Audi A4 vs. Audi S4 — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Fiza Rafique — Published on November 18, 2023
The Audi A4 is a luxury sedan with standard features, while the Audi S4 is its sportier, higher-performance variant.
Difference Between Audi A4 and Audi S4
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
The Audi A4 is renowned for its balanced blend of luxury, technology, and performance. It's a vehicle designed for those who seek comfort and advanced features in their daily drives. On the other hand, the Audi S4 takes the baseline of the A4 and enhances it for driving enthusiasts, offering increased horsepower, sportier suspension, and more aggressive styling.
Audi A4 primarily focuses on delivering a smooth, comfortable driving experience. It offers plenty of standard features, advanced safety technologies, and an elegant interior that underlines its luxury sedan status. In contrast, the Audi S4 emphasizes performance, fitted with a more potent engine and components designed to optimize speed, handling, and driving dynamics.
When it comes to exterior design, the Audi A4 typically presents a more subdued and sophisticated appearance, appropriate for various occasions, from business meetings to family outings. The Audi S4, while retaining much of the A4's aesthetics, integrates sportier elements, like quad exhaust tips, a distinctive grille, and unique alloy wheels, reflecting its performance-oriented nature.
While both models share many interior features and technologies, the Audi S4 often comes with sport seats, distinctive trims, and sometimes additional performance-oriented features, distinguishing it from the A4. Buyers considering between the two should weigh their priorities between luxury and performance.
Both the Audi A4 and Audi S4 represent the pinnacle of German engineering, yet they cater to slightly different audiences. While the A4 appeals to those seeking a luxurious ride with top-tier amenities, the S4 targets individuals who crave a more exhilarating driving experience without compromising luxury.
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Comparison Chart
Primary Focus
Luxury and comfort.
Performance and sportiness.
Engine Performance
Standard engines, balanced power.
More powerful engines, enhanced dynamics.
Exterior Design
Subdued and sophisticated.
Aggressive and sporty.
Interior Features
Premium luxury features.
Sportier trims and seating.
Target Audience
Luxury sedan seekers.
Driving enthusiasts.
Compare with Definitions
Audi A4
Known for its comfortable driving experience.
For long journeys, many prefer the Audi A4.
Audi S4
Offers sportier aesthetics.
With quad exhausts, the Audi S4 stands out on the road.
Audi A4
A luxury sedan from Audi.
The Audi A4 offers a blend of elegance and advanced technology.
Audi S4
The performance variant of the A4.
The Audi S4 roars to life with its powerful engine.
Audi A4
Equipped with state-of-the-art safety features.
The safety systems in the Audi A4 make it a reliable choice.
Audi S4
Combines luxury with performance.
The Audi S4 delivers thrilling drives without compromising comfort.
Audi A4
Catered to a broad audience.
The Audi A4 suits both business professionals and families.
Audi S4
Targets driving enthusiasts.
The adrenaline rush from the Audi S4 is unmatched.
Audi A4
Represents sophisticated German engineering.
The Audi A4 is a testament to precision and design.
Audi S4
Emphasizes driving dynamics.
For those who love speed, the Audi S4 is a top pick.
Common Curiosities
Which one is more expensive?
Generally, the Audi S4, given its performance enhancements, is priced higher than the A4.
What is the core difference between Audi A4 and Audi S4?
Audi A4 is a luxury sedan, while Audi S4 is its performance-oriented variant.
Do both cars offer advanced tech features?
Yes, both the Audi A4 and Audi S4 come equipped with cutting-edge technology.
Is the interior of the Audi S4 different from the A4?
While they share many features, the S4 often has sportier trims and seats.
Which model is better for daily commuting?
The Audi A4 is more oriented towards daily comfort, but both can serve this purpose.
Which car offers better fuel efficiency?
Typically, the Audi A4, being less performance-oriented, may offer better fuel efficiency.
Are both models reliable?
Both the Audi A4 and Audi S4 are known for their German engineering and reliability.
Which one has a better resale value?
Both hold value well, but specific resale values depend on market factors and model year.
Is the Audi S4 faster than the Audi A4?
Yes, the Audi S4 typically offers more horsepower and faster acceleration.
Does the Audi S4 have a unique exterior look?
Yes, the S4 incorporates sportier design elements compared to the A4.
Do they come in manual transmission?
Availability varies by market, but both models have offered manual transmissions in the past.
Can the Audi S4 be used as a family car?
Yes, the Audi S4 can be used as a family car, offering both performance and practicality.
Which one offers a smoother ride?
The Audi A4 is designed primarily for comfort, offering a smoother ride.
Which model is newer?
Both models are continuously updated, but the A4 precedes the S4 in initial introduction.
Are there sportier versions of the Audi S4?
While the S4 is the sportier version of the A4, enthusiasts might look at the RS4 for even higher performance.
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Written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Edited by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
