Sport Diff- can you really feel it in spirited daily driving?

[Silent Drone]

I ask because today I test drive an A6 with the new "competition" trim which has the sport differential. I'm not certain that I could tell a difference compared against my 2014 A6 which of course does not have the diff.

For the price of the competition trim one could jump to an S6 that is light on other options and not pay much more but that would be the premium plus trim which likewise does not have the sport diff.

Just curious. Looking for some community feedback.

[RAF_S7]

If the price difference differentiates between the A6 and an S6, the S6 would win hands down. You can't beat the roar and drive of the Audi V8.

I have the sport diff on my S7, and I have no idea what the difference is. I certainly can't tell it in daily driving

[Silent Drone]

If the price difference differentiates between the A6 and an S6, the S6 would win hands down. You can't beat the roar and drive of the Audi V8.

I have the sport diff on my S7, and I have no idea what the difference is. I certainly can't tell it in daily driving

Yeah. At the price of the competition it's only a few thousand more to get into a lightly optioned S6. That's why I'm wondering if the sport diff makes any difference. Maybe not so much.


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[Barritia]

I couldn't tell any difference between a S6 with it or without it. The dealer did mention that it with handle better in the snow and ice without the sports diff I have no idea if this is true because my S6 ain't got the sports diff so I can say 100% he was correct but it does do very wel in the snow and ice. Better than my truck by quite a bit.

[superswiss]

I don't know how big the difference on the A6 is or how noticeable it is. The sport differential is tuned differently for various models, but I can tell you that on an RS model like my RS5, the sport differential is very noticeable. The difference between Comfort, Auto and Dynamic is also very noticeable. The car goes around corners very differently with the sport differential in Comfort mode vs. Dynamic mode.

It's not true that the car handles better on snow or ice w/o the sport differential. The contrary is true. I don't drive in those conditions, but the other day I hit a slippery corner a bit too fast on one of my canyon runs in the RS5. The front of the car completely wiped out as it hit the slippery patch and I was heading straight for a rock wall. The moment the rear axle also hit the slippery part of the road, the sport diff immediately rotated the car around and instead of heading for the wall I was going sideways around the corner and was able to straighten out the car and keep going. This is just one example.

The sport differential does many things. It primarily is meant to help rotate the car around corners, but if you are mostly driving in a straight line that doesn't mean much. The other thing that it does, in particular in comfort mode, it counteracts load transfers if you lift of the throttle in a corner or step on the brakes. This also helps in slippery conditions.

I would expect that in the A6, the diff is not tuned very aggressively, so the cornering advantages may not be as apparent. I test drove an S6 a while ago, and it was definitely not nearly as willing to rotate as my RS5 and others who have moved from an RS5 to an S6 have confirmed that the sport diff is noticeably less aggressive in the S6, so I'm sure it's further watered down in the A6 Competition.

Having said all that, if all you do is commute to work and go get your groceries and never hit up a fun road, then the sport differential is kind of a waste IMO. You really have to take the car out for some spirited cornering to truly experience the sport differential.

[Gonzoe11]

I don't know how big the difference on the A6 is or how noticeable it is. The sport differential is tuned differently for various models, but I can tell you that on an RS model like my RS5, the sport differential is very noticeable. The difference between Comfort, Auto and Dynamic is also very noticeable. The car goes around corners very differently with the sport differential in Comfort mode vs. Dynamic mode.

It's not true that the car handles better on snow or ice w/o the sport differential. The contrary is true. I don't drive in those conditions, but the other day I hit a slippery corner a bit too fast on one of my canyon runs in the RS5. The front of the car completely wiped out as it hit the slippery patch and I was heading straight for a rock wall. The moment the rear axle also hit the slippery part of the road, the sport diff immediately rotated the car around and instead of heading for the wall I was going sideways around the corner and was able to straighten out the car and keep going. This is just one example.

The sport differential does many things. It primarily is meant to help rotate the car around corners, but if you are mostly driving in a straight line that doesn't mean much. The other thing that it does, in particular in comfort mode, it counteracts load transfers if you lift of the throttle in a corner or step on the brakes. This also helps in slippery conditions.

I would expect that in the A6, the diff is not tuned very aggressively, so the cornering advantages may not be as apparent. I test drove an S6 a while ago, and it was definitely not nearly as willing to rotate as my RS5 and others who have moved from an RS5 to an S6 have confirmed that the sport diff is noticeably less aggressive in the S6, so I'm sure it's further watered down in the A6 Competition.

