A6 vs 5 series

HaloEye · 07-11-2010, 03:34 PM

I was curious if anyone test drove both cars and what their impressions are of each. I am leaning towards the 5 series but would most definitely test drive both. But i just wanted to get some of the posters input on both cars. thank you

carl_d · 07-11-2010, 04:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HaloEye

I was curious if anyone test drove both cars and what their impressions are of each. I am leaning towards the 5 series but would most definitely test drive both. But i just wanted to get some of the posters input on both cars. thank you

The current A6 is at the end of its life!

lindros2 · 07-11-2010, 04:26 PM

A6 is straight out of 2003. Feels smaller inside and a generation behind on the telematic side.

Handles better than current F10 w/o adaptive suspension, but weight distribution in current A6 is behind current-gen A4, A5, and A8.

Gsquared · 07-11-2010, 05:24 PM

I have driven both and went with the 550i. One reason was there will be a new A6 next year and I did not want to wait a year. Overall I felt the the 550i was musch better better than the current turbo A6 in both performance and looks.

mclarenxj220 · 07-11-2010, 07:38 PM

I felt the A6 was a lot bigger and roomier inside compared to the 535, especially in the rear. The car is a nice balance between smooth and sporty but overall it felt a little too big. The 5 feels very "dense" (a good thing) while the A6 feels really "broad." This is not to say the car under performs, but I guess it just wasn't as fun to throw around. I feel the A6's styling is quite bland too and the fit and finish of the interior is miles behind the new 5. It's true the A6 is near the end of the current generation, but that probably means you would get a good deal on a '10 or '11 model, so value is something to consider especially since the 5 is such a new model and dealers aren't scrambling to liquidate them. I guess I personally like the 5 much more even though the A6 was a great car to testdrive. If you have any specific questions I'd be glad to try and answer them, but otherwise I strongly recommend you go and test drive both cars, preferably back to back. Good luck!

Soon ExAudi Guy · 07-11-2010, 08:32 PM

I owned an A6 4.2 fully loaded with the s-line sports package (an 06 model, which really has not changed since then...I often get an A6 as a loaner when my Q7 is in). I have a 535i on order, and almost ordered a 550i but opted for the 535 for reasons explained in other posts.

I used to feel that Audi's interiors were unbeatable, and this is generally true, but BMW has stepped up and I would say that the quality and thoughtfulness, along with the interior technology, now surpasses Audi.

The Audi is what I would call a "duller car". No necessarily in terms of looks (although some may say it is a bit duller), but more so in terms of driveability. The steering lacks crispness and the suspension is a bit soft. I will say that the Quattro platform is outstanding if winter driving is in your picture. The quality of Audi is excellent, and the A6 is an excellent car, but I would be hesitant to get one given the model change next year. I see what Audi has been adding (take queues from the A5 for instance) and I think you'll find that the new A6 will make the old A6 look "old".

You won't go wrong with the 5-series. Having been in two Audis, I considered another A6 but not when it will change next year. Even then, I feel that the new 5 series is simply a superior car in every way.

HaloEye · 07-11-2010, 09:40 PM

thanks for all the input. i was planning on waiting till 2011 or end of 2010 anyways for Xdrive. But i will look into the new model a6 but leaning more towards the f10 especially after seeing the M sport package, it is going to be a real head turner

raleedy · 07-11-2010, 10:40 PM

A6 = FWD. BMW = RWD. Big difference. Not to mention the straight six in the BMW vs. the V6 in the Audi.

bm323 · 07-11-2010, 11:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Soon ExAudi Guy

I will say that the Quattro platform is outstanding if winter driving is in your picture.

If winter driving is not needed (tropical climate the whole year), how is the quattro drive compared to the front wheel drive?

Soon ExAudi Guy · 07-11-2010, 11:46 PM

Nice traction on wet roads, but tires play a major role in that. I think, personally, that the Quattro compensates for the poor grip offered by Audi's choice of Continental's on the rims. Otherwise, there's no driving advantage in my opinion for everyday or even spirited everyday driving.

Don't get me wrong. The A6 is a lovely car. Just not at the same level as the 5.

carl_d · 07-12-2010, 02:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bm323

If winter driving is not needed (tropical climate the whole year), how is the quattro drive compared to the front wheel drive?

Any front drive Audi handles like a "pig" compared to a rear drive BMW.

carl_d · 07-12-2010, 02:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lindros2

A6 is straight out of 2003. Feels smaller inside and a generation behind on the telematic side.

Handles better than current F10 w/o adaptive suspension, but weight distribution in current A6 is behind current-gen A4, A5, and A8.

A Quattro model may get close on handling but no way otherwise!

