If interested in RS6's "stealth cachet" vs. M5, more details from Auto Express article posted Friday
11-03-2002, 08:55 AM
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If interested in RS6's "stealth cachet" vs. M5, more details from Auto Express article posted Friday
QED...
In case you want to see Friday's RS6 video again, the URL is below.
Otherwise enjoy the article excerpts from this British magazine below.
AUTO EXPRESS ARTICLE (ISSUE # 723, NEW CARS SPECIAL)
ROAD TEST: AUDIRS6 & BMW M5
EXCERPTS FROM WHOLE ARTICLE:-
""The moment you clap eyes on the RS6, you know it's something special. It looks stunning. The A6's shapely bodywork means it still appears refined and upmarket. However the additions, including the 19" alloys, remodelled front and rear bumpers and a lip spoiler -- add an air of aggression and undeniable visual impact.. Audi's RS6 bodywork modifications, including restyles bumpers and a lip spoiler, are much more obvious than those of the M5.
And if Audi's styling doesn't turn heads, the noise definitely will. The twin big-bore oval exhaust pipes emit a rumble that's more offshore powerboat than 4-door saloon. Even at idle, the RS6 bubbles joyously and, under load, it becomes a rumbling, ground shaking seismic event... The RS6's rumbling exhaust simply has to be heard to be believed.
...its one of the best performance car engines we've ever sampled. Not to mention the most effective and usable....Press the throttle and the mighty powerplant reacts immediately. The engine surges and only a split second later, the turbos chime in. From the driver's point of view, all hell breaks loose. The RS6 is staggeringly fast and substantially quicker than the M5 -- it has the punch everywhere while the BMW has it only at the top of the its rev range. Yet the Audi's contender is hampered by a relatively slow-shifting automatic gearbox. Employ kickdown, and the in-gear increments would have been dispatched in a flash.
On the road, the RS6 is arguably a more effective overtaking tool than a Porsche 911 Turbo. Here's where the seamlessly smooth transmission plays its part. There's no fiddling with clutch and gearlever -- simply press and go... so for power and flexibility the RS6 has M5 licked. That itself is an extraordinary achievement... the RS6 newcomer is faster cross country thanks to the security, stability and control offered by its 4 wheel drive system and DRC (Dynamic Ride Control)... thus limiting body roll and pitch. The RS6 is extremely surefooted and will ship you out of corners like a rally replica, riding a wave of torque...the Audi is the more relaxing and comfortable car -- not to mention the easier to drive away...
The interior is typical Audi masterclass -- beautifully shaped Recaro seats that cup your back and thighs, lovely steering wheel, class-leading quality and materials and beautifully laid out controls... the RS6 is also massive and airy in the back... Neither has Audi skimped on equipment. And while the RS6 is 5,700 pounds sterling more expensive than the M5, it's considerably better kitted out, featuring a television satellite navigation, electric leather seats, bi-xenon headlights and an Alcantara headlining (BMW charges 1,035 pounds for that alone).
The M5 is a shrinking violet compared to its flamboyant rival.... In order to try and keep pace with the RS6, the M5 driver has to work very hard, using every available rev and tugging gear changes through as hard and as fast as possible. And that's not easy, given the heavy clutch and notchy gearbox.... it's not nearly as effortless as the Audi. Nor are the M5's brakes as strong (37M vs. 34.9M for 60 to 0 braking)...
In fact BMW is generally harder work to drive... If only the traction control was less intrusive. It struggles to deal with the power being sent to its 275/35 ZR18 rear tires, and the dashboard lights flicker constantly on bumpy roads.... What did surprise us is that the BMW had a noticeably more jittery and less settled ride than the Audi, probably due to the RS6's advanced damping system... change the M5's steering wheel. Unless you have bear-sized paws , the rim is too chunky...
