BRZ vs 2003 Audi RS 6 ...no, seriously.

[Turbowned]

Alright, alright, let's get the obvious out of the way: The Audi RS 6 is not even remotely a similar car to the BRZ. It originally cost about $86,000, which is about $107,000 in today's dollars. It was Audi's flagship model at the time, before the R8 had even been thought of. It is now 10 years old, having depreciated into the low twenty-thousand-dollar range. Of course we know what happens to 10yr-old German automobiles. They break. Often. And it's expensive. Especially for a car with a 40 valve 4.2L bi-turbo V8, a 5 spd automatic AWD transaxle, adjustable air suspension, 8 piston brakes, and 19" wheels. I get it.

So why am I comparing a 4,000lb autobahn bruiser to a 2,800lb flyweight? Well, because I already have a small, lightweight sports car to toss around backroads and the auto-x course. Two of them, actually, and I'm having a hard time justifying a third.

You already know the specs of the BRZ, so let's compare the RS 6:

4.2L aluminum block V8, twin cam, 5 valves per cylinder, bi-turbo
450bhp, 415lb/ft
5 speed Tiptronic automatic transaxle, quattro all-wheel-drive
4024lb curb weight
8 piston Brembo front brakes, 4 piston rear brakes
0-60 in 4.3 seconds, 1/4mi in 12.6, .89g skidpad, unrestricted top speed over 175mph
Interior filled with leather, Alcantara, and carbon fiber

The car is a f%#king monster. In stock form, it accelerates like a space shuttle. With an exhaust and APR ECU tune (~$4800, still cheaper than a Vortech S/C and exhaust for the BRZ!) power output jumps to 520bhp and 538lb/ft. It's luxurious, quiet and solid, and will eat up miles of highway (though it will cost me at an EPA-estimated 16mpg). It's nice enough that true car enthusiasts will take notice, but not so much that all the yahdudes will try to drag race me at stoplights.

Let's make it clear that I have no intention of driving this car daily. I have much more economical cars for that. I want to drive it on weekends, to shows, and perhaps to a track day or two.

There's a particular example near me for sale for $20,500, making it about $6,000 cheaper than a BRZ Limited right out of the gate (employee discount, suckers!) That leaves me with a higher "oh $#!t" budget when something inevitably breaks. Like the transmission, which apparently could fail at any time. I also have lots of plans to modify the BRZ, which is not the case with the Audi. I would be perfectly happy with a set of 19" BBS wheels, Michelin A/S tires, a tune and exhaust. These things again leaving me more money for the 16mpg thirst, 9-quarts-of-synthetic oil changes, 16 front brake pads and 40k timing belt services.


So!
Pros:
-Massive power and torque, easily added to by ECU tune and exhaust
-Adjustable air suspension (this becomes a "Con" when it breaks)
-Former Audi flagship model, inspired by R8 Le Mans car. Technological tour de force
-Super upscale and classy interior (as would be expected of an Audi)
-Understated styling keeps boy racers away
-Less things to modify, because they're already so awesome
-Seats 5 while going at extra-legal speeds

Cons:
-Ludicrous cost of upkeep
-Transmission, in addition to being a slushbox, is a ticking time bomb
-About half the fuel economy of a BRZ
-A fat pig at over 4,000lbs
-10yr-old cars aren't popular right now
-No navigation, Bluetooth, or iPod connectivity

So what would you do? Toyota MR2, BMW 318is and a 2013 Subaru BRZ? Or Toyota MR2, BMW 318is and a 2003 Audi RS 6?

[husker741]

You'd think with a twin turbo 4.2 V8, it'd be getting even more power than that.

[Gixxersixxerman]

If it was me, on one hand I'd jump all over the Audi.. I love them.. If it is a car that was maintained then, even at ten years old, it should still give years of enjoyment.. On the other hand.. If it has an issue, fuck its expensive to repair.. You already know this... I don't see having the stable with a BRZ.. I see having the mr2 dropped and a BRZ with a nice highway cruiser.. But if that is not an option, then I'd go Audi or other nice cruiser.. I don't see why you'd want two cars that are so similar unless the back seats of the BRZ make it that much better

[dem00n]

Well, i'd go for the Audi RS 6.

They're pretty crazy those RS Audis, but the problem with most German cars from that era is that now they needs TONS of maintenance.

I've only seen one RS on the road and it was an RS4, they are very rare.

Its a whole other car from the BRZ, but it be mad fun either choice.


I'd do RS 6 then BRZ.

