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Hi guys, after considering an S4 V8 (not enough performance for a V8 and the Mercedes C23 AMG, lots of little problems) I have narrowed my car down (and upped my budget!) to either an RS6 or a Porsche 996 Carrera 2 or 4, anyone had any advice which is best?

I am aware that both cars have some fundamental issues Porsche's Intermediate shaft Bearing and Rear Mail Seal and the RS6's suspension and gearbox problems!

Thanks Stu

Two completely, fundamentally different cars mate. Can you give us an indication of what you want from your car?

No offence meant here, but the only reason I can think of your considering those two cars in particular is to get the best 'prestige' bang for your buck - are you considering these cars on their individual merits or for the snob factor?

They are very different cars I appreciate that but in my eyes, it has to be german, Audi or Porsche preferrably, they are similar prices and both offer exceptional performance. I don't like the Boxster and I have discounted an S4 so it kind of leads me to these cars

I have had both.

I would buy a porsche if I could make do with a 2 door car, if you need 4 seats and practicality then rs6. I considered the RS4, but I am 6'6 Tall. Audi is faster. Both are quite expensive to maintain. Porsche is more economical on fuel. Only one has a Twin Turbo V8.

Had a 52 reg C2 996 which was very reliable, but I suspected the RMS had failed on trade-in (tell-tale drops of oil on the garage floor).

Quite quick, but the RS6 would be faster in a straight line at least. Porsche have menu pricing for servicing, which is a plus if you want to keep a full main dealer service history (With Audi you'll have to phone around numerous dealers who seem to pluck figures out of the air).

Small rear seats in the 996, it's a squeeze to get adults in there. RS6 has plenty of room in the back, no complaints.

I can't really say which is the better car as they are completely different. Drive both
Make sure you choose a manual 996 to drive as Porsche's tiptronic detracts from the driving experience and the crisp throttle response.

Thanks SteveG, how much difference was there in performance between a standard RS6 and the Porsche?

You won't be able to get much more BHP out of the 3.6 NA with a remap, but the RS6 can be brought to 500BHP, which makes its power-to-weight ratio the same as a standard 996 turbo.

stugolf wrote:Thanks SteveG, how much difference was there in performance between a standard RS6 and the Porsche?

I had the 3.6 C4 Tip, and also the C32... (Now that was a wolf in sheeps clothing !)


IMO The RS6 does feel a littlequicker 0-60, but the real difference is in that Midrange 40-???mph speed where the 911 feels quite a bit slower. 911 is better at being thrown around corners about town, and when your driving it the car feels like you are driving faster than you actually are. The RS is the reverse.

Wow Steve you seem to have all the cars on my list! How did you find the C32? Any better than the Porsche?

C32 was very fast in a straight line and embarrased many 911's EVO's etc on dual carriage/motorways, however it was too subtle even with the AMG styling. Quality wasn't the best (Mercs seemed to be a bit ropey on quality around that period). All in I would rather have the 911 over the c32. I had Main dealer warranties on all my cars. (the gearbox on the C32 was 7k GBP) so take that into account.

Hope this helps

Steveg

I was concerned with the intercooler pump which had a shelf life of around 40k, and the radiator leaking into the gearbox was of major concern!

So did you not have any issues with the Intermediate Bearing Shaft on the Porsche? Reading all the reports on it lots of people have had a problem BUT I think statistically its still a small number?

911 vs. RS6?
Surely its 2 doors/seats vs. 4?
I think it depends what you need the car for.....both are good choices, my kids means for me its RS6 all the way!

RS6 all the way unless ur going for a 996 turbo

I'm fortunate to have a 996 manual turbo (450 factory fitted) which I bought in June 2004 & tts covered only 12,500 miles. However I spend more time in my Audi as it is so much more practical. I never have the urge to drive the Porsche but when I do, the manual box together with a 'closer' driving experience is amazing.

Having said that, I would keep my Audi over the Porsche any day, if I had to have one car.

Like SteveG, I've had both. Had a 996 C4S manual for 2 years until an idiot driving a 5 series decided he should turn right into me otherwise I might still have it. I would also agree with Steve's sentiments that if you can do with the smaller 2 door car then I'd choose the Porsche, but on practicality it's a no brainer. RS6 definitely faster but I'd say I enjoyed driving the 911 more. I love the RS6 but also found the 911 to be a lot cheaper to maintain (he says while the beast is currently sitting at Camberley Audi getting serviced). Porsche are pretty transparent with their servicing costs (they're listed on their website) and I found it to be surprisingly economical (19-20 mpg around town, up to 32 on the highway), certainly compared to what I expected.

Having said all that, I don't regret buying the RS6 for a minute, but I was prepared for all the DRC, brake, servicing costs (thanks to all the wonderful contributors on this forum) so I didn't have any nasty surprises.

In an ideal world, I'd have both.

Fraser