[V8] 4.2A6 Pros and Cons

[Stafford, Kenneth A.]

I was seriously considering getting one of these as well (2001-ish), until I started looking at S8s of the same vintage.  I've owned my 2003 S8 for about 3 months now, put on 5000 miles and can't get over the value.  Despite being a physically larger car (5" longer, 3" wider, 1.5" LOWER), it is actually the same weight as the 4.2 A6 (and our beloved V8Q!) thanks to the aluminum body and chassis.  It also shares the rarity of the V8Q--I've heard only 300 2003's were sold in America (only 100 black ones).  My sense is it is just as quiet and comfortable as my V8Q at highway speeds (the A6 may be a bit plusher ride), but MUCH better handling in the twisties...and much more throaty at full revs (7200 rpm with the MTM chip).  My gas mileage is almost identical to my V8Q at freeway speeds (a real 23 mpg tank-to-tank), marginally better in commuting (18 vs 16)...and 360hp (actually about maybe 370-375 with the MTM chip) is invigorating.  I paid $15.7K for a 98000 mile perfect one-owner, new tired, new T-belted, never-been-in-salted-highways, nav plus all options (tire monitor, parking assist, Sat radio, heated steering rim--SWEET!, black beauty that had sold new for $81K (the PO just bought a new S8 for $112K).  I had started my replacement search for my 200K miles V8Q looking at either the 2.7T or 4.2 A6's thinking that they would be the most similar size-wise to my V8Q.  Other than the noticeably larger turning radius, the S8 actually feels smaller when driving due to the lowered center of gravity, increased roll stiffness, and increased rebound damping.  Haven't had to do anything under the hood, but obviously the V8 was designed to fit into this chassis and most parts are common with the much more common A8. I can't imagine anyone that drove both side by side would pick the A6 over the S8 if their prices were close...

My unsolicited $.02.

Ken