SLLAW

I'm disappointed in the roadholding and handling of my 2001 A6 4.2 with the sport package and Continental tires. The springs and struts seem too soft. My Audi floats and seems unsettled upon encountering a bump at 80 mph on a sweeping turn that I drive on five days a week.

My other car is a 1992 Subaru SVX (all wheel drive) with Koni strut inserts and bfgoodrich KDW tires. The SVX is unfazed on the same road that upsets my Audi. The Audi does seem to have greater roadholding than the SVX, perhaps due to Audi's massive tires, and the Audi's ride is certainly more pleasant.


My question for S8 owners who've driven the A6 4.2 with sport package: what are your impressions of each model?


I think I've gotten a yen for the current S8, but perhaps I should wait for the next generation.

Thanks.

mrw

I haven't driven the A6 4.2, or any A6 for that matter. I do have a S8 though. I think it handles better, to a degree, than my previous S4. There seems to be less roll in turns and dive in braking. I just wish it was as quick as my chipped S4 was (it was a screamer!). This thing does Not float, period.

bumboola

No comparison between the two. The A6 4.2 is definitely sprung too softly and the motor feels sluggish in comparison to the S8. If you don't mind the subtle looks ( I actually prefer it ) of the S8, I would go with the current model. It handles and brakes beautifully. Pick up the current Car and Driver for a good review on the S8.

M5 ETR

The thing is cool!

My Q45 was sprung pretty firm and you got a lot of that unsettling side-ways jitter-bounce feel in a turn over rough surface.

Drove the 4.2 A6 three times expecting too much I think.... (looking for my wife) I didn't like the other end of the spectrum which was the floating heavy Benz feel either....

On the one car I drove it got ugly on a freeway "clover-leaf" when I hit the road joints...

My S8, as with these other guys, really is the near perfect (perfect for a big 4 door any way) middle of the way.

Brakes are unreal

It hops! I have been getting consistent 5.7s 0-60 with a gmeter. Not chipped S4 comp - I know - but I am about to start with air, exhaust and computer-mods which should be good for .5 ....

Can you wait 3 years for the next car!? This car will be plenty cool 'til then....

SLLAW

Thanks to all for your comments.

My A6 seems to be both too soft and to be too skittish at the same time. As I noted, my SVX is much better behaved; it isn't skittish, though the Koni strut inserts are firm, even at their softest setting. By the way, the SVX has stock springs.

Will the next S8 be a 2004 model, three years out? I hope not.

Early8

The older A8 did have float quality. The S8 is all business in big car way. It is an amazing car. I have had alot of exposure to quattros since my first in 86 and I am really impressed. I have had two occasions to drive the S8, my father just bought one, and I am amazed at how well it handles. It does everything effortlessly at incredible rates of speed. I find it almost tossable, a compliment I have presviously reserved for the 86 4000CSQ, the 95.5 S6 Avant, and my current S4 Avant . It is a really fine machine IMHO.

fstein

where does the A6 2.7 T sport 6-speed fit into all of this?

M5 ETR

We go from an A8/S8 forum to;
An S8/A6 4.2 discussion; to
An A6 2.7 comparison....

Next stop: Ugos and Fiestas....

Not to be pissy here, but I was severely chastised by people on the A6 Forum recently for even mentioning the term "Eight" on "their forum...."

The 2.7t is a very tunable vehicle by virtue of the flexibility achieved through creative engine computer re-mapping. I like the car, but there is not enough room in it and it under-performs in a number of other objective areas.

Comparing the 0-60 of a 6-speed chipped twin turbo, smaller car, to a much larger, automatic, naturally aspirated car is hardly productive. They target vastly opposing buyers and are priced very differently.

Wanna look at a 40-mph roll-on and do an all out top-end run comparison? Not apples to apples.