Having said all that, if all you do is commute to work and go get your groceries and never hit up a fun road, then the sport differential is kind of a waste IMO. You really have to take the car out for some spirited cornering to truly experience the sport differential.

I concur with Suprswiss. The sports Differential is very noticeable on the RS5 and not so much on my S7. However, I wonder how it would feel if it didn't have the sports diff?
With price being close, it's a no brainer, go for the S6.



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[luv2sleep]

Though very subtle on my S6, I can feel the sport differential working when going around corners faster and more aggressive than usual. I've only done this on dry pavement as I don't like to throw around bigger cars. It literally feels like the car is whipping it's rear end around the turns, as if the rear axle is castering (more like differential braking). It definitely helps the car handle better and provides improved stability around turns/while maneuvering. Is it worth the extra cost? I guess it's individual preference. I like it but I personally wouldn't pay extra for it if I didn't have to, especially on a sedan.
In regards to an A6 vs. S6...I used to own an A6 Prestige and I loved the 3.0T. One day I test drove a C7.5 S6 and I was addicted to that V8T. The A6 put a grin on my face. The S6 puts a smile on my face. A S6 with a tune will have you giggle like a little girl. I guess the RS7 folks with a tune burst into laughter or even lose bladder control once in a while. I really wish that Audi built a RS6 sedan or even a RS5 with the RS7 engine! One can only hope.

[richib86]

The dealer did mention that it with handle better in the snow and ice without the sports diff

this is not true lol

[cohall]

I can definitely notice it during spirited cornering, or when accelerating out of a corner. It totally eliminates any 'push' or 'plowing' and rotates the rear around very effectively.

That said, given I'm in a large city with heavy traffic, I probably don't actually get significant benefit from it all that frequently - but it sure is worth it when hitting the mountain twistys.

[saxon]

for how large the car is, i feel the sports differential does a great job of making the car feel smaller and rotating.

i notice it the most with on/off ramps to the highway

[14S4GWM]

For what its worth I have it my S4 and you can definitely feel it when you are getting on it around turns. Go try it on one of those clover leaf highway ramps, preferably one with some nice long sweeping turns. If you give it gas going around that ramp you can feel it pull the rear around very well. Keep going around the clover leaf as many ties as you want and you will notice it.

[InvigR8]

You don't really notice it with daily driving on roads at law abiding speed limits until you mess up and then you are really impressed with the Sport Diff. I have an RS7 and first noticed it when over cooking a turn. It's really awesome.

[P_G]

You'll notice it in high speed bends and also sharp turns. Given the car is the size and weight it is it hands really well. Example, there is one roundabout near me which is a good test, open but quite tight on turn with camber. In my RS3 on Bilsteins I could manage that roundabout at about 85-90 before 4 wheel drift. With the RS7 with sports diff and DRC in comfort I matched it. It may with DRC in dynamic surpass.

[dab]

I definitely notice it especially compared to the rs/6. Both have similar power tuned but powering it through the turns it is very different. In Indianapolis/Carmel we have round abouts and it is my favorite part of the trips is powering out of them.

[Js59]

As I understand it, the sport diff was standard on S6s prior to 2016. They broke it out as a separate option in 2016 - perhaps to add a few bucks to the bottom line. If you do some google searches, I think you will find this to be the case. See next to the last paragraph here:

https://www.cargurus.com/Cars/2014-A...verview-c24033

[pez81]

In the UK it's standard on the later S6. I've felt that work when pushing a corner or roundabout it's pretty amazing when you feel it at work. Honestly S6 over a6 if you can. I got some high tech pack and it isnt needed. Google maps bah waste of money I've used it twice.

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[GolfGL]

The sport diff. is amazing in snow. I didn't have it on my Q5 but did have it on the S4 and S6. The Q5 would plow through but it was very difficult to rotate. With these cars, just turn, point, and accelerate!

[wwhan]

The sport differential is great for a accelerating out of a corner, great for clover leafs also.

[Brooklyn]

You have to be hauling ass around turns to notice it - so the question becomes whether you do that enough for it to be worth it.

I ask because today I test drive an A6 with the new "competition" trim which has the sport differential. I'm not certain that I could tell a difference compared against my 2014 A6 which of course does not have the diff.

For the price of the competition trim one could jump to an S6 that is light on other options and not pay much more but that would be the premium plus trim which likewise does not have the sport diff.

Just curious. Looking for some community feedback.

