[SaMaster14]

Long story short... the RS5 almost feels like ... in BMW terms ... that it's an M340i and not an M3. The interior was very nice, although the infotainment system really is last-gen tech.

I drove the car for a few minutes, so this is definitely a "biased" review, especially since I've never owned an Audi. I did really like the steering wheel feel; however, the steering itself felt numb and light, and the throttle response felt lazy. The car was relatively quiet, even in the RS settings. You could tell the car *could* be quick, but there was no emotion, no pomp and circumstance, etc. I know I have the bucket seats in my M, but the interior in the M is so much more exciting, iDrive8 and all. It just felt and looked sportier.

The M3 Competition xDrive is the faster, better, more exciting car, hands down. The RS is quick, but not as fast as the M3, and it travels with much less urgency to get going.

Ultimately, it's a great car, and I know that this model is on the way out, but the RS just felt 8/10 of the car the M is, for the same price (or more).

[mdr955]

What did your friend think of the M

[Burrcold]

Different strokes for different folks. I bought the 2019 and 2022 RS5 (Sportback) over a G80 M3 for my own reasons, and of course I spent a lot of wheel time with the G80 prior to making the decision (obviously money was not a factor in my choice). The M3 is faster for sure. Everything else on my list swayed towards the RS5...again different strokes.

And I had a G20 M340i xDrive prior to the 2019 RS5 I had, and it's not on the same level as an RS5 despite what a lot of G20 owners would like you to believe. This is coming from a completely non biased owner of both. Great car don't get me wrong, but too pedestrian even by my standards. I wanted something that is at least the "special version" of the base chassis.

[TrentMeister]

Originally Posted by Burrcold

Different strokes for different folks. I bought the 2019 and 2022 RS5 (Sportback) over a G80 M3 for my own reasons, and of course I spent a lot of wheel time with the G80 prior to making the decision (obviously money was not a factor in my choice). The M3 is faster for sure. Everything else on my list swayed towards the RS5...again different strokes.

And I had a G20 M340i xDrive prior to the 2019 RS5 I had, and it's not on the same level as an RS5 despite what a lot of G20 owners would like you to believe. This is coming from a completely non biased owner of both. Great car don't get me wrong, but too pedestrian even by my standards. I wanted something that is at least the "special version" of the base chassis.

What were these “factors” you speak of that swayed you to go with the inferior brand?




Jk🤓 but seriously what were the deciding factors.

[hellcat2m4]

I test drove one a couple years ago and think I can agree its closer to the M340i then the M3/M4. Although I really liked how it sounded.

I also have an S4 that the wife drives, and I would say its for sure a level below the M340i, although it has been a great car with no issues.

I think the interior is pretty good, but like you said infotainment is for sure dated.

[Burrcold]

Originally Posted by TrentMeister

What were these “factors” you speak of that swayed you to go with the inferior brand?




Jk🤓 but seriously what were the deciding factors.

Subjectively speaking (jumping into the lion's den here), I think the RS5 looks better (Sportback in particular), steering is more natural feeling (not overly weighted like most modern BMW's...both are devoid of much feeling), interior is nicer for my taste, granted my time was with idrive 7, I wanted and got ceramic brakes and the ones on the G80 were way too squealy for me, suspension is less harsh, and one of the biggest factors is that it's more comfortable as a daily driver.

I'm not expecting anyone to agree with anything I just said, I wouldn't if I owned a G80 and was active on a BMW forum lol. Again, I love the G chassis cars, but the G80 was not my cup of tea for what I wanted. The M340i I owned was great, and the RS5 just built on everything I liked about the G20.

[SaMaster14]

Originally Posted by mdr955

What did your friend think of the M

He’s an Audi guy through and through, but admitted the G80 felt (and was) noticeably faster. He was extremely surprised at how response and lively the throttle response was on the G80 over the RS5. He mentions it was just so easy to get up to speed and the car was just more responsive in all aspects. He also thinks the RS5 is much quieter (which it is) and preferred the G80’s soundtrack. He also said the buckets were “next level” compared to the seats in the RS, but mentioned the RS was more comfortable.

Again, he’s an Audi guy, so he wouldn’t switch, just like I’m a BMW guy, but can appreciate what the RS offers. As another user said, different strokes!

I do think the RS looks stunning and it’s more comfortable. We both preferred iDrive8 massively over Audi’s gauge cluster and infotainment. BMW’s HUD is better too.

But the Audi is on the outgoing platform, so excited to see the next variation!

