MK5 Golf GTI

General => Random Chat => Topic started by: lukemk5gti on January 06, 2015, 09:24:15 am

Title: Audi A5
Post by: lukemk5gti on January 06, 2015, 09:24:15 am
Does anybody here own an Audi A5?

I love my GTI of course but it's nice to keep looking around and an A5 has been on my radar for about a year now. I just want to know what other members on the forum think of them.

Looking briefly at a 2.7tdi coupe
Title: Re: Audi A5
Post by: Dave(tm) on January 06, 2015, 07:26:20 pm
Mate of mine has a lovely white 2.0 TFSI and is very happy with it.

Dave
Title: Re: Audi A5
Post by: rdfcpete on January 06, 2015, 08:56:00 pm
Looking briefly at a 2.7tdi coupe

...Hmmm, all I know is Luke that everyone I know in the Audi world has always said the 2.7tdi is no better on fuel than the 3.0tdi and the power sacrifice is noticeable. It's also FWD, so while a bit lighter, will spin up just as much as an Edition 30 with the torque it has making in effectively even more sluggish.

You'll find the 2.7tdi engine is much rarer in the A5 and A6 and it's not because of fluke or demand.

Wouldn't want you to be disappointed with it, the 3.0tdi is definitely the better buy IMHO and from what the A5 communities say  :happy2:
Title: Re: Audi A5
Post by: GT170 on January 06, 2015, 09:46:17 pm
Yep I'd go for the 3.0, it's also more reliable than the 2.7
Title: Re: Audi A5
Post by: xjay1337 on January 06, 2015, 10:07:31 pm
Mrs has an A4 b8 which is exactly the same
It's a nice car but some noticable differences

steering is very heavy compared to mk5 platform. it's very responsive but feels like it's a lot of effort to turn. feels overly stable, much less steering feel and feels very planted.
Nice car for going long distances , nice interior and big boot etc,  it does grip well and go around corners nicely but not a patch on driving for a GTI.

my biggest pet hate with the car is that the pedals are heavily offset.
Mk5 the brake pedal is in the middle right under the steering wheel. On the A4/A5 the clutch pedal is where the brake is on a Mk5 so your feet are at an angle. if you have back problems it can be a bad thing.
Title: Re: Audi A5
Post by: lukemk5gti on January 07, 2015, 08:20:39 am
Looking briefly at a 2.7tdi coupe

...Hmmm, all I know is Luke that everyone I know in the Audi world has always said the 2.7tdi is no better on fuel than the 3.0tdi and the power sacrifice is noticeable. It's also FWD, so while a bit lighter, will spin up just as much as an Edition 30 with the torque it has making in effectively even more sluggish.

You'll find the 2.7tdi engine is much rarer in the A5 and A6 and it's not because of fluke or demand.

Wouldn't want you to be disappointed with it, the 3.0tdi is definitely the better buy IMHO and from what the A5 communities say  :happy2:

This is exactly why I put the topic up because I know someone would have a better insight. Just looking in Ireland and the 3.0 seems to be quite rare but there's plenty of 2.0 which I wouldn't go with as the power sacrifice from the GTI to this would be too much.

I think I'll consider the 3.0 so. Was it not only selected 3.0 that had Quattro no?
Title: Re: Audi A5
Post by: lukemk5gti on January 07, 2015, 08:25:21 am
Mrs has an A4 b8 which is exactly the same
It's a nice car but some noticable differences

steering is very heavy compared to mk5 platform. it's very responsive but feels like it's a lot of effort to turn. feels overly stable, much less steering feel and feels very planted.
Nice car for going long distances , nice interior and big boot etc,  it does grip well and go around corners nicely but not a patch on driving for a GTI.

my biggest pet hate with the car is that the pedals are heavily offset.
Mk5 the brake pedal is in the middle right under the steering wheel. On the A4/A5 the clutch pedal is where the brake is on a Mk5 so your feet are at an angle. if you have back problems it can be a bad thing.

Very valid point, I was driving the company A6 and although I liked looking at it, I didn't particularly enjoy driving it. Again like you said the pedals are a pain and the actually driving feel was poor.

