4.2Crew

I have a few suspension questions relating specifically to a 2001 A6 4.2L Sport vs 2003 RS6 suspension...

In the spec literature, Audi states the 2001 A6 4.2L (with factory sport suspension) is lowered 20mm, has a 30% stiffer spring rate, and 40% increased compression damping compared to non-sport suspensions...

Also, in spec literature, Audi states the 2003 RS6 4.2TT is lowered 20mm,
has a 30% stiffer spring rate, and 40% increased compression damping... But dosen't specify when compared to the base suspension or sport suspension.

1) Does this imply both cars are lowered, dampened and sprung the same/similiar?

2) Or, is the RS6 lowered 20mm, sprung 30%+ and dampened 40%+ more than the factory sport suspension of the 4.2L sport?

Seems rather coincidental that the same exact specs are quoted for each car, IF they are in fact substantially different.

I know the front and rear sway bars on the RS6 are beefy'r and some, or all, of the RS6 control arms have higher durameter (firmer) bushings...


BTW: Not looking for any advice on what I should or shouldn't be doing... And, I'm very aware of the DRC and what it is, can, could, would, should and will do if, when, why it works and doesn't work... For now, just looking for answers to the questions above...

Any technical insight on the questions would be helpful and appreciated...

Thanks!

mithrilG60

I could be wrong on this but the amount of lowering and increased stiffness of springs and dampers is the same on Sport and RS6 suspensions. The difference in handling arises from the active damper provided by the DRC system and the bigger stiffer sway bars. My guess is that if you installed RS6 OEM sways on your 4.2L it would feel almost identical to your RS6 in terms of cornering and body roll.

4.2Crew

As I have more time to take measurements on each car's components, I think you are absolutely right!...

To my surprise, both have the same size FRONT sway bars (28mm) but have different size rear sways bars(18mm A6, 20mm RS6.)

The Hotchkis sway bar upgrade kit provides the same front sway bar size for both (35mm) but different size rears (22mm A6, 24mm RS6.)

...Trying to ditch the DRC system on the RS6 but retain a similiar ride. Do'in the homewok!

RMsALFA

FYI - if you're looking for new pieces, I believe the 4.2 and 2.7 both had the same Sport suspension specs in 2001...

aaronazevedo

Really old thread folks, so I suppose I'm trying resurrect it. OP, did you ever figure this out definitively? Did you validate that Sport Spring specs for 2.7 and 4.2 were the same? I'm a new owner of a 2000 A6 4.2 and looking to revive the tired suspension, but only mildly. Stock sport springs seem to be worth considering. Many thanks, Aaron