[danjwilson]

I had this dilemma like many folks on this forum. In the end, the fantastic sound that the S5 makes and the fairly modest performance improvements over the 3.0TDI wasn't sufficient justification for the additional running and depreciation costs. In fact, if I'm honest, on my budget and mileage (15k / year), I doubt I could have afforded the S5.
At the end of the day, it's horses for courses... If your annual budget can sustain it, then I'm sure you won't look back having picked an S5. For me, the head ruled the heart, but only very slightly! :cheers:

 

[danjwilson]

...If you have a Manual S5 and want fun I would bank on 15-18 mpg tops , A 3.0Tdi should achieve double that. I never got below 34.3 (averaging 84mpg -not in UK!) on mine and typically over 40....

...42.2 Mpg on a Tdi at 75mpg!

Surely you mean mph RG...?

 

[danjwilson]

It is only fair to compare stock with stock IMO. That said, for me at least, there isn't sufficient additional 'fun' from the S5 to justify the additional running costs (in the UK) over the 3.0TDI. That's why I have the oil burner, not the rubber burner!!!
That doesn't detract in any way from the fact that, for pure fun, with additional costs of no consideration, I would have chosen the S5, probably for the sound alone!

 

[danjwilson]

...Seems we agree on the Tdi ;-)

Absolutely. An easy choice for me. More power than an old fart like me can usefully use, and the best mpg I've ever had! Where's the choice to be made RG?!

@joegals - Hear what you're saying Joe, but I think the line's far more blurred than you paint... With my mileage as a daily driver vehicle, I'm saving over £2100 a year on fuel and VED alone set against the S5 V8 (assuming avg 35mpg for me and 20mpg for S5). Add to this the fact that (on paper and assuming stock) the S5 is only 0.8 sec quicker to 62mph and limited to the same top end (neither of which my driving exploits), it makes the TDI an attractive proposition, not just a tractor.
There is one but... that V8 noise! But, to me at least, that just wasn't worth an extra £2100 per year to run.
Each side of this discussion will always have it's advocates, and mostly for very valid (but sometimes emotive) reasons. Personally, I don't think anyone is wrong or right, just different!
:cheers:

 

[danjwilson]

Your point is fair and well-made Dan and indeed, each to their own - my distaste where diesels are concerned is indeed that - mine - and I make the choice, at some expense (although my employment contract fortunately mitigates fuel costs), to allocate a proportion of my readies towards fulfilling something I enjoy, namely a relatively performant petrol car.

One thing I forgot to mention (which bhk1004 touched on) is the noise element which a number have raised - yes, the noise of a modern V8, particularly when freed and enhanced through a sports exhaust, can be pretty intoxicating. But it's not the clincher - what sways it for me, every time, is the immediacy and responsiveness of petrol vs. diesel. No compromise, just what God intended when he invented the (petrol-engined) motor car.

By the way - I don't use the word 'tractor' once - although now you've mentioned it, it does emphasise my point that that's where diesel engines belong.

Can't fault you Joe, in your situation I'd have made the same choice, and I'd be a liar if I said otherwise. However, I'm still on the right horse for my course buddy...! :cheers:

 

[danjwilson]

I'm certain you won't be disappointed. Whether 3.0TDI or S5, both are fantastic car's in their own right and for some very different aspects (dispite their obvious other similarities!).
Enjoy! :thumbsup:

 

[danjwilson]

A quote from my mate who drives an 2010 A5 2.0T (not on the forum) "I often sit in my A5 looking across the next lane at an S5 owner thinking damn I wish I had bought one of them but I bet you the guy in the S5 never looks back and thinks the same about my car".........

It's true, I often find myself thinking similarly. But then, when I pull up at the filling station those thoughts melt away!

 

[danjwilson]

But there is still more fun between the filling stations with S5 ... :thumbsup:

Can't argue with that C99...! I'd have one myself if money was less object.! :thumbsup:

 

[danjwilson]

I won't be thinking about the S5 owner when I'm on my chalet skiing holiday with my girlfriend, paid for with the £2,000 which I saved that year by buying the TDI instead :thumbsup:

Btw it's dumping heavily in the Alps right now! Going in February - can't wait!

I save about £2100 per year in fuel and VED savings with the 3.0TDI over an S5, but with a wife, 3 kids, 1 grandkid and another imminent, do you think I get to spend it!!!!!!!!! Not a chance! :thumbsdown: