Which Audi A4 Version Should You Buy?
The Audi A4 catalogue covers eight generation entries from 1994 onward, but the best version depends on whether the priority is performance, fuel economy, body style, transmission, or AWD.
The Audi A4 catalogue covers eight generation entries from 1994 onward, but the best version depends on whether the priority is performance, fuel economy, body style, transmission, or AWD. Among the versions shown here, the fifth-generation restyled Estate offers the quickest acceleration: the 286 hp 50 TDI V6 quattro Tiptronic and 50 TDI V6 quattro MHEV Tiptronic both reach 100 km/h in 5.3 seconds. The lowest measured combined consumption belongs to the fifth-generation Sedan’s 150 hp 2.0 MT diesel at 3.7 l/100 km. Buyers wanting an older Cabrio can choose from second- and third-generation cars, while the first-generation and latest restyled entries shown here include Estate 5-door versions. Prices, reliability, maintenance costs, and sale listings are not provided, so the comparison below is based strictly on the recorded specifications.
Audi A4 generations: what changed?
The first generation ran from 1994 to 2001 across the original and restyled entries. The original 1994–1998 Estate 5-door entry lists 74 modifications; its displayed versions range from the 101 hp 1.6 MT and 1.6 AT to 165 hp 2.4 MT and 2.4 AT models. The 1996–2001 restyled Sedan entry lists 78 modifications and displayed 1.8-litre versions producing 125, 150, 170, or 180 hp. FWD and AWD are represented, with 4- or 5-speed Automatic and 5-speed Manual gearboxes.
The second generation ran from 2000 to 2006 as a Cabrio and lists 72 modifications. Its displayed engines extend from 1781 to 2976 cc, with Gasoline and Diesel choices, FWD or AWD, and Manual, Automatic, or Variable transmissions. Power reaches 220 hp in the 3.0 MT, 3.0 AT, and 3.0 CVT versions.
The third generation ran from 2004 to 2009 as a Cabrio and lists 96 modifications. Compared with the second-generation Cabrio, the displayed maximum rises from 220 to 255 hp. Its range includes 4-cylinder Inline and 6-cylinder V-shaped engines, Gasoline and Diesel fuel, and both naturally aspirated and Turbo configurations.
The fourth generation ran from 2007 to 2012 as a Sedan and lists 54 modifications. Its displayed range includes 120–265 hp engines, FWD and AWD, and Manual, Automatic, or Variable gearboxes. The 265 hp 3.2 MT and 3.2 CVT use a 3197 cc naturally aspirated V-shaped 6-cylinder Gasoline engine.
The restyled fourth generation continued from 2011 to 2016 as a Sedan, with 72 modifications. It retained Manual and Variable choices while adding displayed 7-speed Robotic versions. The listed power ceiling rises to 272 hp in the 3.0 S-tronic, while Euro 5 and Euro 6 classifications appear across the displayed versions.
The fifth-generation Sedan ran from 2015 to 2020 and lists 52 modifications. Displayed Gasoline and Diesel engines span 122–252 hp, with 6-speed Manual and 7-speed Robotic gearboxes. Measured combined consumption falls as low as 3.7 l/100 km, compared with 5.7 l/100 km for the best measured figure among the displayed restyled fourth-generation versions.
The restyled fifth-generation Estate 5-door started in 2019 and lists 23 modifications. Its displayed versions span 136–286 hp and include FWD and AWD, 6-speed Manual, 7-speed Robotic, and 8-speed Automatic configurations. This entry contains the quickest Audi A4 versions in the supplied data.
