95 S6 vs 91 20V

[Greg Johnson]

Dennis Weaver wrote:

>What is the consesus of whether the 95 S6 is worth the almost 2-3 times the price of a 91 200 20V.
>I always feel that one should buy the newest version in the best shape one can afford, but is the S6 that much better of a car?

I faced this same issue before I purchased my '91 200-20V TQA.  At the outset, I must state that I have no prejudices one way or the other; I love the 200 and I love the S6. When I was weighing my options, the price differential between a 200 Avant and an S6 Avant (with about the same miles) was about $15K to $18K  In the end, I decided this price differential would allow me to do a bunch of mods that would make the 200 better than a stock S6 Avant and still have money in the bank.

It took me a fairly long time to find the 200 I wanted (low miles with sports seats).  Within weeks of getting the 200 I chipped it.  Within the next few months, I installed Turbogas shocks, H&R springs, used 16in OEM S6 Avus wheels, Eurolights, and I replaced any obviously worn bushings.  The next spring, I did a G60 conversion with used urS4 parts (should have done this when I did the shocks and springs) and eventually added BIRA Sys 3 brakes (Porsche 996 monoblocs over 314x30mm Euro A8 rotors).  Last spring I added a custom mandrel bent exhaust and a Benz Brace.  This fall, I finally found some decently priced 17in OZ Superlegs.  After the sale of the S6 wheels, the OZ's cost me $400. This spring a good friend in the Fatherland will help me complete the mods, by obtaining an RS2 Turbo and the necessary bits.

With all these mods, my 200 will still cost less than what the S6 Avant would have cost and there's no doubt that it's a better car.  Will I get all of what I put into the 200 back out it at sale time?  Probably not, but it's one heck of car and I'm really enjoying it.

Just my opinion,

Greg