[SaMaster14]

Originally Posted by Burrcold

Subjectively speaking (jumping into the lion's den here), I think the RS5 looks better (Sportback in particular), steering is more natural feeling (not overly weighted like most modern BMW's...both are devoid of much feeling), interior is nicer for my taste, granted my time was with idrive 7, I wanted and got ceramic brakes and the ones on the G80 were way too squealy for me, suspension is less harsh, and one of the biggest factors is that it's more comfortable as a daily driver.

I'm not expecting anyone to agree with anything I just said, I wouldn't if I owned a G80 and was active on a BMW forum lol. Again, I love the G chassis cars, but the G80 was not my cup of tea for what I wanted. The M340i I owned was great, and the RS5 just built on everything I liked about the G20.

I think a lot of this makes perfect sense. It’s a wonderful car and they’ve refined this platform up to now quite well before they send it off.

As you said, different strokes! I actually thought the steering was looser and more numb in the RS, but I’m probably used to the heavier steering in the M (since my e92 335is days…). Neither compare to the steering in my e92, or the throttle response, transmission, and engine/exhaust sound in that car! The e92 is worlds slower by today’s standards (although it is still definitely a fast car, especially in the revs), but the e92 has more “character” than any of the newer “faster, better, heavier” German performance variants.

[Burrcold]

Originally Posted by SaMaster14

I think a lot of this makes perfect sense. It’s a wonderful car and they’ve refined this platform up to now quite well before they send it off.

As you said, different strokes! I actually thought the steering was looser and more numb in the RS, but I’m probably used to the heavier steering in the M (since my e92 335is days…). Neither compare to the steering in my e92, or the throttle response, transmission, and engine/exhaust sound in that car! The e92 is worlds slower by today’s standards (although it is still definitely a fast car, especially in the revs), but the e92 has more “character” than any of the newer “faster, better, heavier” German performance variants.

One thing to consider, is that it also looks like your friend's RS5 is missing the RS Dynamic Package (you can tell because of his black calipers android silver exhaust tips). So it would be missing Dynamic Steering (variable ratio rack that weights up around corners and higher speed, the RS Sport Exhaust with black tips (probably why it didn't sound very loud), RS suspension with Dynamic Ride Control (adjustable dampers and hydraulic pitch and roll stabilization), and of course the red calipers lol. It's a no brainer and must have package in my opinion.

[wtwo3]

Originally Posted by Burrcold

Different strokes for different folks. I bought the 2019 and 2022 RS5 (Sportback) over a G80 M3 for my own reasons, and of course I spent a lot of wheel time with the G80 prior to making the decision (obviously money was not a factor in my choice). The M3 is faster for sure. Everything else on my list swayed towards the RS5...again different strokes.

And I had a G20 M340i xDrive prior to the 2019 RS5 I had, and it's not on the same level as an RS5 despite what a lot of G20 owners would like you to believe. This is coming from a completely non biased owner of both. Great car don't get me wrong, but too pedestrian even by my standards. I wanted something that is at least the "special version" of the base chassis.

Your lurking skills are top notch

[SaMaster14]

Originally Posted by Burrcold

One thing to consider, is that it also looks like your friend's RS5 is missing the RS Dynamic Package (you can tell because of his black calipers android silver exhaust tips). So it would be missing Dynamic Steering (variable ratio rack that weights up around corners and higher speed, the RS Sport Exhaust with black tips (probably why it didn't sound very loud), RS suspension with Dynamic Ride Control (adjustable dampers and hydraulic pitch and roll stabilization), and of course the red calipers lol. It's a no brainer and must have package in my opinion.

Agreed - I don’t think I would have specced an RS without those! I don’t know Audi well, but makes sense why the car looked more pedestrian and didn’t sound very loud compared to the G80 competition.

[SaMaster14]

Originally Posted by Burrcold

One thing to consider, is that it also looks like your friend's RS5 is missing the RS Dynamic Package (you can tell because of his black calipers android silver exhaust tips). So it would be missing Dynamic Steering (variable ratio rack that weights up around corners and higher speed, the RS Sport Exhaust with black tips (probably why it didn't sound very loud), RS suspension with Dynamic Ride Control (adjustable dampers and hydraulic pitch and roll stabilization), and of course the red calipers lol. It's a no brainer and must have package in my opinion.

Photo of the rear

[Burrcold]

Originally Posted by wtwo3

Your lurking skills are top notch

I wake up out of my sleep the second the "RS5" is typed

You know me by now, I'm here (and many other forums) because I am constantly changing cars or adding to the fleet, so I have to be caught up on current happenings! Haha. I'm now on the hunt for a 992 911 (weekend car) and something to replace the RS5 in the next 6-8 months...I've owned it for 2 years now which has to be a record!

