When you’re in the market for a luxury car, Audi’s lineup surely catches your eye. But how do you decide between the A4 and the S4? Both are stunning, but they’ve got their unique strengths. This article will help you navigate through the nuances of these two models, so you can make an well-informed choice.
The A4 is known for its elegance and comfort, while the S4 stands out with its sporty performance. But there’s more to it than just that. Buckle up as we investigate into the specifics of Audi A4 vs S4, comparing their performance, design, and features. Let’s figure out which one’s the right fit for your driving style and lifestyle.
A Brief Overview of Audi A4 and S4 Models
Exploring deeper, let’s discuss detailed specifications, offering a clearer picture of the Audi A4 and S4 models.
Audi A4: Key Specs
Under the hood, the Audi A4 packs considerable power. It possesses a 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine, producing a commendable 201 horsepower. For fuel economy, it’s efficient, achieving an EPA-rated 27 miles per gallon in the city and 34 on the highway. The A4 isn’t short of modern technologies either, featuring a 10.1-inch infotainment screen, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. Comfort isn’t compromised, with the A4 offering leather seating and a sunroof as standard features.
Audi S4: Key Specs
On the other hand, the Audi S4 is primed for performance. It’s powered by a 3.0-liter turbocharged V6 engine, putting out a formidable 349 horsepower. Even though its performance orientation, the S4 manages competitive fuel economy figures, hitting an EPA-rated 20 miles per gallon in the city and 28 on the open road. Like the A4, the S4 houses a 10.1-inch infotainment system paired with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. But, it steps up the luxury with heated, Nappa leather sports seats and a Bang & Olufsen sound system as standard.
Comparing Exteriors of Audi A4 and S4
Time to dive deeper into the physical distinctions between Audi A4 and S4, with emphasis on their exterior design, size, dimensions, and available color options.
Styling Differences
Audi A4 comes with a refined and elegant look, marked by its sharp lines and minimalist details. Its LED headlights and taillights paint a distinctive picture of elegance on the road. On the flip side, Audi S4 sports a more aggressive design, embodying its performance-oriented nature. Quad exhaust outlets, a lower, sportier suspension, and distinctive S4 badges set it apart and communicate its ever-changing capabilities.
Size and Dimensions
Differences in size and dimensions further distinguish the Audi A4 and S4. A4’s length spans 187.5 inches, with a width of 72.7 inches and a height of 56.2 inches. With a bit more size to its credit, S4 measures 187.8 inches in length, 72.5 inches in width, and 56.2 inches in height. Even though the slight disparities, both models offer comfortable seating for up to five passengers.
Color Options
Exterior color options can significantly add to a car’s appeal. For the A4 model, Audi provides a palette of nine colors including Quantum Gray, Turbo Blue, and Terra Gray Metallic. Equally diverse, the S4 offers seven colors with unique hues like Tango Red Metallic, Navarra Blue Metallic, and Daytona Gray Pearl. The variety ensures you can select a color that exemplifies your personal style.
Diving Into the Interior Features
Moving forward to explore their inside, both the A4 and S4 offer impressive interior features, but they each come with their own unique comforts and tech enhancements. Let’s investigate into them separately.
Comfort and Technology in Audi A4
With the A4, you get luxurious standard leather seating that perfectly complements its sleek interior. Known for its attention to detail, Audi ensures your comfort with highly adjustable seating and a spacious cabin. For those chilly mornings, the A4 also offers heated front seats that let you start your drive in comfort.
Centered around a 10.1 inch touchscreen, the advanced MMI® infotainment system in the A4 provides top-notch connectivity. It’s compatible with both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, making staying connected to your industry while on the move effortless. Plus, a standard sunroof adds a touch of fresh air and sunlight to your drive, improving your overall experience. Convenience isn’t overlooked; keyless start, stop, and entry, along with a hands-free trunk release, ensure an advanced level of ease during your drives.
Comfort and Technology in Audi S4
Subtly giving a nod to its performance-focused nature, the interior of the S4 steps up the game with sport-contoured, heated Nappa leather seats. These enhance the sense of athleticism in the cabin while maintaining high levels of comfort.
