Anybody with E55 experience??? Need buying advice..RS6 vs. E55
09-27-2005, 01:11 PM
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Anybody with E55 experience??? Need buying advice..RS6 vs. E55
Obviously, this is a biased forum, lol. But here is my situation.
I used to track my 95 and 97 M3 a lot. I got to the point where I instructed a bit too. Then I sold those and got a GT3. Problem is, I simply do not have the time to track the car, what a fricken waste. Also, my lifestyle is demanding a sedan again...I dunno what I was thinking buying a two seater...
So, basically, I have boiled down the replacement car to either an RS6, and E55, or maybe a M5 (but its a distant 3rd).
If you compare prices on 2003 models, they are pretty much the same price, with the M5 being a bit lower.
I have driven an E55 and liked it for what it is. Fairly powerful, decent ride, etc. I have not driven an RS6 yet.
I was curious if any of you have driven an E55 as well and can give me a rough comparison between the RS6 and E55. I dont like the electro brake idea that the E55 has, although I thought they felt ok...just a bit nervous about electronic brakes and the fact that the new E55 will NOT have them! That says something!!
So...help me make a decision here. I would appreciate any "unbiased" comparisons, although that may be far-reaching. lol.
I want a sedan with power. There are really only two that fit the bill as I see it. The RS6 and the E55.
Thanks in advance for any info...Tim
I used to track my 95 and 97 M3 a lot. I got to the point where I instructed a bit too. Then I sold those and got a GT3. Problem is, I simply do not have the time to track the car, what a fricken waste. Also, my lifestyle is demanding a sedan again...I dunno what I was thinking buying a two seater...
So, basically, I have boiled down the replacement car to either an RS6, and E55, or maybe a M5 (but its a distant 3rd).
If you compare prices on 2003 models, they are pretty much the same price, with the M5 being a bit lower.
I have driven an E55 and liked it for what it is. Fairly powerful, decent ride, etc. I have not driven an RS6 yet.
I was curious if any of you have driven an E55 as well and can give me a rough comparison between the RS6 and E55. I dont like the electro brake idea that the E55 has, although I thought they felt ok...just a bit nervous about electronic brakes and the fact that the new E55 will NOT have them! That says something!!
So...help me make a decision here. I would appreciate any "unbiased" comparisons, although that may be far-reaching. lol.
I want a sedan with power. There are really only two that fit the bill as I see it. The RS6 and the E55.
Thanks in advance for any info...Tim
09-27-2005, 02:33 PM
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both are "supersleds".. my thoughts
depends on where you live and your needs... does the weather permit you to want an AWD over a RWD.
The E55 is a faster car straight line... stock it'll run low to mid 12s in the quarter. But the RS6 is no slouch. Since you are a track instructor.. should you ever want to take your car out to the track..I'd be more comfortable in the RS6 than the E55.
Having driven both... and drooling over both... I'd still opt for the RS6 as it's a one of a kind... and in seattle... well.. the rain does almost require an AWD car.. although not totally true because I have a CTS-V and it's fun in the rain.. and if it gets too slick i still have my a6 4.2.
I like the fit and finish of the Audi interior over the Benz.... but I'm biased as I think that Audi has got it right (as far as the interior goes).
The E55's tranny is smooth and the shifts are very quick...you can't hear the supercharger (which is a testament to how much sound deadening they use because roots type blowers are LOUD!)...the exhaust note is burly but yet quiet... the RS6 tranny shifts very smooth too.. but the winner is the exhaust note with the sound enhanced exhaust. It is simply TO DIE FOR!
At Wide open throttle... drop your window and GOOD LAWD... she growls with reckless abandon. Chip the bad boy and you're past E55 power ratings.... granted you lose more power to an AWD system vs. a RWD system... it should be pretty comparable.
Aesthetically, the E55 is low slung, sleek and I'll be honest... one good looking car. I turn my head everytime I spot one. The quad tail pipes give it a very menacing look too. However... the RS6 with the gapping vents in the bumper... the fender flares.. the lines.. are just about perfect. The right touches with the brushed look... I mean it's pretty close to being "sex" on wheels. Audi got it right with the RS6 (well, had they offered a manual.. it would BE the perfect performance sedan). I leave a drool stain on my window everytime I see a RS6 drive by.