[dem00n]

Originally Posted by Gixxersixxerman

If it was me, on one hand I'd jump all over the Audi.. I love them.. If it is a car that was maintained then, even at ten years old, it should still give years of enjoyment.. On the other hand.. If it has an issue, fuck its expensive to repair.. You already know this... I don't see having the stable with a BRZ.. I see having the mr2 dropped and a BRZ with a nice highway cruiser.. But if that is not an option, then I'd go Audi or other nice cruiser.. I don't see why you'd want two cars that are so similar unless the back seats of the BRZ make it that much better

MR2 and BRZ are two very different cars.

Theres a big difference from the engine being in front of you then to being in the back of your head.

[coyote]

If you get the Audi, it's got to be an Avant. Why have just another sedan when you can have what was the fastest wagon in the world?

[wbradley]

I'd decide which sport coupe you want more, new Subie or your heavily modded MR2.

If you want to keep your MR2 the the BRZ is out and you need to decide if you want that Audi. I don't know why but Audi styling doesn't age so well for me. It seems like they change tail lights/headlights and other cosmetics almost every year. My brother had a new A6 of that generation and it was nice then, but I wouldn't call it a looker now. I remember drooling over an RS6 displayed inside an upscale mall years ago. Really nice new, but the price now reflects demand for the style as well as the cost of maintaining. If it cost you $20 make sure you are willing to spend $30K.

[Turbowned]

Originally Posted by coyote

If you get the Audi, it's got to be an Avant. Why have just another sedan when you can have what was the fastest wagon in the world?

RS 6 Avant isn't available in the U.S. All we got was the S6 and it was just the run-of-the-mill 4.2 V8 as found in the A6 4.2 and the A8.

[shawnperolis]

Normally I'd say Audi... But it's an automatic and no matter how fast and badass the car is, it will always be a boring slushbox.

[Captain Insano]

I think if you didn't have an MR2 I would say BRZ. But since you have a lightweight fun car and no desire to get rid of it... RS6 all the way if you can be confident it was well maintained and has decently low miles for how old it is. That's a pretty exclusive car. Not many around.

I had an S4 Avant with the 4.2 V8 and loved it. I had it for two years and sold it at 95K miles or so. It was scaring the shit out of me that something big might go like the trans. But as for bruiser/cruiser/wagon autobahn fun it was a blast. I had full header/exhaust, chip and lots of light weight mods. Seriously, if I wasn't afraid of the crazy money you could spend on repairs I would have kept it. The sport edition (S, RS) Audis are pretty cool cars.

[rhoyle]

I personally would go with an S4 or RS4. The B6 S4 I owned was one of my favorite cars I've ever had. Really a great car in every way. Not as nimble as the BRZ, but that's obvious.

[Turbowned]

Originally Posted by shawnperolis

Normally I'd say Audi... But it's an automatic and no matter how fast and badass the car is, it will always be a boring slushbox.

This is a very valid point. However, at some point I could swap an 01E 6spd manual transaxle in; it's been done a few times and people have had good luck doing it. Wouldn't be cheap but it would be better than replacing the slushbox if/when it breaks.

Originally Posted by Captain Insano

I had an S4 Avant with the 4.2 V8 and loved it. I had it for two years and sold it at 95K miles or so. It was scaring the shit out of me that something big might go like the trans. But as for bruiser/cruiser/wagon autobahn fun it was a blast. I had full header/exhaust, chip and lots of light weight mods. Seriously, if I wasn't afraid of the crazy money you could spend on repairs I would have kept it. The sport edition (S, RS) Audis are pretty cool cars.

Mhm, I had a 2012 S4 for 6 months when I was an Audi salesman last year. It was incredible! I got to drive a few high-HP Audis like a STaSIS-tuned 2012 S4, 2007 S4, 2007 RS 4, 2011 R8 V10 Spyder, 2012/13 S5, etc. Love me some big, refined, powerful German tourers The only time the S4 wasn't fun was when I was trying to keep up with my friend's 240SX with full suspension mods down a windy backroad. The weight of the car started to rear its ugly head!

[Alan]

RS6. Sell the MR2 and 318. The RS6 is an animal. The BRZ is brilliant.

Of course, I have a BRZ and a 2008 M5, so this should come as no surprise. (And a Tahoe for when I need something kind of practical).

[shawnperolis]

Originally Posted by Turbowned

This is a very valid point. However, at some point I could swap an 01E 6spd manual transaxle in; it's been done a few times and people have had good luck doing it. Wouldn't be cheap but it would be better than replacing the slushbox if/when it breaks.

I can't imagine it being an easy swap, but if you are capable then I'd say go for it! I really don't want to know how much it is going to cost you, though...