[KT88]

I also concur with superswiss. In my experience, the sport diff gets more aggressive as you move from the S cars to RS cars. I have to wonder how watered down it might be in the A6 comp 3.0T compared to the S6? My S5 was less aggressive than the RS5 which was much more aggressive than the S6. That said, I'd not give it up for anything, nor would I give up the soon to be extinct 4.0T in the S6 (or so it is rumored). I'd also not give up Dynamic Steering now packaged with the sportdiff and sport exhaust in the S6 Sport package. These two together on an S6 would be complimentary though may create the potentially over-steering monster of the RS5 .... what's not to like!

I was checking out a 3.0T competition package car with all the goodies a week ago, just happened on it in local dealer's showroom. Daytona Gray with black optics, Driver Asst., Korso Red stitching, etc. ... but no V8 makes it an S-Line/wannabe. Not poo-pooing the car at all, but it is no S6 imho.

I'd also be a bit afraid of a sport-tuned steel suspension without adjustable dampers. This was my biggest complaint with the RS5 as the tight suspension was relentless. The S6 does have a complicated air-suspension though so long-term reliability may be a concern.

Sorry, probably not much help, but best of luck in your decision.

[MadAboutCars]

I've had two 4wd cars with torque vectoring and the difference is very noticeable on winding open roads. The improvement in understeer is significant and allows you to power out off corners with confidence. The sport diff was a must have for me.

[GolfGL]

I also concur with superswiss. In my experience, the sport diff gets more aggressive as you move from the S cars to RS cars. I have to wonder how watered down it might be in the A6 comp 3.0T compared to the S6? My S5 was less aggressive than the RS5 which was much more aggressive than the S6. That said, I'd not give it up for anything, nor would I give up the soon to be extinct 4.0T in the S6 (or so it is rumored). I'd also not give up Dynamic Steering now packaged with the sportdiff and sport exhaust in the S6 Sport package. These two together on an S6 would be complimentary though may create the potentially over-steering monster of the RS5 .... what's not to like!

I was checking out a 3.0T competition package car with all the goodies a week ago, just happened on it in local dealer's showroom. Daytona Gray with black optics, Driver Asst., Korso Red stitching, etc. ... but no V8 makes it an S-Line/wannabe. Not poo-pooing the car at all, but it is no S6 imho.

I'd also be a bit afraid of a sport-tuned steel suspension without adjustable dampers. This was my biggest complaint with the RS5 as the tight suspension was relentless. The S6 does have a complicated air-suspension though so long-term reliability may be a concern.

Sorry, probably not much help, but best of luck in your decision.

If that's the case, I wonder if there is anything to modify in VCDS? I do recall something about the sports diff underneath the AWD module.

[SilverTT]

In the market for a CPO S6 and want to know if the cars I am looking at have torque vectoring and/or sports differential. I see on the options to build of a new 2017, there is a separate "sports package" which gives you the red calipers and sport differential.

Was this an option on a 2014, 2015, 2016 S6 or was it called something else back then? Basically trying to understand how to know if the car I am checking out has the sports diff or not. Thank you guys.

[Silent Drone]

In the market for a CPO S6 and want to know if the cars I am looking at have torque vectoring and/or sports differential. I see on the options to build of a new 2017, there is a separate "sports package" which gives you the red calipers and sport differential.

Was this an option on a 2014, 2015, 2016 S6 or was it called something else back then? Basically trying to understand how to know if the car I am checking out has the sports diff or not. Thank you guys.

Pre-facelift the S6 was offered in prestige trim only and the sport diff was standard. Post facelift the car is offered in premium plus and prestige trims and the diff is part of the optional sport package. The sport package has black exhaust tips, so you can distinguish it that way. Or you can go into the "car" "individual" setting and you will see options to adjust the responsiveness of the diff, which will also tell you if you have the diff in the car or not.


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[SilverTT]

Pre-facelift the S6 was offered in prestige trim only and the sport diff was standard. Post facelift the car is offered in premium plus and prestige trims and the diff is part of the optional sport package. The sport package has black exhaust tips, so you can distinguish it that way. Or you can go into the "car" "individual" setting and you will see options to adjust the responsiveness of the diff, which will also tell you if you have the diff in the car or not.


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Perfect...thank you. Previously was searching for a 2015 M5 and had the same thing when looking for competition package cars. The black exhaust tips were the only visual clue of the presence of the package. Will check for that and definitely get the Sports Package. Appreciate it.

[amelen]

Coming from an A7 & Porsche Macan that did not have them, I certainly feel it on turns/ramps at high speed, and even sharp turns at very low speeds. If you're already paying $80k+ sports sedan, I'd splurge for the sports diff.