Maybe I'm being stereotypical, but I find the Mercedes crowd a bit stuffy.... the Audi guys... well... that's why I'm still here even after buying a Cadillac... the support and comraderie is unparalleled.
The type of money you guys are forking out for either car.. in all honesty, you can't go wrong.... I just think you'll enjoy the RS6 more since you are an experienced track driver.
The E55 is a faster car straight line... stock it'll run low to mid 12s in the quarter. But the RS6 is no slouch. Since you are a track instructor.. should you ever want to take your car out to the track..I'd be more comfortable in the RS6 than the E55.
Having driven both... and drooling over both... I'd still opt for the RS6 as it's a one of a kind... and in seattle... well.. the rain does almost require an AWD car.. although not totally true because I have a CTS-V and it's fun in the rain.. and if it gets too slick i still have my a6 4.2.
I like the fit and finish of the Audi interior over the Benz.... but I'm biased as I think that Audi has got it right (as far as the interior goes).
The E55's tranny is smooth and the shifts are very quick...you can't hear the supercharger (which is a testament to how much sound deadening they use because roots type blowers are LOUD!)...the exhaust note is burly but yet quiet... the RS6 tranny shifts very smooth too.. but the winner is the exhaust note with the sound enhanced exhaust. It is simply TO DIE FOR!
At Wide open throttle... drop your window and GOOD LAWD... she growls with reckless abandon. Chip the bad boy and you're past E55 power ratings.... granted you lose more power to an AWD system vs. a RWD system... it should be pretty comparable.
Aesthetically, the E55 is low slung, sleek and I'll be honest... one good looking car. I turn my head everytime I spot one. The quad tail pipes give it a very menacing look too. However... the RS6 with the gapping vents in the bumper... the fender flares.. the lines.. are just about perfect. The right touches with the brushed look... I mean it's pretty close to being "sex" on wheels. Audi got it right with the RS6 (well, had they offered a manual.. it would BE the perfect performance sedan). I leave a drool stain on my window everytime I see a RS6 drive by.
Maybe I'm being stereotypical, but I find the Mercedes crowd a bit stuffy.... the Audi guys... well... that's why I'm still here even after buying a Cadillac... the support and comraderie is unparalleled.
The type of money you guys are forking out for either car.. in all honesty, you can't go wrong.... I just think you'll enjoy the RS6 more since you are an experienced track driver.
09-27-2005, 03:05 PM
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Good comparo!
All I would add is my experience driving an E55 a few months before my RS6 arrived. Generous sales woman allowed me 40 minutes on the road!
Once, when I punched it on an Interstate after rain, the E55 made a little hop to the left that I didn't like. Also, the Audi pulls much smoother merging into traffic when conditions are less than ideal. Its AWD stays comfortably glued while the E55 produces a jerky sensation as its ESP works to maintain grip.
If you want a 4 door hot rod that can "tail-out" easily, go for the Benz. If grip and smoothness are more important, the RS6 is without par in this class.
Once, when I punched it on an Interstate after rain, the E55 made a little hop to the left that I didn't like. Also, the Audi pulls much smoother merging into traffic when conditions are less than ideal. Its AWD stays comfortably glued while the E55 produces a jerky sensation as its ESP works to maintain grip.
If you want a 4 door hot rod that can "tail-out" easily, go for the Benz. If grip and smoothness are more important, the RS6 is without par in this class.
09-27-2005, 04:21 PM
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Well son I have to disagree about one point...the tranny is the RS6 is NOT smooth....wish it were
but all the other things about the car make me overlook the transmission. The sound is even louder if you put the back seats down...wow...even my husband can hear it well without his hearing aids..ha It is the growl that I love ...the turbo's spooling up...all the sounds that are so special in this car. My husband is already wanting to buy the new RS6 due to hit the shores in a year or two.
