking of?
I had the old-style C63 Coupe before and I think that was a better car actually, but it was the winter/wet weather driving which bounced me into the RS5 and I've been very pleased. But saying that, I am back to AMG for my next one.
Not sure timing would work (mine is not going to be available for a few months as I wait for my new car) but I think you'll be happy with the RS5
I had the old-style C63 Coupe before and I think that was a better car actually, but it was the winter/wet weather driving which bounced me into the RS5 and I've been very pleased. But saying that, I am back to AMG for my next one.
Not sure timing would work (mine is not going to be available for a few months as I wait for my new car) but I think you'll be happy with the RS5
mikeyscott said:
Had my 135i E82 for coming up to a year now, don'5 find it inspiring, don't wake up a Sunday and think fire it up and head to Wilton/Goodwood/SS etc.
Plus it's not been the most comfortable with recent work commutes to Coventry. Wish i'd gone DCT.
I'm no track guy and normal office is Segensworth in Hampshire, which I walk to unless chucking it down.
So thinking time for a change.
E92 M3 mDCT
C63
IS-F
RS5
RS5 interested in due to traction as my 135i isn't nice in bad weather.
Budget £25-27k ish
Mulling selling the 135i and saving any cash etc.
I had an 2009 S4 (3.0V6T) for a short while, before the S-Tronic decided to get a bit grumpy and threaten a large bill or three. Looking for a replacement, I drove your top three; couldn't find an RS5 in budget, and drove a local manual e90 M3 not the e92 DCT version. Other than that, identical.Plus it's not been the most comfortable with recent work commutes to Coventry. Wish i'd gone DCT.
I'm no track guy and normal office is Segensworth in Hampshire, which I walk to unless chucking it down.
So thinking time for a change.
E92 M3 mDCT
C63
IS-F
RS5
RS5 interested in due to traction as my 135i isn't nice in bad weather.
Budget £25-27k ish
Mulling selling the 135i and saving any cash etc.
Context: daily driver, about 12-15k a year, 2 children that would need ferrying around occasionally, large second car to deal with load lugging.
I thought the M3 sounded great and would have benefitted from the usual 2-pipe mod to make it sing. The downside was the potential for M-bills and also having to rev the nuts off it to get something sensible happening. The local one needed brakes / tyres and some paint correction but the dealer wouldn't budge so I walked. Nothing else locally appealed or fit the spec / budget.
I couldn't find a local C63 in budget so I tried a sensible equivalent from the main dealer here in Edinburgh. It was well out of budget but was the only option. The noise / engine was and always shall be epic. Just wow. The flip side would be that I'd be forever driving around like a loon ...... at <20mpg. So that was out.
As noted above I couldn't find an RS5 that suited. Moving on.
Couldn't find a local ISF for sale initially, but father of one of my daughters classmates had one so I had a poke around. 2010 car so it came with the updated suspension (pre-2010 suspensions was heavily criticised for being rock hard) and an LSD as standard, plus this particular one had a switchable-valved custom exhaust and a set of 2-season old winter tyres. Coincidentally, he was considering getting out of the ISF and into something else (he ended up in an A45), so he had my attention.
Drive wise, it has all the toys: adaptive cruise, dab, sat-nav, CD, sport / snow mode, memory everything and a secondary air intake that means at 3,600 it goes full NASCAR. Servicing from the local Lexus garage isn't too painful, and reliability is very good. This last point was crucial for me, a) because of my S-Tronic experiences and b) because of the higher mileage I'd be doing. Speaking of which, I can get 30mpg and 26-27mpg avg from the tank, which isn't bad from the 5.0 V8. Downsides are that the engine is down on torque compared to the competitors (except the M3 , which is close), but that's just an excuse to mash the pedal.
I like the rarity of them (<220 in the UK), the noise, the ride and so far the reliability.
I joined up with a local group for a drive up to Loch Etive (Skyfall scenic locations) and with a couple of Porsches, a Ferrari and a new Focus RS, the ISF wasn't put to shame despite being the only 'sensible' family car in the bunch.
I currently have a 535d touring which I do love, but I don't need an estate anymore so funnily enough had exactly the same list of cars on the radar as you do.
There are quite a few reviews on youtube of the various machines and concluded from these that.....An M3 is a real enthusiasts car, more focused and point to point quicker than the others. A C63 makes a magnificent sound, is bit of a hooligan and you celebrate whenever you arrive anywhere as it will try and light the tyres up and kill you on every outing. The RS5 is a bit dull, no more special than an S5, heavy and not as much fun.
So this Saturday I pick up my dull, heavy not as much fun as a C63 or M3, RS5!!
All three cars are amazing in their own way but I have a focussed weekend car so thought a little bit of comfort would be nice so started to lean towards the RS5. I also like the sound of getting to where I go without drama, so again the RS5 pipped the C63 and to be fair, I don't think the RS5 photographs very well, so it's not until you stand next to one that it actually looks quite pretty and purposeful. I think I've had that moment where I've said 'that's it, i'm definitely getting the *Insert name of car here*!!', but having gotten up close and personal with the RS5, it's decision made.
It looks fairly subtle but mildly aggressive. It can be quiet and comfortable when you want it to but press a button and it gets louder, a bit rumbly but still nice and not overly raucous. I guess you could say it doesn't do the signature moves of the C63 or M3. but I found this bit of a positive.
