Drove my friends S5 today (no regrets picking the M3)

[Hans Delbruck]

It's a beautiful car but feels very large from the driver's seat. Definitely a big GT.

Nice review

[footie]

Originally Posted by rai

thanks,

One thing I prefer the M3 has the compressed speedo while the S5 has a linear speedo meaning every mark is the same space. Both go up to 200 mph and 330 kph (pointless IMO). the result is 0-80 (in the S5) is similar to 0-60 in the M3 point is the M3 is easier to read more info in the daily driving range. But as I said the S5 had 2-inch digi speedo which makes the circle dial un-important.

RS4 dials are similar to that of the M3.

Originally Posted by BRDHNTR

I have never driven the S5, so I can't comment on how it drives. However, I have driven the RS4 on several occasions and have put thousands of miles on an S8, and I must say the differences are dramatic. I came into the M3 scene having driven mostly AWD sports cars, and they give you the sense that nothing throw you off course. I just feels solid, but not as sporty as the M3. For backroads give me the Bimmer every day, but if I could cruise on the highway at 160mph give me the S8 (I think wheelbase has something to do here).

How did you find the RS4, if you liked it you should also like the S5 as it behaves similar and grips about the same, the main difference I felt was steering, in the RS4 the resistance was more than the S5 but neither are that great on feel.

I too rate the M3 and BMWs in general as more entertaining on a back road but doubt in the real world they would be any quicker, in fact I would say for most people the opposite would be true. As for that solid feeling the S8 gives at 160mph, well that's mostly the quattro drive and that numb steering, try the same in a 997CS and sweaty palms are the order of the day. The one thing I know I will miss about the S5 is it's crosswinds ability, the thing never got knocked off course, I reckon you must feel the same way about your S8.

[PowerLex]

The S5 is nice. I test drove one at the dealer that had been broken in already (around4000 miles). I had a really young salesman and we went absolutely bonkers. Raced a trailblazer SS in the process. Performance wise it didn't feel as connected or powerful as the new M3 or ISF. But I do like the AWD, it felt very planted.

I felt like there was so much going on with all the gizmos inside. It was overwhelming trying to find out which button did what all while trying to drive a 6 speed. I think it is a real looker though.

[RT8_M3]

Originally Posted by BlackJetE90

I love the S5. I think its much better looking that the M3. Interior and exterior of the S5 is amazing.

No way is it close to the M3 performance.

The S5 is more of a GT car, like the 6-series.

I would have no regrets buying an S5.

I'm half way with you on the looks, I love both equal, but the rest I completely agree with you, interior is

[ChaneRZ]

i love how the s5 looks.

[BMW-videos.com]

I really do love the s5.

[KonigsTiger]

S5 is a wonderful looking car. Agree with your review.