German Car Zone

Bartek Sikorski · 01-09-2009, 12:37 AM

Comparing the Audi RS6 and the Mercedes E63 AMG

The Mercedes E63 AMG, with its 514 hp, was once the most powerful large series sedan. Now, it faces a new opponent in the Audi RS6 and its 580 hp. One is a large volume V8, the other - a twin-turbo V10. How do they really compare?

Lap time at the Hockenheim track:
Audi RS6 Sedan - 1.15,3 min.
Mercedes E63 AMG - 1.17,4 min.

Despite its relatively heavy weight, the Audi RS6 does surprisingly well. Cornering is handled with precision on entry, followed by directional understeering - though this affects the front tires rather quickly. The optional braking system works faultlessly. Weight transfers occur smoothly.

The Mercedes E63 AMG is less precise in cornering, shows a more noticeable rollover tendency and a heavy rear when loaded. The braking system is adequate.
The comparison is hard on the somewhat aged Mercedes E63 AMG. The rear-wheel-drive Mercedes can’t measure up to the responsiveness and agility of the clearly newer all-wheel-drive Audi RS6. Design-wise, its chassis and the narrower and smaller tires are no match for the fully loaded all-out sporty Audi RS6. Nevertheless, a thing needs to be said about the exorbitant price gap between both cars. This alone does not justify the two-second lap time difference on the track. And where the average consumer is concerned, the new release among the sport sedans doesn’t really seem to offer anything new.

Technical data
Mercedes E63 AMG
Power 378 kW (514hp)
0-100 km/h 4.6 s
80-120 km/h in highest gear 9.6 s
Top speed 250 km/h
Test mileage 18.9 L/100 km
Braking distance at 100 km/h 37.3 m
Base price € 99187

Audi RS6
Power 426 kW (580 hp)
0-100 km/h 4.5 s
80-120 km/h in highest gear 8.0 s
Top speed 250 km/h
Test mileage 19.2 L/100 km
Braking distance at 100 km/h 35.5 m
Base price €105550
Translated by Edy from: sportauto-online.de
Picks: fotostrecken/test_

ateekt · 01-09-2009, 01:11 AM

I'll never prefer an Awd over Rwd but this new Rs-6 is too damn hot & I won't let her go next to E-63!

P.s; This thread lacks a poll, imo! And I've a feeling that... Audi will win by mile!

dr Dunkel · 01-09-2009, 02:16 AM

Why do they always wait so long to release the RS6? The current A6 can't have many days left in its life cycle...

Merc1 · 01-09-2009, 02:19 AM

About 2 1/2 more years left on the current A6 or 3 more model years in the U.S.

M

dr Dunkel · 01-09-2009, 02:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Merc1

About 2 1/2 more years left on the current A6 or 3 more model years in the U.S.

M

Really? Oh, better hope that FL is something special.

Merc1 · 01-09-2009, 02:22 AM

Yep. We get the facelifted A6 this month, but of course we don't get the RS6.

M

Just_me · 01-09-2009, 02:50 AM

Too bad there are no 0-200km/h numbers. But the Rs6 would beat the Benz so no surprise.

Sayyaaf · 01-09-2009, 05:37 AM

I am more interested in the slalom test.

Tumbo · 01-09-2009, 05:59 AM

We have a new king in the segment. Doesn't matter what anybody says. To old or not, wrong time or not, boring or not.... It kicks everythings ass big time!!

Respect Audi!

Tarek · 01-09-2009, 06:58 AM

Very much expected,the E is just too old,heck the C63 made the RS6 work as hell to barely beat it

German Car Zone

Comparison test: Audi RS6 and the Mercedes E63 AMG