Rhett

anyone know the any comparisons of the bmw and the audi or have any thoughts?

Ali B

I think Audi may have blown it with introducing an S6 that is significantly less powerful than the new M5 and MB E55 AMG. All or most Audi S models have been turbocharged. The new S6 just has a massaged version of the normally aspirated 4.2 V8. Considering that Audi had plenty of advance info on the upcoming M5, to come up 60 hp shy is disappointing. On the other hand, if the S6 is priced 10 grand cheaper than the $70,000 M5, I would have to pick the S6 and its AWD capability. I could live with the 0.5 second slower 0-60 time. Of course, I can't afford either car. I do prefer the looks of the S6 to the M5. I think the current 5-Series body has started to look aged despite the fact that it came out only a year before the A6 body.

phred

since the S6 is not (at least right now) coming to the Big PX. Top Gear and Car magazine are undoubtedly on the case, since this will be a popular comparison among European buyers.

As usual, it will come down to personal preference.

larry

AutoCar (UK) drove the S6; they prefer the M5

Martin VW

My bro-in-law is slated to get an M5 in late '99. When it comes in I will give you a complete run-down. No doubt it will be an impressive car.

I saw the M5 at the NY Auto Show, and I saw the 4.2 A6. I recognize the 4.2 A6 is not the S6, but it won't be dramatically different either. The M5 was visually more exciting. By a lot.

Having said all that, I would still take the S6 over the M5, however, because of one thing.

Quattro.

Until BMW starts offering AWD, as is rumored, ther IS no comparison. I have a V-8 RWD muscle car now (and let's face it, that's what the M5 is) and I'll give up 50 HP and 0.5 seconds for the extra handling and traction of the Audi.

J

I have only one thing to say, Audi RS6 500Hp twin-turbo V8. It’s coming believe me!

KJK

BMW drivers love the "feel" of a rwd, 50-50 weight distribution car. I have followed Quattro on the track and although they handle great it is a different way to get to the same place. It literally pulls the car through the corner vs. smoothly gliding through. It is a matter of preference and a BMW does not handle like a rwd muscle car. Out here in Calif., if you prefer quattro you get it, but you don't need it.

The S4 v. M3 comparison in C&D named the S4 number one, but it was not based on handling.

KJK

No offense intended but the A6 does not compare in appearance to the 5 series. The A4 and A8 are attractive cars but the A6 rearend looks like an afterthought. I like the car to that point and than it just kind of trails off to one of those little curved rearends that makes the car look like it is squatting. Kind of like the Infiniti J30. Ewwwh!! Plus the damn wheels and tires are too small.

Stephen

You hit it on the head, the 6 Series used to be such an attractive car. Evertime I see a A4 go by, I wish the A6 could have been more like it in the rear. The S6 dual exhaust and fenders help somewhat. Yes the small wheels and tires look like they belong on a Aptiva or Ford Fiesta!