Which S5 model?

Author
Discussion

sleepersix

Original Poster:

127 posts

206 months

Tuesday 15th July 2014
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I am currently looking to change out of my 80k mile A5 3.0 TDI Quattro Sport for an S5 Coupe. I have been generally looking at 2010-2011 4.2 V8s with manual gearbox (don't want the slushbox auto), but have an offer of a 2011 3.0 V6T with S-tronic.

Trouble is, I'm not sure which to go for.I like the idea of the NA V8 and manual, and aren't too bothered by the fuel cost, but have read lots of good things about the V6T, usually when in an S4. The 3.0 TDI has been a great workhorse, but I miss the noise and response of a decent petrol engine.

Does anyone have experience of either or both?

djc206

12,239 posts

124 months

Tuesday 15th July 2014
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The A5OC forum is probably the place to look. I think the performance of the 3.0 is better than the V8 but you'll obviously be lacking the V8 soundtrack. Having been in an S4 the s tronic in that is very good.

evilscooby

57 posts

161 months

Wednesday 16th July 2014
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If you think you might want more power or might remap then go for the V6 as it gets 500bhp pretty easily smile

p1tse

1,375 posts

191 months

Wednesday 16th July 2014
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chris harris did a clip as he has a s5 3.0 version remapped and it outruns a rs4, so good enough for me smile

s tronic are no slush box, they are lightening quick!

TobyLaRohne

5,713 posts

205 months

Wednesday 16th July 2014
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I have a 2013 A5 3.0 V6T (petrol) S-Tronic.

Its the same supercharged V6 as the S5 and you can chip it to get 101bhp more at the wheels (according to the APR tuning website).

I won't be doing that as I've got 4 years warranty left.

Its my first DSG and its very good, my favourite game is to mash the throttle out of corners and feeeeeel the G's! biggrin


Dr G

15,157 posts

241 months

Wednesday 16th July 2014
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My choice would be the 3.0 supercharged; neither engine sounds amazing with the standard exhaust but the 3.0 does have a genuinely decent tone to it.

Low 30s to a gallon very doable and the road tax price isn't silly either.

I'd bet on their holding onto better money than a late V8.

va1o

16,029 posts

206 months

Wednesday 16th July 2014
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I'd go with the 3.0 but my preference would be for an Auto 'box.

Also worth noting that spec can be a bit funny on S5s. Avoid the really basic cars missing essentials like Nav and Cruise.

mikeallison13

40 posts

160 months

Wednesday 16th July 2014
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I was looking at the S5 V8 as their is alot more available out there than the S4 V6.

The one thing that has swayed me over to the S4 V6 is Road tax something we all seem to forget Auto examples od the S4 sit in the K Band - £285 odd for 12 months

The V8 I believe sits in M Band. That Means £500 a year. Massive difference.

And as mentioned S4 is ripe for a Remap places like REVO love the engine and are getting some great results.

This is all in my opinion though. Good luck with whatever you go with!!

Adrian E

3,248 posts

175 months

Thursday 17th July 2014
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As Dr G says I'd expect the 3.0 to hold its value better, if that matters to you. Whilst the V8 will be potentially ruinous on fuel in regular use, the VED put us off most of all and I didn't want another torque converter auto.

We've just bought an S5 Sportback, which was never offered with the V8 and is s-tronic only. Very pleased so far, and we would've been equally happy with the right spec S4 if one had come up in budget. Coupe wasn't an option for us as rear seat access is too much of a struggle but I'm guessing a V6T version will be a good bit more money than the V8?

If mileage is over 40k just make sure any s-tronic has had applicable gearbox services smile

sleepersix

Original Poster:

127 posts

206 months

Friday 18th July 2014
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Thanks for all of the responses. The concensus seems to be the 3.0 V6T being the better bet.

I was only focussing on the S5 coupe, with either engine, but could consider the sportback which would pull a few more vehicles with the 3.0 into my price bracket. The sportback seems quite similar to the coupe, although the technical stats suggest the performance is blunted slightly by extra weight. Is this the case, or am I just reading too much into the figures? (0-60 in 4.9 for the S5 coupe - 5.6 for the sportback, both V6T with S-tronic)

s4tronic

245 posts

125 months

Friday 18th July 2014
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figures for S5 V8 are probably more optimistic whilst S5 V6T are probably quicker than stats suggest.
With regards to the chassis as far as I know S5 coupe is a standard A5 chassis whilst S5 Sportback is actually based on modified A4 platform but Dr G can confirm it I'm sure.

mdk1

451 posts

208 months

Friday 18th July 2014
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Having driven lots of different cars with both engines, it would be the V6T for me, just
Feels a lot quicker, and I do like the sound, the V8 feels a little flat.
I would even say I would have the V6T over the RS5, feels every bit as quick in the real world.
What ever you choose, enjoy.

Adrian E

3,248 posts

175 months

Friday 18th July 2014
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From memory the Sportback is identical wheelbase to the S4 range, but a little wider. Sportback is actually slightly shorter than an S4 saloon. Haven't looked at S5 coupe dimensions but that'll tell you a lot. Mechanically there's nothing in it and I'd be surprised if you drove v6t examples of the S5 coupe, S4 saloon and Sportback and noticed any great difference in how quick they feel. Biggest differences seem to be down to tyre and wheel choices. The Sportback feels a good bit lower to the ground than the S4 - you definitely sit down into it

sleepersix

Original Poster:

127 posts

206 months

Tuesday 22nd July 2014
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Thanks for all the advice folks! The concensus seems to be that the 3.0 V6T is the way forward.
Nevertheless I collect my S5 4.2 V8 tomorrow afternoon!

Getting quite excited now!

djc206

12,239 posts

124 months

Tuesday 22nd July 2014
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You can't go wrong with a V8

Wetwipe

3,019 posts

212 months

Tuesday 22nd July 2014
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sleepersix said:
Thanks for all the advice folks! The concensus seems to be that the 3.0 V6T is the way forward.
Nevertheless I collect my S5 4.2 V8 tomorrow afternoon!

Getting quite excited now!
Congrats. Had mine since 2011. Mrs keeps pecking my head to change it but apart from a newer S5 I can't see anything out there that compares for the money.