The 2.8-liter V6 engine in the 1997 Audi A6 C5 2.8 Quattro produces 174 horsepower at 5,000 rpm and 177 lb-ft of torque at 3,500 rpm.
It has a 0-60 mph acceleration time of around 9 seconds due to its relatively modest power output compared to modern standards.
The vehicle comes with a five-speed automatic transmission as standard equipment.
Rear axle ratio is 3.55:1 on the front-wheel drive model, while the Quattro model has a 3.71:1 differential gear ratio.
Front and rear brake rotors are ventilated discs with a diameter of 312 mm (12.28 in) at both ends.
The A6 C5's platform is shared with the Volkswagen Passat and B5 S4, showcasing its engineering as part of larger Volkswagen Group vehicle development efforts.
It features Audi's signature single-frame grille with seven horizontal slats.
Exterior dimensions: Length - 4,825 mm (189.6 in), Width - 1,785 mm (70.3 in), Height - 1,420 mm (55.9 in) and Wheelbase - 2,755 mm (108.5 in).
The interior features Audi's MMI infotainment system, which is a more advanced interface compared to earlier models.
Leather upholstery with power-operated seat adjustments, an electric sunroof, and four airbags are part of the premium interior options available for the vehicle.
16-inch alloy wheels with 225/60R16 tires come as standard equipment on the Quattro model.
The Audi A6 C5 was one of the first vehicles to utilize a transverse mounted engine with front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive capabilities in an executive car segment, showcasing Audi's expertise in quattro technology.
The vehicle was designed under the leadership of Wolfgang Schreiber at AUDI AG and had significant influence on future development within the Volkswagen Group.
In the United States market, this model year (1997) is often considered one of the last years for a more traditionally styled Audi interior before their transition to modern MMI systems in later models.
The A6 C5 2.8 Quattro can achieve an estimated EPA gas mileage of around 20 mpg combined (18 city and 25 highway).
Its cargo capacity is approximately 12 cubic feet (341 liters) with the rear seats up, which increases to about 42 cubic feet (1,186 liters) when folded.
The vehicle came standard with a driver's side airbag in the US market; additional features such as dual front and curtain airbags were optional.
Its weight distribution is approximately 53% to the front axle, 47% to the rear.
The vehicle has an approximate gross weight of around 4,700 pounds (2,117 kg).
Audi's S-tronic Tiptronic automatic transmission was an available option for better acceleration performance in the 1997 A6 C5 models with higher horsepower variants.
This model of the Audi A6 is considered a 'collectible' within enthusiast communities due to its rareness and historical significance as one of the last inline 5-cylinder quattros sold new in certain markets.
The vehicle achieved 4-star Euro NCAP safety rating for adult occupant protection, 3-star for child occupant protection, and scored 14 out of 17 points for pedestrian protection.
Rear seats can be folded and slid forward to accommodate longer cargo items behind the front seat backrests.
Tires available for this model year include Continental ContiSportContact SSR or Michelin Pilot Sport.
A 12V socket power outlet was located near the passenger-side door, which doubled as an auxiliary power source.
The standard audio system is a four-speaker unit powered by an amplifier with a capacity of around 40 watts per channel RMS (at 4 ohms).
Options for this vehicle include heated front seats, rear air conditioning vents, and an optional premium sound system upgrade to eight speakers from a base system.
An exterior feature unique to the C5 generation is the 'fog light' arrangement on either side of the grille; they served as additional air intakes in cold conditions.
The Audi A6 C5 2.8 Quattro had been tested and reviewed by various media outlets, including Car and Driver magazine.
Engine oil capacity for this model year is approximately 3.9 liters (1.03 gallons) when cold.
The vehicle has an estimated curb weight of around 4,450 pounds (2,014 kg).
The front seats were designed with lumbar support as a standard feature, providing a comfortable driving experience.
In the United States market, Audi was offering special equipment packages and promotional incentives during this model year to encourage purchases.
A total of four trim colors - Glacier White Metallic, Tango Red Pearl Effect, Black, and Seashell Silver Metallic were available on this model year's vehicle in certain markets.
This generation of the Audi A6 set a benchmark for quality and engineering within the executive car segment during its production lifecycle.