Audi A6 vs Subaru Impreza

The 2008 Audi A6 presented a blend of smooth, rounded lines with a sharper, more aggressive look that had evolved over the years. Its front end was dominated by a large grille, which, while somewhat awkward, served as a focal point in an otherwise clean design. The A6's exterior was sleek and upscale, with minimal logos and badges. Inside, the A6's interior mirrored its exterior's tidiness, featuring wood and metal trim that broke up the dark color scheme. The center stack was button-heavy but intuitively organized, with a high-mounted navigation screen angled for driver visibility. Leather seats and thick carpeting added to the luxurious feel of the cabin.

The 2008 Subaru Impreza, despite its standout engine and driveline characteristics, had a rather bland exterior that was inoffensive but not memorable. Its dual exhaust pipes were one of its few defining features. The hatchback and the more rugged Impreza Outback Sport, with its unique two-tone exterior, offered a bit more design flair. Inside, the Impreza's cabin was conventional yet stylish, with flowing dash lines leading to a sensible center console. It featured a trip computer atop the dash, maintaining a clean, motorsport-inspired design. Standard features included air conditioning, 15-inch steel wheels, cruise control, and a tilt steering column, with a Premium Package offering additional upgrades.

The 2008 Audi A6 was available with two engine options: a 3.2-liter V6 producing 255 horsepower and a 4.2-liter V8 rated at 350 hp, the latter exclusive to the sedan. Front-wheel-drive models featured a continuously variable transmission (CVT) called "Multitronic," while quattro all-wheel-drive models used a 6-speed automatic transmission. The V8 engine, with 325 pound-feet of torque, provided authoritative acceleration and a muscular sound, placing the A6 in sport sedan territory. The A6 offered a competent cruising experience, with the 6-speed automatic transmission keeping the engine responsive and agile. Fuel economy for the FWD A6 was rated at 18 city, 27 highway, and 21 combined, while quattro models achieved 17 city, 25 highway, and 20 combined. V8-equipped models managed 16 city, 23 highway, and 18 combined.

The 2008 Subaru Impreza was powered by a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder "Boxer" engine, delivering 170 horsepower and 170 pound-feet of torque. This power was routed through a 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic transmission to Subaru's standard all-wheel-drive system, a feature rarely offered by rivals. The Impreza's sporty nature was complemented by the Boxer engine's torque, although it could sound harsh at times. Its all-weather capability was enhanced by a chassis that absorbed bumps and potholes effectively. While the Honda Civic offered more refined handling, the Impreza's driving nature was hearty and robust.

The 2008 Audi A6 excelled in space and comfort, meeting the expectations of a German luxury sedan. Its seats and interior leaned towards sportiness, yet the A6 remained a cushy and upscale vehicle. Despite the sloping roof, the cabin offered generous headroom, and the lengthy wheelbase provided ample legroom. Compared to competitors like the Mercedes-Benz E-Class, Cadillac STS, and Jaguar XF, the A6 felt more personal and warm. Sound deadening insulated passengers from road and wind noise, and the comfortable suspension made it a pleasant place to spend time. The trunk featured special hinges for unimpeded access and grocery hooks for convenience.

The 2008 Subaru Impreza's cabin blended form with functionality, maintaining a balance between the two. The center stack was straightforward, with simple controls and a floating design that left the central storage tray open for larger items. As one of the more spacious offerings in its segment, the Impreza provided ample head- and legroom in both rows, especially in the second row of the wagon. The wagon offered 19 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats up and 44 cubic feet with them folded, while the sedan provided 11.3 cubic feet of trunk space.

The 2008 Audi A6 was a showcase of the latest automotive technologies. Its MMI vehicle management system, though requiring some learning, operated smoothly. The A6 came equipped with a navigation system that ran seamlessly on a 7-inch screen, and the premium audio system delivered excellent sound quality within the well-insulated cabin.

The 2008 Subaru Impreza came standard with an AM/FM stereo, in-dash CD player, and satellite radio, with a Premium Package offering an upgraded radio with auxiliary audio input. An available DVD-based navigation system replaced the standard stereo unit with a touchscreen setup, though the smaller volume and tuning dials made them more challenging to use.

The 2008 Audi A6 received a Top Safety Pick designation from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), with "Good" ratings for moderate overlap front, side, and head-restraint crashworthiness, and an "Acceptable" rating for roof strength. Standard safety features included anti-lock brakes, side-impact airbags, side curtain airbags, electronic stability control, a tire pressure monitoring system, and a first aid kit. Optional features included a lane-departure system and adaptive cruise control.

The 2008 Subaru Impreza was equipped with front-impact airbags for the driver and front passenger, seat-mounted side-impact airbags, first- and second-row side-curtain airbags, and an occupancy sensor for the front passenger seat airbag. It also came standard with antilock brakes, traction control, low tire pressure warning, and a theft-deterrent engine immobilizer system. The Impreza earned solid safety scores and was named a "Top Safety Pick" by the IIHS.