S4 to S5

4.2 V8 32v Naturally Aspirated - 349 bhp (Coupe 2007 - 2012)
4.2 V8 32v Naturally Aspirated - 350 bhp (2007 - 2012)
3.0 V6 24v TFSI - 333 bhp (2013 - 2017)
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Nickyboy
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S4 to S5

Post by Nickyboy » Mon Apr 08, 2013 12:41 pm

After 1000 miles I thought I would post up my thoughts of the S5 compared to the S4 avant I had previously.

Couple of pics first:

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Performance

Overall I prefer the S5 as it feels ever so slightly quicker and seems to pull harder, I guess this is because the S5 is lighter. The S5 does feel more planted as well and gives me a bit more confidence in the corners. The S5 is definitely louder with the windows open as well, its got more an aggressive rasp and a louder throttle blip on the up-shifts. I find myself driving with the windows open a lot at the moment. The kickdown feature is bloody awesome. It shifts down gears and pauses before molesting you in lovely torque and power, the S4 started to pull slowly whilst the kickdown was being engaged so there wasn't such a wallop of torque.

Looks

First week I had it i went and visited my Dad and parked it on the main road, within 10 minutes I had a group of lads pull over and started taking photos of it (which I didn't like to be honest, my step Mum soon cleared them off!). It is a bit more of a head turner than the S4, I've had a lot more 'nice car' comments. I really adore how it appears to have RS arches from the front, it doesn't but it's the way have Audi have designed the car that gives this appearance. It didn't look out of place when I placed it next to a B8 RS4 (from the front). I think this is just a spec thing but the wheels appear bigger against the black paint as opposed to the white. I also think the new DRLs look better than on the 4. The S4 did have that sleeper appeal and also was a bloody good looking motor. I love the black metallic paint but it is worse than the white to keep nice. It is also showing some minor swirls whereas the Ibis didn't on the S4. This is just spec comparison though.

Spec

Well I had a poverty(ish) spec S4 compared to the S5 and I hold my hands up and say you guys were right about getting tech pack, drive select etc. The S5 wins here but then so could the S4 if it had more spec.

Day to day

The S5 is perfect for me for during the week, general shopping and it is ok for a weekend away however it does fall short of the S4 when it comes to taking a lot of stuff around. The S5 can become a pain when putting my daughter in the back also as you have to lean over to do her seatbelt up. The Mrs does this normally so it's normally ok for me.

Costs

The S5 cost 48k whereas the S4 cost 43k so you would expect it to be better. The S5 is costing me more as that increased exhaust nose is causing me to use that right foot a lot. Generally the fuel economy is worse at the moment even on a run. The insurance cost is also higher.

Overall

I prefer the S5 overall however this is slightly down to the spec (tech pack high, audi connect high, drive select, auto dimming lights etc). The looks really do it for me as do the kickdown and exhaust note. There is something about owning an S4 that I miss, maybe it's the heritage, fast estate thing.

At the moment the S5 doesn't have annoying rattles or squeaky brakes so this has to be a result!

My mini review above may be biased as I did start to fall out of love with the S4 due to the issues however I thought I'd share anyway.
2014: 8V S3, Scirocco (mistake)
2013: B8 RS 5, 3.0T S5 coupe, B8 S5 cab - temp, B8 S4 avant
2011: 2.0T FL Octavia VRS
2010: 1.8T Octavia VRS

Bacardi Jo
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Re: S4 to S5

Post by Bacardi Jo » Mon Apr 08, 2013 2:53 pm

Been waiting for a review, glad to see your happy with the S5 black will show the swirls more just use what we discussed in the pms and enjoy the reflections.

Nickyboy
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Re: S4 to S5

Post by Nickyboy » Mon Apr 08, 2013 3:47 pm

blackphantom wrote:Been waiting for a review, glad to see your happy with the S5 black will show the swirls more just use what we discussed in the pms and enjoy the reflections.
I intend to make an order next week for the products discussed.

It's a great car and looks better in the flesh when it's clean.

