LSorvats

I have had my S4 since it first came to the US, and have finally decided to make the switch. I have to say, I dont know a great deal about the new one, but was hoping you guys could give me some advise about switching to the B6. Is it any faster? Is it as much fun without turbos? Does it sound as good? etc.....

Thanks for the help.......

S4saken

o Stock for stock, B6 is a good bit faster, even tho B6 is 150 lbs heavier
o B5 turbo reliability always an issue, stock or not
o B5 chipped about as fast as B6
o Stock B6 is track ready, B5 needs brakes, susp upgrades
o B5 with Stage 3 mods faster than B6, but $$$
o B6 handling and chassis and brakes FAR superior
o Both interiors are very, very nice
o Both cars feel very solid
o B5 fuel economy better than B6
o B6 sound = incredible, B5 OK with exhaust
o B5 turbo whoosh is very very cool

B5 has achieved cult status, B6 ?????

digital dog

I've currently own the B5 and have a B6 on order. One of the biggest differences (and improvements) in the B6 is the stick. It's not as damn knotchy as the B5 which is one of the things I hate the most about my car. I like the seats better and the in dash 6 CD charger. The other points made by S4saken seem to be right on based on my test drive of the B6. IOW, it's a solid upgrade.

gk1

I've test driven both tip and 6-spd.
Here are my thoughts

o Stock for stock, B6 is faster than a B5 given it has 90+ more HP.
o B5 turbo reliability is not always an issue, it has the same reliabality as any turbo car. Just more negative feedback on here as people do not generally complain/comment when the car runs perfectly.
o Stage 2 B5 is as fast as a stock B6
o Stock B6 is track ready, B5 needs brakes, susp upgrades... for $52k you can find a better track car if that is your main goal.
o B5 with Stage 3 mods faster than B6, but $$$... but still only brings a B5 up to the price of a B6. (A well equipped B6 is about $10k more than a well equipped B5)
o B6 handling and chassis and brakes FAR superior...again, not really true. Both the brakes and steering were vastly changed in the B6 with the use of the variable level assist on both.
o Braking is actually longer from 60mph on the B6.
o Both interiors are very, very nice. My own opinion B6 interior is a little worse, still fine Audi quality...and NO, Recaros do not make up for it.
o Both cars feel very solid
o B5 fuel economy better than B6...tip B6 is almost equivalent to B5 though.
o B6 sound = incredible, B5 OK with exhaust..I'll give that one...any V8 should sound great.
o B5 turbo whoosh is very very cool

Overall the B6 is a fine car, and plenty powerful as would be expected from stuffing the 4.2L V8 into their smallest sedan. IMHO though it is priced a little too high to be a good upgrade from the B5. If they kept the price point the same or only marginally higher then I'm sure there would be a lot more B5 converts, but a 24% price jump is too much.

S4saken

... bought a flawless '01 Carrera with only 10K miles. It cost $55K, which would have gotten me a decked out B6, but I decided to buy out the lease on my B5, which gets me 2 really great cars. And I own them both free and clear.

I'm a lucky (and broke) man now!

Ed

Miwa

Out of the box, the B6 has a much stiffer chassis, much better seats, more power and a better suspension than the B5. Unfortunately, it weighs more too.

If you are stage 2 or 2+, the B6 doesn't have anywhere near the torque of the B5. Stage 2 and 2+ B5's are quicker in the 1/4 too. The B6 has quite a bit of power stock, so you get that and a warranty all at the same time.

I have a B6 Avant on order, so I'll be making the transition from Stage 2+ B5 to B6. I'll miss the torque, but the B6 is a nice ride.

S4saken

a well tuned B5 is absolutely sick, close to 400 lb-ft at 2K RPM. My wife almost soiled herself when she drove the S4.

In a short, straight race, my B5 will hand my Carrera it's ***.

Miwa

Yeah, I was stage 2+, and it was much fun.