S6 vs RS6 - the reality

[Lionheart]

Hi guys!

I'm looking for some unbiased opinion please...

I'm considering buying an S6 as they offer outstanding value compared to the RS6. But I had a few questions on which I'd like some advice from the experts (that's you guys!!)

1) Is the basic bodyshape identical between an S6 (launched 1999 I think?) and the RS6 (launched 2003 I think)?

2) What are the differences in the body kit? The front bumper looks different? Are the grilles different? Different rear bumper? Are wheel arch sizes the same? etc - basically what would be needed to make an S6 look identical externally to an RS6 - and is it all interchangeable (e.g. an RS6 bumper can bolt straight on etc).

3) Are the brakes and wheels different? I'm assuming brake discs are smaller, and so cheaper? Wheels still 255/55/R19?

4) Obvious power drop from 450bhp to 340bhp - but apart from power is the handling as sporty on the S6 as RS6?

5) Can you retro-fit RS6 steering wheel and seats internally?

6) I assume that the S6 has no DRC suspension system (a good thing!), but assume it's quite a firm ride as standard (i.e. similar to an RS6 on coilovers rather than DRC)?

7) Any other notable differences between the two cars?

Any tips or advice you can offer about the S6 - which I have to say I think look absolutely superb and could be just the job!!

I guess much of this has been discussed on seperate posts before over time, but I searched for "S6 vs RS6" on the forum search and came up with nothing - so thought I'd start my own!

Thanks guys!!!

Lionheart

[HYFR]

S6 = night
RS 6 = day

[Lionheart]

What do you mean??

[HYFR]

i mean, the difference is like night and day

http://thesaurus.com/browse/like+night+and+day

[Lionheart]

Ah ok.

Going to be any more useful, as in why they are so different.

Not performance or kit - you'll notice my enquiry was more about the cosmetics.

Any help appreciated!!!

[HYFR]

ok

Performance:

The RS 6 has twin turbo's, so there's a HELL of a load more torque, which means it goes like a bullet at the speed of light. You get a kick in the back and pressed into your seat like your being sat on my an elephant

Looks:

The basic shell is the same, inc arches ... the differences are both bumpers and side sills / skirts and spoiler. They bolt onto the S6 but are quite rare

[AdrianE]

If you've not driven either then I wouldn't be swayed one way or the other until you have. As a daily driver the RS6 by most accounts can be a bit of a money pit, but if it's a 2nd car/toy then not really an issue. From my limited experience of driving both, I wouldn't class the handling as 'sporty' on either - they're both point and squirt sledgehammers - so if you're looking for handling finess look elsewhere, or be prepared to mod. I'd definitely describe the ride in both as bloody hard!

In terms of making an S6 look like an RS6, with the prices 'asked' for the necessary body mods you will very quickly find your S6 costing almost as much as an RS6 would have, but without the resale benefit. Better to buy an RS6 that's had the usual worries sorted by specialists. There are some lovely well cared for cars out there, as well as many many sheds that will empty your wallet.

Bare in mind that cambelt changes on either require the front off the car and a more or less 4 figure bill every 5 years.

[mooman1000]

Not having owned an RS6 can only comment on my experiences with a 99 plate S6 saloon.

I have made two upgrades :

1) Original RS6 alloys (not copies) - fit straight on, no fouling of the arches etc, however ride comfort has been affected a bit but no complaints from my wife or kids

2) Original RS6 exhaust - Will need adapters making as the S6 diameter is quite a bit smaller than the RS6 however my garage got milltek to make them for a £25 each. Also the exhaust tips on the RS6 are big oval ones so the back bumper will need to be cut appropriately - my garage done a cracking job which means no RS6 rear bumper needs to be found (I did look but if you do see one it will cost a fortune).

The previous owner of the car put grooved/drilled discs on the front along with EBC red so stopping is excellent but cannot compare to an original set as supplied by audi. They also had a detachable tow hook added, and as far as i understand because of the drc on a RS6 you cannot add one, so no need for the avant version (for me anyway), towing my piddly ass trailer is a joke the car does not seem to register its there even if fully loaded.