The S4’s tech mirror’s the A4’s with the MMI® infotainment system and 10.1-inch touchscreen. Compatibility with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto remains consistent, presenting a seamless connectivity experience. But the S4 diverges with its Bang & Olufsen® sound system, delivering an unrivaled acoustic experience no matter where you’re seated.
Additional sporty features, like a flat-bottom sport steering wheel and stainless steel pedal caps, set the S4 apart. Plus, it provides an Audi virtual cockpit, providing you with all the necessary information right in front of your eyes, improving the driving experience even further.
Under the Hood: Performance Differences
Digging deeper into the performance metrics of Audi A4 and S4, let’s understand what sets these two apart when it comes to engine specifications and on-road execution.
Audi A4: Engine and Performance Details
Bound to a standard 2.0-liter 4-cylinder turbocharged engine, the Audi A4 commands an impressive 201 horsepower. This powertrain ensures a smooth drive, whether you’re cruising downtown or hitting the highway. Excelling in fuel efficiency, the EPA rates it at 27 miles per gallon city and 34 highway. Although this model doesn’t prioritize aggressive power, it confidently delivers a balance of performance and economy.
Audi S4: Engine and Performance Details
In contrast, the Audi S4 is a force to reckon with. Rumbling under its hood is a potent 3.0-liter turbocharged V6 engine, churning out a whopping 349 horsepower. This massive power propels the S4 to perform with aggression and enthusiasm—perfect for those chasing after speed and exhilaration. The trade-off for the dominating performance, but, is a slightly less impressive fuel efficiency, clocking in at 20 miles per gallon in the city and 28 on the highway as per EPA. Yet, if you’re looking for sporty performance and power, S4 makes a compelling case.
Price Points: Affordability of Audi A4 and S4
Making an well-informed choice on your next luxury car purchase requires careful consideration of its cost. Let’s investigate into the pricing and trim levels of both Audi A4 and S4 to help you understand better.
Audi A4: Pricing and Trim Levels
Exhibit elegance with the Audi A4. The base ‘A4 40 TFSI Premium’ trim starts at $39,900. As you climb the trim levels, which include the ‘A4 45 TFSI Premium’, ‘A4 45 TFSI Premium Plus’, and ‘A4 45 TFSI Prestige’, expect the price tag to rise accordingly, reaching upwards of $48,000. These upgraded versions offer enhanced performance and a more luxurious interior, featuring additional comforts such as the Audi virtual cockpit and the Bang & Olufsen sound system.
Audi S4: Pricing and Trim Levels
For those with a taste of speed and high performance, consider the Audi S4. Priced from $49,900 for the base ‘S4 Premium’ trim, it boasts enhanced capabilities and additional luxury features. Other trims include the ‘S4 Premium Plus’ and ‘S4 Prestige’, which command a cost upwards of $52,400 and $58,200, respectively. Notably, the elevated price correlates with a superior driving experience, featuring the powerful 3.0-liter turbocharged V6 engine and premium details like sport-contoured, heated Nappa leather seats viewable here.
Comparing the pricing and trim levels, it’s evident that there’s a clear trade-off between cost and performance when considering the Audi A4 and S4. Your needs and budget will guide your choice, but rest assured, each model promises a luxurious driving experience inherent to the Audi brand.
Safety and Reliability Ratings
Now let’s pivot our focus to an incredibly critical factor when it comes to purchasing any vehicle – safety. We’ll shine light on the safety ratings of both Audi A4 and S4, based on authoritative sources, to help guide your choice.
How Safe is Audi A4?
With every drive, safety remains a critical consideration for every driver. Audi A4’s safety characteristics underscore this fact. As per the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), the Audi A4 holds the title of “Top Safety Pick”. This distinction comes from rigorous tests, including overlap front, side, and roof-strength tests. Also, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) gives the Audi A4 an overall safety rating of 5 stars, their highest possible rating. Audi A4’s advanced safety features, including lane departure warning and Audi pre sense basic and front, contribute to these impressive scores, emboldening the assurance on road safety.
How Safe is Audi S4?
