Huey52

Since you cite you've never had a V8, and gas prices are not a major concern, then you owe yourself the V8 rumble.

That was easy.

KarlFEvans

I had the same dilemma as you, and I selected a 2012 manual S5. The sound of the engine sold me on the V8. I have two turbo cars (both modified) so I agree that more power can be had with the V6.

However, both of my turbo cars lack low end grunt. I am not saying the V6 lacks low end, I never drove one. Also, if the V6 is not a 60 degree V6 or a narrow angle V6, I bet the V6 is not as smooth as the V8.

One last point. Being vain, I like seeing the V8 on the front fender better than seeing supercharged V6 on the front fender.

JD15

One of the advantages of the supercharged 3.0 compared to the 4.2 is that it has noticeably more low end torque than the V8. The V8 likely makes a bit more power up top, but for normal driving, the 3.0 feels more powerful.

Huey52

Exactly why I am awaiting the s/c V6 Coupe, but then I've had V8's before.

Beakerz

The V8 in the S5 isn't exactly a torque monster. If you look at a graph of the torque curves, even a 2.0T A5 has the V8 S5 beaten until the V8 S5 reaches about 2600 RPM. I haven't seen a graph of the supercharged V6 yet, but I'm quite sure it would be ahead of the V8 at low RPM as well.

KarlFEvans

I have driven an A4 1.8T with an APR chip for nine years. A new A5 is heavier (3,858 lbs) than my A4 (3,252). I doubt the A5 is quicker than my car.

I can tell you my A4 1.8T is gutless at low rpm, and even worse in the summer. Published torque curves are nice for advertising, but as temperatures climb turbos and supercharged engines lose power.

MonzaA5

Stock vs. stock, the A5 will destroy your 1.8T even with the extra weight (it's not even close).

ayap

Get the V8 - you won't regret it. The low end torque of the V6 may feel faster, but more like an illusion. Put the V8 on 'dynamic' or 's' mode and you're speeding past 115-120 MPH in no time. Two days ago, I was in a rush and exiting out of a ramp and didn't realize I was doing 80mph on a ramp to the highway. I've driven both the V6 Supercharger vs. the naturally aspirated V8 ... V8 wins in sound, smoothness and endless power at higher speeds.

And don't believe Beakerz when he says a 2.0 4-c engine beats a V8 - the guy's a nut who does nothing but say his 2.0 4-cylinder car is faster than a V8. Who listens to this kind of BS.

MonzaA5

No, it's no an illusion. The V6 puts down at least 50 more hp to the wheels and is faster, period.

PeterJay

Ok, a few points to consider.
The V-6, my motor, is a true engineering marvel. Light weight, saving fuel and tire wear. More speed and acceleration than the law allows.
Note :
If you haven't noticed lately the current fines for speeding in most U.S. states has skyrocketed, to acquire badly needed $$$ for law enforcement depts. who have had their budgets slashed by local gov't. I've heard of $800 fines for 15mph over the limit. It's called legalized robbery.

As far as I'm concerned a V-8..............any V-8 is an overweight gas guzzling, bloated hog.