ncarvain

Having a bunch of problems with my 2005 A6 4.2

Was considering a A4 Avant or Sedan.

What is everyones take on the A4 vs the A6.

Something tells me the Audi DNA isnt as strong in the A4 as it is in the A6. Im referring to the build quality, engineering, design, etc etc.

What are your thoughts?

irenesbob

I just moved from a great 2008 Audi A4 to a 2010 A6. I can tell you the Audi DNA is not at all lacking in the A4, perhaps it is even more virile in that line. I love my new A6 for the luxury, power and (I'll admit) prestige, but will not put down the A4. I've only had my A6 for three and a half weeks and love it, but there are times when I look at the lease payment and the fear I have of damaging it and wish (for a while) I had not made the stretch to get an A6. The A4 (any year) is a very good choice and definitely "all Audi" - in my view much more so than the "tricky" A5/S5 and the VW-based A3. My two cents!

fe342185

I had an 07 A4 2.0t loaner today and there was a very different feeling inside. It did not feel anywhere near as luxurious or as solid. My girlfriend has an 07 VW rabbit and it had the same feel but thats whats expected of a $15k car. I felt that the A4 was not as insulated and it lets more engine noise in the cabin. The loaner was the most basic A4 so maybe a more equipped one is better.

The loaner was older and I have not driven the new A4 so I cant speak for that but there was definitely a difference and getting back into my car put a big smile on my face.

I hope I did not offend any of the A4 guys here. It's just my opinion.

irenesbob

I see a potential disagreement on the defintion of "Audi DNA". I see Audi's DNA as more of being an anti-Lexus: a solid but lighter-weight performance machine that takes a beating and performs, but is finely finished inside and out. Not so much emphasis on "luxury" as many US and Japanese makers have. My 2 cents. Like getting into my new A6 though!

olikoli

I love A4. Especially 09 and up, but if you have 4.2 A6 and move to A4, i think you will definetly feel the difference. Luxury isnt there, and power is not the same. If you dont care for the power and luxury/size, A4 is awesome car. I have 4.2, and not long ago, I drove A4, and two cars are sure different class.
Again, I love A4, but I don't think they are comparable.

Just my 2c

LT2BLT2A6

The B8 A4 is a very viable alternative to the A6. I dearly love my A6 but have plenty of seat time in B7 and B8 A4's as well. I've posted before that while I find the B7 styling near perfect, the cramped interior and overall driving experience are nowhere near the C6 A6. The B8 A4 is a totally different animal with an airy, roomy cabin and a far better overall feel than the earlier models. So, if you are looking at an A4 to replace your A6 stick to the newer models otherwise you may be very disappointed with your choice. Unless, ultimately, that choice is another A6

am_ver

I got a brand new A4 (2009/10) loaner and even though it was newer than my car, the inside felt cheapie. Materials felt more plastiky and it didn't feel luxurious.

However, the A4 was much lighter and therefore handled much better in the twisties. The fact that it was a loaner made me drive it harder than my car on the hairpin turns. It handled as well as the 328i loaners that I had driven on the same road.

BVegas

I've had a b6 A4 and now a newish A6. Had the new A4s as loaners. Old A4s were small, reminded me of my college girlfriend's jetta. New A4 is great looking.. interior is way sub par from what i'm used to in the a6 tho. Miss all those wood accents, better plastics, metal accents. But the new A4 would def be an option if I was car shopping in the less than 40K range.

LT2BLT2A6

Must be the options with regard to the interior. Wood trim is optional, and does do a lot to enhance the B8 A4 interior. The S-Line trim in black leather/alcantara also ups the luxury ante. Maybe I have not seen what the lower trim levels look like and cannot appreciate the "plasticky" and "cheap" comments as someone who has spent time in one. I guess it is all in the options, unlike the A6 which is a dream inside from the lower trim levels right on up.
Yes, I do prefer my A6, it has a rock solid feel the A4 cannot emulate, but if I were to move to an A4 I believe a carefully optioned B8 would be something I could easily learn to live with.