I would get the S6, and here in the uk at least a heated steering wheel is an option. As for the quattro being dated, the S6 version isn't dated. it was recently revised so they now send more power to the back for a better drive.

 

Can you get me a manny-tranny in the UK as well?? I'd consider driving a RHD here in the States if you could!!

 

just checked and unfortunatly uk is tiptronic only as is every other market I think. :'(

 

Wouldn't a S6 be a tad harsh in the suspension department for the UK roads? A6s are often desribed as having brittle feeling suspensions. I know the 4.2 sport I tested last year was very harsh on fairly good roads here in the US.

Unlike the newer AWD systems, parasitic power loss occurs with a torsion system such as quattro. Isn't the new rear basis (40/60) still less than other AWD systems? I seem to think Acura, BMW and Infiniti systems can send 100% to rears. These systems also get better fuel economy and, with weight and hp being equal, better performance.

IMHO, torsion is for the snow.

 

The uk roads are quite bad in general and with my previous audi (A6) the ride was stiff and quite bouncy and wasn't particuarly good round corners. when I tried the new A6 there was a big difference in comfort, was much more smoother drive but some pot holes still made the car shake. Compared to the E60, the A6 doesnt quite have the smooth feeling but its very close and I would say is close to my E60 with runflats.
I just did some homework on the audi site and on the new quattro power can go 100% to front or rear axle like most competitors. I believe its still the torsion system but with much better drivetrain losses (how much I don't know). I think BMWs X drive would be the better compromise between safety and involvement just a shame they dont offer it in the larger engine sizes yet.

 

Not sure if the S6 is torsion, a lot of the quattro setups now use haldex (which can adjust its front/rear bias in less than 1/8 of a wheel revolution). Either way, it doesn't impact performance. The S6 lapped the track within .1 second of the M5 on a recent test, beat the M5 and E63 on the figure of 8 (higher speed, higher lateral g) and beat the M5/E63 at lane change. All from a system just for the snow

 

Quattro (trademark) means torsion and I doubt Audi would use Haldex in any of its cars. I could be wrong though. Imagine an Audi customer learning about this.

The test you refer to is pretty interesting. A good day for the S6 no doubt and for the snow based torsion system. I'd say other tests should show something else. Edmunds found the S6 to be slow and heavy on its feet. The accerelation numbers plain suck.

But maybe one can believe this mag and get the S6. This requiring forgetting the historical evidence of the M5 ruling the segment with RWD, lightweight and 50/50 weight distribution, legendary handling, and some of the most finely tuned engines. Then consider, no just trust, the Audi boys managed to reinvent the lackluster A6 chasis by taming that huge front end basis and the power robbing quattro. All the while giving up 50 hp to the M5 with a detuned V10 Gallardo engine.

I'm not buying that crap. Looks like they need a better track.

My question.

What are the Mag boys been smoking and where can I get some?


CVT Benhogan

 

Very well said. My thoughs exactly. People should learn to read between the lines

 

The M5 is no lightweight either at 1730kg. But notice how BMW used to be so far ahead in the past with driving experices considered and recent BMW models have let the game catch up with them IMO. BMW IMHO messed up slightly with the new M5. The S6 was never actually meant to compete with the M5, The RS6 is the actuall competitor (due next year). So in all fairness the S6 does pretty well against the M5 considering its in a category below $11,000 cheaper too. I thought the new A6 chassis was virtually as good as the E60's, and Audis new quattro system is one of the most efficent 4wd systems around. Because of the advanced AWD system it acheives higher lateral g and faster cornering speeds. Nothing wrong with the gallarado engine too. Im not particuarly an audi fan either, I think for the money the S6 is a better buy than the 550i.

 

My path: From 2000 A6 to 04' S6 to 07' 550. The Audis were solid cars and most of what I disliked about the A6 was more than compensated for in the S6. The Quattro was good piece of mind living in Minneapolis. The warranty coverage was great. Better, in fact, than my current 550 and I had nothing but great things to say about the dealer?s service department (also slightly better that my current BMW dealer). The S6 and the 550 are totally different cars. The 6 had decent acceleration but was somewhat unfulfilling (for me) having to manage the power through the faux-manual (Tiptronic). Dry handing was good, not great. The Quattro does not save you from having to switch rubber in the winter. Conti Sport Contacts + Snow = Death, even with Quattro. I found my 6 to feel a little loose at the end of its lease. All in all, a pretty good auto experience and I would have no problem putting my 16 year old daughter in a used A6.

The 550 was the natural next car for me. I was longing for a more "connected" driving experience. From the more intimate cockpit to the manual transmission to the sport suspension, each provided that extra level of access to what was going on in the car. I overcame the fear mongering AWD pundits and rediscovered the joy of rear-wheel drive. The buttery smooth power was a nice change and the sport suspension was a big step up. Time will tell on how tight the 550 stays-I have high expectations based on my experience thus far.

The S6 vs. the 550. It?s not so much which is better. For me, it?s more about where I?ve been and where I?m going. I?m happy to have experienced the S6 and I am having a blast in the 550.