The 2019 RS5 Sportback is a lovely thing. Torquey and handsome, and practical to boot, it might be the best way to go long distances quickly and comfortably. But there was a magic to original RS5 that made it a truly special car. So which one is right for you?

The guys at Throttle House decided to investigate, pitting a 2013 RS5 against a 2019 model and as you might expect, there isn’t really an easy answer.


The latest RS5 Sportback’s twin-turbo V6 has a hp rating that disappoints when considered against the 2013’s naturally aspirated V8. While the older one makes 450 hp, the newer one makes just 444 hp.

That figure conceals the ruthlessness of the V6’s 442 lb-ft of torque—or 125 lb-ft more than the V8. As Audi once put it: people shop for horsepower, but they buy torque.

Still, despite the impressive figures, the 2013 RS5 just has soul. The V8 is closely related to Audi’s fearsome V10 and the engine bay is all bright reds and carbon. The engine also sings at high revs, allowing owners to express their love of their car.

Ultimately, this video a reminder that the RS5 series has been a strong one. It’s also a reminder that the first generation RS5 was a very special car and one that you might not want to overlook.