[V8] 4.2A6 Pros and Cons

[Dave]

the a8/s8 (d2) is a wonderful car.
 
i used to own the d2 s8, and now own the c5 rs6.  i was told a number of
times that audi lost money on every a8 made.  you get a type of quality in
this car that you will no find anywhere else in the audi range.  while
other, more recent audis's might be better driver's cars none can trump the
a8 on quality.
 
points of note:
1) the d2 a8 is bigger on the outside than the c5, but barely bigger on the
inside. the c5 also has a more usable boot due to the fold-down rear seats
which are not an option on the d2.
 
2) engines are the same, as are the (quattro) transmissions. the s8 is a
much better can (imo) than the s6 - basically the same engine (slightly
better in the s8), but the s8 is more nimble (better steering and setup).
 
3) the zf tranny needs to be looked after - change the oil. make sure you
get the sport transmission option ("s" on the gate).
 
4) the d2 has an "older" look inside than the c5.  you either like or you
don't.
 
5) the d2 can be updated with most of the electronics available to the c5
(notably the rns/e and bluetooth) - this really freshens the look of the car
inside.  i also believe that the later steering wheels can be fitted - i am
aware of 2 c5's with the tts sport wheels fitted (including the 2-stage
airbag).
 
6) insurance is insurance - you insure what you care about for what you can
agree it is worth.  don't sweat it.
 
hth
dave
'03 rs6
'04 allroad tdi


On 7/01/09 9:00 AM, Dan DiBiase wrote:
> From: Dan DiBiase <d_dibiase at yahoo.com>
> Subject: Re: [V8] 4.2A6 Pros and Cons
> ________________________________
> From: John Cassidy <jcassidy at diamondconstruction.com>
> To: quattro at audifans.com
> Sent: Tuesday, January 6, 2009 1:07:27 PM
> Subject: Re: [V8] 4.2A6 Pros and Cons
> 
> Before committing to either an A8 or S8, check the insurance rates.  I
> looking into it a few years back, and it was in the same class as a
> Porsche Turbo.  Reason given was that very few body shops can work on
> the aluminum body, and those that do charge enough to make Gates whine.
> ---------------------------------------------
> The latest Car and Driver had a wrap-up on their 'long-term' S8 that was
> involved in an off-set front-end collision. Couldn't
> find a link to it on their website, but the damage cost $30k to fix! As you
> note, you have to go to a specialized auto shop (CD
> noted that there is only one in Michigan) for the repair.
> 
>  Dan D
> '04 A4 1.8Tq MT-6
> Central NJ USA