A6 to S6… :)

[AudiSportB5S4]

Have to imagine there will be some strong opinions here, but what are the pros/cons of A6 to S6? 3L SC to 4.0TT? Currently I have a B5S4 with tons of work to it and a 3L A6 as a daily, wondering if I should consolidate… Thoughts?

[ActiveMonkey]

I am in the exact same boat! I drive way to much (40k miles/year) and the A6 has been a tank plus I really enjoy the platform. I don't drive like a crazy teen anymore and the B5 S4 just doesn't fit me like it did in the past. I've been thinking of selling the S4 and going with the A6 and an S6.

[AudiSportB5S4]

Agree… Looks funny to see 2 car seats in a B5 with racing seats LOL. I literally go back and forth daily in my head so figured I’d see what other Audi nutjobs think :)


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Maustin]

When I bought my S6 I was driving a stage 2ish B5S4. The S4 felt really small after driving the S6 for a month. Found myself driving the S4 less and less. The auto trans made traffic less annoying though I miss the S4 6spd manual for everything else. Turbos went on the S6 last year and I had to make the tough call and sell the S4 to pay for SRM RS7 turbos, tune and some other expensive maintenance. Schlepping my 7year old is much better in the S6.
Now I've got upgraded inlets and intake, downpipes and this car puts a smile on my face every day. It also helps that the PO spent thousands upgrading the stereo with 3 JL amps, upgraded sub and other buried goodies.


Sent from my SM-G990U1 using Audizine Forum mobile app

[sepheroth86]

Stage 1 ecu and a tcu flash on the 3.0t gets them into the 11's.

An S6 will be even quicker with a flash. But has some higher maintenance costs. Plus potential turbo and DSG issues.

[Audibellybutton]

dont get the s6 unless you're ready to go crazy on the build. other wise theres not really any point. Your 3.0t can do whatever you need it to. It can be as fast as you want it to be. But the 4.0t is easier to make power on if you are going for big big numbers

[Devman2013S7]

I’ve owned both, just get the S6. Life is to short and the difference is night and day on power esp with tuning! You’ll want an extended warranty no matter what plus there’s great recalls and factory warranty extension on the turbos currently so might as well go with the TT V8!


Sent from my iPhone using Audizine Forum

[RLCree]

Never been in an S6. However, I've had plenty of fast stuff in the past. That said, an A6 with a tune is more than enough for a fun daily. The transmission issues with the S6 alone were enough to turn us away from it when debating the purchase.

[A665]

My tuned A6 is more than quick/fast enough for me as a daily in a traffic-congested area---I seldom have real opportunity to stretch her legs. And the motor and trans are pretty dang bulletproof.
Really, for me and my driving needs, the only thing an S6 has over my A6 is the V8 exhaust note.

[Spitfire007]

I dunno....
Seats are better bolstered
Brakes are bigger
Suspension might be better
Sounds better
Faster
Trans is quicker.
It can have a sport diff

Lots to appreciate. I should have gone for an S6 instead of an A6.
Grey with red interior would've been my choice...

Honestly, after over 3 years and 40000 miles with my 2016 A6, I find it quite silent and comfortable but totally devoid of character when driving it.


Sent from my iPhone using Audizine

[Southern A6]

I am about to move from an A6 to an S6. Been in the A6 for 6+ years. Great car. Can't wait!

[MattyMarkey]

Both have issues with motor mounts and control arms. With the screen recall, turbo extended warranty, and PCV extended warranty, that basically covers almost all the major failure points.

If you plan to mod the car further than a tune, S6 will be more costly. DL501 issues don’t typically happen until tuned, but can potentially be lengthened with a TCU tune.

Regular maintenance is a bit more on the S6. Still would choose the S6/7 over A6 for my situation. Not to mention the 4.0t is a dying breed on this platform

If you have an extra $15-20k and like the sportback look, RS7 is the way to go; 4.0t w/ ZF8 trans.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[WatchMeSpend]

My tuned A6 is more than quick/fast enough for me as a daily in a traffic-congested area---I seldom have real opportunity to stretch her legs. And the motor and trans are pretty dang bulletproof.
Really, for me and my driving needs, the only thing an S6 has over my A6 is the V8 exhaust note.

