2008 BMW M3 Coupe vs. 2008 Audi S5 Coupe Comparison Test Video

By Edmunds Video Productions | Published October 14, 2009

4:13 min

Comparison Test: 2008 BMW M3 Coupe vs. 2008 Audi S5 Coupe To some, comparing the 2008 Audi S5 and the 2008 BMW M3 Coupe might seem a little crazy. But after the $54,000 S5 proved its mettle in a recent Full Test, including a quarter-mile time only 0.1 seconds shy of the $67,000 RS4 Sedan, we thought maybe, just maybe, the S5 could take on the 414-hp, rear-wheel-drive 2008 BMW M3.?? This time around, the all-wheel-drive 2008 Audi S5 leaped to 60 mph in just 4.7 seconds, and then crossed the finish line at the quarter-mile in 13.2 seconds at 104 mph. We got the average slalom speed up to 69.0 mph. Lateral acceleration measured on the skid pad remained an impressive 0.91g.?? The BMW's rear-drive coupe requires prudence in the acceleration test, but getting it right results in a 4.3-second acceleration run to 60 mph. Just as impressive, the Bavarian's quarter-mile time is 12.7 seconds at 112 mph.?? And the M3's talents run deeper than drag racing. It blazes through the slalom at 73 mph, a record for a car that's in volume production. And the BMW M3 whips around the skid pad with 0.95g in lateral acceleration. A week's worth of commuting in both cars reminded us why we like the 2008 Audi S5 so much. Despite its performance gifts, it has a sporty well-balanced ride, not an abusive, sports car ride. The 2008 Audi S5 is more like a grand touring car than an all-out sports car, with an uncanny ability to cope with a wide range of driving surfaces and situations. Once you slide your backside into the BMW, you'll sense the M3's more dedicated purpose. BMW's EDC offers three distinct levels of organ-jiggling action called Comfort, Normal, and Sport, which could be translated to Livable, Firm, and Track-Only-If-You-Like-Your-Liver-in-One-Piece. ? There was a time when we thought Audi's 4.2-liter V8 was about as good as it gets. But then we drove the 2008 BMW M3's V8. It has a broader torque plateau and a higher operating range, not to mention 85 hp more from about 5,000 rpm on up to the redline of 8,400 rpm. Audi provides the more pleasing engine note, but for sheer power, honors go to the BMW at both low and high rpm. Both cockpits exude the kind of exclusive ambience reserved for purpose-built cars. Still BMW interiors in general are starting to look austere and even a little stale. The Audi's interior is more interesting because it's a little more visually challenging.?? Rear seating is surprisingly good in both cars, but the advantage belongs to the BMW for headroom. The BMW M3's seemingly innocuous M Drive button allows you to save your preferred settings for the suspension dampers, steering effort and level of assistance from the dynamic stability and traction control systems. If your driving skill need an ego-boost, M Dynamics just might do the trick. The Audi S5 has a similar three-tier stability control system, yet the all-wheel-drive Audi S5 keeps the fun factor a little more in check. In the end, we love the S5�s elegance, hidden performance potential and bargain pricing, but it�s no match for the M3. The extroverted 2008 BMW M3 Coupe dominates at the track while remaining capable as an everyday car. BMW gives the high-volume M3 the feel of low-volume, and much higher-priced, specialty cars like the Porsche 911. So yes, you can call us crazy. Crazy about the new M3, that is.