stan23

The S4 I believe has slightly more leg room than the S5 sportback, so unless having a hatch is very important to you, you should look at the S4 as well.

Same interior, engine, etc..

prashanth1337

S5 is wayyyy sexier

stan23

I only wish we get 3 things from the S4.

- The front end, especially the shape of the headlights and bumper.
- Black optics.
- The 19" rotor wheel option.

Rob O

Barely. I think Audi's published dimensions/specification show 0.5" difference in legroom. Meanwhile, the S5 has way more cargo capacity plus the hatchback for easy loading of larger items. Not to mention the S5 SB is eleventy times better looking. 😉

stan23

I agree, which is why I bought my S5 SB.

But I guess to some folks who are looking for an S3, may not care about the hatch and may value the 0.5" leg room. To me, that 0.5" makes a big difference to me as I use one of those rear facing baby carriers.

prashanth1337

To me, the front is what stands out. Amazing lines, gives the car a muscular appearance, and I don't find the A4/S4 lights to be special at all.
S5 SB with black optics is the perfect car, to me.

stan23

to each their own I guess. I wish my S5 looked a bit more aggressive. My F80 M3 has a very aggressive front end look and I love that.

farmerjones

The S3's interior quality is a total let-down and was a total deal-breaker for me (so I bought a TT instead). The interior just screams Jetta...which is where it shares much of it's plastics from and even some design elements. It's fats, rides good, has some pretty good looking exterior design elements......but it's just not compelling to me at this price. My friend has an S3 and just added a VW Alltrack to his garage, and even he commented on how many parts and pieces are shared...and yet the S3 costs twice as much. If you like the S3 and don't find this issues a dealbreaker then you will like it...it's another MQB product that is top notch. But for me, I had to feel like I was driving a premium car, not a tarted up Jetta. In my opinion a S4/S5 has substantially more tech, features, and premium materials that easily justify it's increased price. That said, I've taken many long trips with my friend in his S3 and yes....it's a pretty nice ride, just not for me personally.

Imaudi2018

Thanks everyone. Good food for thought. My kids went from car seats to starting to drive their own cars now, so I don't need the "dad" car anymore. It's been a while since I was in the market for a small sports sedan. While I care that it has a usable back seat, it won't be used much. Just not sure if I want to spend the $60k needed for the S5 or if I will be happy with the S3. I guess I'll have to test drive them to see if the size of the S3 bothers me, or the ride of the S5 blows me away. Thanks!

-=Hot|Ice=-

Very different cars, I think. I love the S5 for how roomy and comfortable it is. The S3 is a pocket rocket.