Audi A6 vs Subaru Impreza

The 2008 Audi A6 retained the smooth, rounded lines characteristic of early 2000s Audi models, yet it adopted a sharper, more aggressive appearance. Its front end was dominated by a large grille stretching from the lower bumper to the hood, serving as a somewhat awkward 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 otherwise dark colour scheme. The centre stack was button-heavy but intuitively arranged, with a navigation screen positioned for easy driver visibility. Leather seats and thick carpeting completed the luxurious cabin.

In contrast, the 2008 Subaru Impreza's exterior was rather bland, lacking standout features except for its dual exhaust pipes. The hatchback variant offered slightly more design flair than the sedan. Inside, the Impreza's cabin was more stylish than its exterior, with flowing dash lines leading to a sensible centre console. It featured a trip computer atop the dash, maintaining a clean, motorsport-inspired instrument panel. Standard features in Canada included air conditioning, 16-inch steel wheels, power windows, and remote keyless entry, with optional upgrades like alloy wheels, cruise control, and an upgraded stereo system.

The 2008 Audi A6 offered two engine options: a 3.2-litre V6 producing 255 horsepower and a 4.2-litre V8 rated at 350 hp, with the latter available only in the sedan. The Quattro all-wheel-drive system was standard in Canada, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. The A6's engines provided ample power, with the V8 delivering a particularly fast and muscular performance. The six-speed automatic transmission ensured responsive and agile cruising, while fuel economy ratings for the Quattro sedan were 12.1 L/100 km city and 8.0 highway with the V6, and 13.1 city/8.8 highway with the V8.

The 2008 Subaru Impreza was powered by a 2.5-litre four-cylinder Boxer engine, producing 170 horsepower and 170 pound-feet of torque, with a five-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmission. The Impreza WRX variant featured a turbocharged engine with 224 hp and 226 lb-ft of torque. Subaru's standard all-wheel-drive system provided excellent all-weather capability, and the Impreza's sporty nature was evident, though the engine could sound harsh at times. While the Honda Civic offered more refined handling, the Impreza's driving experience was hearty and engaging.

The 2008 Audi A6 prioritized space and comfort, offering a luxurious and airy cabin despite the sloping roof impeding rear-seat headroom. The lengthy wheelbase provided ample legroom, and the interior felt personal and warm compared to competitors like the Mercedes-Benz E-Class. Sound insulation and a comfortable suspension made the A6 a pleasant place to spend time. The trunk featured special hinges for easy access and grocery hooks for convenience. Standard features included heated front seats, dual-zone climate control, and a power sunroof.

The 2008 Subaru Impreza's cabin blended form and function, with a straightforward centre stack and a floating design for the central storage tray. It offered generous head and legroom, particularly in the wagon's second row. The wagon provided 538 litres of cargo space with the rear seats up and 1,246 litres with them folded, while the sedan offered 320 litres of trunk space.

The 2008 Audi A6 was equipped with the MMI vehicle management system, which, despite its complexity, functioned smoothly. It featured a six-CD changer, a navigation system on a 7-inch screen, and an optional Bose premium sound system. Satellite radio was available on the V8 sedan.

The 2008 Subaru Impreza came standard with an AM/FM stereo, an in-dash CD player, and satellite radio, with an upgraded stereo system available on the Sport Package and Impreza WRX, including an auxiliary audio input.

The 2008 Audi A6 received a Top Safety Pick designation from the IIHS, with "Good" ratings in various crash tests and an "Acceptable" roof strength rating. Standard safety features included anti-lock brakes, side airbags, electronic stability control, and a tire-pressure monitoring system, with optional lane-departure and adaptive cruise control systems.

The 2008 Subaru Impreza also earned a Top Safety Pick from the IIHS, with solid crash test scores. It came with front-impact airbags, seat-mounted side-impact airbags, and side-curtain airbags. Standard safety features included antilock brakes, front seat belt pre-tensioners, and a theft-deterrent engine immobilizer system, with available traction and stability control.