The only reason I'm considering it is now my job requires a 150mile commute each week and limited driving around midweek so I'm not enjoying the GTI like I did before, I actually relish a 20minute spin around back roads now when I can get it. It also kills me to add this mileage to my low mileage car as for the past year my commute has been 10mins and I wouldn't see 80miles a week sometimes.
Title: Re: Audi A5
Post by: Beddie on January 07, 2015, 08:29:15 am
All the 3.0tdi versions are Quattro as standard  :happy2:

Few years back I was lucky enough to get an invite to the Audi UK launch of the A5, had a 3.0tdi coupe for a few hours and I was really impressed with it, believe it or not on the small country lanes around the launch venue point to point it felt quicker than the RS4 that I drove after it...
Title: Re: Audi A5
Post by: lukemk5gti on January 07, 2015, 08:31:05 am
All the 3.0tdi versions are Quattro as standard  :happy2:

Few years back I was lucky enough to get an invite to the Audi UK launch of the A5, had a 3.0tdi coupe for a few hours and I was really impressed with it, believe it or not on the small country lanes around the launch venue point to point it felt quicker than the RS4 that I drove after it...

I'm happy with that! I actually saw a 3.0 pass me the other day and it had a Quattro decal along the side skirts. Do you think that was added by the owner?

 
Title: Re: Audi A5
Post by: xjay1337 on January 07, 2015, 09:19:44 am


Very valid point, I was driving the company A6 and although I liked looking at it, I didn't particularly enjoy driving it. Again like you said the pedals are a pain and the actually driving feel was poor.

The only reason I'm considering it is now my job requires a 150mile commute each week and limited driving around midweek so I'm not enjoying the GTI like I did before, I actually relish a 20minute spin around back roads now when I can get it. It also kills me to add this mileage to my low mileage car as for the past year my commute has been 10mins and I wouldn't see 80miles a week sometimes.

cars are meant to be driven.
i could get about 400 miles out of my GTI normally, best I had was 485 which also included a couple of hours of being stuck in traffic.
150 mile per week is nothing really in the grand scheme of things, certainly not enough to warrant upgrading to a diesel for the sake of it.
Title: Re: Audi A5
Post by: TomGTI on January 08, 2015, 06:53:09 pm
My friend has a 2.7tdi DSG A5 quattro and he's just chipped it and it is still slooooow and feels a little boring they really are big cars.

On the other hand they look nice and really comfortable but limited space in the back
Title: Re: Audi A5
Post by: rdfcpete on January 08, 2015, 06:57:32 pm
....believe it or not on the small country lanes around the launch venue point to point it felt quicker than the RS4 that I drove after it...

...Left the handbrake on again in limp mode Steve?  :grin: :laugh: :signLOL:
Title: Re: Audi A5
Post by: rdfcpete on January 08, 2015, 07:09:00 pm
@lukemk5gti (http://www.mk5golfgti.co.uk/forum/index.php?action=profile;u=10176)  Does it have to be AWD or Audi? As someone that's nearly bought both an A5 3.0tdi and a respective age 330d, I've always found the 330d the more appealing buy because; it's better on fuel (even auto) in the real world, the kit is more generous, it's marginally faster all round except off the line (on track or B-roads in the dry it would be clearer to gauge), it's a more involving and appealing drive #funfactor, it's lighter than the A5 from memory and better value for money i.e. you can get the facelifted E90 with the white factory angel eyes and LCI rear lights on a 2010/11 plate for the same price as a fairly basic spec S-Line A5 on a 2009/2010. I think the original A5 may start to look dated soon, but I could be wrong.

I've talked myself out of a 330d several times in the last year or so, it's tricky especially when Evolve MK do some excellent tweaks to them, to put them around the 300hp mark (DPF delete and a map) with MPG improvements of over 50mpg, say some that have had it done.

The A5 wins in the gearbox, traction and 'tuned sound' departments, but that said - a DPF delete on a 330d with a downpipe doesn't sound boring either  :pomppomp:
Title: Re: Audi A5
Post by: dansmith180 on January 08, 2015, 07:32:45 pm
@lukemk5gti (http://www.mk5golfgti.co.uk/forum/index.php?action=profile;u=10176)  Does it have to be AWD or Audi? As someone that's nearly bought both an A5 3.0tdi and a respective age 330d, I've always found the 330d the more appealing buy because; it's better on fuel (even auto) in the real world, the kit is more generous, it's marginally faster all round except off the line (on track or B-roads in the dry it would be clearer to gauge), it's a more involving and appealing drive #funfactor, it's lighter than the A5 from memory and better value for money i.e. you can get the facelifted E90 with the white factory angel eyes and LCI rear lights on a 2010/11 plate for the same price as a fairly basic spec S-Line A5 on a 2009/2010. I think the original A5 may start to look dated soon, but I could be wrong.

