Did comparative test drives of A6 2.7T sport, 4.2 sport and S8 today.
03-23-2002, 07:01 PM
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Did comparative test drives of A6 2.7T sport, 4.2 sport and S8 today.
Decided to do this because I wondered how I would like the sports seats on the RS6 and thought the other A6s might give me a feel for this. Drove each car (hard) for about 45 minutes on highway and open back roads. The 2.7T sport smokes the 4.2 sport off the line and is fun to drive. I already own a 2.7T though there are some really nice improvements since I bought mine in early 2000. The 4.2 looks great ( substantial and beefy)and runs well once it gets it's big butt moving but I was quite impatient with the lag time it takes to get up to speed. The S8 was by far the most fun to drive. Great engine response and quickness, great V8 growl, wonderful suspension, nimble, and solid all at the same time. Couldn't find anything that I didn't like about the car and thought that it was probably a car that I could be happy with for a long time. Even liked the bigger cabin better;must be because I'm about to turn 51 (yikes!). That sane and stable thought became short-lived when I began wondering what the S8 would be like with biturbos helping out that already great V8. Hmmm...RS6 or RS8? Can I be that patient? Which would you guys rather have if $ wasn't an issue?
03-23-2002, 07:17 PM
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Well, if you're offering, I'd like to have the RS6.....
I've driven the A8 and have owned A6s....the RS6 has got to be more nimble and tossable than an RS8 if there's gonna be such a car....but the 8 would be one awesome mother.
03-23-2002, 07:22 PM
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4.2 is only about 200lbs. heavier than 2.7, it's the
gearing that makes the 4.2 feel pokey and porky (though I agree that it's a porker, and that the 2.7 and for that matter the S8 are porkers too). Were all the cars brand new off a dealer lot? All TIP models?
Same gearing would make a huge difference in comparing the actual capabilities of what these cars can do....though you tested in the real world and there is where it matters I suppose. For me, the real world is 50-90 type acceleration runs, which is one of the strong suits of the 4.2. I've never seen a measured comparison between the various models in this area. Just my preference, but this is where I enjoy running the car hard - vs. hard off the line which doesn't do much for me, and I don't do very often.
I have to think the new A8 will be making the current model seem dated in a big, big hurry when it comes out. Never heard of an <b>R</b>S8 before?
If you like the 2.7 and S8, and you can afford a RS6...you should wait! It will have more V8, better gearing, better suspension etc. - everything you like in the current models, but <small>more...</small>more...MORE...<b>MORE!...</b><b><big>MORE!..</big></b>
Same gearing would make a huge difference in comparing the actual capabilities of what these cars can do....though you tested in the real world and there is where it matters I suppose. For me, the real world is 50-90 type acceleration runs, which is one of the strong suits of the 4.2. I've never seen a measured comparison between the various models in this area. Just my preference, but this is where I enjoy running the car hard - vs. hard off the line which doesn't do much for me, and I don't do very often.
I have to think the new A8 will be making the current model seem dated in a big, big hurry when it comes out. Never heard of an <b>R</b>S8 before?
If you like the 2.7 and S8, and you can afford a RS6...you should wait! It will have more V8, better gearing, better suspension etc. - everything you like in the current models, but <small>more...</small>more...MORE...<b>MORE!...</b><b><big>MORE!..</big></b>
03-23-2002, 07:31 PM
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I think they're too heavy. Can you imagine any of these (2.7, 4.2, S8) at about 3200 lbs?
Acceleration can be taken care of with more power, but the fat generally hurts everything; handling, acceleration, braking...
Did you get to drive an S6 Avant?
I wish they were slow compared to what I drive...I'm LMGotts "<b>4.2</b>"
Ahhh, another recycled picture:
<img src="http://pictureposter.audiworld.com/18003/t07.jpg">
Did you get to drive an S6 Avant?
I wish they were slow compared to what I drive...I'm LMGotts "<b>4.2</b>"
Ahhh, another recycled picture:
<img src="http://pictureposter.audiworld.com/18003/t07.jpg">
03-23-2002, 07:43 PM
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Supply and demand, who knows?
The RS6 is a hot car, with the limited production; it could turn into a collectable. If it goes for MSRP, even 70+, could be if word gets out, it'll seem like a bargain, and resell for a nice amount. Or, its resale could be a dog. One strategy could be to buy the RS6, and if you're lucky, resale might pay for a big chuck of a subsequent RS8. IF we ever see one, which I doubt. But if not, hey, you're still driving an RS6. Or you could just "settle" for that plebian S8 that's SO sweet.
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03-23-2002, 07:46 PM
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Yes. Drove an S6 Avant about a month ago.
Nice driving car. Had the feel of a fine sports sedan. It was hard to grasp that I was driving a boxy shaped car. Unlike Alex D and many others, I don't prefer the "station-wagon" look and don't have need for a cargo hauler presently. I think that the S6 in any form is a fine car. I'd prefer the saloon. The projected future S6 with V10 420 HP and aluminum body will probably be an improvement and hopefully significantly under 6.0 0-60. That's the catch. They just keep getting better and more seductive. A far cry from the pre-1998 A6s and S4-6s!
03-23-2002, 10:04 PM
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No way will an RS 8 ever show up...way too niche for Audi...but the choice is easy...
the RS 6 will kick *** over all the others by far...
If you need a real big car, the S8 is the way to go. The current one is great, but a little outdated looks and interior-wise...and the new one is still several years away.
The RS 6 will beat anything Audi puts out for many years...that is, until the next generation RS 6 arrives in 2009 or so.
As far as the seats go, if the RS 6 comes with the Recaros it has been displayed with, the Audi sport seats you tested will not compare in any way to the Recaros. You should go to a Recaro dealer and see if they have an OEM S6 or similar seat to try out (I doubt you will be successful). We got ripped-off here in N. America that the Recaros didn't come with the S6 at all, nevermind that they are STANDARD in all other markets! Time will tell if Audi pulls the stupid move and leaves out the Recaros and those bad-*** brakes.
If you need a real big car, the S8 is the way to go. The current one is great, but a little outdated looks and interior-wise...and the new one is still several years away.
The RS 6 will beat anything Audi puts out for many years...that is, until the next generation RS 6 arrives in 2009 or so.
As far as the seats go, if the RS 6 comes with the Recaros it has been displayed with, the Audi sport seats you tested will not compare in any way to the Recaros. You should go to a Recaro dealer and see if they have an OEM S6 or similar seat to try out (I doubt you will be successful). We got ripped-off here in N. America that the Recaros didn't come with the S6 at all, nevermind that they are STANDARD in all other markets! Time will tell if Audi pulls the stupid move and leaves out the Recaros and those bad-*** brakes.