B185CS

Assuming similar price and mileage, would you rather have a 2004 (C5) A6 4.2 or a 2003 (D2) A8L 4.2? And why? I apprecate any opinions you might have. I'm also posting this question to the A8 forum in order to get equal bias from both camps.

BoneDaddy

me, I'd rather have the c5 (it'd win by a nose), I like the styling more, but the d2 is a really nice car, plus you'd have a more exclusive vehicle. it's a really tough call, but last time I looked, the d2 was, on average 7-10k more on the used market (but I was looking at older years); I saved the money to put into other things as I'm still young.

koz4.2

01 A6 versus 01 A8, same mileage, A8 was only $1K more, both were loaded. I chose the A6 because of the sport package (it handled better), and the styling (loved the aggresive look of the 4.2). The A8 also felt more like a cruiser than a sport sedan and
(to me) had more of a "stodgy" image.

Koz.

Hilden

If it wasn't for need of a dog transport, I'd probably still be pushin a D2.

Used to have a D2 4,2 SWB, S8 Recaros, Remus exhaust, slammed with KW's and more. The ride before the KW's was simply the most comfy ride I ever had (before testing the D3). Once I swapped to coilovers it just sticked to the road like a sportscar, way better handling than my current ride (which is supposed to have "sports suspension"). Also, the extra 40HP I have now don't make much of a difference. I also have the feeling that the A8 was better put together, no strange noises (except for when the control arms gave up every now and then) or anything but maybe it's just my imagination.

<img src="http://pictureposter.audiworld.com/63982/a8slammed.jpg">

Not that I'm unhappy with the S6 or that it falls apart, it's truly an awesome car. Just more of a family transporter and a little smaller. So I really don't know where the heck to go next...D3, RS6, C6...just too many nice cars out there

4Driver4

I'd pick the A6 for maintenance ease and cost.

Murph

The D2 was the better highway cruiser but the C5 is the better all round car for spirited as well as cruising driving. It's also comfy on hwy. I am typing from a Marroitt 275 miles from home. I made that drive last night without a stop and was not uncomfortable at any time.

That said for my next car I will be seriously looking at the "in between" A8 body style that came out in I think 2004 or maybe 2005 and then superceded by the new fishmouth look. I think those look awesome.

Good luck with your choices. It's nice to have them.