Audi RS5 Cabriolet v Jaguar F-Type V8 S

Andrew Maclean from Drive compares V8 convertibles from Germany and the United Kingdom.

• Jaguar F-Type V8 S: from $201,945 plus on-road costs. 5.0-litre supercharged V8; 364kW/625Nm; eight-speed auto; 11.1L/100km; RWD

• Audi RS5 Cabriolet: from $175,900 plus on-road costs. 4.2-litre V8; 331kW/430Nm; seven-speed dual-clutch auto; 10.7L/100km; AWD

Audi

Kicks things off with a clear $25k advantage on price, and is a genuine four-seater convertible. Comes with 19-inch alloy wheels, heated leather seats (for all four occupants with neck-level heating up front), Xenon lights, sat-nav, Bluetooth, 20GB hard drive, reverse camera and a wind deflector.

Jaguar

The mid-spec V6 S almost matches the RS5 at $171,045 plus on-road costs. But for this test we’ve chosen the flagship V8, which is $26k more expensive. Still, it comes with 20-inch alloy wheels, leather seats, sat-nav, Xenon lights, Bluetooth, parking sensors and a Meridien sound system. Has a long list of costly options (which are standard on the Audi), including rain-sensing wipers, heated seats and dual-zone air-conditioning.

Winner: Audi

Inside

Audi

Has all the hallmarks of Audi’s typically clinical yet classy interior design, with a bit more sportiness thrown in to match its RS credentials, such as its flat-bottomed steering wheel and figure-hugging sports seats. Otherwise, it’s a well thought-out cabin with clear instruments, an easy-to-use multi media system and quality materials. Back seats are easily accessible and spacious enough for adults and, although the folding fabric roof reduces the boot space over the coupe on which it it based, it has a useable 380L cargo-carrying capacity, enough for a couple of decent-sized bags for a weekend away.

Jaguar

The two-seater layout obviously brings with it compromises - particularly in terms of passenger space and storage - but the Jaguar definitely has a more dramatic appearance with its driver-focussed cockpit. The driving position is lower and more sports-oriented, the colour screen between the speedo and tacho is clearer and the touch screen audio system easier to navigate. There are neat features such as the pulsing gold starter button, the anodised look of the steering wheel paddle shifters and the way the central air vents rise from within the dash. Its boot, however, is ridiculously small with a space-saver spare tyre leaving little room for luggage.

Winner: Audi

Engine

Audi

The RS5’s naturally-aspirated 4.2-litre V8 is one of the greatest engines of its kind with a linear power delivery that rises to a wailing crescendo as the revs rise to its sky-high 8250rpm redline. While it is smooth at low revs and is happy to crawl around town with its slick-shifting seven-speed dual-clutch, it needs to be worked hard to get the best out of it, particularly considering the RS5 Cabriolet weighs in at a hefty 1900-plus kilograms. Audi claims it can rocket from 0-100km/h in 4.9 seconds. Fuel consumption is an average 10.7L/100km but we saw more like 14L/100km in everyday driving.

Jaguar

5.0-litre supercharged V8 is a theatrical masterpiece. It doesn’t rev as high as the Audi, but its force-fed nature means it has more instant punch thanks to almost 200Nm more torque and available between 2500-5500rpm. While the Audi sounds like a race car at high revs, the Jaguar thunders away at almost any speed and cracks and pops like a fireworks display when you back off the accelerator; it is loud and sometimes obnoxious, but it’s a great sound. At less than 1700kg it’s also quicker, with Jaguar claiming it can reach 100km/h in 4.3 seconds. But it also drinks a bit with a claimed average fuel consumption of 11.1L/100km that can easily blow out to 14L/100km.

Winner: Jaguar

How it drives

Audi

Like all RS models, there’s stiffer suspension, bigger brakes and wider tyres. It also feeds power to all four wheels and apportions power to the outside rear wheel under heavy acceleration, which works a treat delivering plenty of grip and predictable handling. But, the ride can be harsh and the body can flex over bumps. The adjustable steering is either too sensitive in its Comfort setting or too artificial in its Sport mode. As a four-seater cruiser it is a great car, but as a sports car it can feel compromised.

Jaguar

The F-Type feels like a genuine sports car at any speed, thanks to its rear-drive underpinnings and hot rod philosophy. The body is stiffer, the steering more natural and it has a better blend of comfort and sportiness in its suspension settings.

Winner: Jaguar

Street Appeal

Audi

As far as four-seat drop-tops are concerned, the RS5 is a suitably aggressive looking car with its pumped-out guards, big wheels and subtle body kit. It looks just as good with its roof down as it does with it in place, but whether the RS additions are noticeable enough to turn heads for anyone other than Audi-philes is debatable.

Jaguar

The F-Type is one of the most-stunning new cars introduced last year, with a style that is both modern and classically-styled. It has enough hallmark design cues drawn from the iconic E-Type to satisfy Jaguar’s traditionalists, yet its sleek long-nosed, short-rear proportions are littered with the latest techy treats that it looks thoroughly 21st century. It is a true head turner, and unmistakably a Jaguar.

Winner: Jaguar

Verdict

Audi

There’s a lot to like about the RS5 Cabriolet, but it’s a car that seems compromised by the RS treatment. The less powerful S4 is a better cabriolet and the RS5 coupe a better sports car.

Jaguar

The Audi is better built, cheaper, seats four adults and has more standard equipment, but there’s a lot to love about the F-Type. It’s a more emotional car and as good as being a convertible as it is a sports car.

Winner: Jaguar

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