Q5 with APR vs SQ5?
05-28-2017, 03:03 PM
#1
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Q5 with APR vs SQ5?
Not sure if this topic has been beaten to death but I'm pretty sure it may have been.
In the market for a Q5 3.0 TFSI with APR stage 1 tune or an SQ5. Leaning towards the Q5 with the tune based on overall up front cost savings, however, in the long run (3-5 years) what is the best option with maintenance and long term performance and repairs etc.
Thanks in advance for your help!!
In the market for a Q5 3.0 TFSI with APR stage 1 tune or an SQ5. Leaning towards the Q5 with the tune based on overall up front cost savings, however, in the long run (3-5 years) what is the best option with maintenance and long term performance and repairs etc.
Thanks in advance for your help!!
05-30-2017, 07:25 PM
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98% the same engine so same reliability, maintenance etc.
SQ5 you don't void your warranty vs. 3.0 with tune (if they catch you).
Either way the engine is know for its reliability with or without tune so you can't go wrong.
SQ5 you don't void your warranty vs. 3.0 with tune (if they catch you).
Either way the engine is know for its reliability with or without tune so you can't go wrong.
Last edited by masemoto; 06-01-2017 at 07:15 AM.
05-30-2017, 07:35 PM
#3
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The other items are what make the SQ5 novel...
sport seats, sport suspension, sport differential, upgraded brakes... and as mentioned above - a real warrantee.
I faced a bit of the same dilemma with choosing between upgrading my S5 or just getting the RS5. After having found that I need new catalytic converters at 33K miles ($3.5K) on my RS5, I am sure glad I have a warrantee and not arguing with the service manager that my Stage 1 tune on an S5 was not the cause....
Of course, this is a specific and not perfect example, but it is emblematic of the possible hidden costs of self-tuning.
I faced a bit of the same dilemma with choosing between upgrading my S5 or just getting the RS5. After having found that I need new catalytic converters at 33K miles ($3.5K) on my RS5, I am sure glad I have a warrantee and not arguing with the service manager that my Stage 1 tune on an S5 was not the cause....
Of course, this is a specific and not perfect example, but it is emblematic of the possible hidden costs of self-tuning.
05-31-2017, 04:38 AM
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05-31-2017, 04:40 AM
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From what I have read there are other tuners that maintain the factory warranty, but it's a hit and miss depending on how it's done. Factory warranty still trumps taking the risk.
05-31-2017, 05:29 AM
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I'll echo what Eric said for emphasis: brakes. The SQ5 has excellent braking (60 - 0 in 104ft). If you make yr 3.0 TFSI go faster, you'll want it to stop faster too.
Steve
Steve
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05-31-2017, 06:22 AM
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The 3.0T does have a gearing advantage 
That being said, if I had to do it over again, I would have started with the SQ5. Like others said, better brakes, improved intercooler radiator, dual mode exhaust, and some other minor things (I saw mention of a sport diff option, but that does not exist in the US BTW...not sure on ROW)
I still would have tuned it so warranty is/was a non factor on either, and i really dislike the SQ wheel/tire combos, but still, the brakes alone would have been a good enough reason for me. Tuned, they'll both make the same power. Keeping it stock, if that's what you plan, there's no comparison. Grab the SQ and be happy.
My $0.02
That being said, if I had to do it over again, I would have started with the SQ5. Like others said, better brakes, improved intercooler radiator, dual mode exhaust, and some other minor things (I saw mention of a sport diff option, but that does not exist in the US BTW...not sure on ROW)
I still would have tuned it so warranty is/was a non factor on either, and i really dislike the SQ wheel/tire combos, but still, the brakes alone would have been a good enough reason for me. Tuned, they'll both make the same power. Keeping it stock, if that's what you plan, there's no comparison. Grab the SQ and be happy.
My $0.02
05-31-2017, 07:44 AM
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The 3.0T does have a gearing advantage
That being said, if I had to do it over again, I would have started with the SQ5. Like others said, better brakes, improved intercooler radiator, dual mode exhaust, and some other minor things (I saw mention of a sport diff option, but that does not exist in the US BTW...not sure on ROW)
I still would have tuned it so warranty is/was a non factor on either, and i really dislike the SQ wheel/tire combos, but still, the brakes alone would have been a good enough reason for me. Tuned, they'll both make the same power. Keeping it stock, if that's what you plan, there's no comparison. Grab the SQ and be happy.
My $0.02
That being said, if I had to do it over again, I would have started with the SQ5. Like others said, better brakes, improved intercooler radiator, dual mode exhaust, and some other minor things (I saw mention of a sport diff option, but that does not exist in the US BTW...not sure on ROW)
I still would have tuned it so warranty is/was a non factor on either, and i really dislike the SQ wheel/tire combos, but still, the brakes alone would have been a good enough reason for me. Tuned, they'll both make the same power. Keeping it stock, if that's what you plan, there's no comparison. Grab the SQ and be happy.
My $0.02
05-31-2017, 08:09 AM
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Very slightly better final drive ratio (if better acceleration is your goal)
3.0T is 3.204:1
SQ5 is 3.076:1
Honestly, it's such a slight advantage, I don't know if it even matters. Leave it to the Germans to be so precise as to design and offer 2 ratios, only 3-4% different in what's otherwise the same car
3.0T is 3.204:1
SQ5 is 3.076:1
Honestly, it's such a slight advantage, I don't know if it even matters. Leave it to the Germans to be so precise as to design and offer 2 ratios, only 3-4% different in what's otherwise the same car