218TL

By the end of the summer, I'll have the money to get my second car. In short, I've narrowed it down to two comparable vehicles. The skinny? Audi S5 or BMW M3 Sedan. Let me start off by stating the obvious difference between the two, two doors. This does not bother me whatsoever, as I wouldn't be comparing the two in the first place if this was the case.

Here's my pro's and con's for both.

I'll start off with the S5. I absolutely dig the exterior and interior design. The exterior is incredibly elegant, and the interior so sophisticated. Reminds me a lot of the R8. Another plus is the Quattro AWD system that Audi makes in a legendary sense.

Ok, let's be real here: There aren't many "true" deal busters for both of these behemoths, besides the small in-gestures that your preference may behold.

The M3 has oodles more horses, yet not much 0-60 time to show for it. Chiming (roaring) in at a mere .3 seconds quicker than the S5, I just don't understand where the 414 ponies kick in. I'm sure they're somewhere, I haven't had the opportunity to drive either car yet. I'd be willing to bet a quick run around the block at the respective dealerships will reveal plenty to myself, so that's on the check-list in the near future.

The reason I'm considering the S5 is...
The interior and exterior are just simply stunning to me. The AWD is vital in the ridiculous winters around here, though I doubt I'd be taking this car out very much while it's snowing.

The reason I'm considering the BMW M3 is...
The four year maintenance free program, more HP, and a major contributing factor to my leniency is credited to my friend's father who is VP of NA Sales for BMW.

I'd like to hear some of your thoughts, as not many of my friends have the vast automobile knowledge this community has to offer. So here is your challenge: sell me one of those two cars.

AZuser

S5.

So much classier

ThermonMermon

let the test drive do the talking.

IMO - S5.

as for the M3 - im not a big fan of spending $$$ on a car that is mistaken for the run of the mill base version. at least the S5, even if mistaken for a A5, is still unique.

pttl

I'm with you on the styling and look of the S5. But I always feel that Audi is so WAY over priced for the HP you get.

What kind of deal can your friends dad get you on the M3? Which, by the way, in the coupe version in Alpine White is also...

majin ssj eric

I'd go M3 coupe without question (not a big fan of the sedan style-wise). I drove the S5 and it was nice but not significantly faster than my G37. There is also a detached-from-the-road kind of feel that is hard to explain. The interior is nicer but the M3 just delivers more from a driver's POV...

pttl

I'm thinking there is no way the S5 can come close to the driving experience the M3 will bring. Audi Quattro system vs. BMW road feel and big power at the rear wheels.

Sly Raskal

iTrader: (1)

If you're going for uber performance and are going to count every single horsepower you attain everyday your drive it, get the M3.

Not that the M3 looks bad, but If you want more than decent performance with a car that looks friggin' killer on the road, get the S5.

gatrhumpy

iTrader: (1)

I would go with the S5. Depends on what you're looking for: do you want performance as the main factor or looks?

TS_eXpeed

Anyone see his age? Another dave_ramkumar?

TS_eXpeed

As far as vehicle, that's a touch choice. I love the elegance and factor the Audi has, but BMW's aren't called the Ultimate driving machine for nothin.....

If I had the extra dough to do european delivery with the BMW, that would probably make decide it for me.

GIBSON6594

Just curious, you are 19 and already have a 2008 R8? Why do you need a second car?

TS_eXpeed

He has an R8? Avatar and sig only suggest a TL.

GIBSON6594

Look under his username

pttl

R8 = for weekends
S5/M3 = date night
TL = beater

TS_eXpeed

justnspace

iTrader: (1)

EPIC M3 thread ftw!!!!

Yumcha

If you can afford an R8, I would not even have those 2 cars...My suggestions: Pagani Zonda or Koenigsegg CCX. Nothing else is close.

You need to upgrade.



Okay, Aston Martin DBS. I gotta be me.

juniorbean

iTrader: (5)

Maybe it's his parents car. This purchase may also be for them.



On topic... OP, drive them both, then do a search b/c there are tons of topics on here which discuss both the S5 (and other Audi's) and the M3 (and other BMW's)...

Yumcha

Very different cars. One is AWD and the other is RWD...one is a coupe, the other is a sedan.

If I were to vote, I'd take the S5 because I'm partial towards coupes.




However, I still say Pagani Zonda since they can afford an R8.

TS_eXpeed

Only thing with the Audi, is (it seems) the dollar/performance ratio is kind of whack even when comparing to BMW. Maybe it's just me. Not an under-performer by any means...just seems a little unimpressive.

Yumcha

I changed my mind. M3 because it is RWD...after all, his R8 is AWD and his TL is FWD. May as well go and have something that is rear-driven.






...although, that makes the DBS and Zonda even more enticing.

Bdog

It's his fathers car, he said that in his garage pics. It's usually always a failure when a 19 or so old starts off with, "I'll have the money to buy an $80,000 in a few months"? Probably going to be his father's daily driver and let the R8 sit, but if he gets to drive it, good for him.

I'd get an M3 over the S5 if the money was available. The S5 is probably the better bargain, but not sure how it holds it's value. I'd get a slightly used M5 or CTS-V over both choices.

fsttyms1

S5 hands down. Much better looking and better interior.

Yumcha

^ Why...? They already have the R8 for the "Audi" feel. Go with BMW and get something different in handling and styling.

TS_eXpeed

With that logic, go with the DBS.

Still different in handling and styling.

ackebous

S5 Been a fan of the A5 since it came out. Much better looking than the M3 sedan or even a 3 series coupe. Just side note, with a 2 door you will have to be more aware of where you park. The longer doors mean things like curb height and space between cars in parking lots could be issues.

fsttyms1

Why not? Its a better looking car. Maybe he should just get a FX

JS + XES

iTrader: (1)

M3 Sedan

charliemike

Dacia Sandero since this thread is full of ridiculousness.

I != My dad ... Ever.

GIBSON6594

Why not the M3 Coupe?

CL6

Buy what you want, how's that.

Yumcha

Maybe he should! They do lack a CUV in their garage.

Yumcha

My dad could beat up your dad.

charliemike

And you'd still suck

Yumcha

Don't hate.

fsttyms1

Not if he is the same 90lbs soaking wet as you are

TS_eXpeed

Crazy Bimmer

S5 for looks
M3 for driving pleasure.

Hell a 335i is more pleasing to drive than the S5. But the S5 is just dead sexy.

charliemike

I was guessing maybe his dad was a ninja?

apnorm

iTrader: (3)

218 - Based on your post, it seems like you're more partial towards the S5 so I say S5 for you. If you're gonna get a car, get something you really like. I can see you driving the M3, loving it, but deep down wished you got the S5.

I didn't search any numbers but as for the M3 being .3 seconds quicker from 0- 60, I say that's a lot. Specially considering that the S5 is AWD and will get off the line quicker. I'd be interested to see the 1/4 mile ET and trap speed.