Robin_NL · 07-12-2010, 07:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by carl_d

A Quattro model may get close on handling but no way otherwise!

+1

An A6 is not a TT RS or a R8, you know...

bm323 · 07-12-2010, 09:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Soon ExAudi Guy

The steering lacks crispness and the suspension is a bit soft.

Tks for the earlier info. How is the steering of the A6 compared to the f10, ie sharpness, feedback, steering feel?

mclarenxj220 · 07-12-2010, 11:36 PM

Steering feel is similar, you may have read posts by others in the thread about the August Car and Driver mentioning the lack of steering feel in the F10. I'd say the A6 steering is noticeably lighter, with feedback slightly better in the F10. Sharpness-wise both cars seemed to be quite good when I drove them a month ago.

Soon ExAudi Guy · 07-13-2010, 12:07 PM

BMW is still sharper, especially when you are in sport mode. I think the biggest driveability difference is that Audi's suspension is sloppy compared to BMW.

Please remember that my comments come from someone who drove one for a few years.

HaloEye · 07-13-2010, 07:58 PM

If I was to get the audi it would be quattro and if i was to get a 5 series it would be xdrive since i live in massachusetts

radarguy · 07-14-2010, 09:00 AM

The Ultimate Drive that I took about a month ago included a FWD A-6 and a 535i RWD. The FWD Audi is terrible. The torque steer makes the car unworthy of consideration IMHO. I have driven a 2009 Quattro A-6 which is an entirely different vehicle from a handling perspective.

raleedy · 07-14-2010, 09:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Soon ExAudi Guy

BMW is still sharper, especially when you are in sport mode. I think the biggest driveability difference is that Audi's suspension is sloppy compared to BMW.

Please remember that my comments come from someone who drove one for a few years.

Audi Quattro is still basically a FWD car with heavy front weight bias and FWD handling characteristics.

ogrady · 07-22-2010, 11:36 AM

Definitely don't consider an A6 until the new one comes out, especially when considering a just released car like the F10.

HaloEye · 07-22-2010, 03:26 PM

just got word that the new A6 will not release till 2012, which makes me not want to get the A6 anymore

gatoman39 · 07-22-2010, 03:42 PM

Watch the video: 2010 Audi A6 3.0T Quattro vs. 2011 BMW 535i, 2011 Infiniti M37 – Video

