For those familiar with both of these versions.
If you had, say a 2001 B5 1.8T, w/ 110K miles or a 2002 B6 1.8 w/ 90K miles--all other things equal---cond, maintanence, ect----which one would you get.

Does one handle better than the other?
I assume both are similar in their HP output.
Is one better than the other with respect to electrical issues, suspension issues, transmission issues?

Thanks for the time and response!

 

By 2001, the 1.8T had progressed such that it was very similar to what you'd see in the early B6 cars. I don't really know much about B6's as far as common problems, but I personally prefer the styling of the B5. I think B6 sedans are uninteresting. The avants are much better but I still prefer the B5.

 

One feature to note - the B5 has a 50/50 front to rear torque split. Starting with the B6 the setup went rear-biased at 40/60 for a little more liveliness in the handling. On TE flip side, while I haven't flogged the hell out of a B6, I've pushed them reasonably hard, and don't see/feel a real difference to the B5 (which I have driven like I hate it). I suspect that going to an S model with the higher power would demonstrate more of a willingness to rotate in the B6.

 

B6 all the way. They don't seem to have the amount of problems the B5's have, and the 2002 has 20k fewer miles.

I own one of each, although both of mine have the V6 engine.

Don't get me wrong, I love my B5, but I have to admit that my wife's B6 Avant is the superior vehicle.