A6 3.0 diesel vs. A8 3.0 diesel
Discussion
We drove several A6s before buying our A8 - both the 3.0 diesel in each, then the petrol 4.2 V8 in the A8. The A6 was a gorgeous design, the interior when specced up was very pleasant, but it was not onl crashing dull to drive, but crucially as a motorway/work hack it was noisy and uncomfortable. I don't know whether it the diesel engines (drove both the 2.7 and 3.0) but there were some horrendous resonances at various points in the rev range which made for a most unpleasant experience. Likewise even on sensible sized wheels the ride was knobbly and bouncy with little pay off by way of body control.
The A8 on the other hand was hushed and serene by comparison - being able to hold conversations with backseat passengers without needing to raise one's voice, soothing away hours on rough tarmac, being able to adjust the suspension to suit the mood and so on. The interior equipment is much the same, though given the extra space is laid out rather better rather than being all crammed in close together.
Performance wise, the A6 was marginally quicker (both were autos, though I think you can get the A6 as a manual which would probably make a little more sprightly), though ultimately we went down the V8 route: the 4.2 petrol was 3-4k cheaper than the 3.0 diesel and 5-6k cheaper than the 4.0TDI at the time, which is a heck of a lot of fuel to make up, particularly given the petrol V8 will still return 28-29 on a run.
The A8 on the other hand was hushed and serene by comparison - being able to hold conversations with backseat passengers without needing to raise one's voice, soothing away hours on rough tarmac, being able to adjust the suspension to suit the mood and so on. The interior equipment is much the same, though given the extra space is laid out rather better rather than being all crammed in close together.
Performance wise, the A6 was marginally quicker (both were autos, though I think you can get the A6 as a manual which would probably make a little more sprightly), though ultimately we went down the V8 route: the 4.2 petrol was 3-4k cheaper than the 3.0 diesel and 5-6k cheaper than the 4.0TDI at the time, which is a heck of a lot of fuel to make up, particularly given the petrol V8 will still return 28-29 on a run.
RedLeicester said:
We drove several A6s before buying our A8 - both the 3.0 diesel in each, then the petrol 4.2 V8 in the A8. The A6 was a gorgeous design, the interior when specced up was very pleasant, but it was not onl crashing dull to drive, but crucially as a motorway/work hack it was noisy and uncomfortable. I don't know whether it the diesel engines (drove both the 2.7 and 3.0) but there were some horrendous resonances at various points in the rev range which made for a most unpleasant experience. Likewise even on sensible sized wheels the ride was knobbly and bouncy with little pay off by way of body control.
The A8 on the other hand was hushed and serene by comparison - being able to hold conversations with backseat passengers without needing to raise one's voice, soothing away hours on rough tarmac, being able to adjust the suspension to suit the mood and so on. The interior equipment is much the same, though given the extra space is laid out rather better rather than being all crammed in close together.
Performance wise, the A6 was marginally quicker (both were autos, though I think you can get the A6 as a manual which would probably make a little more sprightly), though ultimately we went down the V8 route: the 4.2 petrol was 3-4k cheaper than the 3.0 diesel and 5-6k cheaper than the 4.0TDI at the time, which is a heck of a lot of fuel to make up, particularly given the petrol V8 will still return 28-29 on a run.
I had the same choice and ended up with the A6. I don't experience the resonance at all, and find that the Quattro is not dull to drive at all. The A6 has slightly fewer toys although mine is specced up, but was definately quicker and more economical than the A8. The A6 is a big car and finding suitably sized parking spaces is tricky, the A8 is slightly longer and wider so I guess it will be harder again to park.The A8 on the other hand was hushed and serene by comparison - being able to hold conversations with backseat passengers without needing to raise one's voice, soothing away hours on rough tarmac, being able to adjust the suspension to suit the mood and so on. The interior equipment is much the same, though given the extra space is laid out rather better rather than being all crammed in close together.
Performance wise, the A6 was marginally quicker (both were autos, though I think you can get the A6 as a manual which would probably make a little more sprightly), though ultimately we went down the V8 route: the 4.2 petrol was 3-4k cheaper than the 3.0 diesel and 5-6k cheaper than the 4.0TDI at the time, which is a heck of a lot of fuel to make up, particularly given the petrol V8 will still return 28-29 on a run.
The A8 cabin has a slightly more luxurious feel, but strangely the boot is smaller than in the A6.