The M5 appears relatively good value, but if you enjoy your creature comforts, you'll need to raid the options list, which pushes the price into Audi's range." "
CONCLUSION:
Verdict: -
For the first time, BMW's M5 tastes defeat. The RS6 is faster and more flexible, while its 4WD provides effortless traction and security. It's more relaxing and better equipped than the BMW, too. While not up with the BMW for driver appeal (amongst wannabes), the RS6 feels and drives better than any other A6.
The M5 is for purists - but it's not such a great day-to-day car, and that's where a supersaloon must excel. The Audi's turbo wallop and automatic gearbox help it to no end in that respect. The RS6 is currently the best executive express that money can buy - and the fastest saloon car in the world.
Final ranking:-
Audi RS6: + Points: Turbo thrust, V8 sound, 4WD grip and body control, Interior, equipment, looks. - Points: Expensive to buy and run, poor fuel economy, steering lacks feel, road noise.
BMW M5: + Points: Balanced chassis, RWD, informative steering, good throttle response, soundtrack. - Points: Hyperactive traction control, stiff gearchange and clutch, jittery ride.
Star Ratings RS6 vs. M5:-
Engine/performance: 5 stars vs 5 stars
Driving experience: 4 stars vs. 4 stars
Interior: 4 stars vs. 4 stars
Styling: 5 stars vs. 4 stars
Costs: 2 stars vs. 3 stars
0 -- 60 mph: 5.0 sec vs. 4.8 sec (I know, I'm bitchin... But work on this, AUDI) ""
ARIES: Please work on this AoA and Audi: ""In true Audi tradition, the RS6 has great Recaro seats... the additions -- including 19-inch alloys add an air of aggressive and undeniable visual impact...0 -- 60 mph: RS6 5.0 sec vs. M5 4.8 sec."" Still, I think I've just sold a few more Audis, so AUDI of A owes me big time
I notice many magazine articles comparing a BMW product against any newcomer: No matter how much the auto journalist may admit that the RS6 is superior to the M5, in the end you get a feeling that they wrote the accolades somewhat reluctantly. As if they subconsciously wanted to protect BMW's reputation, or have lost their objectivity having used the M5 as the "performance sedan benchmark" for so long or have just become too comfortable driving M5s for 3 years. For some people, driving any car too much tends to grow on them to the point that every other vehicle feels unfamiliar... you know what I mean. Maybe Audi's auto journalists junkets and other PR are cheaper. Or maybe it's a human need to want to religiously hang on to an ideal. Just my opinion, I have to go to church now.
OTHER RS6 VIDEOS:
(2) Kabel1 German TV (click Video zum Beitrag on website)
http://www.kabel1.de/info/aa/autos_im_test/index.php?7553
Translation of commentary is in my post on 2002-10-21 at 23:26:42
(3) Crazy MTM RS6 Avant (video may take a few moments to load)
http://www.mtmonline.de/videos/RS6.mov
(1) RTL video of RS6 Sedan and Avant:
In case you want to see Friday's RS6 video again, the URL is below.
Otherwise enjoy the article excerpts from this British magazine below.
AUTO EXPRESS ARTICLE (ISSUE # 723, NEW CARS SPECIAL)
ROAD TEST: AUDIRS6 & BMW M5
EXCERPTS FROM WHOLE ARTICLE:-
""The moment you clap eyes on the RS6, you know it's something special. It looks stunning. The A6's shapely bodywork means it still appears refined and upmarket. However the additions, including the 19" alloys, remodelled front and rear bumpers and a lip spoiler -- add an air of aggression and undeniable visual impact.. Audi's RS6 bodywork modifications, including restyles bumpers and a lip spoiler, are much more obvious than those of the M5.
And if Audi's styling doesn't turn heads, the noise definitely will. The twin big-bore oval exhaust pipes emit a rumble that's more offshore powerboat than 4-door saloon. Even at idle, the RS6 bubbles joyously and, under load, it becomes a rumbling, ground shaking seismic event... The RS6's rumbling exhaust simply has to be heard to be believed.
