2.7T vs. 4.2: Audi Market Faux Pas?
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2.7T vs. 4.2: Audi Market Faux Pas?
Clearly, I'm not quite as big an audiphile as some folks, but from my understanding of the differences between the two aforementioned A6 variants, it is difficult for me to see why anyone would go for the V8. Not that I think the V8 is a bad car or anything, but the performance of the V8 vs the 2.7T seems to be a dead heat and the other differences between the variants appears to be minimal except for the price. Plus, one can chip the turbo, which makes it even more flexible.
Am I missing something here? In the real world of Audi dealers (April), who tends to buy the V8? For that matter, why would anyone shell out the $$s for the A8 when the A6s are currently available as specified?
Mitch
'99.5 A6 (slow,perhaps, but steady....)
Am I missing something here? In the real world of Audi dealers (April), who tends to buy the V8? For that matter, why would anyone shell out the $$s for the A8 when the A6s are currently available as specified?
Mitch
'99.5 A6 (slow,perhaps, but steady....)
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Re: 2.7T vs. 4.2: Audi Market Faux Pas?
Given I wanted a 6 spd, the 4.2 was never in consideration, but I do agree with you, it's hard to justify the cost difference. I bought the A6 specifically for the 2.7T engine. The chipped biturbo causes facial contortions off the line.
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Good questions, but maybe this helps:
4.2 has aluminum hood, front fenders and select aluminum suspension components. It also has redesigned body parts including rear fenders and front fascia. It also has some other options on the 2.7T as standard, but you can find that stuff out from Audi's site. If I left anything out I'm sure someone will interject.
As far as the engine goes, you CAN chip the V8 to get added hp/torque. And focusing on 0-60 times can be misleading if you consider the entire power band of each engine. The 4.2 will spread its torque over a much larger set of rpm's than the turbo. Thus the discussion becomes of passing ability and mid-range torque differences. It is in this arena that the 4.2 has the decisive edge.
The $7k or so difference becomes much more understandable given these differences, DYT.
As far as the engine goes, you CAN chip the V8 to get added hp/torque. And focusing on 0-60 times can be misleading if you consider the entire power band of each engine. The 4.2 will spread its torque over a much larger set of rpm's than the turbo. Thus the discussion becomes of passing ability and mid-range torque differences. It is in this arena that the 4.2 has the decisive edge.
The $7k or so difference becomes much more understandable given these differences, DYT.
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Re: Good questions, but maybe this helps:
Let's see-- the 2.7T puts out 258 lb/ft from 1850-3600rpm. The 4.2 has 295 ft/lb from 3000-4000rpm. This is an advantage to the 4.2? Doesn't the 4.2 weigh a lot more, and have a greater weight percentage over the front wheels? Is this an advantage? The 2.7 does have an aluminum hood and some suspension components. All in all, I think the comparison is meaningless. Audi has designed different cars to appeal to different sets of drivers. Both are great- but in different ways.
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According to the numbers:
The 4.2 has 14% more torque, but only weighs 10% more. Not quite a "meaningless comparison" don't you think for starters? Lowered ride height isn't relevent either, I guess. Throw in the body work and option differences and answers are available for the gentleman. Now you most cetainly could state that for you the differences don't justify the price.
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Very different client in most cases
V8 shopper tends to like old fashioned big motor American cars ( or have that background ). Most often male in the late 40's or early 50's. Often independently employed. They just won't consider the turbo car seriously. The women who look at this car are very successful ( tough ) executives who have made it in a man's world.
The 2.7t customer has had other European small displacement cars in the past. They are about 65% male with high positions within tech or engineering firms. A few CPAs thrown in for good measure. The women who consider this car are very independent and are often even more highly placed in their careers than the men who look at this car.
Drive both cars back to back. The character is sooooo different ! Your own tastes will dictate which is better for you.
April
The 2.7t customer has had other European small displacement cars in the past. They are about 65% male with high positions within tech or engineering firms. A few CPAs thrown in for good measure. The women who consider this car are very independent and are often even more highly placed in their careers than the men who look at this car.
Drive both cars back to back. The character is sooooo different ! Your own tastes will dictate which is better for you.
April
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Re: According to the numbers:
The flatter torque curve (for a longer period) is meaningless? Like April says- different strokes....... How do you think the 4.2 will stand up in a little contest with the turbo from my condo in Angel Fire, NM to Taos? Distance-22mi. Altitude- varies from 8500' up to 10,000' and down to 7000'.
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Unfair advantage at elevation due to forced induction, but..
let's stick to the issue of why a stock 4.2 and why a stock 2.7T. 4.2 for style, handling and V8 power, but no trans. choice. 2.7T for trans. choice and turbo power, but less handling and style. Hardly "meaningless" differences, IMO. My guess is I will find critics who'll state the 2.7T is easier to modify or that the money spent on modifying a 2.7T would be about the same as a stock 4.2. Nevertheless, it a good natured debate like you said earlier.