quest for the perfect car

[SteveH]

...Been used as everything from Wedding car to builders van - and never missed a beat. Only thing I managed in my V70R which I had previously that I haven't (yet) done in the beast, is to use it as a hearse...

Not used as hearse or Builders van, but did use for a wedding:

[Daveperc]

Fun isn't it!!

[yogi]

Mine had 30k on the clock when I bought it and I did 50k in the last 4 years. Apart from the odd weekend shopping or sunday morning country road fun, I'm doing 700 merciless motorway miles each month. Looking at what is some serious autobahn abuse, I can't really complain about many of the repairs though.

Recently drove C6, RS5, S5, S4, M3, C63, all disappointing. Great cars certainly, but it seems that all the new cars feel somehow detached.
It's that feeling that the car becomes a part of me, which I only get in the RS. And I like them turbos.

So the C5 it is, no alternative in sight....

[Shoppinit]

I did think that the RS6 was the best car ever, until I saw this yesterday:

http://thestar.blogs.com/.a/6a00d8341bf ... 2ea970c-pi

[yogi]

Cheers mate, I'll recall that pic when I need it later....

[RS6Steve]

I did think that the RS6 was the best car ever, until I saw this yesterday:

http://thestar.blogs.com/.a/6a00d8341bf ... 2ea970c-pi

LOL........

[paul_23]

The C5 RS6 is a good allrounder but I am not sure how you can say it feels more connected than an M3 (E46 or E90) as they are more nimble and steer more accurately than any Audi I have driven (I have not driven a R8 yet), but lack the low down grunt of the turbo torque and have to have them revved to the red line to get anywhere fast.
The only equal to the RS6 in my view is the Alpina B5 or B5s which gives 500hp and 500lbft, the low down grunt from the supercharger, better handling handling as rear wheel drive, but not the same build or versatility (no estate, its smaller and the seats dont fold down). E63 looks good on paper but I don't think it will match it (I need to drive it). When BMW bring out the next M5 and M3 with turbo engines I think they will be worth looking at......like the 550hp turbo engine in the X6m in an M3 or even M5.....

[Condor24]

Paul,

I used the words 'more connected' in reference to the C6.

I had the fortunate ability to keep the C5 whilst I bought a new C6. Many RS246 were persistent to ask me which was better. There was some noticeable preferences for the C6 during the honeymoon period. After 6 months I sold the C6 as I no longer enjoyed driving it but the C5 is still with me.

I have not driven the BMWs you mention so I can not comment.

I've just taken delivery of a new Cayenne Turbo. Driving through France yesterday on motorways and country lanes was fantastic. Far better than the C6 & even my Renault Megane F1 230 handles the lanes better than the C6.

[yogi]

The C5 RS6 is a good allrounder but I am not sure how you can say it feels more connected than an M3 (E46 or E90) as they are more nimble and steer more accurately than any Audi I have driven....

Certainly the M3 was the best handling car of the ones I test drove, but I guess it's that steering feel on an RWD which I don't like much, too many Quattro years I guess.

[Coxall8395]

My E46 M3 feels nimble and tight but the RS6 is a good allrounder and compromise. When you want a nice car for the family it is hard to beat! Cannot get a baby, buggy and a whole load of weekend gear in the M3. Barely got the wife's stuff but she takes a hell of a lot away for herself.

[woodlum]

My E46 M3 feels nimble and tight but the RS6 is a good allrounder and compromise. When you want a nice car for the family it is hard to beat! Cannot get a baby, buggy and a whole load of weekend gear in the M3. Barely got the wife's stuff but she takes a hell of a lot away for herself.

This was exactly the reason I swaped my beloved M3 in for the RS6 avant, problem is I bought one with a very light alcantara/leather interior that is in mint condition and have had the missus and no1 son in no more than three times, the new 3 month year old boy has never even seen the inside of it!
Bit of a sore point in my household as we always take the missus' X3 if we go anywhere as a family .............

[Coxall8395]

Mine has light leather and light alcantara as well.....for the moment!

[paul_23]

Condor24 - I have not driven a C6 RS6 as it does not appeal to me (just more of the same of the C5) - although I am surprised you say the Cayenne T is better than it as the Turbo uses the air suspension which keeps you level but alters the travel rate as you load it up in a corner so alot of drivers who have a Cayenne as a weekly run around go for the spring option or better still the GTS. I have driven the Turbo and thought it was a great cruiser but not nimble; I have not driven a GTS but it has good write ups.

As a whole I would say that BMWs handle better than Audis but I prefer the engine characteristics of turbo audis so stick with them as I don't drive at 10/10s all the time which you need to in an M3 or M5 to appreciate it.

[Condor24]

The new Cayenne Turbo works on rear wheel drive most of the time, and engages 4 wheel drive when needed.

It is surprising how the Cayenne does not feel it's size. Those engineers at Porsche are very clever. I found the feedback through the steering much more precise than the C6. I can only report what my hands & body felt. My C6 has been gone for 9 months now .. 'no, I don't miss it'. Perhaps the MTM 700 bhp modification detracted from the enjoyment of the car ..

After the 700 mile drive through France, I jumped straight in the C5 to collect my dog from friends. The C5 still felt brilliant to drive.

I'd have to say that whilst 'one shoe can not fill all', in my mind the C5 comes closest to being 'the perfect car'.