I've talked myself out of a 330d several times in the last year or so, it's tricky especially when Evolve MK do some excellent tweaks to them, to put them around the 300hp mark (DPF delete and a map) with MPG improvements of over 50mpg, say some that have had it done.

The A5 wins in the gearbox, traction and 'tuned sound' departments, but that said - a DPF delete on a 330d with a downpipe doesn't sound boring either  :pomppomp:

Great points you make, but you'd have to drive a BMW.......  :laugh:
Title: Re: Audi A5
Post by: lukemk5gti on January 09, 2015, 08:39:57 am
@lukemk5gti (http://www.mk5golfgti.co.uk/forum/index.php?action=profile;u=10176)  Does it have to be AWD or Audi? As someone that's nearly bought both an A5 3.0tdi and a respective age 330d, I've always found the 330d the more appealing buy because; it's better on fuel (even auto) in the real world, the kit is more generous, it's marginally faster all round except off the line (on track or B-roads in the dry it would be clearer to gauge), it's a more involving and appealing drive #funfactor, it's lighter than the A5 from memory and better value for money i.e. you can get the facelifted E90 with the white factory angel eyes and LCI rear lights on a 2010/11 plate for the same price as a fairly basic spec S-Line A5 on a 2009/2010. I think the original A5 may start to look dated soon, but I could be wrong.

I've talked myself out of a 330d several times in the last year or so, it's tricky especially when Evolve MK do some excellent tweaks to them, to put them around the 300hp mark (DPF delete and a map) with MPG improvements of over 50mpg, say some that have had it done.

The A5 wins in the gearbox, traction and 'tuned sound' departments, but that said - a DPF delete on a 330d with a downpipe doesn't sound boring either  :pomppomp:

Very valid point and the exact same point made by another friend when I told him, although he suggested the 335d. Before I bought the GTI I loved BMW but now hands down I prefer the A5 albeit my decision right now is based purely on aesthetics. You couldn't pay me to take an any other Audi than the A5 because it's the only one to me that looks the part of a sports car.

Right now I'm just stubborn and have it stuck in my head that the A5 is next whilst I build up funds for the next car which is to be an E90/92 M3!

The roads I drive daily now are by no means enjoyable so something that feels heavy may not be such a bad thing and to be honest my intention is to keep the car for a year before something else comes along.
Title: Re: Audi A5
Post by: xjay1337 on January 09, 2015, 09:17:03 am
So you want to spend 13 or 14k on a car as a stepping stone to a 25-30k car?
Why not just keep the 13k or 14k and put it towards an M3 if that's what you want lol.
Title: Re: Audi A5
Post by: lukemk5gti on January 09, 2015, 09:44:09 am
So you want to spend 13 or 14k on a car as a stepping stone to a 25-30k car?
Why not just keep the 13k or 14k and put it towards an M3 if that's what you want lol.

I'd like to enjoy a variety of cars eventually leading toward the higher end so I get more enjoyment out of each. Breaking my back saving £30k to buy one car after a few years doesn't seem near enough fun as buying 2 or 3 cars, each more superior than the next. Providing they're all held onto for a short time the depreciation will be little to nothing.

Title: Re: Audi A5
Post by: rdfcpete on January 09, 2015, 10:51:33 pm
The 335d is all very well Luke and they are capable out the box, make some serious pace with a few performance mods. I've no experience with them directly but they're a rung up from the 330d in performance terms.

The 325d/330d (which both map to the same figures in the e9x) are more the direct alternatives for the A5 3.0tdi.
A 335d with mods is more S5 pace I suppose.

Jay has a point though, you may as well live with what you've got and put the capital towards what you really want? An e92 M3 can be had for £21k in good nick so you're be 66% ready for one, minus tax, petrol and some other wallet a$$ bleeders  :stupid: :signLOL: :laugh:

Joking aside, the M3 will probably be roughly 2.5 times what a 330d would be to run when you equate everything.
I can safely say my MK5 GTI was nearly exactly twice what my 2.0 TDI A3 Black Edition is to run all things given, as an analogy for it to be understood  :happy2:
Title: Re: Audi A5
Post by: GTI5 on January 10, 2015, 11:04:35 am
The 335d and 330d are only available with a Torque Converter auto, later A5's came with DSG as an option which might sway the decision?

