Hello all, im new to the forum and would like to ask for some help.

im thinking of purchasing an 01 a6 4.2L or a 02 2.7t. what things should i look for or check on? should i go for a 02 a6 2.7 sport over the 4.2L? both models have the sport packages and are similar priced and miles are close. im leaning more for the 4.2 based on the physical appearance, although i do like how the 2.7 performs over the 4.2. please help....thanks

 

Suggest you do a search & surf. This has been covered quite a bit of late and you'll find LOTS of discussion on this.

Bottom line on all of it: Drive both and that will decide it for you.

 

I drove both and I went with the 4.2. The engine is much more reliable and you can't beat the looks of it. The wide body and door blades really set the car apart from all other A6 models. The engine also sounds much better. If your looking to purchase for performance, why not go with the S4? The A6 is a very large car to try and mod.

I too would go with whatever model you like the most after driving it.

 

I challenge the "much more reliable" statement. Factor out those 2.7T that have been modded way beyond the OEM designed performance envelope (because they can be -- something no where near as easy/common with the 4.2), and I don't think there's much of a difference. Certainly not a drastic one.

 

I always thought the turbos were an issue? At least they are a big issue with the 6's around here?

 

This (and other enthusiast) forums are loaded with people looking to up the stock performance of their cars. The 2.7T offers the quickest and cheapest route to significant performance improvement of anything in the A6 line. People chip the cars addng upward of 50HP to the output. This puts additional strain on the turbos that they were not originally designed for. As such, you hear more about issues with the 2.7T than you do with the 4.2 because the've been modified more. Factor this out, and the difference erodes significantly.

I think they are both great cars and - as a 2.7T owner - i envy the wider wheel flares on the 4.2. That said, I like knowing that I've got the best performing stock C5 A6 there is (I own a 6 speed). If I choose to improve this performance via chipping, I do so with the knowledge that I may trade off some reliability issues for that gain. In the mean time, I love the performance, improved gas mileage, and kick-in-the-pants fun the stock 2.7T offers me.

I know people who have owned both (who praise them equally) and they firmly believe the decision is made for you by driving both. I think it's a personal decision.

 

Well, although the 2.7T is a great engine, turbos are just another variable and just requires more diligence to maintain and prevent issues. Quick off the line, and very tuneable to gain more power. However, once you start tinkering...

The 4.2 has 300hp, which is plenty for this heavy euro sedan. Of course, more would be better, but the 4.2 has been a proven engine in the Audi lineup (used in the A8, A6, and S4), and carreid over to the new A6 platform as well. There is a reason they kept this engine configuration, it is a proven motor. Not that the 2.7T was bad, but if the turbos go (I did say "IF") it does cost a LOT of $$ to replace them.

I have owned both. I loved the 2.7T around town. Quick off the line, felt more agile. The 4.2 is just a great highway cruiser, and those fender flares....yummy!

Drive both, you'll know which one is the right one for you.