Beau Springer

I've thoroughly enjoyed the first 3 weeks of ownership of my 2002 A6 4.2 (Blk/blk, Premium pkg).

I didn't buy this car for it's speed off the line or its 0-60 time, but rather for its impeccable appointments, fit/finish, and exhalation of Quality.

That said, why the hell is the 2.7T, a car that is ~20% cheaper than the 4.2, faster both in the 0-60 and 1/4 mile? Granted, the 2.7T is available with a manual tranny, but automatics can get to 60mph in a damned hurry (i.e., the 540i). I understand the "taller" gearing of the 4.2, and its capabilities as a "highway cruiser", but with its speed electronically limited to 130mph, what's the point?

I'm just wondering if anyone knows the rationale for making the 2.7T faster than the 4.2?

I love the car and it continues to impress me with its thoughtful design, etc., and it's no slow dog, but one does wonder what Audi was thinking...?

--BEAU

Egil A64.2s - S6

I feel that the 2.7 was designed for the younger crowd and positioned at a lower price point to reflect the lower average earning of this crown. This is not to say that all younger people earn less than the older crowd.
The 4.2 is better appointed and has some body modificatuions which also add to its cost. Also, expect the 4.2 to be a longer lasting engine and more trouble free. That said, my 4.2 with the sport package is plenty fast for me with excellent handling and pickup at any speed. A manual 6 speed transmission would have been the iceing on the cake, for me. My wife likes the automatic and I must say that it is a great improvement of the automatic which came in my '99 A8.

TXurS6

I think the taller gearing in the 4.2 is also there because of fuel economy issues. The smoother engine and the extra appointments appeal to a different crowd. The fenders of course appeal to everyone.

2tu®bos1mission

the gas millage.

IsuedAoAand1

Take a automatic in both and then you will choose the 4.2!

Bob-Wanna-A6

"Also, expect the 4.2 to be a longer lasting engine and less trouble free."

What do you mean by that? If something is "less trouble-free," to me that means it's more trouble prone.

pablo1

the flagship A8 and leaving enough differential for the S6. I own a 4.2 and wish that it had gearing somewhere between where it is now and the 2.7T. That would have been perfect.

Egil A64.2s - S6

Ok, I should proof read better. Fixed now.

Shredderman 3.5

I agree w/ the other posts here, except 4.2 auto should be quicker than 2.7T auto.

ulrich paulin

Looks like we have a similar history of recent car ownership. I leased a 1998 A8 and then bought a 2001 A6 4.2 with sports suspension. I'm very happy I switched, especially because of the road handling which is just great in the A6, while the A8 was way too soft in corners and the tires whined in every turn.

I couldn't find any improvement in the Tip between the two cars, though. Sluggish with unnecessary delays. I understand the 2002 model has a sports mode. I'm thinking about getting a Tip chip after factory warranty expires.

Although I'm aware that the A8 is all aluminim, I was still surprised to see that acceleration and fuel consumption of both cars were almost identical. The only thing I miss about the A8 in the solar sun roof which really helped keep the car cool in summer.