2003 Audi RS6
The 2003 Audi RS6 is a sedan. It has a 4.2-litre turbocharged eight-cylinder engine producing 450 hp (331 kW), with a 5-speed automatic and all-wheel drive.
ABOUT THE 2003 AUDI RS6
The 2003 Audi RS6 is the high-performance version of the second-generation A6 (C5), developed by Audi’s quattro GmbH performance division. Its 4.2-litre twin-turbocharged V8 — developed with input from Cosworth Technology — produces 450 hp and 415 lb-ft (560 Nm), driving all four wheels through a five-speed Tiptronic automatic. In North America it was sold only as a saloon, for 2003 and 2004.
What it is like
The RS6 was one of the fastest four-door cars of its time, with enormous mid-range acceleration and the all-weather traction of quattro all-wheel drive. Its Dynamic Ride Control (DRC) suspension links diagonally opposite dampers hydraulically to reduce body roll and pitch without making the ride too harsh. Inside, it combines A6 practicality with sports seats and carbon-fibre trim.
Buying one today
The RS6 is complex and expensive to maintain. The DRC suspension is a well-known weak point — leaking dampers and lines are common and costly to replace — and the twin-turbo V8 needs careful maintenance, including a labour-intensive timing service. The automatic gearbox can also suffer under the engine’s torque. Only consider a car with a comprehensive service history.
Rivals
Its main rivals were the BMW M5 (E39) and the Mercedes-Benz E55 AMG.
Written by CarDetails.org. Last reviewed October 30, 2026.
SPECS
| Make | Audi | Model | RS6 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year | 2003 | Version / Trim | Audi 2003 RS6 |
| Body Style | Sedan | Doors | 4 |
| Seats | 5 | Ext. Colour | Brilliant Black, Ebony Black Pearl Effect, Light Silver Metallic, Dolphin Gray Metallic, Moro Blue Pearl Effect, Denim Blue Pearl Effect, Amulet Red, Avus Silver Pearl Effect |
| Steering | LHD / RHD | Manufactured In | Germany |
| Drive | All-Wheel Drive (AWD) | Transmission | Automatic (S5) |
| Engine | 4.2L 8-cyl Turbo | Engine Size | 4,200 cc |
| Power | 450 hp / 331 kW | Torque | 560 Nm / 415 lb-ft |
| Fuel Economy | 14 mpg city / 20 mpg hwy | ||
| Wheelbase | — | Kerb Weight | 1,900 kg (4,189 lb) |
HOW IT COMPARES WITH OTHER 2003 SEDANS
Compared with other 2003 sedans in our database, its 450 hp is 89% more than the average 2003 sedan (238 hp), and it is 20% heavier than the typical sedan.
| 2003 Audi RS6 | Average 2003 sedans | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Power | 450 hp | 238 hp (73 cars) | +89% |
| Torque | 560 Nm | 313 Nm (73 cars) | +79% |
| Kerb weight | 1,900 kg | 1,585 kg (81 cars) | +20% |
| Engine size | 4,200 cc | 3,186 cc (81 cars) | +32% |
Averages are calculated from all cars of the same model year and body type in the CarDetails.org database that have the figure listed. For 0–60 mph, a negative difference means quicker.
CLOSEST RIVALS
Other 2003 sedans with similar power to the 2003 Audi RS6.
| Car | Power | 0–60 mph | Kerb weight |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2003 Audi RS6 | 450 hp | — | 1,900 kg |
| 2003 BMW 760li | 438 hp | 4.5 s | 2,200 kg |
| 2003 Ferrari 456 MGT/MGA | 436 hp | — | 1,690 kg |
| 2003 Bentley Continental R | 420 hp | — | 2,390 kg |
| 2003 Jaguar XK8 | 385 hp | — | 1,630 kg |