Dr. Jay

Depending on the auto magazine reviewed, I can find articles that say the 2.7T is quicker in the 0-60 battle. Others show the heavy 4.2 wins.
What's the real story? I don't usually trust factory specs in this area.

..and it seems universally, the S4 walks away from both of them, right?

April

S4 5sec. A6 2.7t 6spd 6 sec. A6 4.2 6.7 sec

Steve Bollinger

I've never heard a reputable 0-60 number of the S4 under 5.4. 5.6 seems more likely.

Anyway, 250HP @ 3700lbs doesn't usually equal 5 secs, even with AWD.

I sure a little engine chipping could get you down to 5 secs though.

wik

More to the point of the original question, the 2.7T tip is listed at 6.6 sec and the 4.2 tip at 6.7 sec. In other words, people, 50 extra HP in the same car = slower according to Audi. This suggests again that the 2.7T engine is conservatively rated indeed at "250 hp".
To my knowledge none of the magazines has tested the 2.7T tiptronic, but the 4.2 has been tested.

GerryL

Actually, all it really suggests is that the torque information that Audi released is accurate. 0-60 has much more to do with available torque across the board than it does with peak horsepower (the 250 vs 300 figure). The 2.7t makes full torque (according to Audi)from 1850 to 3600rpm while the 4.2 is listed at 3000 to 4000. That tells you a lot about the shape and usability of the availabile torque (the real force that accelerates you). Given most turbo's ability to offer broad flat torque delivery, I'm not surprised that the 2.7t does a slightly better 0-60 despite a bit less peak hp. Particularly in that the choice of two smaller turbos helps it deliver quick lowend torque and probably, to some extent, restricts high end hp.

April

An example of torque is this: Take one diesel Beetle. Pick fight at stoplight with Acura GSR. Smoke the sushi car across the intersection. Why ? Beetle has 149lbft of torque ( 90hp ) at 1900rpm. Acura has 126lbft torque ( 180hp )at 6200rpm. They will have blown you off by the time you get 100 ft, but point will made.

The 2.7t motor has a fly by wire throttle, electronic wastegates and small turbos. You can modulate boost by changing the speed with which you move the throttle vs depthy of throttle position. Feeling frisky ? Jump on it ! Want to be conservative with Aunt May in the car ? Just move smoothly. This is very evident in the direct gear on gear contact of the manual tranny.

Regards,

April

Steve Bollinger

Supposedly has a higher final drive gearing to conserve fuel also. Both of those things would slow it down.

I'd have to say with only 150lbs difference, that can't be it. Must be the gearing or a torque/power band deal.