Well guys, i could use some input. I started looking at the A6 but am now considering the A4 as well, as cheesy as it sounds, driving 16 years on a manual transmission im finally switching over to a automatic and wanted the steering wheel shifters so i still get some control over shifting, and noticed its only available on the 02 models. Also it seems like the A6 is only a few grand more then the A4 at this year level?? What im curious about are the overall car dynamics, maintenance and any pros and cons you guys have to offer..

Thanks..

 

It appears important to ask which model year you're considering -- don't the RS4 and RS6 have the paddle shifters? Maybe the S-lines as well. If they're available in earlier years, you'll save some cash to get that option.

-=K=-

 

From what ive researched, it appears only the 02 A4 3.0 with tip and 02 A6 with 2.7 or 4.2 with tip came with the paddle shifters (with true sequential shifting and rev matched blip on downshifts) aside from the S models, but those are very rare and i havent come across many. Also its seems like the 02 in both models has the most updates that are in common with the present models but can be had at a great price due to the poor depreciation of these cars... so thats why i relegated my search to these models.

 

The A6 models changed after 2003. Different body, no more turbo, same 4.2 but now a 3.2. BHP on 4.2 increased from 300 to 345 and 230 to 255 on the 3.0 (I think that's right, very close anyway) As for the paddleshifters on stock 4.2s, never seen or heard of them. Rare indeed. 4.2 very reliable. Read around the posts here and at Audiworld . Good Luck with it.

 

Railrunner.. buddy... Is this the same guy who was dispensing out such good info earlier this week?

The A6 did not have a different body after 2003 -- the change to the B7 platform came in MY 2005. Must have been posting without the benefit of caffiene.

 

The "so called" paddle shifters are merely buttons on the steering wheel which are easily reached by the right and left thumb, and used to shift up and down. As far as true sequential shifting and rev matching.....not at all... Only on the newest audi models with the DSG can you expect anything close to that. Although paddle shifting is available in the RS6 it is still not going to be true sequential with rev matching. Hope this helps in the decision

 

Both are great cars I.M.O I personally would go with the 4.2 If I was choosing between the two. That's just me, It all depends what your looking for. Good luck

 

Right you are. Used to typing '03 as mine is an '03. Apologies and I will never let it happen again, Sir.

For the record, Craig_Mack, I meant I had never heard of them...on the Audi during those years. Sorry to be misleading, althought I believe this was in response to the original post. Anyway, as Audiguy stated, it is possibly a coffee shortage in my body as well.

 

FYI - my stock '024.2 has paddleshifters on the steering wheel, so they doexist...

Paul

 

What a pity this thread became a discussion over which model had gearshift buttons on the steering wheel...
I am facing the same quandary at the moment, with the choice of a 2002 A4 3.0 Quattro auto with sport pack (NZ$12,500) or a 2002 A6 4.2 V8, also with larger alloys (NZ$14,000). Both are the same colour, same mileage, full service history etc etc.
The A4 is the first of a new generation, whereas the A6 is somewhat toward the end of it's model life, having first arrived as a 2.8 some five years earlier. I wonder whether this is noticeable living with the cars day to day. Does anyone have any experience of living with both? Does the A6 feel like an older design? Which is quieter at a steady highway speed? I know the A6 is roomier and it has been said by many that one is more luxurious and one more sporty. Even the outright performance figures are not massively different
If you had to make the same choice, which would you pick, and why?