Similar here. Best I can do is open it up on an on ramp for about 3 seconds. My last car had sport buckets in it and while I liked the look and the way the seats held in corners after a long run of bumper to bumper, I’d have to get out and do exercises to fix my ass/back.
Stage 2 DP is an animal in 1st and second. Then…speed limit. If I was racing the car, I’d pick different, but I’m just not. If I had an S6 I’d plan on ditching the turbos. I didn’t want to deal with DSG maintenance and it is supposedly “clunky” in stop and go.

[Spitfire007]

More fun to drive a slow car fast than a fast car slow


Sent from my iPhone using Audizine

[MattyMarkey]

Similar here. Best I can do is open it up on an on ramp for about 3 seconds. My last car had sport buckets in it and while I liked the look and the way the seats held in corners after a long run of bumper to bumper, I’d have to get out and do exercises to fix my ass/back.
Stage 2 DP is an animal in 1st and second. Then…speed limit. If I was racing the car, I’d pick different, but I’m just not. If I had an S6 I’d plan on ditching the turbos. I didn’t want to deal with DSG maintenance and it is supposedly “clunky” in stop and go.

You do have the option to look for an S6 with Comfort Seats; heated and cooled. I hit triple digit speeds in my S7 on a daily - also recognize I am asking for it... lol.

I know I have said this in other threads: coming from the ZF8 to DSG, it is not as smooth in 1st & 2nd at slower speeds, but that's also what you get with a dual clutch gearbox. It is however, a lot sportier than the ZF8; doesn't feel sluggish and shifts slightly faster/more crisp.

After all, that is why you would drive a luxury sport saloon vs just a luxury vehicle

[WatchMeSpend]

You do have the option to look for an S6 with Comfort Seats; heated and cooled. I hit triple digit speeds in my S7 on a daily - also recognize I am asking for it... lol.

I know I have said this in other threads: coming from the ZF8 to DSG, it is not as smooth in 1st & 2nd at slower speeds, but that's also what you get with a dual clutch gearbox. It is however, a lot sportier than the ZF8; doesn't feel sluggish and shifts slightly faster/more crisp.

After all, that is why you would drive a luxury sport saloon vs just a luxury vehicle

When you buy used because your current A6 has an oil leak getting worse by the day, your favorite colors and options are kind of limited. I’ve seen less than 10 Audi S6 cars on the road within a 1 hr radius of where I live. Also, I would have had to pony up 10k more for a 2013 S6 than get a newer 2016 A6 with lower mileage. No garage to tinker in and months of too cold to tinker weather means I have to pick choices others don’t. I also don’t want to go back to multiple cars.

RS7s are even more of an anomaly here. I do have back roads just outside the city which are full of police, waiting for someone like me to stretch their car’s legs. Still love the car though. Have no plans to replace it, I just wanna drive it.

[MattyMarkey]

When you buy used because your current A6 has an oil leak getting worse by the day, your favorite colors and options are kind of limited. I’ve seen less than 10 Audi S6 cars on the road within a 1 hr radius of where I live. Also, I would have had to pony up 10k more for a 2013 S6 than get a newer 2016 A6 with lower mileage. No garage to tinker in and months of too cold to tinker weather means I have to pick choices others don’t. I also don’t want to go back to multiple cars.

RS7s are even more of an anomaly here. I do have back roads just outside the city which are full of police, waiting for someone like me to stretch their car’s legs. Still love the car though. Have no plans to replace it, I just wanna drive it.

Everyone’s situation is different for sure. My comments were in response to your post, but more so for the OP to consider options.

I found mine with 11k miles for a price that was too hard to pass up. I’d say if you want an S car with lower miles, you’re spending +$40k these days. RS7’s can be had in the $50-$65k range with favorable miles


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[JWebb_C7_Comp]

Have to imagine there will be some strong opinions here, but what are the pros/cons of A6 to S6? 3L SC to 4.0TT? Currently I have a B5S4 with tons of work to it and a 3L A6 as a daily, wondering if I should consolidate… Thoughts?

If you have both A6 and S4, you know Audi pretty well. That said, if your plan is to consolidate you have a few options as I see it. (1) sell the S4, and keep the A6, (2) determine what you don't like about the A6 and buy exactly what you want after selling the s4, or (3) start over with another brand.

