E92 M3 vs Audi B8 (4.2l) S5

Just picked up a low mileage B8 S5 with the 4.2l v8 and manual transmission. It is definitely cut from the same cloth as the e92 and I'm really enjoying it. Similar linear power delivery and rev happiness. Lovely hydraulic steering assist. Both cars are rock solid and feel like bank vaults compared to anything japanese or american.

The e92 is definitely the faster car, but the Audi has a little more low end spunk. IMHO the Audi also has a nicer interior and a superior gearbox/shifter. The Audi is AWD with a 40/60 front rear bias..... I wish that was more like 20/80 as I miss the RWD in the e92.

Pro's of the Audi:
-interior comfort and refinement, seat comfort/support, overall ergonomics
-low end torque
-gearbox (feels very mechanical and crisp vs. long and rubbery)
-price vs a comparable e92 is about 30% less

Con's of the Audi:
-steering is unnaturally light at low speeds
-some understeer when driving aggressively in twisties, I'm missing the rear bias
-can't match the freight train pull of the s65 at the top of the rev band

I'm not particularly impressed with the brakes on either car. They're adequate is about the most flattering thing I can say.
-sounds good but too quiet.... really needs some exhaust help

Having owned e36 and e46 M3's, I consider both the S5 and e92 to be grand tourers vs canyon carvers.

My biggest gripe with the e92 was iDrive and the big hump on the dash. The Audi has a similarly horrible nav/infotainment system but at least it is flush with the dash and a significantly less obtrusive.

Edit/add:

My last observation with the Audi..... It has a 7k redline vs. the 8k of the s65. Strangely, it is the first car I have ever driven where I feel the need to watch the tach to avoid an over-rev. It's really strange. I think because the car is so smooth, relatively quiet, the power delivery is so linear, and the powerband not dropping off above 6k rpm are all factors. It's just so easy to take the car to redline without being aware of it like in other cars.

I wouldn't say I dislike the Audi but it seems to be more comparable to a 335i with m sport pack. I feel the RS5 is the real competition for the m3

Keep in mind that the RS5 was not introduced in the US until the tail end of the E9x run.

The RS5 was definitely a competitor of the F80 but the F80 was a sedan and did not have a V8. Also, the RS5 only came with 2 pedals.

Over the course of the e92 M3's run, the S5 is the only other V8 coupe that came with a manual transmission and falls within the same price range that comes to mind for me.

e92 is certainly faster in every objective category but I have found these cars to be very alike.

Was the 4 door only available with manual on the RS4 B7? After that the RS4 B8+ are auto only?

I’ve grown to appreciate all the German V8’s from this era. Please post some pictures. Was this available in a convertible?

shoejohn wrote

I’ve grown to appreciate all the German V8’s from this era. Please post some pictures. Was this available in a convertible?

The 4.2 S5 was only available in coupe (in the US, not sure about other markets). The convertible S5’s were supercharged 3.0 V6’s, potent when modded but not nearly the character of the 4.2.

importraceram wrote

The 4.2 S5 was only available in coupe (in the US, not sure about other markets). The convertible S5’s were supercharged 3.0 V6’s, potent when modded but not nearly the character of the 4.2.

yes, B8 coupes were v8 and offered MT. cabrios got the V6 and were automatic trans only. B8.5 (2013 - ) all got the V6.

I always thought it was such a shame they didn't offer the RS5 with a 3rd pedal. If they did, I'd have one in the garage right now.

Here's a couple of pics of the old lady...