Anyone with an Audi A5 or S5?

[Tri-Tip]

Thinking about trading in my 2007 Corvette Coupe. I want another sports car, but something a bit more practical. This is a second car, my daily driver is a Jeep Grand Cherokee, but I would like the second car to be something I can drive more often than the Vette.

Also, Chevy's lack of dealership service has really turned me off to the brand.

There is not much out there that appeals to me, but I do like the looks of the Audi. I'm a big guy, 6', about 230, so size matters. I have no issues fitting in the Vette.

Whatever I get must be a traditional Manual Transmission, no paddle shifters for me.

Audi's have caught my eye, anyone with experience with the A5 or S5 models?

[superdog]

I have not had an 5 series. I did however have two S4's. Fantastic cars.

Have a ton of good things to say. Absolutely amazing.

[Wesley Crusher]

Definitely go for the S5 or RS5 if you can swing it. An A5 is going to feel like a Civic compared to your Corvette.

[TheBluePrince]

I had an S4 V8, tested an S5 V8. Rapid (not truly fast, need the RS4/5 for that) and comfy, looks good, lovely quality all round, great gear change, terrible MPG regardless of how you drive it, dull/lifeless steering, muted sound unless you put on a custom exhaust, dealer service from Audi always superb.

[Dan Pierce]

Lowly A4 owner here, love mine. I'm sure a S5 Coupe would be a blast to drive.
Good luck,
dP

[slickrick68]

Had an a5 drove an s5 v8....you will regret the a5 within 2 days coming from the power you have. The newer 3.0 s5 is boring but linear with better mpg and a great daily driver. I have an audi with the same 3.0 and enjoy its refinement.

[HL65]

Had an S5 a few years back and loved it...Just a bit too small for my liking. Had cab too which made it a fun car to drive! That was before the RS5 or would have gotten that.

[anothernewphone]

I test-drove the A5 just a couple days ago. I left disappointed. It doesn't help that one of my best friends has the 2015 RS5 Cabriolet. I ended up getting the 428i Coupe and I'm really, really happy with it.

[indexmatch]

I don't believe you can get the RS5 in a traditional MT, but I could be wrong

Another one to consder might be the Jaguar F-type S which just came out this summer with a 6MT too, worth a look IMO

[uscmatt99]

I leased an A5 for 3 years, then bought a 2015 S4. I got a ton of compliments on the A5 because the body has styling cues of a sports coupe, but it's powered by a pretty whimpy engine and the (automatic) transmission was only so so. I test drove a manual A5 and honestly didn't like it, coming from two manuals previously. If you mash the gas and keep the RPM's high it can be a fun engine though.

The supercharged 3.0L in my S4 is a different beast altogether. I think most Audi owners prefer this engine to the 4.2L NA V8, though I haven't driven a car equipped with one. S4 a really fun car, especially from a dig. When paired with the DSG transmission, I really enjoy it coming from regular manuals.

My advice, look for a facelift (B8.5) S5, manual transmission, and make sure you get the sport differential option, trim and extras to taste

[chucelli]

Interesting... I take it the whole emissions debacle (even non-diesels have been recently discovered to output more CO2 than claimed) have not swayed consumers away from their cars?
I personally would check out a BMW M4 if you're looking for this type of car. It's really the only other comparable that comes with a manual tranny, but from a more reputable company (they don't lie about the performance of their products).

[JSI]

I had a B7 RS4 and loved it, that engine was just amazing..........not so good when paying at the pump if you have a heavy left foot.

[Ferdelious]

I'm not a fan of how the Audi's drive. I'd look at the BWM 235, 335, or 435. Just drove a 235 this weekend, talk about a fun car. Speed that will throw you back in your seat and excellent handling.