If Adem sorts a meet soon, I'll bring it up to the Roebuck instead of the Exige and you can have a go in it. Now we're approaching wet slippery road season, I know out of an M3, C63 and RS5 I'd rather be driving....well OK, an M3 or C63 would be great fun obviously, but I meant the sort of fun that doesn't sneak up on you when you're not expecting it!
There are quite a few reviews on youtube of the various machines and concluded from these that.....An M3 is a real enthusiasts car, more focused and point to point quicker than the others. A C63 makes a magnificent sound, is bit of a hooligan and you celebrate whenever you arrive anywhere as it will try and light the tyres up and kill you on every outing. The RS5 is a bit dull, no more special than an S5, heavy and not as much fun.
So this Saturday I pick up my dull, heavy not as much fun as a C63 or M3, RS5!!
All three cars are amazing in their own way but I have a focussed weekend car so thought a little bit of comfort would be nice so started to lean towards the RS5. I also like the sound of getting to where I go without drama, so again the RS5 pipped the C63 and to be fair, I don't think the RS5 photographs very well, so it's not until you stand next to one that it actually looks quite pretty and purposeful. I think I've had that moment where I've said 'that's it, i'm definitely getting the *Insert name of car here*!!', but having gotten up close and personal with the RS5, it's decision made.
It looks fairly subtle but mildly aggressive. It can be quiet and comfortable when you want it to but press a button and it gets louder, a bit rumbly but still nice and not overly raucous. I guess you could say it doesn't do the signature moves of the C63 or M3. but I found this bit of a positive.
If Adem sorts a meet soon, I'll bring it up to the Roebuck instead of the Exige and you can have a go in it. Now we're approaching wet slippery road season, I know out of an M3, C63 and RS5 I'd rather be driving....well OK, an M3 or C63 would be great fun obviously, but I meant the sort of fun that doesn't sneak up on you when you're not expecting it!
Autopilot said:
I currently have a 535d touring which I do love, but I don't need an estate anymore so funnily enough had exactly the same list of cars on the radar as you do.
There are quite a few reviews on youtube of the various machines and concluded from these that.....An M3 is a real enthusiasts car, more focused and point to point quicker than the others. A C63 makes a magnificent sound, is bit of a hooligan and you celebrate whenever you arrive anywhere as it will try and light the tyres up and kill you on every outing. The RS5 is a bit dull, no more special than an S5, heavy and not as much fun.
So this Saturday I pick up my dull, heavy not as much fun as a C63 or M3, RS5!!
All three cars are amazing in their own way but I have a focussed weekend car so thought a little bit of comfort would be nice so started to lean towards the RS5. I also like the sound of getting to where I go without drama, so again the RS5 pipped the C63 and to be fair, I don't think the RS5 photographs very well, so it's not until you stand next to one that it actually looks quite pretty and purposeful. I think I've had that moment where I've said 'that's it, i'm definitely getting the *Insert name of car here*!!', but having gotten up close and personal with the RS5, it's decision made.
It looks fairly subtle but mildly aggressive. It can be quiet and comfortable when you want it to but press a button and it gets louder, a bit rumbly but still nice and not overly raucous. I guess you could say it doesn't do the signature moves of the C63 or M3. but I found this bit of a positive.
If Adem sorts a meet soon, I'll bring it up to the Roebuck instead of the Exige and you can have a go in it. Now we're approaching wet slippery road season, I know out of an M3, C63 and RS5 I'd rather be driving....well OK, an M3 or C63 would be great fun obviously, but I meant the sort of fun that doesn't sneak up on you when you're not expecting it!
It's funny you say that as it's pretty much what I think, I have a friend who'll just say boring etc etc. but then he has a 130i and a 964..There are quite a few reviews on youtube of the various machines and concluded from these that.....An M3 is a real enthusiasts car, more focused and point to point quicker than the others. A C63 makes a magnificent sound, is bit of a hooligan and you celebrate whenever you arrive anywhere as it will try and light the tyres up and kill you on every outing. The RS5 is a bit dull, no more special than an S5, heavy and not as much fun.
So this Saturday I pick up my dull, heavy not as much fun as a C63 or M3, RS5!!
All three cars are amazing in their own way but I have a focussed weekend car so thought a little bit of comfort would be nice so started to lean towards the RS5. I also like the sound of getting to where I go without drama, so again the RS5 pipped the C63 and to be fair, I don't think the RS5 photographs very well, so it's not until you stand next to one that it actually looks quite pretty and purposeful. I think I've had that moment where I've said 'that's it, i'm definitely getting the *Insert name of car here*!!', but having gotten up close and personal with the RS5, it's decision made.
It looks fairly subtle but mildly aggressive. It can be quiet and comfortable when you want it to but press a button and it gets louder, a bit rumbly but still nice and not overly raucous. I guess you could say it doesn't do the signature moves of the C63 or M3. but I found this bit of a positive.
If Adem sorts a meet soon, I'll bring it up to the Roebuck instead of the Exige and you can have a go in it. Now we're approaching wet slippery road season, I know out of an M3, C63 and RS5 I'd rather be driving....well OK, an M3 or C63 would be great fun obviously, but I meant the sort of fun that doesn't sneak up on you when you're not expecting it!
Yes I'm looking out for when Adam pulls his finger out as for various reasons work/stuff/holiday etc. I've missed all the summer meets there. Goodwood bound in a few weeks in a mates VXR, but that's it.
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