Sorry but I think the S5 is boring to drive. I'd rather have a M3.

 

Tough one. It all depends on what experience you're looking for.

Pros for each model:

S5- V8 sounds more beefy in stock form (put an exhaust on and its a nice rumble), looks more classy, better Nav, more of a GT car than sports car in the ride and cruising category, less common than M3

M3- V8 is more high strung and needs to be wound up to really get the power out, more aggressive styling, RWD is more fun than AWD, better manual transmission, faster car than S5

 

I'm an Audi fan all the way, but M3 > S5.

 

 

Let's get this out of the way:

The M3 is the better performing car. FACT

However, the S5 is the more elegant and classier car. It's styling and body lines draw more attention and the interior styling/functionality cannot be matched by BMW.

Certainly, you'll have more fun in the M3, but you'll feel more important in the S5

 

If there was an R attached to the "S5" one could start discussing...but other than that it`s a no brainer...

S5 <> 335i
RS5 <> M3

 

Like others have said, the S5 can't match the M3 in performance, and I'm just going to go ahead and say the S5 is girly looking.

 

I'm not sure why people care about the performance in cars like this.

FACT - you wont be racing this car.

Guys mostly just want to know that the power and performance is there, they never really need it, so unless you want to be able to brag that you have x-more horsepower than your neighbor, I would get the S5.

 

I test drove the S5 before I got my M3 and thought it was a great car. IMO a classier looking car than the M3, and definitely more luxurious on the inside. For me though, I loved the high revving V8 on the M3. It also helped that I found a used M3 for about 7k cheaper than I could find a good used S5.

I absolutely love my M3 but don't think you can go wrong with either car

 

both are good - the s5 is bigger and better looking - also less common.