Difference between Audi A4 and S4
By Theydiffer - January 25, 2016

The Audi S4 is considered a high-performance variation of the Audi A4. In this article, we will take a look at the differences between the two models, as represented by the 2015 Audi A4 and the 2015 Audi S4.

Definitions

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The Audi A4 is one of the most elegant models in its class. It belongs to the class of compact executive cars produced by the German automobile manufacturer Audi AG, a subsidiary of Volkswagen Group. The car is built on the reputable Volkswagen Group B platform. There are sedan and station wagon variations of the Audi A4 available; plus the third generation had a convertible version, which has now been redesigned as the Audi A5.

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The Audi S4 is a high-performance modification of the Audi A4. The first generation (1991-1994) of the S4 was built not on the A4, but was a modification of the performance-driven Audi 100. In any generation, the S4 has been characterized by a powerful engine, a firmer suspension, big road wheels, and a distinct grey-steely metal exterior design – all the qualities the model inherited from the Audi 100/ A4 and had tuned to an even more aggressive and powerful performance and style.

All the Audi S4’s variations have been available as either 4-door, 5-seat salon, or as the Audi’s Avant (5-door, 5-seat), which is the Audi’s pseudonym for station wagon/estate car. A cabriolet version (2-door, 4-seat) was introduced as part of the B6 and B7 generation of the sibling of the model, the Audi A4.

Comparison chart

2015 Audi A4 2015 Audi S4
Exterior dimensions: 185.1 inches long, 71.9 inches wide and 56.2 inches highExterior dimensions: 185.7 inches long, 71.9 inches wide and 55.4 inches high
The engine is the 2.0L Turbocharged Gas Inline-4, capable of 220 hp; eight-speed automatic transmission or six-speed manualThe engine is the 3.0L Supercharged Gas V-6, capable of 333 hp; six-speed manual transmission or seven-speed dual-clutch transmission
Accelerates 0 to 60 mph in about 6.9 seconds (2.0 TFSI, 6-speed manual)Accelerates 0 to 60 mph in about 4.9 seconds
The base price is US $35,500The base price is US $48,400
In competition with the Toyota Camry and the Toyota Prius Four, among othersIn competition with the BMW M3 and the BMW 328i, among others

Audi A4 vs Audi S4

What is the difference between Audi A4 and Audi S4?

Overview and differences in the exterior

The 2015 Audi A4 is .8 inches higher, than the 2015 Audi S4. The S4, on the other hand, is .6 inches longer than the A4.

The Audi A4’s exterior design is slicker and has more intricate touches than the Audi S4’s. The A4 has exquisite grille corners and cockpit trimming, while the S4 has more of a “standard-looking” body. The controls in the 2015 Audi A4 are more easily understood and user-friendly than in the 2015 Audi S4. This is with the recent re-engineering of the controls in the former model.

Differences in the performance

The 2015 Audi A4 has the 2.0L Turbocharged Gas Inline-4 under its hood. The motor produces 220 hp at 6,400 rpm and 258 foot-pounds of torque at 4,800 rpm. The 2015 Audi S4’s base motor, on the other hand, is the 3.0L Supercharged Gas V-6, which provides 330 hp at 6,400 rpm and 325 foot-pounds of torque at 4,800 rpm.

A transmission in the 2015 Audi A4 is an eight-speed automatic (with a sport shift mode); there is an optional six-speed automatic transmission. The 2015 Audi S4, on the other hand, has a six-speed manual transmission or, optionally, the seven-speed dual-clutch transmission with paddle shifters.

The Audi A4 has a weaker acceleration than the Audi S4. The A4 (2.0 TFSI, 6-speed manual) accelerates 0 to 60 mph in about 6.9 seconds, while the S4 makes 0 to 60 mph in about 4.9 seconds. The Audi S4 is a noisier car between the two, also. Because of its powerful motor, it produces a range of snarling sounds while accelerating.

Differences in the price

The S4 has always been a more expensive car than the A4. The base price on the 2015 Audi A4 is US $35,500. The base price on The Audi S4, on the other hand, is US $48,400.

The competitors

The two models, despite all the similarities, belong to different classes, and compete with different rivals.

The Audi A4 is in competition with the Toyota Camry and the Toyota Prius Four, as well as with Audi’s own A3 Premium and the Q5 Premium Plus.

The Audi S4, on the other hand, is in competition with the BMW M3 and the BMW 328i; rivals also include Audi’s own A6 Premium and S6.