1st Audi S5 Cabriolet
S5 takes the win by offering a better blend of performance, practicality and refinement
THE Audi S5 Cabriolet’s strengths are quite different from those of the Ford Mustang Convertible. While the Ford uses a brawny V8 engine, the S5 features an energetic turbo V6. The Ford is rear-wheel drive, but the Audi is four-wheel drive. And although the S5’s restrained looks don’t make quite as much of a statement, the Mustang’s design is as loud as its engine note.
But that’s not to say that the Audi isn’t as exciting as the Mustang to drive. It’s true that the V6 engine is nowhere near as characterful as the Ford’s V8, but it still delivers huge performance with a pleasant soundtrack.
Both cars managed a 0-60mph time of five seconds, with the S5’s four-wheel-drive traction making up for its 95bhp deficit. However, due to having more ratios in its 10-speed box, the Ford was faster in all of our in-gear tests from 30-50mph and 50-70mph. Still, the Audi managed 30-50mph in third and fourth in 2.4 and 3.0 seconds respectively, which were only a tenth and two tenths off the Mustang’s times.
Get on the power aggressively in a bend and the Audi will stick to its line for longer, although it’s not as playful as the Ford as a result.
Turn into a corner, and it’s clear the Cabriolet can’t match the hard-topped S5 Coupé for rigidity. Even so, it remains relatively composed over rough surfaces, with less shimmy through the chassis than its rival. That’s also thanks to our car’s £900 optional adaptive ‘S’ suspension, which in comfort mode is more compliant than the Mustang’s softer setting on its adaptive dampers. It’s a must-have option because the S5’s standard sport suspension rides quite harshly on UK roads.
The Audi’s canvas roof offers better insulation from the elements than the Ford’s, because the S5 is quieter inside at speed than the Mustang. With the roof down, buffeting in both cars is acceptable even at motorway speeds, but the Ford is slightly better here because you sit lower down in the cabin. Yet while the Ford’s rear seats are useful occasionally and kids will be able to fit in the back, the Audi’s rear passenger space is much more accommodating.
The S5’s interior is a clear winner, too; the materials used are superb and the design is functional. It’s finished beautifully, and the clean layout makes it easy to use. Audi’s Virtual Cockpit system lets you use the nav and other functions on a 12.3-inch display instead of analogue dials. It’s a great system, and while it’s not standard like the Ford’s digital dash, it only costs £250.