Its a tough call. I decided that the A8 wasn't worth the extra money and would possibly be get hit harder by depreciation. Although the fuel prices have now made all big cars depreciate like mad.
funinthesun said:
RedLeicester said:
the petrol V8 will still return 28-29 on a run.
really?audi figures are 23mpg combined...
not disputing your figures, just surprised, so what would an A6 3.0 diesl return on the same sort of run, given that audi quote 33mpg combined for that - nearer 40?
nicktowe said:
RedLeicester said:
A lot of stuff about A8s...
I had the same choice and ended up with the A6. I don't experience the resonance at all, and find that the Quattro is not dull to drive at all. The A6 has slightly fewer toys although mine is specced up, but was definately quicker and more economical than the A8. The A6 is a big car and finding suitably sized parking spaces is tricky, the A8 is slightly longer and wider so I guess it will be harder again to park.The A8 cabin has a slightly more luxurious feel, but strangely the boot is smaller than in the A6.
Its a tough call. I decided that the A8 wasn't worth the extra money and would possibly be get hit harder by depreciation. Although the fuel prices have now made all big cars depreciate like mad.
Quattro question is a pertinent one, as I have no idea whether either of the ones we drove were quattros - the dealer had debadged them both, so we were guessing! The A8 most certainly is, though I have a feeling some of them aren't - was it just the V6 which was FWD, or were some of the 3.0TDis also FWD? Thing is, having come from a succession of TVRs, Saab Aero's and an M5, both the A6 and A8 were a disappointment, but then that was to be expected. I think we just felt the A8 did a better job of mile munching, but would also lift its skirts and play a bit when required (in so much as a two tonne barge ever could!)
Not had too many problems with parking it, though you do sometimes become aware of it overhanging little spaces, but then to be fair I'm also used to parking our Range Rover which is wider still... Front and rear PDC is a real boon in such situations.
Our A8 is specced up to the gills, which again can only help its appeal - ventilated / heated / massage leccy seats front and rear, double glazing, radar cruise, solar sunroof etc, all of which just provide extra buttons to fiddle with and pass the time!
It's very definitely a personal decision thing - wifey had no interest in the A6, but I pushed to have a go as I think they're stunning bits of engineering with lovely interiors and some excellent design touches, which is probably why I suffered such a crushing disappointment in the driving experience by comparison. So much of this game depends on your expectations, requirements and what you're used to! Horses for courses and all that.
Any luck in selling yours btw?
RedLeicester said:
funinthesun said:
RedLeicester said:
the petrol V8 will still return 28-29 on a run.
really?audi figures are 23mpg combined...
not disputing your figures, just surprised, so what would an A6 3.0 diesl return on the same sort of run, given that audi quote 33mpg combined for that - nearer 40?
id certainly consider a petrol engined A8 if i could get 26/27mpg daily , having tried the same run in an old shaped( 2001) S6 for a while , and returning about 22mpg in that, id be delighted to hear audi have inproved the 4.2 enough to get another 20% fuel economy from it..
the current difference in price between the petrol and the diesel models is certainly a factor.
Edited by funinthesun on Thursday 9th October 15:57
RedLeicester said:
funinthesun said:
RedLeicester said:
the petrol V8 will still return 28-29 on a run.
really?audi figures are 23mpg combined...
not disputing your figures, just surprised, so what would an A6 3.0 diesl return on the same sort of run, given that audi quote 33mpg combined for that - nearer 40?
id certainly consier a petrol engined A8 if i could get 26/27mpg daily , having tried the same run in an old shaped( 2001) S6 for a while , and returning about 22mpg in that, id be delighted to hear audi have improved the 4.2 enough to get another 20% fuel economy from it..
the current difference in price between the petrol and the diesel models is certainly a factor.
Edited by funinthesun on Thursday 9th October 15:57
I have had both the A6 & A8L in 3.0TDi guise. Both were quattro and tiptronic.
A6 could achieve 44-45 on a run
A8L gets 41-42 on a run.
Have had the A8L for 7 months, racked up nearly 30k miles and average over that period has been 35.2mpg. Diesel is as smooth as you like.
I did get my A6 superchipped and not only was it quicker but it gave me a bit more mpg. A8 will be done soon!
A6 boot is slightly bigger but difference is not really worth bothering about.
A8L has many more toys and air suspension. Difference in ride quality is immense. A8L seems to handle better as well, maybe due to the wider track. Much more leg room in the back but mine is the L of course.
I know which one I would go for.
Edited to add that only the V6 petrol base model A8 is available as FWD all other s are quattro.
I will be at the Audi Day, Castle Combe on Saturday if you want more info. PM me.
A6 could achieve 44-45 on a run
A8L gets 41-42 on a run.
Have had the A8L for 7 months, racked up nearly 30k miles and average over that period has been 35.2mpg. Diesel is as smooth as you like.
