Viperal

4.2 all the way.

The 4.2 is more reliable (no timing belt, no turbo or it's related components) and also performs better on the allroad.

It's a little faster than the 2.7 automatic (6.9 vs 7.3 automatic for the allroad) with a smoother acceleration.

On the 2.7 side there are a lot of performance mods that can be done, but they don't help with it's reliability.

I looked all over just to get the 4.2, didn't want anything else.

JimiRayClapton

You want great pickup? Get the 2.7T.
Pulling a trailer or boat? Get the 4.2.

I've had both.

MYD-WGN

There is only one tenth of a second difference between a manual V6 and a V8.I wouldn't call that a great difference in pickup.

rlawall

Although I can't speak to the reliability of turbos (although my mechanic, who I have known for 20 years) doesn't seem to think that well-maintained turbos are GENERALLY a huge failure risk, I have had numerous Audis over the years, from an '84 4000Q to my current 2004 allroad, and the timing belt is simply a maintenance item. Yes, it costs money to have it done (although it doesn't need to be done until 70,000-80,000 miles), but it's not a failure or a design flaw, IMHO. An engine with a timing belt is no less reliable than one with a timing chain because of the timing belt. My previous Audis, all with timing belts, went well into the 100,000s of thousands of miles, I had far more trouble with the air conditioning than with the engine!

This is just my .02, based on my observations, of course.

Rick

Studly_1

There is a happy turbo rush, and a sweet gentle whistle if you ever drive in close quarters like an alley with the windows down. The only lag I've found is with a tip tranny. There is very little turbo lag.

jeanfor

I got both and drive the 2.7T 6 speed manual. I do prefer the 2.7T with the manual transmission. If you get with tiptronic get the 4.2

amilenkovic

I previously owned a 2000 S4 and while it's true about well maintained turbos, I've had enough concerns with the location, and design of the 2.7TT turbos that I wouldn't get another one of those again. While your mechanic may be right about turbos in general, on the S4 you had to lift the whole engine out to replace them which means while the turbos aren't very expensive, the repair is very costly.

I picked up a 2005 allroad 4.2 and I'm very happy with it. I prefer the instant throttle response to the fun of spooling the 2.7, and my missus prefers driving it. No matter what speed, gear, whatever, she puts her foot down and the car pulls.

The mileage is equivalent, the engine is more reliable, it's less expensive to repair, and the Audi 4.2 is a design that people all around recognize and like for how solid it is.

Finally, there's just about no price difference between 2.7s and 4.2s ($1000-2000 tops), and the 4.2s generally have a lot more options. This means you take advantage of depreciation to get a more expensive car for the same money.

After weighing the increased performance, reliability, fun, and options of the 4.2, there was no question in my mind which one to get.

rlawall

I pretty much agree with your logic, amilenkovic, my only thing was that I wanted a 6 speed... if they made the 4.2 in a 6 speed mt, it would have been a done deal. I'm not unhappy with my 2.7T, mind you, but the 4.2 does seem to be a more solid engine...

Rick