2012 - 2014 Audi A5 vs BMW 5 series

[dasherHampton]

I've been doing pretty well the past few weeks and I have a little extra money saved up. I feel like it's time to trade in my C300 for something new (to me).

They both look really nice IMO. I've always been very impressed with the A5 styling and that gen BMW 5 series is right up there as well. I've driven a 5 series from that time period and it gives a typical BMW experience. I've never driven an A5 and I assume its probably more tame, but I wouldn't be buying for flat out performance. I'm thinking $15,000 - $ 18,000.

Any opinions here on one vs the other? Or other cars in that specific bracket I should maybe look at as well? I think my mind is pretty set on one or the other but it doesn't hurt to ask.

 

[deadlyapp]

Haven't looked at prices in a while but similarly comparable could be a Lexus IS-F and I'd say you'd get a more reliable and sporty car. I have a soft spot in my heart for that car though.

 

[manly]

The early teens BMWs were not known for "Ultimate" driving dynamics, once they switched from hydraulic to electronic steering. The 5 Series is a mid-sized luxury sedan, much bigger than it was when it made 10Best lists, so don't expect to spark joy on weekend canyon runs.

The Lexus IS is a compact sedan, and very tight in the back seat. Except for top-notch reliability, it rates a little lower than the leaders in its class. A better comp for the 5 Series would be the Lexus GS.

Likewise, the A5 and BMW 4 Series are closer comps, size-wise.

BMW and Audi have gotten a lot better in reliability, if you go by J.D. Powers latest survey of 2016 model years. But in the past, both could have a reputation as being money pits after 100k miles. So you should definitely do extra research (on owner forums) to make sure neither the A5 or 5 Series has any known "defects" that would lead to expensive repairs.

 

[dasherHampton]

I had an almost brand new IS 350 as a loaner for a weekend. Brilliant car, but.....

I hit my head almost every time I got in it. At a little over 6 ft and 200 lbs I'm just too big.

I'm scoping out this one:

https://www.autotrader.com/cars-for...Code1=A5&digitalRetail=true&clickType=listing

Seems reasonable for a 2012, doesn't it?

 

[dasherHampton]

I drove my second A5 yesterday and came away again not feeling super impressed. The first one I drove had just under 90,000 miles and this one was a bit over at 93,xxx. Neither gave me the impression of being very solid mechanically; both had a noticeable delay when pressing on the gas pedal.

I think I'm going to save some more spending money and look at A7s down the road.

 

[manly]

Isn't that just turbo lag?

 

[dasherHampton]

I did a little research and I guess that gen A5 is prone to carbon build up.

But it wasn't just that. I wasn't super impressed with the cars in general. My C300 drives much better and its older.

 

[Tormac]

I don't know how you feel about domestics, but you may want to try a Cadillac CTS if you have not already.

They tend to be a little more sporty than the Germans, if that is what you are looking for. The Cady's interior had more bling, and is not to some people's taste, but they have very nice steering response and the magnetic ride control that is available give a fantastic ride feel that is both flat while cornering, yet soaks up little and large bumps. It sounds like you are looking for a more sporty feel. The ATS and CTS Cadillacs are more sport but less luxury than the Germans at this point (manly is right BMW messed up their road feel when they switched to the electric power steering).

If you are shopping used the Cadies are also great deals (although they may not have as much prestige as the German brands).

 

[dasherHampton]

I have considered a CTS coupe on and off over the years, mostly because I think it's a really cool looking car. I've never driven one.

Maybe I should.

 

[Fenixgoon]

I have considered a CTS coupe on and off over the years, mostly because I think it's a really cool looking car. I've never driven one.

Maybe I should.

One of the sharpest, most distinctive designs in the past ~20 years IMO. beautiful car.

 

[Tormac]

I have considered a CTS coupe on and off over the years, mostly because I think it's a really cool looking car. I've never driven one.

Maybe I should.

If you want a sports sedan, but are not happy with the German models that you find, you should check out the CTS. They are great driving cars.

 

[Midwayman]

Nice thing about the CTS/ATS is parts are cheap. I liked the one I drove when I was looking, but I found a way better deal on the c350.

 

[dasherHampton]

There are some nice CTS coupes for sale year me, with reasonably low miles between 15-20 grand.

So whats the deal with with CTS V thing? It's a little more than I want to spend on a toy but I'm still intrigued. They sit at twice the price of a regular CTS coupe.

 

[Tormac]

I own an ATS-V (little brother of the CTS-V). Cadillac's V series are like four door corvettes. The CTS-V is a beast with the supercharged engine from a Z0-6 corvette. The previous model year CTS-V had 560hp and weighted 4,200-4,300 lbs. (assuming you are looking at an older used one). The current model is a little lighter, and 640hp.

They are rear wheel drive though, not all wheel drive, so they are very fun (or maybe a little too exciting) to drive if you are not used to a stupid amount of tourque coming out of just two wheels.

If you were disappointed with the acceleration of other sports sedans, and live in an area where the thought of driving a rear wheel drive car with 500-600 hp in the winter is not intimidating, they are a fantastic, practical four door car.

I really wish they still made the CTS-V wagon. Unfortunately the older CTS-V wagons are holding their value too well for me to justify purchasing one, and the cost of ownership of the AMG wagons scares me off from the idea.

Mileage is horrible on the CTS-V (what do you want from a 6.2 liter supercharged engine), but they use the tried and true, common as dirt, pushrod LSX engine, so parts and maintenance is likely not too horrible.

If you want a four door executive sedan that lubs at idle like an old school muscel car, and concider yourself too classy for a Dodge Demon, the CTS-V is likely the car for you.

 

[dasherHampton]

Thanks for the good info.

I think a CTS-V seems like a little much for me. lol I had a 650i that I sold not too long ago because I was driving it like a grandma. I'm more of a LS 460 guy now.

I'm going to restrict myself to the regular coupe.