The Audi Rs5 Competition package is known for taking the already impressive RS5 to another level of performance. A question often arises among enthusiasts: are the sway bars in the Competition package different from the standard RS5, and if so, should owners consider upgrading to aftermarket options? Let’s delve into the details of the RS5 Competition’s suspension and explore the role of sway bars in handling improvements.
It’s widely understood that the RS5 Competition package includes significant changes to the suspension system. Beyond just aesthetics, Audi engineers tweaked several components to enhance the car’s dynamics. This includes different springs and shocks, contributing to a more aggressive and responsive driving experience. Furthermore, the Competition package often features lighter wheels, reducing unsprung weight, and a unique tuning for the sport differential. All these elements are meticulously calibrated to work in harmony, delivering a cohesive performance upgrade.
Given these comprehensive changes, it’s highly probable that the sway bars in the RS5 Competition package are indeed different from those in the standard RS5. Sway bars, also known as anti-roll bars, play a crucial role in fine-tuning a vehicle’s handling. They influence how weight is transferred during cornering and directly impact body roll. Therefore, it would be logical for Audi to specify different sway bars to complement the revised springs, shocks, and other suspension components in the Competition package. The optimal sway bar setup is intricately linked to the overall suspension design, ensuring balanced and predictable handling.
When considering aftermarket sway bars, such as those from 034Motorsport, it’s essential to approach with informed consideration, especially for a finely tuned vehicle like the RS5 Competition. One point of caution is that some aftermarket manufacturers offer “one-size-fits-all” sway bar kits designed to cover a range of Audi models (A, S, and RS). While these kits might offer adjustability, they may not be specifically optimized for the unique characteristics of the B9 RS5, particularly the Competition variant. In fact, some of these aftermarket options might have been developed before the RS5 Competition even existed. This raises questions about whether a generic aftermarket solution can truly outperform the meticulously engineered components of the Competition package.
Modifying sway bars is a common performance upgrade, but motivations vary. Some drivers seek a flatter cornering stance, potentially at the expense of ultimate grip or ride comfort. Others are simply eager to modify their vehicle. However, for those focused on genuinely enhancing handling for spirited driving, autocross, or track days, a deeper understanding is crucial.
Stiffer sway bars reduce suspension independence, which can decrease traction on uneven surfaces. Stiffening only the rear bar can induce oversteer, while stiffening only the front can increase understeer. Changing both requires careful consideration of the relative stiffness increase at each end to achieve the desired handling balance. While stiffer bars can reduce body roll and make the car feel more planted in certain conditions, they can also limit individual wheel articulation and reduce overall grip in others.
Therefore, before considering sway bar upgrades on your Audi RS5 Competition, a thorough assessment of your current handling is advisable. Understand the car’s existing balance. Does it exhibit understeer or oversteer in your typical driving scenarios? Start by exploring adjustments within the stock system. Tire pressures and, if applicable, adjustable coilover settings can significantly alter handling. Only after exhausting these readily available adjustments should you consider component changes like sway bars or strut braces, and only if you have a clear, specific handling objective in mind that the stock components cannot achieve.
If your motivations for changing sway bars extend beyond pure handling improvements, consider factors like adjustability, maintenance requirements (some aftermarket bars have grease fittings), and the specificity of the product to your vehicle. Opting for components engineered specifically for the RS5 Competition is generally preferable to universal parts. Remember that any modification is not automatically an improvement. Define your goals clearly and research thoroughly to ensure your chosen sway bar upgrade genuinely enhances your Audi RS5 Competition experience.
