I had a chance over the last few weeks to drive the A4 B5, and love the handling and power. I now have my sights set on a A4 S4, but are not sure if the quite narrow, small cabin will suit me. I had an A6 (with the 2.8 V6) years ago and felt comfortable. The engine of choice would be the 2.7 twin turbo (1999-2005?).

Both (the A4 S4 as well as the A6) would receive substantial performance upgrades (Turbo) along the way.

I would like your opinions on how much the increased size (and mass) of the A6 with the 2.7l will spoil the fun offered by the A4 S4?

 

I drove a b5 a4 2.8 before I bought my a6 and I couldn't be happier. I wanted something faster and that had forced induction (to overcome thin air of the mountains) but still had the quattro to plow through the blizzards. The s4 became an obvious choice but after thinking about what I really wanted I decided that my car was too small for me and thus the s4 would also be too small.

Personally I would choose the a6 because of the more open cabin and extra leg room (I'm a big guy) and because the extra 400 pounds you carry around doesn't make the car feel that much slower as long as you have the 2.7t. The manual can do 0-60 in only half a second more than the s4. The real choice I suppose is how much room you need, both a6 and s4 2.7t are plenty powerful especially after some small upgrades, and personal preference to body shape (I think the a6 looks a lot sleeker)

 

These are my thoughts exactly. But aside from shear power, handling is an important point, too. And there 400 lbs and the bulk may be an issue.

What years did they make the 2.7 twin A6, sedan and avant? I want to start looking for one locally to take it for a drive.

 

I am not a big fan of the 'butt'. Do all model years have the roundish rear? Is there a spoiler lip or something to mitigate the looks?

Also, manuals are hard to find. How much can the auto trans take with respect to power and torque? I am aiming at the B5 RS4 turbo's (381 HP, 325 ft*lbs).

 

the 2.7t avant (allroad) 1999-2005, and im pretty sure the same years for the sedan. in 03-05 (?) they had the very nice s-line 2.7t sedans that have the rs6 fender flares,spoiler, and rims. i nearly bought one but audi of manhattan proved to be a terrible dealer and i backed out of the deal. they are a beautiful and nicely powered car

 

I think 2004 was the last model year of the "old" style front end and that included the 2.7T. After that it was 3.0 and 3.2's. I'd hold out for a manual since you can put stage2 and 3 clutches in them.

As far as differences, I have both the 2003 A6 and an A4 3.0l with MT6. The A4 is a nice size for 1-2 people but not for a family. The rear seat is just too small. It's a comfortable car and if/when the family is out of the house and my A6 dies, I'll probably consider an A4 as a replacement. I don't run either of them hard enough through twisties to favor one over the other. But...I do regularly carry four hockey players and 3 bags in the A6 and they would not fit in the A4. No way.

 

I have an s-line and despite the extra bulk, it handles like a dream. If you want to take the twisties look into the s-lines because they also have stiffer and lower suspension than regular a6's.

I also agree on the manual tranny, they are hard to find, but totally worth it. If you prefer an auto maybe think about the 4.2L. They are plenty powerful and look awesome with the extra wide fenders.

...btw I kinda like the a6 butt, its cute lol. I have the lip and exposed tips and it definitely looks sporty.

 

Engine wise, it has to be turbo (allowing power upgrades easier that stock naturally aspirated engines); and the 4.2 V8 makes it probably even more front heavy.

Butt: the lip and exposed tip come with the S-line package?

I would then have to look for used:
A6 2.7T quattro (or do all 2.7 turbo come quattro)
1999-2005
manual trans
S-line

Did they offer this combination for all 1999-2005 years?

 

LOL A6's are for old farts with big butts and A4's are for pimply nosed kids.

Do I have that right?



BTW - A4's are listed as one of the most stopped vehicles for speeding. Most likely due to being a kid's car