2002 A6 4.2 vs. 2002 A4 3.0
 

Ok, I'm having a touch time at the moment, trying to decide which car to buy. The choice is between 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, similar 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? Does the A6 feel more luxurious and classy? Or does the 5 year younger design of the A4 counter that? 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. So which do I get? I do a fair amount of city driving but also like the open roads at the weekend. Size isn't really a consideration, nor is gas mileage, but interior ambiance, refinement and an engaging ride on the open road are...
If you had to make the same choice, which would you pick, and why?
Thanks for your help! I'm going to be making a choice over the next couple of days, so your comments would be really appreciated!

a6 4.2 ... avoid 3.0L engine. most here will tell you.

Wow, I hadn't heard this before! I'll do some further reading thanks. Any other thoughts?

Go for a test drive! Read up on issues for the 4.2 as well.

Haha, yeah, I'm driving both of them tomorrow, but you know what it's like when you've got money in your pocket... the new toy can't arrive quickly enough! I'm just trying to work myself up into a complete salivating mess by canvassing public opinion prior to the testing.

A6 4.2. No comparison... 3.0 is a good motor until when you have to work on it. A bi*ch to get into... Check the transmission on the 4.2.

Well, thanks for your input people... I ended up with the A4 3.0 and am very happy with my purchase. I would have preferred the 4.2 V8 A6, however, between the two cars on offer at this price, the A4 was simply way ahead on condition. The A6, although a fair bit quicker than the A4, just didn't feel as though it had been loved. The A4 is immaculate in every way, clearly adored by the previous owner... I'll post some pics soon!

LOL. Troll face. At least your happy with the purchase though! Welcome to teh Audi club! Hope your Audi ownership goes well. I think you made a decent choice in choosing your car. The A4 is sporty my mom had one but 2 years ago she traded it in on a '07 2.0T titanium pkg. The 4.2 N/A's never did much for me. They are over 300lbs heavier than my car when I make more power and torque. An RS6 on the other hand.....

Congrats on your purchase! :)
When we started looking for an Audi it was A4 or nothing, but as we looked at cars and started opening up to the A6 we knew we wanted a little bigger at this time.
However like you, the biggest thing was the feel and condition that the PO had taken care of the car. That made all the difference in the world to how we felt with the car. So I think you made the right choice. Now enjoy it and take care of the new beauty so if you ever sell it, someone else will know you "adored" it as well.