I did get my A6 superchipped and not only was it quicker but it gave me a bit more mpg. A8 will be done soon!
A6 boot is slightly bigger but difference is not really worth bothering about.
A8L has many more toys and air suspension. Difference in ride quality is immense. A8L seems to handle better as well, maybe due to the wider track. Much more leg room in the back but mine is the L of course.
I know which one I would go for.
Edited to add that only the V6 petrol base model A8 is available as FWD all other s are quattro.
I will be at the Audi Day, Castle Combe on Saturday if you want more info. PM me.
Edited by Dilligaf10 on Thursday 9th October 20:00
funinthesun said:
RedLeicester said:
the petrol V8 will still return 28-29 on a run.
really?audi figures are 23mpg combined...
not disputing your figures, just surprised, so what would an A6 3.0 diesl return on the same sort of run, given that audi quote 33mpg combined for that - nearer 40?
RedLeicester said:
nicktowe said:
RedLeicester said:
A lot of stuff about A8s...
I had the same choice and ended up with the A6. I don't experience the resonance at all, and find that the Quattro is not dull to drive at all. The A6 has slightly fewer toys although mine is specced up, but was definately quicker and more economical than the A8. The A6 is a big car and finding suitably sized parking spaces is tricky, the A8 is slightly longer and wider so I guess it will be harder again to park.The A8 cabin has a slightly more luxurious feel, but strangely the boot is smaller than in the A6.
Its a tough call. I decided that the A8 wasn't worth the extra money and would possibly be get hit harder by depreciation. Although the fuel prices have now made all big cars depreciate like mad.
Quattro question is a pertinent one, as I have no idea whether either of the ones we drove were quattros - the dealer had debadged them both, so we were guessing! The A8 most certainly is, though I have a feeling some of them aren't - was it just the V6 which was FWD, or were some of the 3.0TDis also FWD? Thing is, having come from a succession of TVRs, Saab Aero's and an M5, both the A6 and A8 were a disappointment, but then that was to be expected. I think we just felt the A8 did a better job of mile munching, but would also lift its skirts and play a bit when required (in so much as a two tonne barge ever could!)
Not had too many problems with parking it, though you do sometimes become aware of it overhanging little spaces, but then to be fair I'm also used to parking our Range Rover which is wider still... Front and rear PDC is a real boon in such situations.
Our A8 is specced up to the gills, which again can only help its appeal - ventilated / heated / massage leccy seats front and rear, double glazing, radar cruise, solar sunroof etc, all of which just provide extra buttons to fiddle with and pass the time!
It's very definitely a personal decision thing - wifey had no interest in the A6, but I pushed to have a go as I think they're stunning bits of engineering with lovely interiors and some excellent design touches, which is probably why I suffered such a crushing disappointment in the driving experience by comparison. So much of this game depends on your expectations, requirements and what you're used to! Horses for courses and all that.
Any luck in selling yours btw?
The A8 is a lovely car too, and it was a decision i struggled with. Both are better than my previous car which was a BMW 5 series 3.0 tdi Sport.
I havent sold my car yet, only been 3 enquiries and one of these offerred me £12k below bottom book!! I love the car and if it doesnt sell i will keep it if I can, although having being made redundant its difficult to pay for it, and i have to park round the corner and walk to the job centre!
Dilligaf10 said:
I have had both the A6 & A8L in 3.0TDi guise. Both were quattro and tiptronic.
A6 could achieve 44-45 on a run
A8L gets 41-42 on a run.
Have had the A8L for 7 months, racked up nearly 30k miles and average over that period has been 35.2mpg. Diesel is as smooth as you like.
I did get my A6 superchipped and not only was it quicker but it gave me a bit more mpg. A8 will be done soon!
A6 boot is slightly bigger but difference is not really worth bothering about.
A8L has many more toys and air suspension. Difference in ride quality is immense. A8L seems to handle better as well, maybe due to the wider track. Much more leg room in the back but mine is the L of course.
I know which one I would go for.
Edited to add that only the V6 petrol base model A8 is available as FWD all other s are quattro.
I will be at the Audi Day, Castle Combe on Saturday if you want more info. PM me.
My A6 has 19 inch wheels 35 profile tyres and sports supension. The ride does suffer, but i prefer my cars to be firm and taught (like my women lol). But there are days when i wish i had specced air suspenion, particularly round town and on Gloucestershire's badly maintained roads.A6 could achieve 44-45 on a run
A8L gets 41-42 on a run.
Have had the A8L for 7 months, racked up nearly 30k miles and average over that period has been 35.2mpg. Diesel is as smooth as you like.
