Which car?

I had my car washed today and noticed the guy behind me was driving the new Acura RL SH-AWD. I’d normally never consider these cars as they tend (historically) not to handle as well as german sedans. But this car really caught my eye and I did some research. It’s a hell of a deal compared with what I thought was going to be my next car, the Audi A6 4.2L Quattro.

I have a few of misgivings about the Acura:

  1. Acura SOHC 6 cyl. 3.5L engine (300bhp, 260 lbs-ft)
    vs.
    Audi DOHC V8 4.2L engine (335bhp, 300lbs-ft)

That SOHC 6 cyl engine really has to do some work to perform close to the DOHC V8. Perhaps displacement is still best for reliability given planned 4-6 years of use?
2) Acura 60 month rust warranty
vs
Audi 144 month rust warranty.

Is rust really a problem any more for cars under 10 years of age?
3) Optioned out equally, the Acura is about $10,000 less than the Audi. However, the resale value of the audi after 5 years is 53% while the Acura is only 43% of original value.
Opinions?

I’d take “none of the above, please”, and confidently stride to the BMW dealership for a 545i. It handles better, accelerates harder, and is more fun to drive than either, while being similar in most practical aspects. You don’t need all-wheel-drive - rear-wheel-drive, a limited slip diff, and snow tires are just as good.

If I had to choose between the two, I’d take the Acura for reliability reasons - Audis, VWs and Mercedes have stunk it up as of late and a complex Audi is not what you need.

Rust just flat-out doesn’t happen anymore. I’ve seen Rust Belt cars that were flawless after 15 winters. I’d worry about old electronic brake systems myself.

Considered the 545i. The 5 was nice… until the current year model. They’ve really screwed the pooch on this one.

Normally I like the RWD platform but I’ve had a quattro platform for some time and you can’t beat it for bad weather/snow driving. Really solid.

Get a 2-year-old M5, then. I’d still prefer the E39 (old) 5-series to just about anything else out there. Heck, I’d take the E34 (1989-96) 5-series over the Audi or Acura.

All-wheel-drive withdrawal lasts until the first corner. The excitement you get when you find that there’s no understeer anymore is worth every penny.

I know what you mean. I miss being able to slide the back end, counter steer and get the front pointed in the direction I want to go. :slight_smile:

Plowing is no fun.

Of course, having all four corners clawing for grip has it’s thrill factor too… :smiley:

That makes two car enthusiasts on the SDMB. Do we have any more?

What SCCA region are you in?

Notheast. Area 42. (VA & MD).

Not a member, though I’ve had my car and my friend’s car out on the track a few times in Quebec.

You?