Gourmando

I'll check my pricing tomorrow (back in the office) and let you know. It's apples and oranges with the old S4; the new cars are substantially less expensive, having been "repositioned" in the marketplace.

A4.ca

Great deal!! Which dealership are you shopping at???

warcity

iTrader: (1)

Thanks for checking and confirming. This is up town audi.

Gourmando

That's a better discount than I got in August. I say go for it. I got a CarCostCanada.com wholesale pricing report, and by my reckoning the dealer is giving up about half of its margin. They'll make it up on reselling your Q5, I'm sure!

Your specs list the Quattro Sport Differential, but not Audi DriveSelect. The DriveSelect is a good feature, but I think it is about $2,500 more. For some reason, it wasn't listed on my car's spec sheet, but it was installed in the car, so I got it for free.

flew66

I have a 2010 S4 Premium. IMO, the Q5 is elegant and practical for Canadian living. Your neighbour would probably think higher of the Q5 than the S4 as most people cannot tell a S4 from an A4. But if it is performance that you want, then the S4 is the car to get.
The instrumentation cluster and console of the two cars are almost identical. S4 gets the two tone upholstery and the S4 seats. You will get less goodies in a S4 comparing to your loaded Q5. You will not have the Panoramic sunroof, rear heated seats (unless special ordered), and the folding mirrors. And you will get the squealing brakes that announce your arrival in the winter (happens to me when -15 or below). Very embarassing!
However, none of these matter because the S4 is so nice to drive. It just performs, period! During my recent highway trip, I was so impressed by how stable and planted the car was at highway speed. (I have 18" stock alloy with Bridgestone Blizzak LM-22 winter tires). When the S4 is on cruise, the car feels so stable and quiet that is unreal. I had to remind myself that I am actually going at pretty good speed. But if you step on the throttle, it just roars and pulls so strongly even at the top gear. It is the best high performance car for the Canadian climate in my book.
So go get the S4. If that's not fast enough, spend extra $2K to get the STaSIS ECU upgrade. Voila! 410hp!

warcity

iTrader: (1)

I really appreciate your comments flew66 along with everyone else's suggestions.

I convinced my Audi dealership to give me the S4 for the weekend. So I am driving it now. WOW so far.

Esoteric

My wife drives a 2010 Q5 3.2 s-line, and I just received my S4. They are both fully equipped (only option I don't have is ADS).

As mentioned previously, they are very different vehicles so hard to compare. That said, the Q5 is an easier vehicle to drive. By no means is the S4 difficult, but the Q5 is still easier. It rides more gently (even with the 20's), and has lighter steering. It's easier to get in and out of, and is more comfortable for our kids (I recognize you don't have any).

That said, I'd take the S4 any day of the week. It's way, way, way quicker, stops better, and goes around corners far more confidently.

They are both pretty in their own way, but I'm much more inclined towards sport, and the S4 has no shortage of it.

If I had to pick one to drive every day, it would be the S4.

If you have any specific questions, just let me know.

warcity

iTrader: (1)

Esoteric:

Very valuable information. I very much appreciate it.

sakimano

B8 S4 = thumbs up. Great car.

Q5 = same thing in my opinion. I'd rather have a Q5 2.0 TDI though.

Back to the B8...skip the ADS (which I think you did above)....but make sure you get the Sport Differential.

p.s. make sure you get yourself set up with Alex at Mississauga Audi. He makes good deals for forum members (and he is one - afretes). He'll show you a very competitive price without any bullshit.

sakimano

added responses above