Hey guys, need some advice. I am going to replace my daily driver with an Audi. Its between an A6 2.7t, A6 4.2 or an S4 2.7t. Which ever I get, my only mods will be intake, chip, lowering springs, wheelsand exhaust. I also have a 300zx Twin Turbo with over 500hp, and thats what gets the real mods. I want a conservative but fun sedan I can drive year round since the Z doesnt see winter.

I know the obvious differences of the 3 like size, space, price& looks.
But I have a few questions...

1), A6 2.7t vs S4 2.7t, since its the same motor,any majorperformance differences in the S4 besides suspension? Since the A6 has more room inside, if performance is comparable I may lean to the A6. But if the S4 does circles around it, the S4 it will be..

2), A6 4.2 vs 2.7t, once chipped (APR), the 2.7t nets 318hp/382tq, and the 4.2 nets 352hp/312tq. So one nets a lot more tq, the other a lot more hp. Which would actually be faster then? I am a fan of turbo cars, I love turbo surge. But if the 4.2 will out perform, it may be the choice.

3), Do any of the 3 have more reliability issues than the others?

Anything else I should keep an eye out for or know about the 3?

Thanks in advance for the help. I look forward to joining the Audi community.. An E39 540i is also a consideration, but I am leaning to the Audis...

Nick

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01 A6 2.7T,blk/blk,6MT,Stg 3 SSP TUNED!,H&R/Bilst,18x8.5,et30,235/40 Falk,CM St3 clutch,IPP Lg I/C's,Vast elec fan,Sport pkg,(Daily car)
91 300zx TT,FAR from stock,550+hp,Red/Blk,only 84k on odo.. Mod list too long 4 sig (Fun car)

S4 man all the way

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Richard-
New Beast: 99.5 Ford F350 Powerstroke w/ 07 front, Dp tuned, 5' Exhaust, Big Turbo
99.5 A4 1.8TQM GIAC, Borla Testpipe. Forge 006, S4 Front, C/O's

Well, I appreciate the suggestion, but its the 'why' part and the questions above I am looking to hear. If the drivetrain is the same in an A6 2.7t & an S4, what performance differences remain?

Really looking for the specific facts to the couple questions, but I guess this is a start...

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01 A6 2.7T,blk/blk,6MT,Stg 3 SSP TUNED!,H&R/Bilst,18x8.5,et30,235/40 Falk,CM St3 clutch,IPP Lg I/C's,Vast elec fan,Sport pkg,(Daily car)
91 300zx TT,FAR from stock,550+hp,Red/Blk,only 84k on odo.. Mod list too long 4 sig (Fun car)

The 4.2 is more reliable. Plus the fender flares give it some class.

Yeah, I love the fender flares. I think if the 2.7t had them it would eliminate the 4.2 from my list... My main question in the A6 comparison is:

2), A6 4.2 vs 2.7t, once chipped (APR), the 2.7t nets 318hp/382tq, and the 4.2 nets 352hp/312tq.

Which would be faster with those numbers? The higher tq or higher hp?

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01 A6 2.7T,blk/blk,6MT,Stg 3 SSP TUNED!,H&R/Bilst,18x8.5,et30,235/40 Falk,CM St3 clutch,IPP Lg I/C's,Vast elec fan,Sport pkg,(Daily car)
91 300zx TT,FAR from stock,550+hp,Red/Blk,only 84k on odo.. Mod list too long 4 sig (Fun car)

The only way you're going to be able to make a decision on this is to read what has already been posted. The people who have been around a while have seen this post a million times and it gets tiring to respond to. So, do some searching and read this and other forums (www.audiworld.com is another good one) as part of your research. That said, here are a few thoughts...

While the S4 and A6 2.7T may have the same engine/tranny, there is one BIG difference. Weight. Because the S4 weighs less, it will offer you better performance. Add to that the fact that the engine control unit is more optimized for performance and the S4 is a performance ride. That said, the A6 offers a higher level of luxury and size. At 6'3" that is something I appreciate. If I were smaller, I'd probably drive an S4. The 2.7T in the A6 is also a bit more reliable because it's not as squished into the engine bay and therefore does not suffer from as many heat issues.

The 4.2 is arguably one of the most reliable engines Audi has recently built. That said, it will not offer the economy OR the performance of a 2.7T when in the A6. It's a great engine and a wonderful performer, but the 2.7T (stock) can outperform it. Tuned, the 2.7T gets even better. If you opt for a 2.7T, get the lowest mileage you can -- better that YOU are putting the wear on the turbos then the person before you (how did they take care of it becomes the big question).

Good luck.

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I'm going to tell you to get the 4.2 A6 but then again... I own one. The reliability has been excellent and you really can't beat the flared fender look. It's a great performing vehicle as well. Might not be the fastest car off the line but it can get up and go with no problem. Highway driving is excellent. Here is a picture of mine. Only thing I have left to do is get it lowered and put the S6 mirrors on. Enjoy the new ride, whatever you get!

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Dog the bounty hunter is my idol.

Thanks SouthboroAudiGuy

That was the kind of info I was looking for. Already making progress in my eliminations. I think, although I love the fenders & the reliability is better, the 4.2 is out. Plus it carries a bigger price tag. I would rather put the extra bucks into mods for a 2.7t.

Only follow up question I have is in ref to what you mentioned about the ECU being different in the S4 vs A6 2.7t. First, they put the same numbers on paper, so what are the differences? Also, if both chipped, are the differences then null?

I think I can deal with a minor weight difference in favor of more space. If that is the only remaining difference. Like I mentioned before, when I want all out performance, I have my Z. I am looking for that happy compromise of great performance in a sport sedan...

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01 A6 2.7T,blk/blk,6MT,Stg 3 SSP TUNED!,H&R/Bilst,18x8.5,et30,235/40 Falk,CM St3 clutch,IPP Lg I/C's,Vast elec fan,Sport pkg,(Daily car)
91 300zx TT,FAR from stock,550+hp,Red/Blk,only 84k on odo.. Mod list too long 4 sig (Fun car)

I had the same dilema, S4 vs.A6 2.7T. I ended up going with the A6 due to the extra space inside, had a baby on the way. Rear seat room in the A6 is huge (almost equivalent to the last generation 7-Series) and the S4 is roughly equivelent to an E36 3-Series in space for the rear passengers. The differences in the ECU, is torque delivery. I'm sure someone will correct me if I'm wrong, but the torque delivery for the A6 isn't as abrupt as in the S4 and it factors in the drive-by-wire throttle has shorter travel.

Of note, it will be harder to find a 6-speed 2.7T depending on where you are geographically. It seems like they are easier to find in the NE. I live in the Carolinas and flew to Jersey to pick mine up.

I find quite a few 6spd around. I am in NY. I was considering a Tiptronic since it will be a daily driver, but then I learned they are weaker with the added torque. So a 6spd will prob be my choice.

So far, I am thinking the A6. I was also looking into an A8 4.2 before I narrowed it down this far. Once I discovered the A6 was very close in rear seat room, the big, bulky A8 with its larger turn circle & added weight seemed overkill for me. So that & the 740i were eliminated. A 540i is still on my list, but the Audis seem to be a better overall value..

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01 A6 2.7T,blk/blk,6MT,Stg 3 SSP TUNED!,H&R/Bilst,18x8.5,et30,235/40 Falk,CM St3 clutch,IPP Lg I/C's,Vast elec fan,Sport pkg,(Daily car)
91 300zx TT,FAR from stock,550+hp,Red/Blk,only 84k on odo.. Mod list too long 4 sig (Fun car)