[ckeck]

I hate being in this situation...I am about to move forward with ordering my new A5 or S5 but I just can't pick between the two. I like the cost of the A5 and the better gas milage, but the significant performance increase of the S5.

My dealer is quoting me just below $50k for the A5 (fully loaded w/ S-line, Premium, Tech, Nav, etc) and just under $58k for the S5 loaded (premium, nav, tech, carbon atlas) including the damn "gas guzzler tax".

The longer wait also sucks, but once again...V8 power and sound...

Any thoughts? Also, does anyone know why solid black leather is the only option on an A5 w/ S-Line but the S5 has all those different choices?

I would appreciate all feedback...I want to get this thing ordered one way or the other!

 

[cnugget23]

I was in the same situation as you, and as you can see from my sig I chose to go with the S5.

What put me over the edge was the following...

Quality of seats (S5 look better, have more color choices [I really didn't want black], and owners aren't reporting sagging leather problems like A5 [search this forum])

Exclusivity, S5's should always be more limited than A5 and thus have a better resale (at least that's what I reasoned)

Exterior Looks (get stainless accents on splitter, mirrors, grille, and quad-tip exhaust)

and finally....THE V8.

I really considered this one, because I was concerned about gas mileage too. But coming from a V8 (Saleen S281) I figured I might regret moving down to a V6. Also factored in that I don't drive all that much (very short commute to work, gym, downtown, etc).

Putting all those things together, and you get me placing an order for an S5 over an A5. If the pros of A5 (Cost and Fuel Efficiency) play more of a factor in your situation than you could wind up with a different decision. Both are great cars, so you can't really go wrong.

 

[viper771]

Yep, I am also in the same boat as you guys. I got insurance quotes for both the S5 and A5.. and there wasn't much difference. Also, the gas mileage is about the same too.. the A5 will do better on the highway, but maybe 5 gallons to the mile better.

How comfortable are the S5 seats? I have only been in an A5 S line before.
The S5 would only be a weekend driver or once in awhile driver.

ckeck:your quotes are the same as mine it sounds for both cars. I like the all black interior of the S-line. I am not sure why that it is the only option for color now, but that might change for the 09 year, not sure yet. The setup for my S5 is the same but I didn't want the tech package. I also liked the standard alum trim on the inside (like the S-line has).

The US price books should be out soon. If there are any new options, I will have to change my quote around Good luck to us all!

 

[moi]

same

I had the same issue---however I seem to be a magnet for speed traps---how may people get $150.00 fines driving a Passat TDI? Almost got a suspension in the Jetta VR6 GLX years ago...so my indecision didn't last long---I went for beauty not power---My A5 is either still in a container, aboard ship or it has landed in Halifax...

 

[Xpl0d]

Bah what the heck, think big go for the S5, you know you want to!!!

 

[UpstateS5]

Simple decision. Read the comments from the S5 guys when they first get their cars. No brainer!

 

[TonnyG]

Sounds like the dealer is quoting you 2008 prices. Are they going to keep those prices even though you most likely will get a 2009?

Tonny

 

[csk]

Finally got to try out an A5 today. I didn't get a chance to drive the S5 when all the demos were around and now no one is allowing test drives in the few that are around, must be due to they're asking 10k over sticker. The A5 is a great car and I loved it. It wasn't a s-line though. Has anyone driven both an A5 and an s-line A5 or S5? How much different did they feel in terms of handling, ride, and steering feel?

To the OP, did you think about maybe getting a S5 minus a few options? The difference between that and a fully loaded A5 isn't too great. I've been considering doing this. The question then becomes do you want more performance or more features?

 

[TXcarguy]

Has anyone driven both an A5 and an s-line A5 or S5? How much different did they feel in terms of handling, ride, and steering feel?

See my comments here.

 

[TonnyG]

Ckeck
If the 8K in price difference isn't a big issue you need to ask yourself if another maybe at the most $1000 a year fuel cost makes a difference probably less depending on how much you drive. Say you keep the car for 3 years and you pay at the most $3000 more for gas during that time but you drive the car that you are happy with instead of driving something you might not be happy with. If I where you I would figure out how much your real difference in cost will be. 5MPG might sound like a big difference but convert it to how much you drive and into dollar difference it might not be all that bad

Tonny