I own: 2018
Acura TLX 3.5LV6 P-AWS "Technology Package"
I have, for a week or two: 2018
Audi A6 2.0T "S-Line" Quattro
I will give my impressions as I experience the Audi and become familiar with it.
First impressions are (of the Audi, relative to my Acura):
I think the Audi is a much more expensive car, but I am not certain, as I have not checked the price yet.
I think the [interior] trim pieces that look like wood are fake, and just plastic which looks like wood? This seems tacky to me.
The Audi's center console/armrest is nice, slightly less comfortable, but a little nicer design + slightly more features like a tray insert and another USB port.
I prefer the stick (Audi) over the push buttons (Acura).
Plus: I like that the Audi has "steering modes" - Minus: Even in "Dynamic" mode the Audi steering feels less engaging and not exciting compared to the Acura.
Minus: Even with the driving mode set to "Dynamic" the Audi feels even more unresponsive than my Acura, and frankly, quite boring! I was very surprised at how uninspiring the throttle response was! (Caveat: I drive with Traction Control ALWAYS off on my Acura, I have it set in "Sport" mode, and, I have a Sprint Booster installed (which I know, does not affect engine performance at all, simply remaps your throttle press to be deeper). Edit: Find out, then try, turning Traction Control off on the Audi, to be fair!
Memory Seats: Big surprise here too (let down by Audi) you have to HOLD the "1" or "2" button down while the seat is moved to the memory setting whereas with the Acura you just press the button and it auto-adjusts completely back to the memory position. Why Audi? This may seem like a nitpick, but isn't it "the little things that matter" when comparing luxury class cars? Of course, if we were comparing a 300 HP NA V6 to a Turbo or Super Charged V8, the performance difference would blow me away and cause me to overlook several of these niggling "little things".
Big Minus (Audi): Damn the fan is NOISY when you turn it up past half way, to get some good cooling on a hot day!
So, until I hit some bumps on curves at speed, I will reserve judgement of the Audi's suspension - as to simply calm driving around town, I prefer the Acura's suspension even though it's not adjustable and I thought I was upset by the Acura's lack of Active Damping/adjustable suspension. I think that it could still be significantly superior to have a high speed computer controlled suspension system which enabled the combination of a stiffer ride than the Acura without sacrificing comfort (like I read about some Mercedes having, and on the "Performance Package" Mustang and Camaro LT ZL1(?).
Of course, I need to spend more quality time driving the Audi - including driving time with open roads where I suspect there are not police lurking, so that I may fully appreciate sporty use of the paddle shifters to more fully form my opinion about performance, and potential "fun" this car can deliver. So far,
surprisingly(!!!) I prefer my FWD NA V6 Acura to the 2.0T Audi, in terms of driving excitement. Yes, I have to be aware, and precise, in my throttle application if I wish to engage in spirited driving - particularly "off the line" and, if I wish to take hard corners under acceleration. I've not yet had the opportunity to push the Audi at all significantly, and, I don't know how do the Conti Pro Contact tires compare to Potenzas?
