A performance question for C5 RS6 owners...

[BillTheButcher]

I've recently become very interested in the C5 RS6 as a replacement for my lightly modified B6 S4.

I've read a lot about the differences in maintenance/repair/running costs and I'm happy with all of that.

What I've also read in a lot of the reviews is that one of the most impressive things about the RS6 is the way that it accelerates from high speeds up to even higher speeds.

I want a car that can accelerate well and I hate being held up by convoys of slow-moving traffic so being able to move past them quickly and safely is essential.

That said, almost all of my time is spent travelling at or below the speed limit so my question is this: will I really benefit from the additional power and torque that the RS6 has if I don't travel around at high speeds?

I realise the only way to find out for sure is to drive one but I'm interested to hear the thoughts of owners (past and present) and particularly people who've driven both the RS6 and the B6 S4 or other (non-turbo) V8 Audis.

TIA.

[morginator]

I had my CG for 6 years and the mid range acceleration is phenomenal. My C6 is even better. It gives so much confidence to launch the car past a que of cars who think they might be going fast. It also has that look when you see it in the rear view mirror that says 'get out of the f..... way I am a lot quicker than you. Its amazing how many cars just moved over when they see it coming.

[delboymafia]

Hi Bill, i have had my RS6 since Feb, i am the same as you, i just poodle around town and occasionally go on longer trips, but what can i say, its always nice having a car that can casually cruise around town, or be an animal on faster roads. I came from a SEAT LEON CUPRA R chipped @ 270BHP, you wont be disappointed with am RS6. Chris.

[Rupert]

What I've also read in a lot of the reviews is that one of the most impressive things about the RS6 is the way that it accelerates from high speeds up to even higher speeds.

True. Even better when mapped!
The RS6 give a lot of confidence when over taking. The power is there to minimised the time spent on the "wrong" side of the road. Now that mine is remapped, when it changes gear I know there is another wave of torque and acceleration coming.

There are cars which tail off acceleration-wise at higher speeds. My old impreza was one of them. Fine up to about 70 but nowhere near as good after that.

...But the RS6 is in another league. With a standard car I'd say 4th gear was dissapointing (although I did have a new boost solenoid fitted at the same time as the remap, so maybe it wasn't as good as it should have been). After the remap it feels like it wil pull like a train to the red line (not that I've ever been that fast!)
Sledgehammer performance.

[s4bandit]

not 1 person has sat in the passenger seat of mine when ive accelerated from around 40 in second gear that hasn't pushed their feet hard into the footwell as if they are trying to push the brake pedal or something whilst making like a whooooooooooaahhhhhhh sound followed by F'ing hell when i take my foot off the throttle
the closest thing i can describe it too is like when your in a plane and it takes off
in fact if it had wings i think it probably would !
you have too get one and yes you will find the opportunity to boot it even if you have to go out pleasure driving after work ! its addictive !
when i first got mine i went out every nite for 2 weeks ......fantastic !
p.s. dont be too put off by running costs either as long as you find the right one you should be ok, mine has cost me absolutely nothing in the first 5 months of ownership and its got 98k on the clock

[goldblum]

Follow the guides,buy a decent one.If it's not already get it remapped.

These things are all about torque as a previous poster has mentioned and when tuned re define the word 'overkill'.

Pull out to overtake,glance back to pull in again and realise you're a far greater distance in front than you need to be.Then laugh.

They really are that fast in all conditions.Amazing.

[BillTheButcher]

Thanks.

There's also the size and weight of the thing. We don't have kids and hardly ever carry passengers so the 6 is really too big but I want the performance.

[DAylward]

The 6 is quite deceiving in that it looks a big car from outside but when you are sat in it it doesnt feel any bigger to drive than any other medium sized car (well not to me it doesnt anyway)

[goldblum]

Yes it's a big car.

But don't forget you also get huge luxurious seats and bags of room,

which is what gives the car so much character.For the same performance

you'd need an MR 400 or some other Jap crap.Rock solid ride and cheap

interior.I know,I've owned one!

I'm changing mine soon,for another Audi.

[HYFR]

I didn't have nearly enough confidence overtaking even in my B7 RS 4, let alone my old S4's vs. The RS 6 ... They are worlds apart ...

[kaisersolsay]

Just get one with a good warranty and job done...Audi or Warranty Direct. I had a B6 s4 a few years back and have to say the fuel economy isn't that much different.

There's a few good ones for sale just now on here!

[spurtle]

+1 on the remap recommendations above.

I had a mapped B5 S4 before the C5 RS6 and was expecting blistering performance in standard guise by comparison. Test drove a few and was mildly disappointed - faster, yes, but the extra bulk takes some of the excitement out of planting the loud pedal.

Mapped, though, it's a different animal - particularly in tip or sport. When you get it right, from 30, 40, 50, 60, ..., you can launch it like a slingshot - with seamless upchanges if your box is in good shape. That kick in the kidneys is good for a laugh every time!

[BillTheButcher]

RS anything plan is now officially f*cked.

Thanks for the replies anyway.

[IRS6I]

The RS6 cruises with ease and overtaking requires a slight squeeze of the pedal.

[Fingers01]

overtaking in the RS6 far too easy!!! Overtaking is not about breaking the speed limits [honestly!!!!!!] it is about being able to do it safely and with absolute control.

Concentrate - it will all be over in few seconds!!

Well before your passengers or the other car driver knows it has even happened.

Love it.