F8x M3 vs. RS5 Sportback?

[s4play]

I was just doing some window shopping at an Audi dealer the other day and saw this beautiful green machine. To be honest I never knew Audi made a "saloon' version of the RS5.

The original RS5 was s 2-door coupe so that was a deal breaker plus no 6-speed option. The new one with the hatchback look is really cool, how does it perform against our M3/M4's?

I was intrigued enough to want to go back and test drive one sometime. Although the Paddle only tranny is still a deal breaker, I loved the unique color and the hatchback configuration.

MSRP was $85k which was less than I expected it to be with the custom color!


Thoughts?

[Humdizzle]

its the weight of an M5 with the power output of an M3. My opinion if you want a luxury car you're better off with a C63, at least you get a V8 in that.

[ra2289]

I really want to like Sportback and would like to test drive one eventually. I may be enticed to switch from BMW when the G80 comes out but I really like the F80. I'm also not ready to give up RWD just yet.

[Maitre_Absolut]

It’s a standard colour. Drives like a faster S5 with same interior. Nothing like previous RS4 that was bespoke

[gatorfast]

Beautiful car and I'm sure it's a great fast luxury cruiser. But I don't think it competes with the M3 performance wise. If comfort and luxury are more important though it prob makes an excellent all around car.

[LukeM15]

You would never get a positive answer here when comparing the two. Post this same question on the Audi forum bet you the answers are different.

To add. Stock vs stock. RS5 takes the M3 from a dig. M3 catches up n passes it. From a roll m3 picks up quicker (lighter). Overall not a bad car just depends what you value most....I might get one lease is coming up....let’s see letting go of the M3 is hard.

[ra2289]

Originally Posted by LukeM15

You would never get a positive answer here when comparing the two. Post this same question on the Audi forum bet you the answers are different.

To add. Stock vs stock. RS5 takes the M3 from a dig. M3 catches up n passes it. From a roll m3 picks up quicker (lighter). Overall not a bad car just depends what you value most....I might get one lease is coming up....let's see letting go of the M3 is hard.

Slightly disagree as the RS5 sport back has been discussed a fair bit on this forum and many do, including myself, like it. It's just hard comparing it directly to the M3 as they are different enough vehicles. I think it'll be a better comparison with the G80 since they'll at least both be AWD.

When it's time to jump to the G80, I'll definitely look into the Sportback as well.

[cotmfk]

This might as well be M3 vs. Camry TRD thread.

The new Audis are so numb.

[Shadow2]

Everybody seems to love the looks, I think its completely out of proportion, look how long the hood is. If the hood wasn't so out of whack with the rest of the car, it would have some potential. As far as vehicle dynamics and such, I'm sure its very good knowing Audi, no drifting of course. Also as far as I know they haven't cracked the ECU yet, once they do I'm sure they'll get some good power out of it.

[ntg44]

The S5 sport back is a much easier sell in my opinion. I drove one and thoroughly enjoyed it, minus the lack of steering feel. But I've been going back and forth about custom ordering a S5 in this exact color, and throwing some black accents with bronze wheels on it. It would be really really hard to skip the M340i for its engine, but the S5 sport back just looks so much better to me.

However, RS5 level is a tough sell for me. I think Audi's S levels are the sweet spot for them.

[nicknaz]

Ehh.

It’s even more compromised than f8x platform.

Not that practical compared to wagon, not fast compared to lighter sedans like f80 (not to mention cheaper pure sports cars), not a good value.

I guess if you like the green color or are an Audi fan go for it?

[brocurls]

Audi steering feel is extremely numb. Hell I much rather prefer the steering in my Mazda CX-5 over the wife's SQ5.

Interior is nice, dash looks more modern than the F8x, but that's where the pros for an Audi end for me.

[EricVR4]

My friend picked up a 2019 RS5 Coupe that I got to see this past weekend. From a dig, those things are quick thanks to the AWD but from a roll or at highway speed it won't keep up with the M3/4.

I didn't get to drive it so I can't comment on how it feels compared to mine, but I really like them. The interior is gorgeous, seats are comfortable, digital cockpit is awesome, and they sound good too. I'd still rather have my ZCP but overall I really liked the RS5.

On a side note, the same friend's brother got a 2019 Giulia QF at the same time and man those cars are fun too

[ZCD1]

Originally Posted by EricVR4

My friend picked up a 2019 RS5 Coupe that I got to see this past weekend. From a dig, those things are quick thanks to the AWD but from a roll or at highway speed it won't keep up with the M3/4...

OTOH, the performance is super-easy to deploy at most any time because quattro.

OTOOH, the Tesla Model 3 Performance also has AWD and is much less expensive while also being faster in daily driving than any of its competitors.

They're all nice cars, though.