hodan

Ok, so my B5 S4 is getting a little long in the tooth. 260k miles...runs like a top and I love driving it, still.

However, all good things must come to an end, and I'm trying to decide between a 2010 S4, '06-'07 RS4 or an '08 S5. I've already eliminated the '06 Cayman (lack of space + as my only car is a little too cliche as I approach 40).

I'm leaning toward the S4, mainly because of the engine and fuel economy, compared to the V8's.

I'd like to get some personal opinions on those models, because in the next 12 months I should be able to find one in the 30k-40k range.

Any thoughts are appreciated.

seinsmeld13

I drove about 400 km today and got 32 mpg imperial 26.6 mpg US. Not bad at all. That was 95% highway at a steady 115 km/h or 70 mph. This car is a blast with the sport diff in the snow. You'd swear this car was rear wheel drive at times.

terminal nonchalance

My experience with B6 S4, 10 S5 and 11 S4 would say that the S4 returns slightly better mileage.

My B6 (similar Mileage to RS4) was at about 17mpg overall with 50/50 highway/city over 60k miles highway only trips got me to 22-23.

Dad's S5 over the last 25K miles average is sitting at 18mpg mostly city driving. Highway only trips can get to 25mpg.

My 2011 S4 average is about 19 mostly city (car only has 7k miles though). I have seen 27 on highway only trips.

As far as fun to drive factor it is the 2011 s4 hands down. I thought my B6 was the end all be all to the audi experience, but this car is superior on so many levels. The S5 is a great combo of sound and handling, but it just feels lazy compared to the s4. by no means is it lazy, but back to back it feels so.

In my limited experience perception is reality... All of the cars you are considering are superb, what will make you the happiest when it is in the garage?

If I was going to put that kind of mileage on I would consider something economical... A4, 328, civic?

hodan

You know, the thing I realized with my S is that if I'm going to be driving those kind of miles, might as well be in something I like. I just got lucky with a really reliable but more expensive car.

The next car I get will be my only car, and a daily driver, although I'll be back around 15k miles/year, as opposed to the 40k a year I was driving.

Glad to hear the good reviews on the newer S, thanks!

rktskicar

Go for whatever one you like the best! This is obviously a B8 S4 site, so I expect most posts will favor this.

Bruce

Audi S5 TC

In spring 2012 for 2012.5 or 2013, the S5 coupe will ditch the normally aspirated gasoline V8 (absolutely unnecessary for this car) and optional eight-speed Tiptronic (or optional dinosaur six-speed Tiptronic) automatic transmission for the supercharged gasoline V6 and much better optional seven-speed S Tronic direct shift gearbox transmission, shedding weight (with better front/rear wight distribution).

With these changes come the following: better performance in every way (including ride comfort, control, firmness, smoothness and stability in all conitions at all speeds; with the proper tires, the braking handling, steering and traction in ice, rain sleet and snow will still be the same-namely, first rate), better fuel economy and lower all around costs with the same dependability, durability, quality, reliability, satisfaction, safety, security and service (namely, according to CR and TD, with a few exceptions, very good to almost class leading, outside of despite what some disgruntled, judgmental North American Audi financiers, leaser and owners on AudiWorld and other Audi message boards would lead-err-mislead people to believe).

Gear Junky

Without a doubt I would recommend picking the B8 S4 as first choice, especially if you get it was the Sportdiff which gives the car the same if not better handling balance than the RS4, plus it's little engine with a chip tune will even prove to be quicker and yet still return more mpg than the others.

The RS4 and S5 might have the looks but it's the S4 where the entertainment is to be had.

voltrons_head

Get an RS4 and put APR's SC kit on it. 11.8x over the weekend in that animal. W00T!

Huey52

If the S4's supercharged V6 with S-tronic transmission & S-Diff'l were available in the S5 that's what I would get, but as it is not, the S4 would be my pick.

meteor man

you plan on getting a $60k 2010 s4 for 30-40k this year? is that realistic?