I personally came from BMW to Audi and like the brand. I have an A6, but it's a "competition" model, which, in my case, means sport suspension, S like interior and Sport differential. The S4 was a more capable car, but the A6 fit my size requirements, easily carrying four people of any size, plus suitcases, golf clubs, etc.. That said, it wasn't quick enough for my liking - and I knew that going-in - so I've gone stage 2 (single pully) with a custom TCU. For a BIG, HEAVY, QUIET daily, it's great. My only remaining issue was stereo, which I've modified. So, all that said, determine what you want for a daily (seats, suspension, stereo, etc...), Sell the s4 and buy/build the perfect car.

Consider Merc and BMW as well.

My A6 is about as quick as an S6, for less money with a better stereo. Purchased new, tuned to my tastes, etc... But, if I were to do it again, personally, I'd likely get the S6, extra warranty and modify the stereo and be done.

That said, I no longer have time to fiddle with everything that I'd like to and if I had to start over, I'd get it done ASAP.

[JRitt@Essex]

Have to imagine there will be some strong opinions here, but what are the pros/cons of A6 to S6? 3L SC to 4.0TT? Currently I have a B5S4 with tons of work to it and a 3L A6 as a daily, wondering if I should consolidate… Thoughts?

I've owned 50 cars in the past twenty years, and when I've had two or more cars in the stable that are too similar (like your S4 and A6), one of them typically doesn't get driven much. I find it far more fun to have a diverse fleet...a convertible, an AWD sedan or wagon, a big V8, something super lightweight, a mid-engine, a rear-engine, etc. Keep your A6, sell your S4, and buy a dedicated, manual transmission, RWD sports car to modify and play with...986 or 987 Boxster, Miata, C5 or C6 Corvette, Elise or Evora, Toyobaru 86, S2000, Camaro, GT350 Mustang...pick your poison based on budget and wants. It doesn't have to be anything expensive to have fun. Having a pseudo-beater sports car is a ton of fun. Analog and a decade or more old are good places to start if you want to actually enjoy the drive and feel something behind the wheel. Let your A6 be the workhorse and leave the fun for something dedicated to that purpose.

Some of my past and present all-stars:
Cheap, fun, wonderfully balanced convertible- 986 or 987 Boxster
Fun beater to slide around 20 mph and drive everywhere at 10/10ths- Miata on all season tires
Cheap exotic- Gen.1 Honda NSX
Poor man's (or smart man's) Lotus Elise, and ridiculously underrated- Toyota MR2 Spyder
Car with sport bike engine (skip it if you're over 6 ft. tall)- S2000
Giant Miata with a V8 punch and Fischer Price interior- C5 Z06
Best new sportscar with warranty- Toyota GR86

[SteveC]

The "S" cars are certainly sweet. I find for me that my A6, even stock, is pretty fun to drive, but I think I'm in the minority on this forum as I don't drive it that hard or go to the track on weekends or anything. I had a Mustang for a while. Then a crew cab pickup. I wanted a nice looking car that still had a little something when I drove it, but a little more practical for people and stuff. I have debated doing some upgrades, like a tune, but honestly, it seems peppy enough for me as it is. Sport mode seems to be enough. I don't know that I need to get to 80 mph any faster than the distance of the onramp I guess. I do enjoy reading about everyones upgrades though.

[sepheroth86]

I've owned 50 cars in the past twenty years, and when I've had two or more cars in the stable that are too similar (like your S4 and A6), one of them typically doesn't get driven much. I find it far more fun to have a diverse fleet...a convertible, an AWD sedan or wagon, a big V8, something super lightweight, a mid-engine, a rear-engine, etc. Keep your A6, sell your S4, and buy a dedicated, manual transmission, RWD sports car to modify and play with...986 or 987 Boxster, Miata, C5 or C6 Corvette, Elise or Evora, Toyobaru 86, S2000, Camaro, GT350 Mustang...pick your poison based on budget and wants. It doesn't have to be anything expensive to have fun. Having a pseudo-beater sports car is a ton of fun. Analog and a decade or more old are good places to start if you want to actually enjoy the drive and feel something behind the wheel. Let your A6 be the workhorse and leave the fun for something dedicated to that purpose.

