Newbie questions and need some newbie answers...
 

I'm normally in the TT forum, and came here for some advice.

My sister is looking for a new car and I suggested the A6.

Is the 2.8 engine really underpower for the A6? Is the MPG that bad on the 2.7T? I read in a magazine that the S4 had a poor MPG rating. Is the A6 based on the Passat, and if so is the int. room the same? Since the new A6 body was introduced in 97 will the body also change within the next year, like the A4 body, which was introduced in 96.

My sister also likes the all new A4, but I'll post that at the A4 forum.

If there is anything else you guys want to add, please feel free. TIA

I'm getting about 19-21mpg in my 2.7T. dunno how accurate it is...
 

some people say it needs adjustment at the dealer.

All I know, is it's about 300 miles to a tank like my Legend, and it gets much better gas milage than my old Cobra. All three took premium fuel, and had the same EPA ratings (hah, yeah, like I could ever get the Cobra anywhere CLOSE to those ratings).

I'm biased to the 2.7T, of course, but 2.8 owners seem to be pleased on this board with their engines. If she wants the feeling of being thrust back into your seat from fast acceleration, she might want to opt for the 2.7T or the 4.2. Otherwise, she'll probably love the 2.8!

Some opinions and answers.
 

I believe the A4, Passat, and A6 all share the same basic platform, however each has a unique length and such. I have an A4 and have driven the Passat and A6. The A6 is slightly bigger than the Passat in all directions, probably most notably in length, which shows up as more rear seat leg room. The current A6 was first sold here in late 97 as a '98 as compared to the A4 which was first sold in late 95 as a '96. Some posts below tell of some design freshening but not an all new model for a couple of years.

I think the 2.8 w/Tip is underpowered for the A6 and would either get it as a manual (I think is available again) or move up to the 2.7T w/Tip if she doesn't want to shift herself. Don't get me wrong though, it's not bad, just not the kind of power I like.

Correction
 

I just look at the Audiusa web site. I guess there is no manual option this year for the A6 2.8, there was last year. Guess manual option is only for the 2.7T

As a 2.8 owner...
 

Overall, I am pleased with my car. I get about 19.5 - 21.0 mpg with a good mix of driving.

The car is definitely bigger than the Passat in the rear seating. I looked at a Passat before buying the A6 (Audi-Assured).

As for the 2.8, I feel it's under-powered for quick take-offs. I heard the 2000's and on have a better TIP setup to help with the takeoff torque. At highway speed, this thing has no problem going from 70 to 90 in a blink.

All in all, it's very comfortable ride (to say the least) and a blast to drive.

Just my opinion of course,
-Dave

I hope you realize what you're getting us into
 

Recommending cars is risky business. But here goes ....

Underpowered is relative. If someone is coming out of a Toyota, they may think the 2.8 is a real rocket. However, if you're coming out of an S4, you're going to look for concrete blocks in the trunk. I personally think the 2.8 is underpowered, AND underbraked, but not dangerously so. And considering that it's aimed at the autobahn-cruiser crowd, the power is appropriate to the intended use. This is a big, cushy, heavy car in the 2.8 version.

Anyone shopping for an A6 should definitely cross-shop the Passat. As we keep fighting over here, VW/Audi is purposely moving the Passat onward and upward into A4/A6 territory. Unless a person is totally smitten with the Audi image and/or performance, the VW is the more realistic purchase for most people.

Another opinion about the 2.8Q
 

I have a 2000 2.8 quattro and love it. Sure, the additional thrills provided by the 2.7T and 4.2 would be nice, and if $$$ isn't an object either of those versions would be preferrable. Personally, though, I find the 2.8 quattro with Tiptronic to be just fine. I've never been disappointed by it.

As for the other aspects of the A6, this car is unbeatable. I don't take anything away from the Passat; it's a terrific car. I recently accompanied a friend on a test drive of a "new" 2001 GLX. Conclusion: Nice car, VERY nice car, but not an A6. The Passat is a great alternative to an A6 if $$$ is an issue, but the A6 is the "real deal".

A6 is not built on the Passat platform. The A4 is! Currently no VW and A6 or A8 share a platform.
 

<center><img src="http://users.ev1.net/~rscsaab/audi/small%20a6.jpg"></center><p>If she wants a cruiser then the 2.8 will do very nicely. If she wants more of a sports sedan like a 5 series, or GS300 then the 2.7t is the pick. If dollars are the main driving force then I personally would look at the SAAB 9-5 sedan or 9-5 Areo, the Passat, or the new Volvo.<ul><li><a href="http://users.ev1.net/~rscsaab/audi/myaudi.htm">My Audi Site</a></li></ul>

Liked the A6 so much we bought 2
 

I have a '98 A6Q with 2.8. My wife has a 2001 A6Q Avant, 2.8.
Wonderful cars. Most of the 4.2 & 2.7T owners will disagree, but the 2.8Q with Tip has plenty of power. No, I can't blow away BMW's, but then, who wants to? Unless your sister wants to drag at stoplights, she will think the A6 with 2.8 is pretty fast.

Depends on what she is looking for...
 

The new A4 is promised to have a bit more rear legroom (1.6 in) and rear headroom (0.55 inches) and front headroom (0.6 in) than the current model which is built on the same frame as the old and current Passat (although the Passat platform is slightly stretched adding a couple inches more rear legroom compared to the current A4). The new A4 will also have more power than the current A4 or A6 2.8 (220 vs 190). Also the new A4 looks better, an evolution of a familiar style (getting a bit too familiar).
The Passat is very nice, and will be a few ($2-5k) less than a somewhat similarly appointed A4, but will be 1. much more common; 2. 2 year warranty with no service included; 3. not as solid and well finished as the Audi; 4. most importantly, less satisfying; 5. not available with new 3.0 liter 220 hp engine.
The A6 is another story. Very solid like the A4, but will feel considerably larger and more substantial. The interior is incredibly beautiful and thoughtfully coordinated and constructed. Everything feels as though it was perfectly designed to fit with everything else (even though a few parts are shared with other Audis, VWs, and Porsches). Power comes with a price. The '02 A6 will also likely not come with the 3 liter 220 hp engine, but will remain the 200 hp 2.8 liter.
Basically, she should really go look at and drive all 3 models and different versions of each. The Passat is sort of an A5 but without the intangibles the Audis have. A persons personality and driving style contribute greatly to which is best. All of these could be the absolute best car for some individual. How much money she is willing/wants to spend is another big factor as prices range from about $20k to over $50k.
Gas mileage, IMO, is not significantly different among any of the cars except that the conservatively driven 1.8T engine of the A4 and Passat could yield considerably more economy than the others. I get overall about 17-18 in a 4.2, and many I see get up to about 22 average mixed driving in 2.8s (A4, A6, Passat). Any of these cars driven hard will yield 13-16 mpg and conservatively in the low 20s (although some report significantly better moderate speed highway mileage).