whynotme

Yes, he has a new Civic and it was so much fun having a smaller more nimble vehicle again. I'm used to my cruise ship A6 C8 and driving the little Civic was a breath of fresh air. It's about time I get back into something smaller. Kids are grown and we don't have them in my A6 often so I no longer really need that interior space. RS5 looks to have what I want. I'd even go for an S5 since it has the same engine as my 55 A6, which feels pretty fast. It would only be that much faster in an S5. Will start test driving and hope to pull the trigger soon!

IamRacerX

Here is my input. Ive had my '19 RS5 SB since new. Its a good looking, fun, nimble and powerful sedan(sportback). It is not a "drivers car" in the way a Porsche or M3/M4 is though. But it does check enough boxes in the performance car category to be fun. For me, if it was my only car I might crave something more driver connected. But it is not. Since I bought it, I have NOT even once taken it on track or to an autocross event even though I drive 8-10 such events a year. It emphasizes that it is not a car for that without modification. I have gotten as much as 30 mpg on a slower speed (avg 60mph) trip. Its averaging 22 since new with mixed driving. It has run 11.69 at 115.8 in the 1/4 mile. The car is rock solid and trouble free for my nearly 5 years of ownership. All this while being one of the best looking cars on the road imo.
Good luck in your search.

acpRS3

Another thought for your consideration

The RS5 is a great car, but is not actually that much smaller than an A6. In my experience, the biggest factor in feeling "nimble" is weight - dropping 500 pounds will do much more for nimbleness than adding 100 or even 200 horsepower.

The RS5 is only about 100 pounds lighter than the A6 (4100 lbs vs. 4200 lbs). The Civic by comparison weights more than 1,000 pounds less than either car (~3000 lbs). If you're really after nimbleness and interior space is not really a concern, I'd consider dropping down to the S3 / RS3 (3500-3600 lbs), or some of the FWD-based hot hatches (Civic Type R, Elantra N, Golf R, etc.) With the added bonus that these are all quite a bit cheaper.

JohnEnglish

Yesh, the RS5 is a great car but Audi themselves classify it as a GT. It does feel smaller and more nimble than an A6 or A7, but if you want the feeling of a Civic but with more power, a S3, RS3, or Golf R would probably be a better choice. I don't know about the current generation of A3/S3/RS3, but with the previous generation, there was a noticeable difference in interior material quality between it and the A4/S4 and A5/S5/RS5 lines.

whynotme

Very good points indeed. I will have to do more research and test driving to see what I really want.

IamRacerX

I have driven an A6 for an extended time as a rental. There is no way imo it is comparable to an RS5 in anything driving oriented. The A6 I drove felt like a boat compared to the RS5. Perhaps an S6 might be closer. No question weight is a big part of handling. But its not the only part. You need to figure out what you need the car for. If it doesnt need to be a mid sized coup/sedan like the RS5, then the smaller RS3 might fit the bill. If you are looking for a zippy great handling car, a Golf R or Type R might be the better fit. For me, Im a 6'2" man in my 50s.... the RS3 is too small, the Golf R and Civic Type R felt like I was driving a kids car. The M3 was my number one choice honestly. But when the new styling was shown with the new grill, I was out. The RS5s styling got me looking at it, its mix of power, handling, function and efficiency hooked me in.
Time for you to start test driving some cars!!

ywang98

If you want to get an RS5, only get the RS5 Comp. You will not regret it.

corydd

Agree with the above points - RS5 is a great car but it's not going to feel anywhere as small or nimble as a Civic. If you wanna stick with an Audi, maybe check out an S3 or RS3?

Code75

Get the RS5, it's a joy to drive. You will not regret it.

ywang98

Only if you get the Comp.
Couldn't stand the RS5 DRC.