I did get my A6 superchipped and not only was it quicker but it gave me a bit more mpg. A8 will be done soon!
A6 boot is slightly bigger but difference is not really worth bothering about.
A8L has many more toys and air suspension. Difference in ride quality is immense. A8L seems to handle better as well, maybe due to the wider track. Much more leg room in the back but mine is the L of course.
I know which one I would go for.
Edited to add that only the V6 petrol base model A8 is available as FWD all other s are quattro.
I will be at the Audi Day, Castle Combe on Saturday if you want more info. PM me.
Edited by Dilligaf10 on Thursday 9th October 20:00
How are things Nick? Anything looming on the horizon?
Hang onto the car as long as you can, especially in this economic climate. When I was made redundant I took the plunge and started up my own business, bl**dy scary at first then you wish you done it years ago.
Any help I can give, let me know.
Hang onto the car as long as you can, especially in this economic climate. When I was made redundant I took the plunge and started up my own business, bl**dy scary at first then you wish you done it years ago.
Any help I can give, let me know.
Dilligaf10 said:
How are things Nick? Anything looming on the horizon?
Hang onto the car as long as you can, especially in this economic climate. When I was made redundant I took the plunge and started up my own business, bl**dy scary at first then you wish you done it years ago.
Any help I can give, let me know.
Hi Richard. No jobs on the horizon as yet. I keep wondering about starting my own business, but i need a damn good idea first. Glad your business is going well.Hang onto the car as long as you can, especially in this economic climate. When I was made redundant I took the plunge and started up my own business, bl**dy scary at first then you wish you done it years ago.
Any help I can give, let me know.
If you need any extra cars/drivers give me a shout.
Nick
nicktowe said:
funinthesun said:
RedLeicester said:
the petrol V8 will still return 28-29 on a run.
really?audi figures are 23mpg combined...
not disputing your figures, just surprised, so what would an A6 3.0 diesl return on the same sort of run, given that audi quote 33mpg combined for that - nearer 40?
nicktowe said:
I havent sold my car yet, only been 3 enquiries and one of these offerred me £12k below bottom book!! I love the car and if it doesnt sell i will keep it if I can, although having being made redundant its difficult to pay for it, and i have to park round the corner and walk to the job centre!
Ouch not pleasant. The market is horrid at the moment isn't it. I'm mildly annoyed that what we paid for the A8 six months ago would get a W12 now.... damnation!Sorry to hear the job hunting isn't going too well, best of luck with it.
nicktowe said:
Dilligaf10 said:
I have had both the A6 & A8L in 3.0TDi guise. Both were quattro and tiptronic.
A6 could achieve 44-45 on a run
A8L gets 41-42 on a run.
Have had the A8L for 7 months, racked up nearly 30k miles and average over that period has been 35.2mpg. Diesel is as smooth as you like.
I did get my A6 superchipped and not only was it quicker but it gave me a bit more mpg. A8 will be done soon!
A6 boot is slightly bigger but difference is not really worth bothering about.
A8L has many more toys and air suspension. Difference in ride quality is immense. A8L seems to handle better as well, maybe due to the wider track. Much more leg room in the back but mine is the L of course.
I know which one I would go for.
Edited to add that only the V6 petrol base model A8 is available as FWD all other s are quattro.
I will be at the Audi Day, Castle Combe on Saturday if you want more info. PM me.
Deffo agree about your comment re air suspension. Its superb and isolates thumps and vibrations much effectively than the couple of A6 3.0TDI's I tried. Engine vibration appeared to by better supressed.A6 could achieve 44-45 on a run
A8L gets 41-42 on a run.
Have had the A8L for 7 months, racked up nearly 30k miles and average over that period has been 35.2mpg. Diesel is as smooth as you like.
I did get my A6 superchipped and not only was it quicker but it gave me a bit more mpg. A8 will be done soon!
A6 boot is slightly bigger but difference is not really worth bothering about.
A8L has many more toys and air suspension. Difference in ride quality is immense. A8L seems to handle better as well, maybe due to the wider track. Much more leg room in the back but mine is the L of course.
I know which one I would go for.
Edited to add that only the V6 petrol base model A8 is available as FWD all other s are quattro.
I will be at the Audi Day, Castle Combe on Saturday if you want more info. PM me.
Edited by Dilligaf10 on Thursday 9th October 20:00
To me, the A6 felt just felt more built to a budget (as you might expect from a mid size platform in the range).
By the way, i have had my A8 3.0TDI remapped. Made quite a difference, and MPG appears to have improved by 5 mpg.
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