Some of my past and present all-stars:
Cheap, fun, wonderfully balanced convertible- 986 or 987 Boxster
Fun beater to slide around 20 mph and drive everywhere at 10/10ths- Miata on all season tires
Cheap exotic- Gen.1 Honda NSX
Poor man's (or smart man's) Lotus Elise, and ridiculously underrated- Toyota MR2 Spyder
Car with sport bike engine (skip it if you're over 6 ft. tall)- S2000
Giant Miata with a V8 punch and Fischer Price interior- C5 Z06
Best new sportscar with warranty- Toyota GR86

Good advice.

My trackday toy is a 1997 Honda Civic with a GSR engine and JRSC. 300hp in a 2400lb skateboard is a LOT of fun on a racetrack.

[WatchMeSpend]

I don't know that I need to get to 80 mph any faster than the distance of the onramp I guess. I do enjoy reading about everyones upgrades though.

Me getting on the onramp enjoying charger noises: RRRRRRRRRRRRR Beeeeeep!
Passenger: What's that beep?
Me: It does it when the car goes past 85mph
Passenger: Doesn't feel like we are going that fast and we're still on the onramp.
Me: Hang on, not done yet! RRRRRRRRRRRRR

[MattyMarkey]

Me getting on the onramp enjoying charger noises: RRRRRRRRRRRRR Beeeeeep!
Passenger: What's that beep?
Me: It does it when the car goes past 85mph
Passenger: Doesn't feel like we are going that fast and we're still on the onramp.
Me: Hang on, not done yet! RRRRRRRRRRRRR

Your A6 beeps past 85mph? That's it, OP definitely needs to get the S6

Kidding. haha

[WatchMeSpend]

Your A6 beeps past 85mph? That's it, OP definitely needs to get the S6

Kidding. haha

On the older 4.2 I had it set at a higher speed. A little more than that speed and they take your car away and the 3.0 is so capable of destroying the 4.2, I had to lower the speed warning because by the time you react to the beep, it may be too late. Darn double pane glass keeping everything quiet while making you look like you’re not speeding. Maybe I should crack a window…. ;)

[RLCree]

Me getting on the onramp enjoying charger noises: RRRRRRRRRRRRR Beeeeeep!
Passenger: What's that beep?
Me: It does it when the car goes past 85mph
Passenger: Doesn't feel like we are going that fast and we're still on the onramp.
Me: Hang on, not done yet! RRRRRRRRRRRRR

HAHAHA Same!

[AudiSportB5S4]

I wanted to come back to this thread I created to share my thoughts as I had eventually made the switch to the S6 for a brief period of time.

I have owned my A6 for 4+years now. During much of that time as previously mentioned, I had a B5 S4 in the garage that was my "fun" car, and the A6 was on daily duty. The A6 is a great daily. Mine is modded lightly; intake, ECU/TCU tune, smaller SC pulley. It gets the job done! Besides very little engagement compared to a 20+YO manually shifted car, the speed of it is there and still a relatively fun car to drive especially if you toss it in manual mode.. It's also been really reliable for me and great on gas. I've had the car for ~50K miles now and I've done preventative maintenance only. As far as fuel economy, crazy it gets 30+mpgs on the highway!

With that, after 17 years of ownership I decided to sell my S4 because I never really had the time for it anymore. Two little kids, house, etc. I can't have anything and not give it attention. I told my wife I'd go a whole year before getting into something different, and I made it 5 days. CLASSIC. I had come across an 2016 S6 with relatively lower miles on it, slightly modified and took the bait. It wasn't one week after owning it that I learned I basically just replaced my S4 with a newer, more complicated platform than I cared to get invested into. I sold it after 2 months.

I had both the A6 and the S6 at the same time, and it was funny to be able to get into both and feel the differences in a truly one after another fashion. Below are some comparisons I found:

Less subjective opinions:
- The DSG shifts amazingly fast, but IMO is not as DD friendly when it comes to stop and go. Not that its unbearable of course, just takes some getting used to with the RPMs wanting to settle real low once you come to a more complete stop compared to the ZF8. If this is your weekend car, then its definitely fun and the manual shifts are awesome.
- The quality of the ride with air suspension was great, but the complications / risk of complications to me was too much for my mind to bear (mostly thinking okay this is great, but these can leak and since its an Audi it eventually will!)
- What I'd consider general maintenance on the V8 looks miserable. I know spark plugs / coils aren't changed super frequently, but g'damn they buried them on the V8TT (It's funny to think the turbos may be easier to change than doing spark plugs)
- It takes 9.3 quarts of oil! Holy moly! This was my first V8 so maybe just not used to the quantity, but another g'damn!

