2003 Audi RS 6 Review

　　

zzdcar' Expert Review

by the zzdcar Experts

　　

What’s new

　　The Audi RS 6 sedan is the product of a joint effort between Audi and its tuning division, quattro GmbH, and will be the fastest Audi to reach U.S. shores thus far. It will offer a considerably higher level of performance than the S6 Avant introduced last year, largely because two turbochargers will be affixed to its 4.2-liter V8, resulting in 450 horsepower and 415 pound-feet of torque, slotting it in between the BMW M5 and the 2003 Mercedes-Benz E55 -- just where Audi wants to be. Quattro GmbH also made a number of chassis upgrades to manage all this power -- highlights include the debut of Dynamic Ride Control, which uses hydraulics to adjust damping during cornering, an even stiffer suspension than the S6's, a quicker steering ratio and a new brake system. Indeed, it's a good time to be a wealthy enthusiast.

　　

zzdcar says

　　A worthy opponent for the BMW M5 and upcoming Mercedes-Benz E55, the RS 6 has something its peers don't -- four driven wheels to manage its prodigious output.

　　

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2003 Audi RS 6 4dr Sedan (4.2L 8cyl 5A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.78 per gallon for premium unleaded in North Dakota.

Monthly estimates based on costs in North Dakota

　　$283/mo  for RS 6 quattro

　　RS 6 quattro

　　4dr Sedan (4.2L 8cyl 5A) (Most Popular) - $82,700 MSRP

　　vs

　　$164/mo

　　Avg. Midsize Car

　　

2003 RS 6 Highlights

　　

Base MSRP	$82,700
Engine Type	Gas
Combined MPG	16 MPG
Cost to Drive	$283/month
Seating	5 seats
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place	15 cu.ft.
Drivetrain	all wheel drive
Warranty	4 years / 50,000 miles