build quality b5 or b6

**vinpetrol** · 31-10-2009,11:46 PM

I have a B5 and a B6

The b5 is a 1.8 petrol and the b6 is a 130 tdi . I love the performance and economy of the tdi and it looks a really smart car but I think the b5 is better finished inside and the quality seems to be better. both cars have been used as family cars and the b5 interior seems to have held up far better than the b6 the internal switches on the window winders and radio and heater are all peeling and tatty looking but everything on the b5 is still like new. Does anyone agree with me on this ?

**qa15ar** · 02-11-2009,09:58 AM

I agree, i noticed the same when i changed by B5 for the B6. def get a B5 again if i could

**Dark Horse** · 02-11-2009,10:52 AM

I disagree, I had a B5 Audi A4 Cab and the quality of the interior in my B6 A4 S-Line is far higher. Even closing the door on the B6 sounds more solid and the dash uses quality plastics that are way superior to the B5. Switches are more sturdy too and the whole interior just feels better put together.

**qa15ar** · 02-11-2009,11:29 AM

i didnt realise the B5 came in a cab version, i guess you mean the audi 80 cab

**Dark Horse** · 02-11-2009,11:51 AM

It was a 98 Audi Cab, which I thought used the B5 chassis but yep, you're right, was based on the older Audi 80 design

**qa15ar** · 02-11-2009,02:50 PM

the difference between the audi 80 and b5 is quite big. The B5 is a lot better. but then again test drove the new c-class on sat, and i have to say i prefer my B6.

**vinpetrol** · 03-11-2009,11:10 AM

I would have to disagree with dark horse about the quality of the switches. while the b6 switches still function as well as the b5 they are extremely grubby looking and peeling where as the b5 ones look like new and still functioning perfectly both cars with approx 110 k . done also b5 doors feel sturdier and shut perfectly . Also small touches in interior like lights on vanity mirror , not present on b6. I also feel that the plastic interior is inferior as it appears to have a lacquer type finish on it that rubs of with very little abrasion where as the finish in the b5 is still like new. Maybe i just got unlucky with the B6 I ended up with!

Vin

**Dark Horse** · 03-11-2009,01:37 PM

Mine has interior lights on the vanity mirrors, perhaps the quality of the finish varies between models? (I have the aluminimum trim on my dash)

**fourringsrus** · 03-11-2009,11:39 PM

My b6 cabby interior looks great and feels good too,you 98 cabby is in fact a b4 as said 80 based and although a few years apart really shouldnt feel much different in quality let alone inferior, and like the other guys have said trim level can make a lot of difference,my 80 coupe 1995 2.6 with full leather feels every bit as well put together as my 2002 b6 cabby.
Stuart

**vinpetrol** · 04-11-2009,12:24 AM

I have seen a few posts on this forum regarding the b6 switches peeling , usually radio heater and windows mine suffers from all the above . the b5 is box standard 1.8 and the b6 is a sport 1.9 tdi . Does anyone have any ideas how to tidy up the scuffed lacquer on glove box and centre console? in the b6