...its one of the best performance car engines we've ever sampled. Not to mention the most effective and usable....Press the throttle and the mighty powerplant reacts immediately. The engine surges and only a split second later, the turbos chime in. From the driver's point of view, all hell breaks loose. The RS6 is staggeringly fast and substantially quicker than the M5 -- it has the punch everywhere while the BMW has it only at the top of the its rev range. Yet the Audi's contender is hampered by a relatively slow-shifting automatic gearbox. Employ kickdown, and the in-gear increments would have been dispatched in a flash.
On the road, the RS6 is arguably a more effective overtaking tool than a Porsche 911 Turbo. Here's where the seamlessly smooth transmission plays its part. There's no fiddling with clutch and gearlever -- simply press and go... so for power and flexibility the RS6 has M5 licked. That itself is an extraordinary achievement... the RS6 newcomer is faster cross country thanks to the security, stability and control offered by its 4 wheel drive system and DRC (Dynamic Ride Control)... thus limiting body roll and pitch. The RS6 is extremely surefooted and will ship you out of corners like a rally replica, riding a wave of torque...the Audi is the more relaxing and comfortable car -- not to mention the easier to drive away...
The interior is typical Audi masterclass -- beautifully shaped Recaro seats that cup your back and thighs, lovely steering wheel, class-leading quality and materials and beautifully laid out controls... the RS6 is also massive and airy in the back... Neither has Audi skimped on equipment. And while the RS6 is 5,700 pounds sterling more expensive than the M5, it's considerably better kitted out, featuring a television satellite navigation, electric leather seats, bi-xenon headlights and an Alcantara headlining (BMW charges 1,035 pounds for that alone).
The M5 is a shrinking violet compared to its flamboyant rival.... In order to try and keep pace with the RS6, the M5 driver has to work very hard, using every available rev and tugging gear changes through as hard and as fast as possible. And that's not easy, given the heavy clutch and notchy gearbox.... it's not nearly as effortless as the Audi. Nor are the M5's brakes as strong (37M vs. 34.9M for 60 to 0 braking)...
In fact BMW is generally harder work to drive... If only the traction control was less intrusive. It struggles to deal with the power being sent to its 275/35 ZR18 rear tires, and the dashboard lights flicker constantly on bumpy roads.... What did surprise us is that the BMW had a noticeably more jittery and less settled ride than the Audi, probably due to the RS6's advanced damping system... change the M5's steering wheel. Unless you have bear-sized paws , the rim is too chunky...
The M5 appears relatively good value, but if you enjoy your creature comforts, you'll need to raid the options list, which pushes the price into Audi's range." "
CONCLUSION:
Verdict: -
For the first time, BMW's M5 tastes defeat. The RS6 is faster and more flexible, while its 4WD provides effortless traction and security. It's more relaxing and better equipped than the BMW, too. While not up with the BMW for driver appeal (amongst wannabes), the RS6 feels and drives better than any other A6.
The M5 is for purists - but it's not such a great day-to-day car, and that's where a supersaloon must excel. The Audi's turbo wallop and automatic gearbox help it to no end in that respect. The RS6 is currently the best executive express that money can buy - and the fastest saloon car in the world.
Final ranking:-
Audi RS6: + Points: Turbo thrust, V8 sound, 4WD grip and body control, Interior, equipment, looks. - Points: Expensive to buy and run, poor fuel economy, steering lacks feel, road noise.
BMW M5: + Points: Balanced chassis, RWD, informative steering, good throttle response, soundtrack. - Points: Hyperactive traction control, stiff gearchange and clutch, jittery ride.
