My sons getting bigger and I'm starting to feel that a larger car would be nice... so ive decided to finish repairing all the stuff my a4 needs, sell it and get a c5.

Can you guys give me recommendations based on your experiences with both engines, which is a more reliable engine better performance etc.

thanks

 

The only C5 engine to compare to the 2.7T (S-Line) is the 4.2 V8. The 2.7T is a second quicker 0-60 compared to both the 2.8/3.0. The 4.2 and 2.7T (S-Line) are pretty much even in performance. The 2.7T is awesome, lots of low end power in the city. More things to go wrong though...but its got fun going for it. The 4.2 V8 has been a staple in the Audi lineup for freaking ever, more reliable and is better on the highway. I drove both in the city....numbers are close but in the city the 2.7T (S-Line) seems more "neck snapping" while the V8 "surges". I own a 2.7T (S-Line) and if I was shopping around....I would get the V8 if you are concerned about reliability etc. If you drool at the idea of a chip and a 0-60 time of under 6.0 seconds get the 2.7T.

 

cool thanks man. how does the tiptronic trans hold up over time?

I found something interesting when looking into the apr chip options, the 4.2 chip is on sale and looks like pretty much all the extra options are included free. The performance results are more hp and less lb-ft compared to the 2.7

how was the fuel consumption? im under the impression the v8 was chuggin a ***** load

 

My tip has been fine. I was told by an APR rep that you can go stage 2 with the tip trans but after that it needs to get beefed up. On the highway the 2.7T will save you gas money but don't expect any savings in the city. The 2.7T is a pig in the city, about the same as the 4.2.

 

2.8's usually have slightly lower maintenance costs than 2.7T's or 3.0's.

 

cool thanks, im thinking about getting an auto this time around.... stick sucks in traffic.

I'm definitely thinking 2.7 but i was worried that they have a lot of problems.

 

LOL, problem free Audi? Good luck. Anyways, the maintenance cost difference between the 2.7T and 2.8 is pretty much the same. Just make sure to take care of the turbos.

 

I always put in a good word for the A6 2.7T and mine has been pretty reliable at 185k miles. Still running most of the original suspension and battery! I replaced the alternator at 71k, chipped at 74k, replaced clutch and flywheel at 89k (see connection?), first timing belt at 94k, front axle boots at 150k, left front control arms at 167k, front/rear rotors and brakes + emergency brake cables at 181k, and it goes in for it's second TB early next month. Now the bad news -- my indie tells me one of the turbos is starting to leak. No prediction on how soon it will fail but it will sometime. I like the car enough that I will upgrade the turbos at that time and keep it for another 100+k.

I bought a 2003 A4 3.0 for my duaghter. Very nice car and the engine is plenty strong. Power band is linear instead of the surge of the 1.8T (and I avoid the risk of her dealing with a turbo). The TB work is a little more expensive than the 2.7T.

I do little city driving in the 2.7T but experience 18-20 mpg around town, 22-24 at 70-80, and 24-25 at 60-65. The A4 is about 2 mpg better on the highway. Both vehicles have MT6.

 

solid info man, thanks

 

If you are going for a Tip, go 02 or later. Ealier models had bad seals in the TC, which would lead to the self-destruction of the transmission. Of course, an '00 or '01 with documented proof of TC replacement....

Lot of car for the money, but be prepared. The owner is selling for a reason and the reason ain't reliability and cheap maintenance. However, if you are handy with tools you can get a real nice car for a real nice price! Stay away from highly modded cars. There are enough stock examples out there, no need to take a risk of a wasted engine.

Good luck, but remember - Buyer Beware!!!

Bob