A5 vs CT5
Choosing between Audi and Cadillac often comes down to a specific pair of products. In the compact luxury car class, that pair is the A5 and the CT5. Call it a near draw on paper, with just a few specs pulling the two apart.
At a glance
- Engine & Performance A5 wins
- Fuel Economy & Range Tie
- Space & Practicality Tie
- Off-road & Towing Tie
- Engine & Performance7.1
- Fuel Economy & Range4.6
- Engine & Performance5.0
- Fuel Economy & Range5.0
Spec scores (0 to 10) are calculated from manufacturer specs against other models in the same class. See how the formula works. They are not reviews or user ratings.
Key Differences
-
The A5 has 31 hp more power
The CT5 isn’t far behind at 237 hp, but the A5’s 268 hp still comes out ahead. Power is only part of the story; weight, gearing and torque delivery shape how quick a car feels.
-
The A5 has 37 lb-ft more torque
A narrow win for the A5. With 295 lb-ft to 258 lb-ft, it’s the kind of difference that adds up rather than stands out. More torque means stronger pulling from low speeds, which you feel when accelerating from a stop or climbing grades.
Design & Size
Dimensions
| Spec | A5 | CT5 |
|---|---|---|
| Length | N/A (not specified) | 193.8 in |
| Width (no mirrors) | N/A (not specified) | 74.1 in |
| Height | N/A (not specified) | 57.2 in |
| Wheelbase | N/A (not specified) | 116 in |
Engine & Performance
A5 leads
This is one of the A5’s strongest areas. On engine & performance, the CT5 falls well short. The A5 steps ahead thanks to 31 hp more power. More power helps with merging, overtaking and climbing hills, especially with passengers and luggage on board. Net result: the A5 leads this part of the comparison.
Total system output
A5: 268 hp CT5: 237 hp The A5’s extra output gives it more in reserve when you need to get up to speed.
Torque
A5: 295 lb-ft CT5: 258 lb-ft The A5’s extra torque makes it more relaxed when fully loaded or towing.
Fuel Economy & Range
Too close to call
The differences on fuel economy & range are small enough to ignore in daily use. Treat fuel economy & range as common ground and look elsewhere for the deciding factor.
Space & Practicality
Too close to call
The space & practicality specs are close enough that neither gets the point. If space & practicality was going to be your tiebreaker, you’ll need a different one.
Off-road & Towing
Too close to call
The A5 and the CT5 match each other closely in this area. The off-road & towing verdict: no winner, and no reason to worry either way.
Safety & Tech
This section is descriptive. The A5 and the CT5 list different components for safety & tech, and the table spells them out.
Full Specifications
Engine & Performance
| Spec | A5 | CT5 |
|---|---|---|
| Powertrain | Gas | Gas |
| Engine | 2.0L turbo I4 | 2.0L turbo I4 |
| Total system output | 268 hp (winner) | 237 hp |
| Torque | 295 lb-ft (winner) | 258 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 7-speed dual-clutch (S tronic) | 10-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain | AWD (quattro) | RWD (AWD available) |
Fuel Economy & Range
| Spec | A5 | CT5 |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel economy (combined)EPA estimate where available | 26 mpg | 26 mpg |
| Fuel economy (city) | 22 mpg | 23 mpg |
| Fuel economy (highway) | 31 mpg | 32 mpg |
Space & Practicality
| Spec | A5 | CT5 |
|---|---|---|
| Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Cargo (behind rear seats) | N/A (not specified) | 11.9 cu ft |
Off-road & Towing
| Spec | A5 | CT5 |
|---|---|---|
| AWD / 4WD available | Yes | Yes |
Safety & Tech
| Spec | A5 | CT5 |
|---|---|---|
| Basic warranty | 4 yr / 50,000 mi | 4 yr / 50,000 mi |
Dimensions
| Spec | A5 | CT5 |
|---|---|---|
| Length | N/A (not specified) | 193.8 in |
| Width (no mirrors) | N/A (not specified) | 74.1 in |
| Height | N/A (not specified) | 57.2 in |
| Wheelbase | N/A (not specified) | 116 in |
Price
| Spec | A5 | CT5 |
|---|---|---|
| Starting MSRP | N/A (not specified) | $47,595 Priciest in class |
“N/A” means the manufacturer does not specify the value or we could not confirm it. Figures marked “manufacturer rating” are the maker’s own claims, not our measurements.
Which One Should You Buy?
Choose the A5 if…
- you want more power (268 hp vs 237 hp)
- you want more pulling power from low speeds (295 lb-ft vs 258 lb-ft of torque)
- you prefer staying with Audi
Also Compared
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for most people, the A5 or the CT5?
On the specs compared here, the A5 makes more sense for most buyers; the CT5 doesn’t win a single measurable area.
Executive Summary
If you’ve narrowed it down to the A5 and the CT5, you’ve already done the hard part. Let me help with the rest. The biggest reason I lean toward the A5 is simple: it has 31 hp more power.
The A5 is built for people who weigh engine & performance heavily, and the CT5 for people who weigh the things a spec sheet can’t capture.
My pick: the A5.
Personal opinion based on the data above. Your priorities may differ.