B6 or B5 ?

[liffy99]

Ok, I'm sure this ones been done to death somewhere but I've looked at loads of posts without seeing any sort of "head to head".
What would be best to go for - a very late B5 or early B6 ?

Specific comparisons;

Driving characteristics
Outright performance
Comfort
Toys
MPG
Running costs
Reliability

Don't want much do I . . . . .

Current car is a mapped TT which is great fun - I just need a bit more space and comfort on longer runs

[BlingBling]

B6. Better all round performer in standard form.

[ShaneyB]

Hi liffy,
I have the B5 (MRC remap) and love it but I'm looking to p/x for a B6. The ONLY reason I want to change is I want a newer car. It has to be one the most fun cars I've owned particularly because it's so understated. You can get a little lazy in it has there is so much torque there so there's no real need to keep running through the gears. The performace of mine (personally) is excellent. Was last on the rolling road at 320bhp (can't remember the torque though). I have had a few quick scraps with the newer models and have pipped them in a straightish line only, not round the bends so I can't comment on that. Even though mine has been lowered with Eibach springs I still feel the handling lets it down along with the brakes but it is a big old lump. I still have the original callipers in mine but upgraded the discs and pads but not a great improvement to be honest. Nice and comfy at speed on good roads but you need to be careful of pot holes and bad roads as the ride can be a little harsh and juddery. Don't have many toys in mine and don't really feel the need for them as the drive itself keeps me perfectly happy, particularly the engine note . Running around town I average 19.4mpg, motorway work can get me up to around the 24mpg mark. I don't find the running costs too bad until it comes to anything that requires the engine to be lifted (cam belt, water pump etc.) then it gets a bit costly. I can't say a bad word about the reliability, fantastic with no issues at all other than the odd wheel bearing here and there.
This is my opinion only so please don't shoot me down. I went from a brand new S3 ('02 model) to the S4 in 2005 and at first doubted my choice but the last 3 odd years have flown by and I always have a smile on my face when driving the S4.

Why did my missus say I should get a newer car............

Hope this helps.

Shagga

[Trufit]

Ok, I'm sure this ones been done to death somewhere but I've looked at loads of posts without seeing any sort of "head to head".
What would be best to go for - a very late B5 or early B6 ?

Specific comparisons;

Driving characteristics
Outright performance
Comfort
Toys
MPG
Running costs
Reliability

Don't want much do I . . . . .

Current car is a mapped TT which is great fun - I just need a bit more space and comfort on longer runs

Hi,

I came from an 04 impreza STI to an 06 B7 S4 Avant so can't really comment on which is the better out of the B5 & B6 but I would say that the impreza and B5 would be pretty similar in terms of power delivery and handling (ie both will understeer before pushing the ass end out) so I'd go for the best car you could afford on whatever your budget is.

The B6 will probably cost you a little bit more to run on a day to day basis, but apart from the aux rad issues the B6 seems pretty bullitproof, mine has been faultless (I've said it now !) and no more thirsty (22mpg avg)than the Subaru. Service costs can be daunting but I just play my local dealers off against each other until I'm happy with the price and if you can get hold of your engine oil cheaper than Audi dealers charge, you will cut the cost down there as well.

Performance wise, for me, the wife, 2 kids and our Lab it is spot on, as quick if not quicker than the impreza if not quite as nimble.

Toys wise - you get what you (or the other bloke) pay for. I can't get excited about sat nav but do like the Bose speakers, leather (in the car that is !) and my personal favourite the reverseing sensors !!!

Not sure if that answers any of your questions !?

Paul