One thing to add: I get cut up less in the S5.
2014: 8V S3, Scirocco (mistake)
2013: B8 RS 5, 3.0T S5 coupe, B8 S5 cab - temp, B8 S4 avant
2011: 2.0T FL Octavia VRS
2010: 1.8T Octavia VRS

Bacardi Jo
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Posts: 532
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Re: S4 to S5

Post by Bacardi Jo » Mon Apr 08, 2013 4:05 pm

Nickyboy wrote:
blackphantom wrote:Been waiting for a review, glad to see your happy with the S5 black will show the swirls more just use what we discussed in the pms and enjoy the reflections.
I intend to make an order next week for the products discussed.

It's a great car and looks better in the flesh when it's clean.

One thing to add: I get cut up less in the S5.
Thats because you're driving faster. :biggrin3:

Nickyboy
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Re: S4 to S5

Post by Nickyboy » Mon Apr 22, 2013 7:55 pm

Been spanking it a lot recently and that throttle blip is really turned up against the S4 my mpg is suffering badly! Still really enjoying the car. As mentioned by hom in another thread the S5 feels more planted, I have a lot more confidence in the twisties.

Getting it on springs and spacers soon as well as it just doesn't seem to sit right, I had the same plans for the S4 as well.
2014: 8V S3, Scirocco (mistake)
2013: B8 RS 5, 3.0T S5 coupe, B8 S5 cab - temp, B8 S4 avant
2011: 2.0T FL Octavia VRS
2010: 1.8T Octavia VRS

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Cuppa
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Location: Lincolnshire, UK

Re: S4 to S5

Post by Cuppa » Tue Apr 23, 2013 9:27 am

Nice write up, glad you're enjoying the '5
S5 Supercharged V8 Coupe - Meteor Grey / Magma
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TTS Supercharger (601PS / 675Nm) | Capristo Valved Exhaust | KW DDC Coilovers | JHM Short-Throw Shifter | HRE P104 21x10.5" + PSS
Ceramic Brakes (R8 GT Front / S7 Rear) | RS5 bootlid | Rieger S5 bumper | Rieger Sideskirts | RS5 grille | SPC adjustable UCA
H&R ARB kit | custom stereo & more |
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535dboy
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Re: S4 to S5

Post by 535dboy » Tue Apr 23, 2013 11:06 am

That does look meaner
Currently :
2019 Porsche 992S (£21k of extra toys)
2019 Porsche Macan S (£18k of extra toys)
2015 Lotus Exige V6 ( c430bhp)
2019 Seat Ibiza excellence Lux! (115bhp, 3 cyl, dsg)
1987 Porsche 928S4
1967 Jaaag Mk2 3.4

Ex
2017 AMG E class wagon
2012 Audi RS4 (B8)
2012 Porsche Boxster S (981)

DazN
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Location: Manchester

Re: S4 to S5

Post by DazN » Sun Aug 11, 2013 7:09 pm

Perhaps a little late but I've read this with interest as I'm looking for an S4 but the facelift version, however I see the S5 Sportback is already the facelift version as it was from the start but has a lot more as standard and looks a bit meaner??

Now I have a dilemma, 2011 S5 or 2013 S4... would the S4 justify the higher price?
Audi S4 (B9)
--------
Gone:
C63 Coupe (2014)
Audi S4 (B8)
BMW M3 (E90)
Audi RS4 (B7)
BMW M5 (E60)
BMW M3 (E46)

Nickyboy
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Joined: Mon Feb 06, 2012 10:38 am

Re: S4 to S5

Post by Nickyboy » Sun Aug 11, 2013 9:20 pm

I would have the 2013 S4 over a 2011 S5. 2013 will be a facelift whereas 2011 wouldn't. As much as I love the S5 coupe, I really dislike the S5 sportback.
2014: 8V S3, Scirocco (mistake)
2013: B8 RS 5, 3.0T S5 coupe, B8 S5 cab - temp, B8 S4 avant
2011: 2.0T FL Octavia VRS
2010: 1.8T Octavia VRS

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