Following its counterpart, Audi S4 doesn’t fall short in terms of safety. The model garners appreciation from IIHS, nabbing the prestigious “Top Safety Pick” title due to its commendable performance in various safety tests. Just like the A4, the S4 has been endowed with a 5-star safety rating from the NHTSA. The high regard for safety exhibited by the Audi S4 comes from its noteworthy safety features, that includes front and rear parking sensors, blind spot monitoring and vehicle exit warning to name a few. So, making the S4 equally competent in affirming confidence about road safety.
Final Verdict: Audi A4 vs S4, Which is Better?
Making a choice between the Audi A4 and S4 comes down to your exact preferences and lifestyle demands. If fuel efficiency is a leading factor for you, the A4’s impressive EPA-rated 27 mpg in the city and 34 mpg on the highway edges it ahead of the S4. The A4 doesn’t skimp on luxury either, featuring a premium leather interior, modern infotainment technologies, and a range of nine exterior color options.
But, if performance and sporty styling are your ambitions, you’ll likely lean towards the Audi S4. It’s boasting a powerful 3.0-liter turbocharged V6 engine with 349 horsepower, promising high-speed thrills and unique driving experiences. What’s more, the S4’s interior, from heated Nappa leather sports seats to a Bang & Olufsen sound system, truly reflects its sporty character.
Let’s talk affordability. The starting price for the A4 base ’40 TFSI Premium’ trim is $39,900, rising to over $48,000 for higher trims. In contrast, the ‘S4 Premium’ trim starts at a higher $49,900, reaching over $58,200 for top trims. While cost is an important consideration, remember that prices reflect the unique features and capabilities of each model.
When it comes to safety, both the A4 and S4 have earned remarkable ratings. They’re acknowledged as “Top Safety Picks” by the IIHS and have bagged a 5-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA. With advanced safety features, both models offer reliable and robust protection for you and your passengers.
Indeed, with their unique attributes and distinctive strengths, both the Audi A4 and S4 present compelling options. The final decision rests with you – your priorities, your preferences, and your drive.
Conclusion
You’ve seen the ins and outs of the Audi A4 and S4. Both models are top-notch, but the choice comes down to what you value most. If it’s fuel efficiency and a touch of luxury you’re after, the A4 could be your perfect match. But if it’s power and a sporty feel you crave, you might find yourself leaning towards the S4. Remember, the A4 is easier on the pocket, but the S4 offers an elevated driving experience. Both models boast impressive safety ratings, so rest assured you’re making a solid choice either way. Eventually, your decision should align with your lifestyle and personal preferences. Whether that’s the elegant A4 or the sportier S4, you’re sure to enjoy the ride.
What engine specifications do the Audi A4 and S4 have?
The Audi A4 features a 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine with 201 horsepower, while the S4 is equipped with a more powerful 3.0-liter turbocharged V6 engine that delivers 349 horsepower.
How do their infotainment systems compare?
Both models include a 10.1-inch infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. However, the S4 also boasts a standard Bang & Olufsen sound system.
What about the size and design of both models?
At 187.5 inches in length, the A4 is slightly shorter than the S4’s 187.8 inches. The A4 is more refined and elegant, while the S4 takes on a sportier, more aggressive exterior design.
What unique interior features do both cars offer?
The A4 provides standard leather seating and a comfortable cabin. The S4, on the other hand, showcases heated Nappa leather sports seats, a sporty steering wheel, and stainless steel pedal caps.
How do their performance metrics differ?
The A4’s engine focuses on smoothness and fuel efficiency, while the S4’s engine is built for powerful performance, offering more speed and exhilaration, though at slightly lower fuel economy.
How do the prices and trim levels of both models compare?
The base ‘A4 40 TFSI Premium’ trim starts at $39,900, with higher trims reaching up to $48,000. The ‘S4 Premium’ trim begins at a higher $49,900, reflecting its superior performance and premium features.
What are their safety ratings?
Both the Audi A4 and S4 have received a “Top Safety Pick” rating from IIHS and a 5-star overall safety rating from NHTSA, emphasizing their reliability.
Which is the best choice, the Audi A4 or S4?
The choice comes down to individual preference. If you value fuel efficiency, elegant design, and a luxurious feel, the A4 is the better choice. However, for those who value power, performance, and sporty design, the S4 is recommended. Both models provide exceptional safety features.
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