[inception]

What are tuning capabilities of the transmission does that make a difference if we tuning it. i am in the market for a S6

[Joe'sS6]

What are tuning capabilities of the transmission does that make a difference if we tuning it. i am in the market for a S6

There is still no tuning for the Sport Diff, only for the transmission, so the difference between open and sport Diffs, remains the same if tuned or not. The Sport Diff helps the rear of the car turn around corners UNDER acceleration only. If there is no acceleration or any braking, it will turn just the same.

[The Infiltrator]

Edit: this video doesn't help much and added the wrong one. The one you need to watch is below.

[gk1]

The Sport Diff helps the rear of the car turn around corners UNDER acceleration only. If there is no acceleration or any braking, it will turn just the same.

Not entirely true.
While it may be most FELT in the seat of your pants under hard acceleration in corners, the sport diff does function without acceleration and coasting and emergency situations as well.
(Similar video as Infiltrator but with voiceover and a bit extended. 2:20 starts the part about coasting.)

[The Infiltrator]

Not entirely true.
While it may be most FELT in the seat of your pants under hard acceleration in corners, the sport diff does function without acceleration and coasting and emergency situations as well.
(Similar video as Infiltrator but with voiceover and a bit extended. 2:20 starts the part about coasting.)

Yep, that's the video I meant to put and not the one I added. I didn't watch it before adding it and thought it was the right one that explains everything. Lol

[Dan GSR]

You have to really toss the car around no notice it

[kebabman]

Not entirely true.
While it may be most FELT in the seat of your pants under hard acceleration in corners, the sport diff does function without acceleration and coasting and emergency situations as well.
(Similar video as Infiltrator but with voiceover and a bit extended. 2:20 starts the part about coasting.)

Nice video but they missed the part about the materials used in it's construction, I believe it's a revolutionary new type of cheese.

[Joe'sS6]

Not entirely true.
While it may be most FELT in the seat of your pants under hard acceleration in corners, the sport diff does function without acceleration and coasting and emergency situations as well.

As per that video, it can be useful while accelerating and engine braking only.

But while coasting the forces implied are so very small, that only the most elaborated factory tests will detect it. It does not work in real world situations. Consider, how much torque on each wheel can the friction losses inside the Differential and whell shafts apply while coasting? Next to not important at all compared to the inertia from the car's movement.

There are some marketing materials that we better take with a grain of salt.

[gk1]

As per that video, it can be useful while accelerating and engine braking only.

But while coasting the forces implied are so very small, that only the most elaborated factory tests will detect it. It does not work in real world situations. Consider, how much torque on each wheel can the friction losses inside the Differential and whell shafts apply while coasting? Next to not important at all compared to the inertia from the car's movement.

There are some marketing materials that we better take with a grain of salt.

True, they have already proven themselves to be liars via Dieselgate....
Wishful thinking I guess.....

[acruxksa]

I moved from a 2017 A4 to my 2016 S6 with sport diff last winter. I most certainly could notice it. It consistently felt like the rear end was stepping out around corners on snow/ice. However, after about a month of driving, I got used to it and now almost a year later, I don't seem to notice it nearly as much. Is it worth it? Only you can say. Personally I Like it, but since I've never driven an S6 without it, the only thing I can compare it to is my previous A4.

**note** I should mention that at no point did it ever actually lose traction around corners, it just felt like that point where is was going to. If that makes any sense. Kind of like when an LSD locks up in a pickup going around a corner, except the rear wheels never quite broke loose. On snow/ice, it's a weird feeling that took some getting used to, but on dry pavement, it's awesome and makes the car feel a little lighter in corners.

[hsingh2088]

I have an S6 without the sports diff, but don't really miss torque vectoring (had a GSF prior to the S6, which had TV). The car already feels like it's on rails and not sure how the diff would significantly improve the driving of it.

I haven't had much of an opportunity to experiment with the understeering that is inherent with the Quattro system, but do think a seasoned driver can compensate for the lack of a sports diff with more precise driver inputs.

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[jstar741]

I’ve been getting some conflicting information regarding this subject. Can anyone tell me for sure in the 2012 A6 came with the sport differential option?

[bahula03]

I’ve been getting some conflicting information regarding this subject. Can anyone tell me for sure in the 2012 A6 came with the sport differential option?

Nope. In the US, the only A6 the sport diff is available on is the competition trim, not even an option on any of the other A6 trims or earlier years.