I 'm sure this a repeat question but I ca't det the search to work . thanks

Are you trying to find out about buying an A6 2.7T versus buying an A6 4.2 ?

Which is the best one to buy?

Each is different, not necessarily better or worse than the other. The 4.2 is about $5K more, depending on config. Would suggest you drive each, see which you prefer, and if it's the 4.2 and you want to spend the extra $5K, get it. The 4.2 has a V8 that owners have described as being sweeter and having more guts throughout the RPM band that the 2.7T, despite the 2.7T's having it's max torque lower down. It has more aggressive and distinctive styling that many A6 owners seem to prefer. While the 2.7T is a great long distance car too, many 4.2 owners seem to feel the their car is even a little better. Many 2.7T owners think their cars are more tossable. The 2.7T is faster to 60, can be had with a 6 speed, and can be chipped to make it even faster. A 4.2 can't. Within each model there are also choices such as sport or regular suspensions, etc. Each has their devotees. It's kinda like, what's better, chocolate, vanilla or strawberry?

the fender flares and the more agressive looking front end (the lower grille is outlined on the 4.2). If $$ isn't a consideration and you want an automatic, go with the 4.2. It is much smoother than the 2.7t (and my last car was an S4). If you're looking for a motor you can really tweak, especially if you want a stick, go with the 2.7T.
I am only 30, but I've got to tell you, I am in love with the tiptronic. I was just getting tired of driving a stick every day...especially in Atlanta traffic. I'm thinking of getting a musclecar with a stick for nice weekends (73 SD455 Trans Am, anyone?). But the room, smoothness and auto made the A6 4.2 a much beter choice for a daily driver than the 6 spd S4. Hope this helps.

I chose the A6 4.2 because I love the flared fenders and the feel of the massive power avialable with the V8 engine.

Both the A6 2.7T and the 4.2 are great cars, but the have different personailties. I view the A6 2.7T as a rocket. You will need to add a couple of option packages to get it to the same level as the 4.2. Unless you view them from the rear, it is hard to tell the difference between a regular A6 and the A6 2.7T.

The A6 4.2 definitely takes a couple more seconds to wind up to full power, but you can just feel the power rush from the V8. I can tell you that it is real easy to get to 120 mph and not realize that you are going this fast.

There is about $5,000 difference in price between the two cars, but in the end it really comes down to your gut feeling about which car you like.

I really don't see how you can go wrong with either one.

A6 4.2 / Melange exterior with Melange interior / Premium Package / Sport Package

I did a complete body restoration on a 74 Super Duty with a 4 speed. One of 212 made. It was a complete ground up restoration and won its first show.

I had narrowed it down to the 2.7t TIP vs. 4.2 TIP myself. I would have preferred the manual tranny, but I don't see why I would take a $1K financial hit on resale just because I know how to drive. I thought the TIP was a good compromise; not convinced of that anymore. Had I gone with the 2.7T, I would have regretted the tiptronic by now.

However, I'm completely in love with the engine on my 4.2. It's a bit louder under heavy acceleration than expected, but it's a sweet machine. Power at any speed. Go 40, punch it, you're at 70. Go 80, punch it, you're at 100. Pulls strong all the way to the speed governor... I'm sure there's an extra 20-or-so mph in there :)

I completely agree on the styling as well -- the 4.2 looks fast even when parked. Never thought I'd admit this in public, but I catch myself looking back at my car all the time (yeah, well, so I don't date much... anyone know an single gal in her 20s who likes cars, computers and church?).

Weigh your options; if you want solid, reliable power, go with the 4.2. Sure, you can chip a 2.7 to do better than a 4.2, but then you're risking warranty, reliability, longevity; and eventually you'll spend as much as you could have for the 4.2. And yes, the net price difference is only about $5K, once you consider the complete package (options included on the 4.2 which you need to pay for on the turbo).

If you can, drive both in cty and hwy settings.

I had narrowed it down to the 2.7T 6-speed. I would have preferred the manual tranny, but once Ernst let me drive the 4.2 I knew the 6-speed wasn't as important. And yes, I have been known to look back at my car...

Of course, it will be time to re-consider when (if?) AoA imports the S6 with the 6-speed manual...

We never heard back from you after you asked whether or not the deal you found on the Casablanca White 2000 4.2 was a good one.

You need to load 5 people in your car more than occasionally.

Of course, there is the concern about money, which is what kept me in the 2.7T. But if money weren't a factor, the 4.2 is the better car.

And as uwg points out, it looks a whole lot nicer, er, meaner.

Now, there's a car I'd like even better than my 4.2. However, being realistic (and somewhat financially responsible), I don't think I'll get it as soon as it hits the US. In a few years, the A8 will get its new body, and they already have the W12 engine...

But I've been considering a TT roadster for the summer... although it's expensive, at least it would cut the depreciation on both vehicles, because I can really only drive one at a time.