I was in a similar situation as you -- I was deciding between the 2013 A6 2.0T quattro vs. A4 2.0T quattro.
I purchased a 2013 A6 2.0T w/ quattro last month --- Premium plus package, side assist, Bose, layered oak w/ velvet beige seats --- It was built 3 weeks ago and should be delivered sometime next month; Incidentally, in the US, heads up display is standard w/ the package I purchased and side assist is available as an option. During my decision making process, I was initially influenced by posts primarily on Car & Driver and Motortrend lamenting over the use of a 4 cylinder engine on a 'luxury sedan' although as you will see, Audi owners either here or other forums are much more receptive; see following link as I asked a similar question ... (
http://www.audizine.com/forum/showth...A6-2-0-Quattro)
In the US, the price difference between the 2.0T and the 3.0 is approximately $6,000 --- One could argue that $6,000 is not much more when you're spending nearly $50,000 for a car but for someone like me who did not lease and paid in full w/o financing it was significant enough to make a difference; although finanically, it wouldn't have been an issue for me to upgrade to the 3.0, frankly, I wasn't interested in putting more into an already depreciating "investment" where my goals were to get a luxurious car which is fun to drive, fuel efficient, and large enough to house 2 car seats and a weekend trip with the family.
Ultimately, I made a conscious decision NOT to test drive the 3.0 --- My opinion is that if you're choosing between the A4 and A6 2.0 quattro and spending $8000 is an issue, why even be tempted with the 3.0; I knew from the beginning that I would not have the self control not to upgrade and therefore, chose not to even test drive it. The fact is, from car reviews and from comments from forum members, it's pretty clear that the 3.0 is amazing and you'll drive it and love it. If you do test drive it, you'll either: 1. Spend $8000 for the 3.0 which you did not intend to in the first place or 2. Buy the 2.0 and lament over the power that the 3.0 provided, second guess yourself and have buyer's remorse.
Once I got over the comments regarding engine size, I approached it this way: First, the 2.0T engine is ubiquitous and is present in many of Audi's platforms (Q3, A4, A5, and even the Allroad); If it's present everywhere and has been 'tweaked' each year, one would assume that the reliability improves with each generation and theoretically, it should be a proven technology. Second, other vehicles of similar weight (e.g. Allroad) and larger utilize the 2.0; the European A6 Saloon diesel engines provides less hp than the 2.0 petrol also; My faith (perhaps incorrect) would be that Audi as a company thinks that the engine provided is more than sufficient. The fact is, with a push for fuel economy, many companies are moving towards smaller engines --- BMW has also utilized 4 cylinder engines in the 3 series and 528xi both of which I also test drove. Ultimately, the decision was based on pragmatism --- As you indicated, I don't need to get 60 mph in 6 seconds; My main goal was to find a car which was fun to drive in an otherwise miserable commute to work and enough space to hold a stroller (the A4 was unable to hold our Phil & Ted Stroller), 2 car seats and luggage for weekend trips.
Again going back to the test drive/comparing car issue; I test drove the A6 2.0 and A4. I initially drove the A6 2.0 and found to be smooth, the steering was easy/effortless and the power sufficient. The ride was similar to our Infiniti G35x which provides significantly more hp. But then I decided in the last minute to drive the A4 2.0 so I wouldn't have regrets --- comparing the two side-by-side, the A4 was much sportier, lighter and fun to drive probably because of the smaller size and lighter weight allowed the 2.0 engine to work better. By itself, the A6 2.0 felt great but compared to the A4, there were times where I found the A6 to be underpowered --- but again that's because I was comparing it to the A4 (again goes back to my first point about not test driving the 3.0)
I think everyone will tell you that the 3.0 is amazing and I'm sure it is. I think that the 2.0 is more than adequate but that's because it fits my driving needs. It seems like you already know what you need and what you want to spend and I would recommend just going with it.
Originally Posted by
TheNit
I'm looking at the 2013 A6 2.0T with the 8 spd and quattro. Has anybody had any experience with the smaller engine? I realize that a lot of people think that it is a sin to get the smaller engine but I would prefer to hear from those that either own one or have test-driven both. I've been looking at the A4 but I want something larger (for long driving trips) and I don't particularily need to get to 60 mph in sub-6 seconds (6.9 vs 5.5 isn't all that bad, 6.2 in A4) and better gas mileage is a bonus.
In Canada the 2.0T is about $8000 cheaper than the 3.0 which is substantial, especially when you have been looking at an A4. I know you can't get certain things (Side Assist, ACC, HeadsUp display) but I can live without them. Does anybody know that is different between the two other than engine size (suspension, etc) because $8000 seems pretty steep for just the engine. I believe I've seen 19" vs 18" wheels and 4 zone climate control but that's basically it.
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