Audi A6 vs. Acura RL

daepp · 08-03-2007, 08:15 AM

Anyone have any real world experience with either of these cars. I love my 911, but I'm not sure I want another German daily driver. I've driven the Audi - and it's tight, but the lure of trouble-free Japanese rides is pretty strong.

Scott R · Scott R's Garage

I had an 06 A6 that was sadly destroyed, it was a great car. For me I can't stand asian cars, even the luxury lines just don't do it for me. I took the insurance check and purchased an A6 Allroad, now my new favorite car, even though it's a wagon. I'm biased though, we have an 07 A4 2.0t as well, my wifes car, it's a six speed and just fun all around. No issues at all with any of them, or my A4 2.8 that I had for years prior. Others have issues with them, not me though.

daepp · 08-03-2007, 08:37 AM

Thanks Scott. The A6 I drove was the 4.2 V8 - and I must say the drive was awesome. They also have some pretty cool cars coming - the A5 and the S5. My only concern is reliability. While the Asian cars sometimes feel as if they have no soul, they make good commuter cars. And I'd still have a car with a wonderful soul - my precious 911 - for more spirited driving.

Super_Dave_D · Super_Dave_D's Garage

Just got rid of the wifes TL for a G35. I personally didnt like the TL - felt underpowered and heavy. Loud on the highway. We started getting some electrical gremlins right before we got rid of it. I really hated the way the gas pedal was mounted to the floor - it just felt wrong!!! I know I, know my 911 is the same way but it just wasnt the same feel.

Mule · 08-03-2007, 08:40 AM

Infinity M45. Not quite as pretty but bulletproof reliability, power, luxury & RWD.

TheMentat · TheMentat's Garage

I've done a lot of driving in the RL. Great looking exterior and interior. I find the suspension & handling a bit plush, and it probably isn't quite as fast as the Audi. However, it is a well built car, and I haven't had any issues that were not properly addressed by the dealer. FWIW, the RL is alot different from the TL now (unlike in previous generations).

daepp · 08-03-2007, 09:28 AM

Thanks for the input - I think I need a test drive.

FWIW - I would have already purchased a V8 Lexus GS but I can't stnad the current looks of the car. I owned the first generation GS and absolutely loved it.

Re: The M45: After watching numerous friends take a bath on their Q45's - either in plummeting resale values or unbelieveable maintenance costs - I guess I'm a little gun shy about Infinity. However, I understand the 3.5 is quite an engine - whether G or M.

serge944 · serge944's Garage

German sport sedan dominance is a thing of the past. As mentioned above, the M45 is one of the top sedans in its class right now. Performance is no worse, if not better, than the German counterparts.

I want to say go with the Audi if you want awd, but the RL has that base covered as well.

MRM · 08-03-2007, 12:37 PM

The new RL got a good review a few months ago in Car and Driver. They said it was a vast improvement in sportability over the old model and was still very comfortable and reliable. Make sure you compare new RLs to new Audis. No wrong answer, either way, if you ask me.

Tobra · Tobra's Garage

I would probably be looking at a G35 Infiniti, though I like the Super Handling AWD thing. Have not driven the new RL, tested one a few years ago and it felt overwhelmingly FWD. Can't go wrong with a Honda commuter

Wickd89 · 08-03-2007, 10:12 PM

I have always liked European cars, especially German Ones.

This is not even a fair comparison. Just drive them both and determine what qualities appeal to you. I have owned a VW GTI and now I am on my second Audi (which is a 2.7T) and I love it.
Almost bought a Lexus once, but it was to cushy, too quiet and too Japanese.
Lexus 460LS looks cook.

Also if you keep cars a few years past their prime, the German cars seem to continue to look pretty good.
An older Acura, looks like a big Honda.
An older Lexus, looks like a big Toyota.
as well a new Infiniti end up looking like a Nissan.......

I am sure when you drive them both, you will pick the one that drives more to your liking. They are totally different, so not a real comparison (other than general dimensions(....

Wickd89 · 08-03-2007, 10:13 PM

lexus 460 looks cool; not cook.......... ;-)

Chocaholic · 08-04-2007, 05:20 AM

I own a current model Lexus GS. For a luxury commuter, it's awesome. Quiet, smooth and fast, comfortable (love the AC'd seats) and lots of neat toys (Mark Levinson sound system, Nav, keyless, etc.). I think it's the best looking GS ever, but that's a personal decision.

I've heard so much about the reliability issues on the new German cars (on the Lexus BBS), I guess I've gotten paranoid. I can't stand the look of the 5 series BMW, but really like the MB E350. I have a friend with an Infiniti M35 and he loves it. I just don't care for the body style compared to the GS. I've heard that Acura RL sales numbers are in the tank, so you can probably get a smokin' deal. I'm sure it's a great car, just looks too much like an Accord to me.

acapella8 · acapella8's Garage

Get the A6, I bought one with the 4.2 V8 the same in the A8 but the a6 is much lighter. I love this car, I love this car, I love this car.

But my 911 is my baby.

1973911s · 08-05-2007, 11:31 AM

The deals that you can get on the RL, would push me to them. The only reason that I haven't purchased one is I can't find any nice 19" wheels that I like.

Scott R · Scott R's Garage

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wickd89

I have always liked European cars, especially German Ones.

This is not even a fair comparison. Just drive them both and determine what qualities appeal to you. I have owned a VW GTI and now I am on my second Audi (which is a 2.7T) and I love it.
Almost bought a Lexus once, but it was to cushy, too quiet and too Japanese.
Lexus 460LS looks cook.

Also if you keep cars a few years past their prime, the German cars seem to continue to look pretty good.
An older Acura, looks like a big Honda.
An older Lexus, looks like a big Toyota.
as well a new Infiniti end up looking like a Nissan.......

I am sure when you drive them both, you will pick the one that drives more to your liking. They are totally different, so not a real comparison (other than general dimensions(....

I have the 2.7t in my allroad, my god what an engine. It makes driving a wagon cool, well for me anyway.

daepp · 08-06-2007, 08:13 AM

Thanks for all of the great input.

I have not ruled out the Audi, but I am committed to at least test drving the Acura today.

I suppose I am getting just a little tired of the constant hassles with MBZ dealers:http://forums.pelicanparts.com/off-topic-discussions/360275-audi-a6-vs-acura-rl.html#post3412278

onewhippedpuppy · 08-06-2007, 08:23 AM

I think the biggest question is, how long will you keep it? If you will sell before/when the warranty expires, then consider the Audi. If you plan to keep it for a while, Acura all the way.

In a perfect world, I'd go for the Audi. But, you're virtually guaranteed to have more issues. Better car (IMHO) = Audi. No hassle good car = Acura. In the end they are both great cars, so you can't go too wrong.

daepp · 08-06-2007, 08:41 AM

I tend to keep cars 9-10 years. Current car (ML) has 160K on the odo. However, beyond the cost - which actually hasn't been too much, it's the hassle of being without the car - even for warranty stuff.

onewhippedpuppy · 08-06-2007, 08:50 AM

With that being a big deal, I'd go Japanese no question. I still think German cars are better, but the gap is becoming VERY narrow. Possibly so much so that the incremental advantages they have are no longer worth the hassles. Also, recent VW/Audi products can be pretty pricey to own come 100k miles.

I would, however, consider the M35/M45 as well. Most reviews put them right up there with the 5-series BMWs. I think you'll find it to be sportier than the RL. I happen to really like the new GS, but if you hate the look those are obviously out.