Garissimo

If isn't the S6 is the most laughably underrated engine ever sold here, it's close.

It has to be making at least 460hp stock. At least. Car and Driver tested a 2015 Challenger that weighs six pounds more than the 2013 S6 referenced above. Its 60-130mph time is actually 0.1 seconds slower than the S6. So even if you take most of the launch out of the equation, the S6 accelerates from a roll slightly faster than that Challenger which is rated at 485hp.

BlueSVT

It's great... Don't tell our insurance companies! Hehe

DD1546

Yup, it all has to do with the torque curve. The turbo engine makes nearly full twist at about 1400 rpm. I find that amazing. As with most cars, maximum hp is reached much closer to redline.

DeerHunter

Actually, the S6 reaches peak power at around 5,000 rpm and holds it until 6,400. One of two possible scenarios are at play here:

1. Boost is tapered off, starting at 5,000 rpms, in order to keep power constant
2. The engine makes the rated power at 5,000 rpm and makes even more over the next thousand rpm or so (which explains why the car outperforms its spec)

You are right in that low-end torque makes all the difference. What an engine!

bradaudi

I'm leaning towards the 2016 S6 to replace my A4. As mentioned early, I'm looking for a larger vehicle but also improved performance.

Can anyone describe the difference between the A6 and S6? There's a significant cost difference, so I'm curious whether the improved performance of the 4.0T engine justifies the added cost.

jasonlitka

APR's dyno of the stock S6 (on 93) shows that HP peaks at redline but is essentially flat @ 475-480 from ~5600RPM on up.

APR Audi S6 & S7 4.0 TFSI V8 ECU Upgrade

Now, the type of dyno used can impact the numbers, as can whatever correction factor they used to convert from WHP to BHP, so the car may not actually make 480HP, but the curve doesn't change so that is where the peak occurs.

It's actually pretty interesting that APR claims the HP peak occurs at the same RPM range as Audi, they just disagree on the number itself. I wish APR had posted the WHP numbers & type of dyno used instead.

The justification on the higher price is that this is sold as a performance car, not a regular sedan. The S6 comes with a better engine, suspension (air), and brakes. On top of that there are a couple thousand dollars of other features which are stock on the S6 but options on the A6 (4-zone climate & larger wheels come to mind).

gk1

Equally optioned (almost loaded) the S6 is $14k more than the Prestige A6 3.0T.
What you get:
-4.0T engine...almost every motor upgrade step is roughly ($6000) 2.0T to 3.0.T... 3.0T to 4.0T one might argue the 3.0T to 4.0T step might be closer to $7000
-Air suspension sport...in Europe air suspension (non-sport) can be ordered as an option on the A6 and is about 1600EUR ($1800)
-rear sport diff ($1000)
-sport seats...it shouldn't cost anything because you are swapping one seat for another at time of manufacture, but typically sport seats are around ($500). (Plus there is the bump in leather quality over the standard seats)
-Lighted S6 door sills...($500 estimate)
-rear lip spoiler ($200)
-Brakes - Much larger, multi-piston variety again as a swap at time of manufacture maybe ($1000)
-S6 badge ... ($3000) Unfortunately that is sort of what it comes down to. Why is an A7/S7 more expensive than an A6/S6...because it can be. Why is the RS7 $30k more than an S6?
I mean you have different ancillaries like different wheel types between A6 and S6 but the vast majority of what you are paying for is the engine. Is the 3.0T fantastic...yes it is, but the 4.0T is more fantastic.

Also bear in mind I'm talking retail pricing. Nothing says you cannot get a fantastic deal on an S6 when perhaps they won't budge on an A6, but that is unlikely since hugely more numbers of A6's sell than S6's.

FWIW since you are coming from the A4 2.0T the 3.0T A6 for 2016 will be a significant step up in performance since it now has the 333HP variant from the S4.

bradaudi

Thanks for those responses. Good point on the included options bringing the price point more in line. Those are options I would have selected.

I'm interested in impressions on pure seat of the pants performance improvement with the S6 over the A6. I expect the heavier A6 wouldn't provide as much of a performance boost over my current A4 as I'd like. I'm speculating that the 4.0T would be needed to achieve a noticeable performance gain. I understand this is very subjective, so it may be impossible to answer that question.

For you S6 owners, do you experience any turbo lag at all. I tolerate it on the A4, but would expect it to disappear in a twin turbo V8.

stillwaterS6

Time for a test drive?

gk1

On paper the 3.0T tips the scale at 4100 with a claimed 0-60 of 5.3.
The A4 is 6.7 to 60 and 3700 lbs. 1.4s difference to 60 is huge. This is straight line performance the extra poundage and size will be noticeable in the twisties.
Now, where the A6 may be quick the S6 is just a beast and I'm saying this coming from an S4. You really need to drive both to see which is better for you.