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Missed contributing to the thread a couple of days ago, but can add the following:
My friend just got a new Arc after the lease on his '99 A6 2.8 was up. He loves the Saab, much better power and taut handling. He did not seriously consider another Audi, too many problems.
I have an Audi A6 4.2 as well as a '99 Saab SE V6. Frankly, I prefer driving the Saab. The Audi V8 is a great running engine and it is faster than the Saab when pushed, but the power and torque are at the top end and it needs to be revved. The V8 guzzles too, 17 mpg vs 23 under same driving style/conditions. The transmission is lazy too, particularly on downshifts, blunting the performance - sport mode would have been nice! On the road under highway conditions the Saab feels quicker, more responsive, tracks better and rides better. Considering the Audi was $13K MSRP above the Saab, I think it does not deliver the same value.
Where it shines is on wet roads, geting the power down when the Saab would be spinning it's wheels or invoking TCS. And, the interior sure is beautiful.
I've had 3 Audi's rated as follows:
'96 A4 2.8q 5sp - My favorit - great car - if only it had 50 HP more!
'98 A6 2.8q A - Dog slow but worked well for wife and commute.
'00 A6 4.2q A - Could be great but Audi didn't get it right - overgeared, lazy transmission, nervous suspension, poor brake feel, poor wheel/tire choice(255/40-17, harsh and noisy), expensive and expensive to run. I thought it would have addressed the 2.8's lack of grunt but I'm disappointed.
When the lease is up I'll be looking hard at an Aero or new 9-3.
posted by 66.35.133...
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