Studly_1

There are few engines as satisfying as a nice V8. I could not drive with the BTL, so the 4.2 is a superior car.

I'm one of the last on the planet that just likes to shift for myself in at least one car that I drive a lot. I could not tollerate a tiptronic transmission. The 6 speed stick is the reason I chose this Audi. At the time I didn't care about adjustable suspension and fender flares.

rdar

I really didn't notice the lag either transmission or turbo on the 2.7 with the Tip especially once it was chipped. I put 69k miles on the 2.7 and even a few at the track. The 4.2 is a better match with the Tip, smoother in everyday traffic. I find the V8 better as a daily driver and the 2.7 a bit more towards a toy especially when the turbos kick in. The big difference is that the 2.7 will need the timing belt serviced and the 4.2 will not. There is a bit more risk in the 2.7 with the turbos. I am sure the 4.2 will have it's issues.

Not sure I would take the 4.2 to the track as it just doesn't come across that way. It's also about 50 lbs heavier over the front axle than the 2.7, that 12 qts of coolant and 9 qts of oil do add some weight. Drive them both and buy which one feels the best for you. Don't worry about the gas mileage so far I am not seeing any difference. Whichever one, first to do is H-Sports, they make the allroad the car it should be.

snokarver

you are generally already pushing on the gas before you put it in gear. I've heard from quite a few different techs that the lag is at least partially due to the exhaust, which is the same in both the 6mt and tip.