Compare the2023 Audi RS 5VS 2023 Lexus RC F

The RS 5 has a standard Secondary Collision Brake Assist, which automatically applies the brakes in the event of a crash to help prevent secondary collisions and prevent further injuries. The RC F doesn’t offer a post collision braking system: in the event of a collision that triggers the airbags, more collisions are possible without the protection of airbags that may have already deployed.

The RS 5 has all-wheel drive to maximize traction under poor conditions, especially in ice and snow. The RC F doesn’t offer all-wheel drive.

The RS 5 offers an optional Top and Corner View Cameras to allow the driver to see objects all around the vehicle on a screen. The RC F only offers a rear monitor and front and rear parking sensors that beep or flash a light. That doesn’t help with obstacles to the sides.

Both the RS 5 and the RC F have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, driver and front passenger knee airbags, side-impact head airbags, front and rear seatbelt pretensioners, four-wheel antilock brakes, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, crash mitigating brakes, daytime running lights, lane departure warning systems, rearview cameras, available blind spot warning systems and rear cross-path warning.

The RS 5’s corrosion warranty is 6 years longer than the RC F’s (12 vs. 6 years).

There are over 25 percent more Audi dealers than there are Lexus dealers, which makes it easier should you ever need service under the RS 5’s warranty.

The RS 5’s 2.9 turbo V6 produces 47 lbs.-ft. more torque (442 vs. 395) than the RC F’s 5.0 DOHC V8.

As tested in Road and Track the Audi RS 5 is faster than the Lexus RC F:

On the EPA test cycle the RS 5 gets better fuel mileage than the RC F (18 city/26 hwy vs. 16 city/24 hwy).

Regenerative brakes improve the RS 5’s fuel efficiency by converting inertia back into energy instead of wasting it. The RC F doesn’t offer a regenerative braking system.

In heavy traffic or at stoplights the RS 5’s engine automatically turns off when the vehicle is stopped, saving fuel and reducing pollution. The engine is automatically restarted when the driver gets ready to move again. If the conditions warrant or the driver wishes, the system can be manually disabled at any time for the duration of a trip. The RC F doesn’t offer an automatic engine start/stop system.

All wheel drive, available in the RS 5, provides the best traction for acceleration in wet, dry, and icy conditions. In corners, all wheel drive allows both outside wheels to provide power, balancing the car. This allows for better handling. The Lexus RC F is not available with all wheel drive.

For better stopping power the RS 5’s front brake rotors are larger than those on the RC F:

For better traction, the RS 5 has larger standard tires than the RC F (265/35R19 vs. 235/35R19). The RS 5’s optional tires are larger than the largest tires available on the RC F (275/30R20 vs. 255/35R19).

The RS 5’s optional tires provide better handling because they have a lower 30 series profile (height to width ratio) that provides a stiffer sidewall than the RC F’s 35 series tires.

For better ride, handling and brake cooling the RS 5 offers optional 20-inch wheels. The RC F’s largest wheels are only 19-inches.

For a smoother ride and more stable handling, the RS 5’s wheelbase is 1.4 inches longer than on the RC F (108.9 inches vs. 107.5 inches).

For better handling and stability, the track (width between the wheels) on the RS 5 is 1.7 inches wider in the front and 1.1 inches wider in the rear than on the RC F.

The RS 5 has 4.6 cubic feet more passenger volume than the RC F (84 vs. 79.4).

The RS 5 has 4.6 inches more front shoulder room, 1.1 inches more rear headroom, 5.4 inches more rear legroom and 4.6 inches more rear shoulder room than the RC F.

The RS 5 has a larger trunk than the RC F (10.9 vs. 9.9 cubic feet).

The RS 5’s standard rear seats fold to accommodate long and bulky cargo. The RC F doesn’t offer folding rear seats, only a ski pass-through.

To make loading and unloading groceries and cargo easier when your hands are full, the RS 5’s power trunk can be opened just by kicking your foot under the back bumper, leaving your hands completely free. The RS 5’s power trunk can also be opened or closed by pressing a button. The RC F doesn’t offer a power or hands-free opening trunk.

The RS 5 offers an optional heads-up display that projects speed, warning and navigation instruction readouts in front of the driver’s line of sight, allowing drivers to view information without diverting their eyes from the road. The RC F doesn’t offer a heads-up display.

Heated windshield washer nozzles are standard on the RS 5 to prevent washer fluid and nozzles from freezing and help continue to keep the windshield clear in sub-freezing temperatures. The RC F doesn’t offer heated windshield washer nozzles.

The RS 5 has a standard heated steering wheel to take the chill out of steering on extremely cold winter days before the car heater warms up. A heated steering wheel costs extra on the RC F.

The RS 5 has standard massaging front seats in order to maximize comfort and eliminate fatigue on long trips. Massaging seats aren’t available in the RC F.

To quickly and conveniently keep personal devices charged without cables tangling and wearing out, the Audi RS 5 has a standard wireless phone charging system (Qi) in the center console. The RC F doesn’t offer wireless personal charging.

The RS 5’s optional Park Steering Assist can parallel park or back into a parking spot by itself, with the driver only controlling speed with the brake pedal. The RC F doesn’t offer an automated parking system.

The Audi A5/S5/RS 5 outsold the Lexus RC by almost seven to one during 2022.