I dont think Xenons are standard on the E90 but they are on the E92, also I think the pre LCI sat nav runs off a dvd and is slow...lmao really BMW?

Sometimes I like the idea of the Bmw and then later I dont.
Title: Re: Audi A5
Post by: rdfcpete on January 10, 2015, 12:02:56 pm
I dont think Xenons are standard on the E90 but they are on the E92, also I think the pre LCI sat nav runs off a dvd and is slow...lmao really BMW?

Yup, standard on all coupes (even SE models) and optional on the saloons and estates (e90 & 91)  :happy2:
Title: Re: Audi A5
Post by: rdfcpete on January 10, 2015, 12:04:56 pm
The 335d and 330d are only available with a Torque Converter auto, later A5's came with DSG as an option which might sway the decision?

Yeah the Audi gearbox is 'proper' in that respect. BMW is single clutch auto, but that said, I've had a fast ride in a friends 2009 325d cabriolet and in just normal drive mode, off the line it felt perfectly progressive up through the gears. Nothing that made me think 'this gearbox would be a problem when pushing hard'... On a track day, you might get a bit annoyed with it, but for fast road progress it should be ok.
Title: Re: Audi A5
Post by: dan930 on January 10, 2015, 01:01:57 pm
With a remap those 335d's are VERY quick
Title: Re: Audi A5
Post by: xjay1337 on January 11, 2015, 07:50:22 pm
The 335d and 330d are only available with a Torque Converter auto, later A5's came with DSG as an option which might sway the decision?

Yeah the Audi gearbox is 'proper' in that respect. BMW is single clutch auto, but that said, I've had a fast ride in a friends 2009 325d cabriolet and in just normal drive mode, off the line it felt perfectly progressive up through the gears. Nothing that made me think 'this gearbox would be a problem when pushing hard'... On a track day, you might get a bit annoyed with it, but for fast road progress it should be ok.

Irrespective, the 335d is much quicker. Gearboxes are fine.
Put it this way the engine in the 335d is much better than the gearbox in the a5 if that makes sense?
Title: Re: Audi A5
Post by: rich83 on January 11, 2015, 09:11:36 pm
A5 3.0tdi is a snooze fest IMO, but a decent long  distance cruiser for 2 people. The back is very cramped, much less room than the mk5 golf.

Steering is crap too. Too light IMO.
Title: Re: Audi A5
Post by: rdfcpete on January 11, 2015, 10:03:17 pm
The 335d and 330d are only available with a Torque Converter auto, later A5's came with DSG as an option which might sway the decision?

Yeah the Audi gearbox is 'proper' in that respect. BMW is single clutch auto, but that said, I've had a fast ride in a friends 2009 325d cabriolet and in just normal drive mode, off the line it felt perfectly progressive up through the gears. Nothing that made me think 'this gearbox would be a problem when pushing hard'... On a track day, you might get a bit annoyed with it, but for fast road progress it should be ok.

Irrespective, the 335d is much quicker. Gearboxes are fine.
Put it this way the engine in the 335d is much better than the gearbox in the a5 if that makes sense?

Na they're all rubbish compared to the 335i with DCT, that's a real box  :innocent:

Also the manual on the BM would be no good as any forum shows.
The 335d is awesome but it's a different level of car to the A5 3.0tdi, as said - the 330d is the parr offering with a few bonuses IMO.
Title: Re: Audi A5
Post by: lukemk5gti on January 12, 2015, 10:19:20 am
All the advice is appreciated lads! I've still got my heart set on an A5 and there's very little that can sway me at this point.

I was looking twice a day for 18 long months to find my ideal GTI so I could be doing the exact same for the Audi.

Keep the comments coming though, @rdfcpete (http://www.mk5golfgti.co.uk/forum/index.php?action=profile;u=590) your wealth of knowledge is appreciated!
Title: Re: Audi A5
Post by: xjay1337 on January 12, 2015, 11:49:45 am
I was looking twice a day for 18 long months to find my ideal GTI



 :confused:
Title: Re: Audi A5
Post by: lukemk5gti on January 12, 2015, 12:03:06 pm
I was looking twice a day for 18 long months to find my ideal GTI



 :confused:

They're a lot more rare to find a high spec GTI in Ireland