More subjective opinions:
- The car I bought had an AWE track exhaust on it which was way too loud for my tastes. Its great if its your fun car, but when its your daily it was too much for me and took away from the class of the car
- The PO had put an RSNAV unit in the car (12" touchscreen) and although it was nice, I would've preferred the stock sleek look. The 12" screen felt a little obtrusive compared to my A6's stock unit that could fold in, granted with way less features.

All in all the S6 is definitely a great platform, but it wasn't for me at the time I was trying to reduce headaches. I would have gotten too invested in it so ultimately now I am selling the A6 and getting into a newer Audi hopefully and leaving it be

[sepheroth86]

German V8's sure do seem to hold a lot of oil.

I'm stuffing a 6.2l LS3 engine into my 1986 Camaro, and it only holds 6 quarts of oil. 😆🤷

[Valpo A7]

I went a different route last year when we replaced the 2012 A7.

A7 was fun but I was tired of working on it being a high mileage car. It was due for front end suspension repairs and had an oil leak on the engine and it was to the point that the smell was too much for my wife. At the end of the repairs it would still be an Audi with over 200,000 miles, 234,000 to be exact.

We traded it in on a gently used 2015 Maserati Ghibli SQ4 AWD twin turbo 3.0V6. Not even 13,000 miles on it when we picked it up. The speed warning was set to 75 MPH so I doubt anybody ever tried out the 405 HP in it. I had to replace the driver side sun-visor and put a new / used exhaust cutout actuator in it but otherwise just gas.

My only complaint is that it sits a touch lower than the A7.

I no longer own an Audi but I still lurk on AZ to see whats going on plus the Maserati forums are kinda dead / slow.

[Spitfire007]

As much as I like the concept of the Ghibli, I've heard nothing but horror stories, even from those who deal in them. They constantly steer me away from it.
I wish you luck and thanks for your input here.


Sent from my iPhone using Audizine

[BuickTypeR]

called the Maserati dealer and asked how much for an oil change they said 750 bucks plus tax wtf but again its v8 engine but damn 750 for an oil change no wonder lots of people dont drive them on the street dodge caravan interior sexy exterior though

[BuickTypeR]

adjust the max speed to bit higher mine is set to 100 then it beeps for me to slow down.

[AudiInMyA7]

called the Maserati dealer and asked how much for an oil change they said 750 bucks plus tax wtf but again its v8 engine but damn 750 for an oil change no wonder lots of people dont drive them on the street dodge caravan interior sexy exterior though

I live in philly and i see too damn many maseratis and too many getting oil changes at jiffy lube 🫠🫠


Sent from my iPhone using Audizine Forum

[BuickTypeR]

wow didn't know Philly was such popular for Maseratis and a smart choice Jiffy Lube. I just called jiffy for shits and giggles they guy said its not on his list and he won't able to do it an oil change.

[Valpo A7]

750 is beyond steep for an oil change, I had heard it was typically closer to 350-400 for just the oil change at a Masi dealer. For the yearly service the Masi dealer is around 1200 or so plus any parts which is inline with Audicare.

Anywho, I have zero plans to go to the actual Masi dealer for anything. So far I have identified 2 shops in my area that have done work for me in the past that are willing to work on the car. I would do all of my routine stuff myself but we opted for a 5 year / 60,000 mile mostly bumper to bumper warranty. To keep the warranty active I have to take it to a shop and have it serviced but the warranty will cover part of the service as well.

For the 3.0 V6 its got a 9 quart oil pan.

[BuickTypeR]

750 is beyond steep for an oil change, I had heard it was typically closer to 350-400 for just the oil change at a Masi dealer. For the yearly service the Masi dealer is around 1200 or so plus any parts which is inline with Audicare.

Anywho, I have zero plans to go to the actual Masi dealer for anything. So far I have identified 2 shops in my area that have done work for me in the past that are willing to work on the car. I would do all of my routine stuff myself but we opted for a 5 year / 60,000 mile mostly bumper to bumper warranty. To keep the warranty active I have to take it to a shop and have it serviced but the warranty will cover part of the service as well.

For the 3.0 V6 its got a 9 quart oil pan.

yup that what masi dealer told me For the 3.0 V6 its got a 9 quart oil pan called masi shaumburg illinois but damn 750 plus tax is nuts