Star Ratings RS6 vs. M5:-
Engine/performance: 5 stars vs 5 stars
Driving experience: 4 stars vs. 4 stars
Interior: 4 stars vs. 4 stars
Styling: 5 stars vs. 4 stars
Costs: 2 stars vs. 3 stars
0 -- 60 mph: 5.0 sec vs. 4.8 sec (I know, I'm bitchin... But work on this, AUDI) ""
ARIES: Please work on this AoA and Audi: ""In true Audi tradition, the RS6 has great Recaro seats... the additions -- including 19-inch alloys add an air of aggressive and undeniable visual impact...0 -- 60 mph: RS6 5.0 sec vs. M5 4.8 sec."" Still, I think I've just sold a few more Audis, so AUDI of A owes me big time
I notice many magazine articles comparing a BMW product against any newcomer: No matter how much the auto journalist may admit that the RS6 is superior to the M5, in the end you get a feeling that they wrote the accolades somewhat reluctantly. As if they subconsciously wanted to protect BMW's reputation, or have lost their objectivity having used the M5 as the "performance sedan benchmark" for so long or have just become too comfortable driving M5s for 3 years. For some people, driving any car too much tends to grow on them to the point that every other vehicle feels unfamiliar... you know what I mean. Maybe Audi's auto journalists junkets and other PR are cheaper. Or maybe it's a human need to want to religiously hang on to an ideal. Just my opinion, I have to go to church now.
OTHER RS6 VIDEOS:
(2) Kabel1 German TV (click Video zum Beitrag on website)
http://www.kabel1.de/info/aa/autos_im_test/index.php?7553
Translation of commentary is in my post on 2002-10-21 at 23:26:42
(3) Crazy MTM RS6 Avant (video may take a few moments to load)
http://www.mtmonline.de/videos/RS6.mov
(1) RTL video of RS6 Sedan and Avant:
11-03-2002, 09:02 AM
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I fit SO GREAT in these seats!!! Much more comfy that the sport seats, with no huge bar
<center><img src="http://pictureposter.audiworld.com/5503/picture_068.jpg"></center><p>in the bolster
11-03-2002, 10:12 AM
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Re: "The M5 is a shrinking violet compared to its flamboyant rival". Oh COME ON! You guys crack me
Without even considering handling and performance, i think that M5's are nice my friend, but park an S6/RS6 next to one and they look like sh#t. Finally we have a viable competitor and all of you guys are getting nervous.
11-03-2002, 11:14 AM
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Nervous? Gimme a break and don't even think of comparing an S6 to an M5....
The S6 could be compared to a 540 maybe (S6/540 times from Car & Driver- 0-60 6.3/5.7 sec., 1/4 mi. 14.9/14.3 sec. Both automatics), but an M5? LOL.
Don't get me wrong, I like the RS 6 very much, but its cost vs. the M5 makes it less of a competitor. If you want to pay a lot extra for exclusivity, then the RS 6 is probably worth it.
As far as "looks" are concerned, beauty is in the eye of the beholder. The "Praying Mantis" look just doesn't do it for me over the M5.
Don't get me wrong, I like the RS 6 very much, but its cost vs. the M5 makes it less of a competitor. If you want to pay a lot extra for exclusivity, then the RS 6 is probably worth it.
As far as "looks" are concerned, beauty is in the eye of the beholder. The "Praying Mantis" look just doesn't do it for me over the M5.
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11-03-2002, 11:37 AM
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Re: Nervous? Gimme a break and don't even think of comparing an S6 to an M5....
If yah don't beleive me do a side by side comparison and then tell me truthfully which is the nicer looking car.I agree with you totally about the perfomance #s the 540 has a weight and torque advantage but as far as looks forget it and that includes the M5 also.
11-03-2002, 01:05 PM
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Like I said, it's subjective- That's why we all like different ties. Tell me this isn't up to the S6
<center><img src="http://members.roadfly.com/chuck540z3/540.jpg"></center><p>IMHO, this is VERY pretty. :-)
11-03-2002, 01:28 PM
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BMWs numbers for the auto 540 are 6.2 and 6.1 (sport)...
5.7 might be a bit optimistic...but overall I would agree with you that the S6 is more comparable to the 540, not the M5...
There is no getting around the 0.3-0.4 second penalty of the quattro system...but that's ok with me...
C&D also claims 6.4 for the A6 4.2 which we all know is also a bit optimistic.
There is no getting around the 0.3-0.4 second penalty of the quattro system...but that's ok with me...
C&D also claims 6.4 for the A6 4.2 which we all know is also a bit optimistic.