Bada Bing

First of all, I want to say a big thanks to Pacific Audi in Torrance (CA) for a great service experience. They gave me the car back nicely washed and vacuumed. I had gone with a friend from work during my lunch hour intending to get a ride back with him, but the service advisor offered me a free loaner car, an offer I couldn't refuse. I fully expected it to be a used 2.0T CVT or older 1.8T, but it was a 2006 A6 3.2 quattro with 457 miles on the odometer.

The A6 wasn't that quick off the line with the transmission in D (probably takes off in 2nd for better economy), but it comes alive in the Sport mode and makes great sounds. When I got my 2.0T S-line 6-speed, the 3.2 6MT wasn't out yet, so it was an easy decision to go with the 2.0T engine. My choice would be totally different today. The 3.2 is so much more refined and powerful. The 2.0T engine performs well, but the engine note is coarse, not at all befitting a car stickering over $36K (or upwards of $40K with more options). One of my chief complaints with the 2.0T is that first gear seems short. I don't know if this is the same with the 3.2 6MT, but I know I would enjoy revving up the V6 engine much more.


Here are a few observations about the A6:

The interior of the A6 isn't as nice as the A4. I much prefer the circular gauge surrounds on my A4. I also think the A6 interior isn't as luxurious as the C5 generation car. There's much less wood trim on the dash and the MMI seems unnecessary if you don't get the optional navigation. I really like the interior of the A8, but the A6 is a big step down from the A8 and hardly a step up from the excellent A4 interior. I think I prefer the more luxurious E-class interior to the C6 A6.

Sorry for the long ramble, but I see lots of posts from 2.0T owners claiming superiority of the 2.0T engine. I don't know what the exact price premium is for the V6 engine these days, but the 3.2 is the much better engine in my view.

GMCountry

The A6 is GORGEOUS, but your car is beautiful too... My advice? Chip it

Bada Bing

Chipping will make it quicker, but I am fine with the stock performance and don't want to invest money on a leased car I am returning in 16 months. I may go for an S-line 3.2 6MT quattro if the lease deals are reasonable in September 2007.

The A6 is a fine machine, but it's not really for me. I prefer the sportier A4. Also, I only go for manual transmission cars, so the A6 is not even in consideration fro my next vehicle. The exterior of the new A6 is a big improvement over the C5 model, but I am not crazy about the interior. The A8 is a different story. They had a black A8 L with Amaretto interior with wooden steering wheel in the showroom. That interior is to die for.

29'er

But 1) no manual transmission and 2) at 32, I'd feel like I was borrowing my Dad's car...

tipsyhemi

Personally, the 3.2 sounds great, but it doesnt feel like 255hp and the torque is not there

trust me when i say Chip it (3.2 is alot more $$$$)

as for an investment, its only $500 more to get revo

Campbell_2.7T

Two more holes under the hood makes a big difference!

HS

and you get an A6... time to find another service dealer

Jetta a peice of crap, can't believe anyone would pay that much for this car, no better then a Kia or Toyota IMHO.

I had to drive this FWD thing for 6 weeks in winter, never again.

maaliish

there would be no 3.2L offered by Audi

Personally I would take 2.0T over 3.2 in a second. However if there was no mod potential with 2.0T, 3.2 would have been my choice.

HS

"255hp and the torque is not there"

Ya, it feels like a V8!

Spooky amount of torque for a V6, freaks me out in high gears everyday.

29'er

The Impala was surprisingly nice... handled like a barge, but for an American car the interior was pretty good.