Puzz1

So, I'm trying to decide which A6 to get. Truly can't decide between 3.0 or TDI or even S6. I'd love the S6 but don't know if I can justify the extra cost. As the the TDI and 3.0, is the torque worth the trade for top end power? I would be interested in hearing from those who went through a similar decision process.

Superfly_A6

I love the tq and practicality of my TDI. The fuel economy is awesome and the engine is solid. I haven't had a single issue for 37,000km and just over a year of driving.

That being said, my dealer has a 4.0TT A8 shuttle and the engine on that thing sounds sick! if I had more money than I would need, for sure I would buy the S/RS6, but the TDI in my opinion is the next best thing.

DB22

The last time I had a car and the engine sounded sick, I sold it and bought an Audi.

KevinGary

The TDI is a great engine that combines power and fuel economy. Car and Driver tested it and concluded that it was quicker than the 3.0 going zero to sixty and in the quarter mile. Not bad for a car that will go 40 mpg on the highway.

NABS4

Lots of highway= TDI
Good overall performer=3.0T
Going for it=S6

My biggest complaint with the TDI is the turbo lag. It does take a second to spool the turbo. I've had two cars with the 3.0T and I appreciate the immediate power of the SC engine.

I'd love to be able to get the seats that come standard with S6. They are available as an option for the A6 in ROW. The A6 seats are lacking and I expect better from Audi.

Good luck with your decision.

feralc

I dont know about Car and Driver test but I have driven both and the 3.0T is faster, the Diesel engine pulls really hard from zero because of the enormous torque, but the 3.0T revs higher and it will beat a 0-60 time for sure.

KevinGary

Here is the link to Car and Driver article 2014 Audi A6 TDI Diesel Test ? Review ? Car and Driver

The TDI is much faster if you use the paddle shifters to up shift at 3800 RPMs and avoid the lull in power between 3800 RPMs and the redline in the TDI.

ronkar1

Read the Car and Driver tests, 2012 A6 3.0T vs. 2014 3.0 TDI.

Google:
2014 A6 TDI Diesel - Instrumented Test
2012 Audi A6 3.0T Quattro - Instrumented Test (look for the complete specs and performance data pdf download)

There is good news for all.

TDI owners should only accelerate from zero, and never go more than 1/4 mile. That will beat the 3.0T.

3.0T owners should either kick down anywhere over 5 mph, or continue beyond 1/4 mile. That negates the off the line torque advantage of the TDI.

Take your pick.

KevinGary

No doubt that the TDI runs out of legs at the end of the quarter, but how many of us in the real world are accelerating at speeds north of 100 mph?

v8a6

EDIT: disregard, thought this was the C6 section

Good luck with your purchase!