Yoshimura

Anyone had the chance to compare the A5 and S5? I know that on paper the performance are not very that different but how they compare when driving them?

Ycore

I've extensively driven both, as my S5 has been in the shop at least 30 or so days over the last year, and I've gotten an A5 as a loaner a number of times.

This will probably be an unpopular opinion, but for general city driving I prefer the A5. It has less throttle lag at low speeds, feels like it has less inertia taking off the line, and is a quieter ride both in terms of suspension and cabin noise. It obviously isn't as fast or as nice looking, but for putzing around town it's just a more seamless experience.

A5 Pros:
- Softer/smoother ride. Dynamic in the A5 feels like Comfort in my S5. Whether this is due to the fatter tires or the suspension, I'm not sure
- Smoother more linear acceleration (though obviously slower)
- better throttle response
- Quieter cabin-- less road noise and less rattles over bumps

S5 Pros:
- Faster
- Better looking

arrtewwx

Ycore

​​​​​​​Exhausts, mirrors, wheels/tires, and carbon fiber interior trim immediately come to mind, but there's probably a few more things.

belzebutt

Front bumper, rear spoiler.

JD15

S-sport seats, Alcantara door inserts, front grille, and rear diffuser.

JD15

I agree with most of your other points, but not this one. Did you drive an A5 with 19" wheels and fixed sport suspension? The S5 with adaptive sport suspension is quite a bit more comfortable in either Comfort or Auto and is fairly similar in Dynamic.

Ycore

Dunno about the wheel/tire sizes (think they were 18") , but the A5's I drove had the adaptive suspension. Imho the Dynamic in the A5 rides like the comfort in the S5. The same deep road cracks I pass over every day on my way to work that shudder my S5 in comfort mode I barely feel in the A5. I'm guessing it's the tires as I have 19" on my S5.

MRA5SB

2018 A5s couldn't be had with the S-line package AND adaptive suspension, it was one or the other. So yes, if you have an A5 with adaptive damping it would feel softer than the S5 in the same setting because of the (possibly) smaller wheels/higher profile tires and non-sport suspension.

IvanLZ

I don't think adaptive suspension between the A5 and S5 are different. Most likely 18" vs 19" wheels.

The S5 has nice sport seats, a trunk spoiler, quad exhausts and rear diffuser. Small subtle changes from the A5 but do make a difference.