BMW 440i xDrive or Audi S5?

Don't wait forever. Next gen 1 & 2 are both gonna be based on the front-drive Mini platform, like X1 is

 

I've settled on the mazda 6 gt in the next couple of months but only US gets the turbo 2.5 engine. Why mazda, why?

 

Mazda Skyactive is cool though.. minor step forward in casoline engines in over 20 years.

 

When it comes to the Germans you'll want to go for the big volume sellers, and variations of those. I'm talking BMW 3 and 5 series or Mercedes C and E classes. Whenever you go for low volume specials such as BMW 4-series, 8-series or Mercedes CL or CLS or the likes you'll be paying a lot more for the specialized R&D and aftermarket parts etc. And you won't necessarily be getting any more reliability or value out of it.

And as for Audi you might as well buy a VW or Skoda, they're the same brand and parts really. The Audi brand is really just a luxury tax on people who don't want to be seen driving a VW. And VW is just a luxury tax on people who don't want to be seen driving a Skoda. And I don't mean that as a knock against Skoda, they make excellent cars these days. I'm just saying that it's all about customer perception and how much you'll be paying for that. The smart man drives a Skoda these days, really.

Me personally, If I was shopping for a new car today I'd probably opt for Skoda, Toyota, Mazda or Subaru etc. Maybe Nissan too.

 

And the US has been waiting for the diesel engine

 

I'm not sure why they feel the need nowadays to change the numbers around every generation. I'm told everything is going to be electric in a decade though, so I'll probably be the old guy still purposely driving whatever number still has an ICE.

 

I prefer AWD, don't care much for SUVs, and I'm not a Subaru guy. Not that they are bad cars. There isn't one that makes me want to open the checkbook.

 

Subaru's are for sensible people who'd prefer to keep their checkbooks closed.

 

I'll take a look at Subaru again. I liked the Outback way back in the mid-2000s, but I haven't checked Subaru in a while.

I do like the WRX STi stuff, but, come on... I'm on the wrong side of 50, and me in a WRX is just wrong at this point in my life.

 

No, no. Not the WRX

You'll want to consider the Outback and the Forrester and the likes

They're not overly sexy, comfortable or anything like that but very reliable and economical over the long term.

 

I hear you. I've been reliable and economical my entire life.

For my family (or for me) I've purchased (all new):
1997 Acura Integra LS
2002 Honda Accord EX-L
2007 Nissan Altima SE V6
2008 Honda Civic EX-L
2015 Honda CR-V EX-L

That's a lot of reliable and economical!

So now... I still want reliable, but I can give a bit on economical. Haha...

I wish the Honda Accord or the Mazda 6 came in AWD. Those vehicles are sharp looking IMO.

My wife keeps pushing me to get a Pilot, and I'm like, "Hell, no. What part of NO SUVs is hard to comprehend?"

 

This is why I am running Accord CU2... has zero extras, zero things to fix. Actually made in Japan like the Subarus. I do admire some of the German like Quattros/S series, M series and Porsches. The powerplants are next level in performance and complexity.

 

If you are wanting a AWD Honda Accord, why not look at a Acura TLX ? Lots of similarities

 

It is on my list. I only wish the styling were... uh... a little more Teutonic and little less... origami.

I had good times with my only Acura.

 

Actually I think your original choice is pretty well reasoned. Bmw 3/4 and Audi 4/5 series are hugely popular worldwide for a reason and both of their reputations are well earned. You are pretty likely to enjoy either one you choose.

 

The S5 uses a Quattro system with a 60:40 rear bias. It does not use a Haldex system. As someone who previously worked for BMW AG and privately owned an B6 S4 Avant 6MT, B7 RS4, and B9 S4, I can personally tell you to buy the S5. Its a far better car.

 

If I choose to go with the A5, does what you say about the S5 still apply?

 

Rather than choosing purely based upon knowing the specific AWD implementation, the question is will you be pushing the car to performance limits where you'd be able to actually tell the difference? Would you be able to tell the difference in your normal style of driving?

 

I'd test drive both the A5 and S5 prior to deciding.