So what is the verdict? Similarly priced 2006 A6 4.2, or 2005 A8 SWB?

A few questions:

1. Anyone drive both? How do they drive? Acceleration? Cornering?

2. The A8 has parktronics in front and back. A6 only in back? Is it a beeping system like the one in my C5 A6 2.7t?

3. Any ventilated seats for the A6 like the A8?

4. And the most important question. . .what are the must have, can't live without options I should look for in the A6?

Please let me know why you made your choice of the A6? Was it the smaller size? More agility? Split folding seats and bigger trunk? Any and all opinions would be greatly appreciated.

And just in case you were wondering, I am coming from a 2000 C5 A6 2.7T.

Thank you all in advance!

I'm pretty sure you're not going to be able to pick your options since they are used, so drive either one and pick the one that has the best mix of style/options that you want.

only in the rear. The front is where you really need it with this car. Oh, and curb feelers too at least for my wife who has given her A6's 18" wheels a serious case of curb rash.

As for your question - I'd go with an A8L but I've never checked the price differential on used SWB vs. L.

I was searching for amaretto interior on a dark outside color. Difficult to find in my area (boston ma) and so I took the first one that came along. It was an Audi A6 3.2 q and although I have driven the A8, I think the range of the 3.2 (total mi until fill up) is better and more interesting engine (FSI technology).

There aren't any ventilated seats in the A6, no Spaceframe technology (aluminum chasis) and the A8 has a differant interior layout that may be more appealing, also no auto trunk closure unless the A6 had it as an added option, no cool 3 spoke wood steering wheel (like the A8 has on some models; 800$ option I think)

The brakes are the A6 are touchy but I have not had a problem with them (I am 24 if that matters) I think other people have found them to be a nightmare in traffic, this has not been my experience.

A6 is honestly, more sporty than the A8, and IMO is an equal but differant car to the A8 in terms of your questions.

Drive both, see what best fits your needs. That is all.

Controls are nearly identical (around MMI actually mirror images), cars similar yet very different with A8 very "luxurious" vs. A6 ,more practical (Avant). I think if you drive both cars (similarly equipped) that you'll find one more to your liking. The A8 feels much smaller than similar size cars, however the feel is not that of an A6. Take the 15 minute drive!
I found (surprisingly) the adaptive cruise control to be very practical on the highway. (purchased car used with all options- thought i won't use this at all). Set the cruise at your maximum and then just steer for hours. No need to touch gas or brake!
I also found the sports seats, premimium leather and adaptive air suspension (A6) to be great options.

The A8 has some really, really good seats...it's a major difference.

I wrote about the A8 loaner I had last week here: <a href="http://forums.audiworld.com/c6a6/msgs/36783.phtml">click</a>

some additional info since I have the A8 again this week:
- the A8 cupholder is very cheap.
- the A6 door armrest is much less comfortable than the A8's.
- the automatic door close is cute, helpful for the kids when they don't close the door right.
- you can control the A8 front passenger seat position via MMI to move it out of your way when you're trying to see out that side of the car...

Any other questions, let me know.

I'll trade for the Pontiac Grand Prix that I have now on day two. Perhaps Audi would be able to sell more cars in the DC area if they provided better service. The local big Mercedes dealer has &gt;350 Mercedes loaners and yes, that is NOT a typo.

&lt;see page 4&gt;<ul><li><a href="http://www.euromotorcars.com/Newsletter/Winter_2006/EuroTalkWinter0607_FINAL.pdf">MB Loaners</a></li></ul>

maybe they care more.

I asked if they had any of the new TT's as loaners. they said no.

I had a bmw some time ago, and they gave me a Z3 3.0 hardtop loaner at the time. Manual tranny too. That was fun.

1. offer A4 loaners, then sell them after a year (something not too hard to do).

2. offer interesting loaners in hopes of getting people to upgrade... something that is likely less of a guarantee...

So I don't blame them, but agree, I'd sure love to drive a TT, or S4 or A8, etc... but honestly, wouldn't trade my car in before its time...

Cmon, somebody has to care about the price difference! :-) Even if a fully loaded C6 comes to $66k, the D3 SWB STARTS at $72k...and you cannot pass on vented massage seats (at least here in TX).

I am in the A6 simply because I cannot/don't want to afford an A8. Otherwise there would be no question - the A8 would be my choice. I think the A8 (D3; 2006+) looks like a better balanced design than the C6 but that is just my 2c.

a bit.