I am looking into buying either a 2001 Audi A6 2.7T Quattro or a 2002 BMW 525i. Both cars are around the same price, mileage, etc. What are some of the outstanding features of each other car? Reliability/Quality/Comfort/Safety and so on.

on this one you have to be careful about the turbos on the Audi normally the A6 is as reliable if not more reliable than the % series (the newer the car the more true that is pre 2000 BMW definitly had the advantage for reliability) unless you are going to tune the car i would go with a NA engine not a turbo the turbos are nice but expensive to replace and the need to be replaced every 70K. i think the 525 feels sluggish i would look for an Audi 3.0 A6. the Audi is more comfortable than the BMW but that is really a subjective, could be different for everyone. the BMW has slightly better handling characteristics and slightly better feed back form the road but the Audi is no Lexus here its pretty good as well. if you live in the north the Quattro is AWSOME in the snow the rear drive BMW is definitly capable of being driven in the snow for a confident and somewhat skilled driver but don't let just anyone take it out in the snow.

I would go with the Audi (i live in the snow belt in upstate NY) but i would probably go with a non turbo engine either a 3.0 or 2.8 or if you can afford it the $.2 is a great engine. The BMW is a very nice car and if i were living in the south the decision would not be tat easy but i would also look at the bigger engine the 525 does feel underpowered (and i drive an older 2.8 A6 which is also underpowered but not as noticeable as in the 525 because of its extra torque) .

audi, don't depreciate as much as BMW's

go with the audi

go with BMW, they will break down a whole lot less than Audi.

do yourself a favor and take a reliable mechanic with you!