RE: 97 A6 quatro value?

["Dan Sinclair" <sinclair@prospro.com>]

Well, the performance question can best be summed up by "power-to-weight
ratio".  The Audi 12 Valve V-6 puts out 172hp, but is propelling a very
solid, heavy car.  Audi's fabrication folks, much to their credit, have not
embraced the popular trend of using LESS metal and material to reduce weight
and improve acceleration.  My 1988 Audi 90 weights almost 1000lbs. more than
my girlfriends 1988 Honda Accord.  Same size class of vehicle, very
different construction.

The Audi A8 is a great example.  Despite it's aluminum fabrication (much
lighter than steel) the car still weights as much (and more) than its
comparably sized competitors - again, because Audi uses solid, durable
construction materials throughout their vehicles.  That's not to say that
Audi couldn't stand to use some more powerful powerplants, but they're
moving in that direction (i.e. the 30 Valve, 4.2 V-8, etc.).

I think if you compare a 190hp Maxima to a 190 hp Audi, you'd see a more
level playing field, but the weight of the Passat and Maxima will still give
them an acceleration advantage.  If I had to choose which vehicle I'd rather
be driving if (knock on wood) I were to be in an accident though...well I
guess you know what I'd choose.

Dan Sinclair
1988 Audi 90, 67K

-----Original Message-----
From: owner-quattro@coimbra.ans.net
[mailto:owner-quattro@coimbra.ans.net]On Behalf Of Frank Walian
Sent: Saturday, January 23, 1999 8:46 PM
To: quattro
Subject: 97 A6 quatro value?


Hello all,

    I test drove a 97 A6 Quattro with 15k miles on it today. I have a 87
that I just fixed and wanted to look at a newer model. I noticed that
the v6 seemed slower than my 87 with a 5 cyl. It also was a lot slower
that the new passat and a 97 maxima. Is there something wrong here or is
the A6 just slower.

    It was a real nice ride though, they are asking 25k down from 32k.
What is the value of a 97 A6 with 15k miles? Is this a good deal??

Frank

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