Pre95

So with my job actually enjoying my presence, and my finances balancing out, it's time to step up in to the new world of auto's (pre95 audi's are good and all, but it's getting harder to take co-workers with both of my cars being loud, notchy, stiff & overall... old). After some shopping around online (balancing out a nice daily driver with tuning possibilites and enough power to keep me happy) I am looking at the A6 platform as my best bet. (the MK1 TT 225, B5 S4, and D2 S8 are in the running as well).

I have been trying to do some research on problems people have run in to with the two cars. Obviously for the tuner side of the market the 2.7T would be a better platform with upgrade possibilities, but as for a daily driver I am unsure how a modified 2.7 would treat me (reliability? more parts to break kind of mind set...). The 4.2 seems quite robust but is there any tuning available for the motor at all? And did they ever offer the 4.2 in a 6 speed manual? After hearing about the horrors of the A8 / S8 owners with the auto's mated to the 4.2, I am a bit weary of this combo. I am obviously not looking for 500hp+ machine but am addicted to working on my cars and cant ever seem to leave well enough alone. Any insight on the two beasts would be greatly appreciated.

Hope I dont spark a civil war here in the peaceful A6 forum...

Paracaidista2.7T

This should be fun.

Johndrin

2.7t because you can get a 6 speed

JimmyC83

reality is worthless!
lol...

if you wear a suit and tie, an exhaust, spoiler, and chrome wheels dont help!

a quiet V8 should be puuuuurfect for you

want a 6 speed? buy derracuda's V8 converted 6MT car (on this forum) and de-mod the exhaust and wheels if you want quiet sound and "lower profile" driving

JimmyC83

i lit a match

TXurS6

Both drivetrains are starting to experience some major failures as they are up to 9 years old. The Tips on both drivetrains will need more TLC and even repair/replacement over the next few years. While failure is not guaranteed the risk is certainly higher the older the car.

The 2.7T will have more reliability problems as the turbos age and the associated plumbing ages. If you are moderately skilled with a wrench, have the time and inclination it's a great platform to mod.

The 4.2 never had the 6sp manual so you can rule out that combo. The 4.2 has very little in the way of power upgrades as well. Even so, it's a great engine as-is.

4Driver4

The 4.2 has the torque converter that is more prone to fail than the 2.7.

Grapeking

What style of driving do you prefer? Highway cruiser? Rowing the gears a lot?

TXurS6

What part is an exaggeration? The sarcasm that it's never been discussed? :-)

Boston Driver

...I know that a guy posted his 4.2 6-speed conversion for sale, but I would be afraid of future repairs on a one-of-a-kind type of car.

I have owned BOTH the 2.7T and the 4.2, and I loved them BOTH for different reasons. Drive each one, and decide for yourself.