Fuel costs are painful now - the computer says an average of 14.1mpg but thats because this car only gets used for the weekly shopping run or my lazy 1 mile commute to work . Last weekend went to london and back so that was just over a tank of fuel used, remember this holds 85 litres and from red on the dial will take £90+ to fill which I do at least every month. Long trips is what this car loves, get it on the motorway and it just eats up the miles in comfort and you get better mpg (coming back from spa in 2009 managed 320 miles from a tank as this car loves the high speeds ).

Servicing/Repairs : Within the first year this car cost me just shy of 5k . First big expense was a small pipe breaking between the water pump and the bottom of the engine, this meant the front of the car had to come off, the part itself was £2.65 so while the front was off had the cam belt changed as it prob only had 10k left this left me with a total of bill of £1200. 5 months later the gearbox died and ended up costing £2300 for a recon . For the RS6 wheels the tires set me back about £110 a corner as nothing special put on as I do not do the miles (only 5-6k a year if I am lucky). Servicing is normally around the £250 mark and most of that is the engine oil (8-9 litres).

In all would I change the car? NO, despite the costs I had at the start it has not stopped me loving every moment I get in and drive it. Just having the power to point and stick your foot down is so good, my main trip is up and down the a303 which is interspersed with single carriage way with dual every x number of miles so very handy for overtaking when required.

I dont think you will be disappointed by either to be honest, mine is very quick off the line and gets the job done regardless of whats loaded up - one very happy s6 owner so much so hankering after the v10 version but cannot justify the cost at the mo.

[Golfather]

S6 - Great reliable cars that sound monstrous !
RS6 - A constant headache

[amanda1]

S6 - Great reliable cars that sound monstrous !
RS6 - A constant headache

maybe but i love my rs6 and wont part with her

[HYFR]

S6 - Great reliable cars that sound monstrous !
RS6 - A constant headache

Thats like having a fat bird (S6) as a missus and a stunner (RS 6) as a missus

[Lionheart]

Hi Guys

Moonman you are a star. The detailed response is much appreciated!!!

I'm viewing an S6 on Monday/Tuesday.

I'm quite familiar with the RS6 actually - having driven several including one for over five hours (!) - and they are AWESOME cars. Absolutely hands down no question.

However, I'm looking at a cheaper runaround and a bit of a project car. And as S6's can be bought for around £5,000 compared to £15,000 for an RS6 it's a lot of car for not a lot of money.

Yes, OBVIOUSLY I'd prefer and RS6, but not practical in this instance as I need to go cheap and cheerful as it's literally a runaround car that won't be used much (second car).

If I go S6 my intention would be to make it an RS6 replica - and I'd hope to do that for under £7,000 all-in with a bit of shopping around. Will be a bit of work - but that's what makes it a project!

I've also driven S4's, and know the engine is the same in the S6 so I'm hoping an S6 will have a similar feel to and S4 - but we'll see!!

Thanks guys!!!

Will keep you posted!

[AdrianE]

Engine is almost the same - the S4 has camchains on the back of the engine rather than a belt on the S6, for packaging reasons.

[gdavison]

IMO get the RS6 .. otherwise every time you see one when your in the S6 .. you'd regret it

[madcjd]

Hi,

Thought I'd stick my two penneth in here..............

What about considering the difference between the A6 4.2 and the S6?

What's the difference? - lots of cash and 40 BHP! (plus S6 grillage and proper recaros). Some of these A6 4.2s do have genuine Recaros - mine has.

I absolutely acknowledge that the RS6 is the Daddy, but, the A6 4.2s represent great valur for money and plenty of umph (as does the S6).

You can put RS6 bumpers, easily, onto both these models.

An RS6 exhaust will fit - though the difference in pipe diameter has to be joined with a specially manufactured joint - the exit of the cat (on the A6) is 50mm and the pipe of the RS6 exhaust is 65mm - so, a big difference.

I've had my 4.2 A6 avant for almost 5 yrs and I still love it - especially now the true sound of the v8 has been brought out!

Anyway, you've probably got a car by now?