07-11-2010, 03:34 PM	#1
HaloEye Private First Class 16 Rep 159 Posts Drives: Honda Accord Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Massachusetts, USA iTrader: (0)	A6 vs 5 series I was curious if anyone test drove both cars and what their impressions are of each. I am leaning towards the 5 series but would most definitely test drive both. But i just wanted to get some of the posters input on both cars. thank you
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07-11-2010, 04:26 PM	#3
lindros2 First Lieutenant 33 Rep 308 Posts Drives: 535i M-S Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: ... iTrader: (0)	A6 is straight out of 2003. Feels smaller inside and a generation behind on the telematic side. Handles better than current F10 w/o adaptive suspension, but weight distribution in current A6 is behind current-gen A4, A5, and A8.
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07-11-2010, 05:24 PM	#4
Gsquared New Member 5 Rep 27 Posts Drives: 2011 550i Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Dallas iTrader: (0)	I have driven both and went with the 550i. One reason was there will be a new A6 next year and I did not want to wait a year. Overall I felt the the 550i was musch better better than the current turbo A6 in both performance and looks.
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07-11-2010, 07:38 PM	#5
mclarenxj220 New Member 0 Rep 12 Posts Drives: Honda Accord Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Edmonton, Canada iTrader: (0)	I felt the A6 was a lot bigger and roomier inside compared to the 535, especially in the rear. The car is a nice balance between smooth and sporty but overall it felt a little too big. The 5 feels very "dense" (a good thing) while the A6 feels really "broad." This is not to say the car under performs, but I guess it just wasn't as fun to throw around. I feel the A6's styling is quite bland too and the fit and finish of the interior is miles behind the new 5. It's true the A6 is near the end of the current generation, but that probably means you would get a good deal on a '10 or '11 model, so value is something to consider especially since the 5 is such a new model and dealers aren't scrambling to liquidate them. I guess I personally like the 5 much more even though the A6 was a great car to testdrive. If you have any specific questions I'd be glad to try and answer them, but otherwise I strongly recommend you go and test drive both cars, preferably back to back. Good luck!
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07-11-2010, 08:32 PM	#6
Soon ExAudi Guy Week 36 Build 33 Rep 190 Posts Drives: 2011 535i Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Ontario, Canada iTrader: (0)	Former A6 owner chimes in..... I owned an A6 4.2 fully loaded with the s-line sports package (an 06 model, which really has not changed since then...I often get an A6 as a loaner when my Q7 is in). I have a 535i on order, and almost ordered a 550i but opted for the 535 for reasons explained in other posts. I used to feel that Audi's interiors were unbeatable, and this is generally true, but BMW has stepped up and I would say that the quality and thoughtfulness, along with the interior technology, now surpasses Audi. The Audi is what I would call a "duller car". No necessarily in terms of looks (although some may say it is a bit duller), but more so in terms of driveability. The steering lacks crispness and the suspension is a bit soft. I will say that the Quattro platform is outstanding if winter driving is in your picture. The quality of Audi is excellent, and the A6 is an excellent car, but I would be hesitant to get one given the model change next year. I see what Audi has been adding (take queues from the A5 for instance) and I think you'll find that the new A6 will make the old A6 look "old". You won't go wrong with the 5-series. Having been in two Audis, I considered another A6 but not when it will change next year. Even then, I feel that the new 5 series is simply a superior car in every way.
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07-11-2010, 09:40 PM	#7
HaloEye Private First Class 16 Rep 159 Posts Drives: Honda Accord Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Massachusetts, USA iTrader: (0)	thanks for all the input. i was planning on waiting till 2011 or end of 2010 anyways for Xdrive. But i will look into the new model a6 but leaning more towards the f10 especially after seeing the M sport package, it is going to be a real head turner
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07-11-2010, 10:40 PM	#8
raleedy Colonel 160 Rep 2,248 Posts Drives: 2016 228i 6-speed Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Portland, Oregon iTrader: (0)	A6 = FWD. BMW = RWD. Big difference. Not to mention the straight six in the BMW vs. the V6 in the Audi.
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07-11-2010, 11:46 PM	#10
Soon ExAudi Guy Week 36 Build 33 Rep 190 Posts Drives: 2011 535i Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Ontario, Canada iTrader: (0)	Nice traction on wet roads, but tires play a major role in that. I think, personally, that the Quattro compensates for the poor grip offered by Audi's choice of Continental's on the rims. Otherwise, there's no driving advantage in my opinion for everyday or even spirited everyday driving. Don't get me wrong. The A6 is a lovely car. Just not at the same level as the 5.
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07-12-2010, 11:36 PM	#15
mclarenxj220 New Member 0 Rep 12 Posts Drives: Honda Accord Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Edmonton, Canada iTrader: (0)	Steering feel is similar, you may have read posts by others in the thread about the August Car and Driver mentioning the lack of steering feel in the F10. I'd say the A6 steering is noticeably lighter, with feedback slightly better in the F10. Sharpness-wise both cars seemed to be quite good when I drove them a month ago.
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07-13-2010, 12:07 PM	#16
Soon ExAudi Guy Week 36 Build 33 Rep 190 Posts Drives: 2011 535i Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Ontario, Canada iTrader: (0)	BMW is still sharper, especially when you are in sport mode. I think the biggest driveability difference is that Audi's suspension is sloppy compared to BMW. Please remember that my comments come from someone who drove one for a few years.
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07-13-2010, 07:58 PM	#17
HaloEye Private First Class 16 Rep 159 Posts Drives: Honda Accord Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Massachusetts, USA iTrader: (0)	If I was to get the audi it would be quattro and if i was to get a 5 series it would be xdrive since i live in massachusetts
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07-14-2010, 09:00 AM	#18
radarguy Second Lieutenant 92 Rep 206 Posts Drives: 2024 M440ix, 2023 X3 M40ix Join Date: May 2010 Location: CT iTrader: (0)	The Ultimate Drive that I took about a month ago included a FWD A-6 and a 535i RWD. The FWD Audi is terrible. The torque steer makes the car unworthy of consideration IMHO. I have driven a 2009 Quattro A-6 which is an entirely different vehicle from a handling perspective.
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07-22-2010, 11:36 AM	#20
ogrady Lieutenant 88 Rep 473 Posts Drives: AW 09 335 Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Rhode Island iTrader: (0)	Definitely don't consider an A6 until the new one comes out, especially when considering a just released car like the F10.
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07-22-2010, 03:26 PM	#21
HaloEye Private First Class 16 Rep 159 Posts Drives: Honda Accord Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Massachusetts, USA iTrader: (0)	just got word that the new A6 will not release till 2012, which makes me not want to get the A6 anymore
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07-22-2010, 03:42 PM	#22
gatoman39 Major 116 Rep 1,346 Posts Drives: 2011 E92 335 M-Sport Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: LA iTrader: (0) Garage List 2011 E92 335i M Sport [1.00]	Watch the video: 2010 Audi A6 3.0T Quattro vs. 2011 BMW 535i, 2011 Infiniti M37 – Video
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