A6 & 530i: Which Has Better Safety Features?
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A6 & 530i: Which Has Better Safety Features?
I'm deciding between the 2002 A6 3.0 and the BMW 530i and am especially interested in advanced safety features and technology. Which one has the strongest safety features? Thanks.
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one "safety" feature I like about my A6: quattro...
both are relatively equal in standard safety equipment:
- driver and passenger airbags
- side protection airbags
- head protection airbags
- seatbelt tensioners
- etc.
important distinctions:
Audi's "sideguard head protection system" (airbags for the noggins) cover both front and rear passengers (standard equipment) whereas the BMW's are standard only for front passengers (opt. for rear). Audi's side protection airbags come out of the seats (thus always in a suitable position to protect) whereas BMW's are door mounted.
but yet again, nothing like road-gripping quattro working all the time to keep you safe in any climate.
Xenons are a pretty good safety feature if you consider visibility (optional on both)
just my $0.02
not really familiar with all of BMW's systems, just know their options... and love my Audi = )
dog
2001 A6 2.7T Sport
Brilliant Black/Onyx
17" BBS RC's
Xenon/Bose...
- driver and passenger airbags
- side protection airbags
- head protection airbags
- seatbelt tensioners
- etc.
important distinctions:
Audi's "sideguard head protection system" (airbags for the noggins) cover both front and rear passengers (standard equipment) whereas the BMW's are standard only for front passengers (opt. for rear). Audi's side protection airbags come out of the seats (thus always in a suitable position to protect) whereas BMW's are door mounted.
but yet again, nothing like road-gripping quattro working all the time to keep you safe in any climate.
Xenons are a pretty good safety feature if you consider visibility (optional on both)
just my $0.02
not really familiar with all of BMW's systems, just know their options... and love my Audi = )
dog
2001 A6 2.7T Sport
Brilliant Black/Onyx
17" BBS RC's
Xenon/Bose...
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Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 21,851
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Call this blasphemy, but I would argue that quattro offers little SAFETY edge over traction control.
Before traction control, a RWD car (BMW) could spin out in situtions where 4WD would not, making them decidedly less "safe". With traction control, this seems much less likely (or at least similar to the likelihood of 4WD to spin).
So, I would theorize that quattro may keep you out of a jam (get you where you are going) better than anything else, but I'm not sure it add safety when compared to traction control RWD.
So, I would theorize that quattro may keep you out of a jam (get you where you are going) better than anything else, but I'm not sure it add safety when compared to traction control RWD.
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Joined: Apr 2001
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What about being able to safely accelerate in low-traction situations? Thats a safety plus.
I can argue with myself if I want to.
The ability to accelerate in snow or rain (merge lanes for example) does enhance safety. Still, I think it's a small point.
The ability to accelerate in snow or rain (merge lanes for example) does enhance safety. Still, I think it's a small point.
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And saved me at least that many times...
Driving in the snow frequently, as I do, there has been a number of times when I've been quite thankful to have the extra ability to get the car going in a hurry. Things like other drivers sliding out of control, etc..
And, living here in Oregon, what with frequently rainy roads and all, quattro is great for blasting out of side streets onto a busy road.
Sure, modern traction control in 2WD cars helps, but it's nowhere near what quattro can do. As for those people who claim that quattro gives them some kind of magical handling advantage, I think that's a bunch of crap. Not total crap, as there are some benefits, but I think most people either highly overrate it, or don't know what they're talking about.
And, living here in Oregon, what with frequently rainy roads and all, quattro is great for blasting out of side streets onto a busy road.
Sure, modern traction control in 2WD cars helps, but it's nowhere near what quattro can do. As for those people who claim that quattro gives them some kind of magical handling advantage, I think that's a bunch of crap. Not total crap, as there are some benefits, but I think most people either highly overrate it, or don't know what they're talking about.