Bora V5 or V6 - Opinions

[WhO]

Although its a late reply i'll throw in my 2c.

In regards to a comparison between the V5 and 4motion i've owned a 4motion for over 4 years whilst my partner had a V5 for ~ 3 years in which time i drove both cars about an equal amount.

As a direct comparsion both cars feel nice and punchy off the line, the V5 Triptronic auto almost feels like it has lower gearing as it keeps up reasonably well off the line, its actually very impressive just how well. Both engines feel nice and torquey down low However given any length of road the V6 will easily do away with the V5, if traction conditions aren't optimal the V5 never even comes close.

Suspension setup is also very different. The V6 has a much more sure footed feel. I found stock for stock the 4motion to have a more comfortable and controlled ride although it was firmer it was better dampened (both cars same age & km). The higher ride height of the V5 (and i'm assuming softer dampening and springs) definitely lead to more body roll and surprisingly with its softer dampening still didnt ride more comfortably than the 4motion. I think the 4motion having IRS must help out a great deal here in both ride quality and handling.

Hills driving again another big plus for the 4motion system as it really does let you get power down early in the corners, where as in comparison driving the V5 in a similar manner sees the ASR light flashing away on the dash, but then thats not really a fair comparison as you need to drive AWD cars differently to FWD cars to get the most out of them.

Fuel economy i found the V5 to be slightly more frugal but in honesty the 1-1.5 L/100km it saved only ended up being $6-8 a week so i'd rather pay the extra running costs and have the 4motion.

Finally another big plus for the 4motion is ESP. It works, trust me! Although its no replacement for driving safely and within your limits, when a Big Red Jumps infront of you and you've got nowhere to go it might just save you life !

Edit: Testamant to the strength of the V6, i'm sure i'm pushing the 4motion well past its original design limits and *touch wood* so far its been faultless

[kapowww]

*touch woodgrain*

Might as well add to this thread.. I love my V6 but it's a bit on the heavy side and the turning circle requires a 6-lane freeway to do a u-turn. I also had Haldex/rear diff issues as it wasn't serviced at the right intervals, but luckily it was under warranty and was replaced after some screwing around with Consumer Affairs.

Even though there are a few negatives I see myself keeping this car for a long time as I usually change cars every year. It's has the perfect looks/power combo for me. I used to have an Audi A4 B6 1.8T Quattro and I think this is the poor man's version of it (I'm a poorer man because it kills my wallet at the petrol pump). Ideally I'd like more power but there aren't any worthwhile power mods that are bang for buck unless I slap a turbo on it as above.

I have the black on black combo which I think is very nice!

[bundabora]

Hi
I have a V6 4mo which I bought second hand rather than a new V5. Once I drove the V6, I knew it was a 'driver's car' and although I liked the V5 and my wife probably wouldn't care which one we had, to me it's an easy decision...