[Burrcold]

Originally Posted by SaMaster14

Agreed - I don’t think I would have specced an RS without those! I don’t know Audi well, but makes sense why the car looked more pedestrian and didn’t sound very loud compared to the G80 competition.

It's definitely a package that would be a deal breaker for me if it didn't have it. Mine has every option including ceramic brakes.

[Burrcold]

Originally Posted by SaMaster14

Photo of the rear

Here are a few pics of mine (you may notice a few differences from your friend's RS5). Mine also has some modifications but not much (resonators deleted, upgraded sway bars, strut bar, upgraded bushings, etc.).

[SaMaster14]

Originally Posted by Burrcold

Here are a few pics of mine (you may notice a few differences from your friend's RS5). Mine also has some modifications but not much (resonators deleted, upgraded sway bars, strut bar, upgraded bushings, etc.).

Great looking car! and yes, definitely see a difference in the exhaust, wheels, calipers.

The interior looks mostly the same, although he had the perforated leather wheel, and not the alcantara.

I actually did like the feel of the steering wheel itself, the steering itself just felt loose (like I could move the steering wheel itself with barely any pressure, but the wheels wouldn't move until I felt the pressure... difficult to explain!)

[Burrcold]

Originally Posted by SaMaster14

Great looking car! and yes, definitely see a difference in the exhaust, wheels, calipers.

The interior looks mostly the same, although he had the perforated leather wheel, and not the alcantara.

I actually did like the feel of the steering wheel itself, the steering itself just felt loose (like I could move the steering wheel itself with barely any pressure, but the wheels wouldn't move until I felt the pressure... difficult to explain!)

That's the lighter feel of the standard steering. The RS Dynamic Steering is a variable rack (the standard is a fixed ratio rack). There's a big difference in feel between the two.

[hellcat2m4]

Car looks great!

[wtwo3]

Originally Posted by Burrcold

I wake up out of my sleep the second the "RS5" is typed

You know me by now, I'm here (and many other forums) because I am constantly changing cars or adding to the fleet, so I have to be caught up on current happenings! Haha. I'm now on the hunt for a 992 911 (weekend car) and something to replace the RS5 in the next 6-8 months...I've owned it for 2 years now which has to be a record!

992 is gonna be epic! I drove a 992 Cs and a C4s on the track earlier this year and was blown away by them... definitely going to be my next car, but probably not for a while.

[Burrcold]

Originally Posted by wtwo3

992 is gonna be epic! I drove a 992 Cs and a C4s on the track earlier this year and was blown away by them... definitely going to be my next car, but probably not for a while.

That's exactly what I'm looking for (992 C4S). I've driven a few of them and they are very fun. Possibly a GT3 but it would have to be a 991.2...the 992 GT3 prices are insane right now. I tossed around the idea of a manual G87 M2, but I just don't know if I'm sold on the looks. Not to mention that I want a weekend car that doesn't lose too much value (P Cars are pretty good in that respect).

[TrentMeister]

Originally Posted by Burrcold

Subjectively speaking (jumping into the lion's den here), I think the RS5 looks better (Sportback in particular), steering is more natural feeling (not overly weighted like most modern BMW's...both are devoid of much feeling), interior is nicer for my taste, granted my time was with idrive 7, I wanted and got ceramic brakes and the ones on the G80 were way too squealy for me, suspension is less harsh, and one of the biggest factors is that it's more comfortable as a daily driver.

I'm not expecting anyone to agree with anything I just said, I wouldn't if I owned a G80 and was active on a BMW forum lol. Again, I love the G chassis cars, but the G80 was not my cup of tea for what I wanted. The M340i I owned was great, and the RS5 just built on everything I liked about the G20.

I can respect that.

I was in Audi the other day testing some cars while I waited for an appointment elsewhere.

The sales guy basically equated to me that m cars are for people who want everything dialed up to 10(for a road car).

Audi is more about comfort with a healthy dose of performance in the RS department.

Rs6 interior definitely spoke to me, not sure if the rs5 is appointed the same but it was definitely a clean look.

Edit:just saw the pics of yours and it’s certainly badass lookin

[Burrcold]

Originally Posted by TrentMeister

I can respect that.

I was in Audi the other day testing some cars while I waited for an appointment elsewhere.

The sales guy basically equated to me that m cars are for people who want everything dialed up to 10(for a road car).

Audi is more about comfort with a healthy dose of performance in the RS department.

Rs6 interior definitely spoke to me, not sure if the rs5 is appointed the same but it was definitely a clean look.

Modern M cars are definitely more road/daily driven focused than they used to be, but they are absolutely still more track leaning vs the Audi RS counterpart in each segment. I love both brands and what they stand for and for the heritage.