Audi A4 engine specs and drivetrain comparison
Repeated version names are identified by generation, output, and drive so that distinct configurations remain clear.
| Generation and exact version | Power | Torque | Displacement | Fuel | Cylinders/layout | Boost | Gearbox | Drive |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| First, 1.6 MT | 101 hp | 140 Nm | 1595 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | No | 5-speed Manual | FWD |
| First, 1.6 AT | 101 hp | 140 Nm | 1595 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | No | 4-speed Automatic | FWD |
| First, 1.8 MT | 125 or 150 hp | 168 or 210 Nm | 1781 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | No or Turbo | 5-speed Manual | FWD or AWD |
| First, 1.8 AT | 125 or 150 hp | 168 or 210 Nm | 1781 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | No or Turbo | 4- or 5-speed Automatic | FWD or AWD |
| First restyling, 1.8 MT | 125, 150, 170, or 180 hp | 168, 210, 225, or 235 Nm | 1781 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | No or Turbo | 5-speed Manual | FWD or AWD |
| First restyling, 1.8 AT | 125, 150, 170, or 180 hp | 168, 210, 225, or 235 Nm | 1781 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | No or Turbo | 4- or 5-speed Automatic | FWD or AWD |
| First, 2.4 MT | 165 hp | 230 Nm | 2393 cc | Gasoline | 6, V-shaped | No | 5-speed Manual | FWD |
| First, 2.4 AT | 165 hp | 230 Nm | 2393 cc | Gasoline | 6, V-shaped | No | 5-speed Automatic | FWD |
| Second, 1.8 MT | 163 hp | 225 Nm | 1781 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | Turbo | 5- or 6-speed Manual | FWD or AWD |
| Second, 1.8 AT | 163 hp | 225 Nm | 1781 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | Turbo | 5-speed Automatic | FWD |
| Second, 1.8 CVT | 170 hp | 225 Nm | 1781 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | Turbo | Variable | FWD |
| Second, 2.4 MT | 170 hp | 230 Nm | 2393 cc | Gasoline | 6, V-shaped | No | 6-speed Manual | FWD |
| Second, 2.4 CVT | 170 hp | 230 Nm | 2393 cc | Gasoline | 6, V-shaped | No | Variable | FWD |
| Second, 3.0 MT | 220 hp | 300 Nm | 2976 cc | Gasoline | 6, V-shaped | No | 6-speed Manual | FWD or AWD |
| Second, 3.0 AT | 220 hp | 300 Nm | 2976 cc | Gasoline | 6, V-shaped | No | 5-speed Automatic | AWD |
| Second, 3.0 CVT | 220 hp | 300 Nm | 2976 cc | Gasoline | 6, V-shaped | No | Variable | FWD |
| Second, 2.5 MT | 163 hp | 310 Nm | 2496 cc | Diesel | 6, V-shaped | Turbo | 6-speed Manual | FWD |
| Second, 2.5 CVT | 163 hp | 310 Nm | 2496 cc | Diesel | 6, V-shaped | Turbo | Variable | FWD |
| Third, 1.8 MT | 163 hp | 225 Nm | 1781 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | Turbo | 5- or 6-speed Manual | FWD or AWD |
| Third, 2.0 MT | 130 or 200 hp | 195 or 280 Nm | 1984 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | No or Turbo | 5- or 6-speed Manual | FWD or AWD |
| Third, 2.0 AT | 200 hp | 280 Nm | 1984 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | Turbo | 5-speed Automatic | AWD |
| Third, 3.1 MT | 255 hp | 225 or 330 Nm | 3123 cc | Gasoline | 6, V-shaped | No | 6-speed Manual | FWD or AWD |
| Third, 3.1 AT | 255 hp | 225 Nm | 3123 cc | Gasoline | 6, V-shaped | No | 6-speed Automatic | AWD |
| Third, 2.0 MT | 140 hp | 320 Nm | 1968 cc | Diesel | 4, Inline | Turbo | 6-speed Manual | FWD |
| Third, 2.7 CVT | 180 hp | 380 Nm | 2698 cc | Diesel | 6, V-shaped | Turbo | Variable | FWD |
| Third, 3.0 MT | 233 hp | 450 Nm | 2967 cc | Diesel | 6, V-shaped | Turbo | 6-speed Manual | AWD |
| Fourth, 1.8 MT | 120 or 160 hp | 230 or 250 Nm | 1798 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | Turbo | 6-speed Manual | FWD or AWD |
| Fourth, 2.0 MT | 180 or 211 hp | 320 or 350 Nm | 1984 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | Turbo | 6-speed Manual | FWD or AWD |
| Fourth, 2.0 CVT | 180 hp | 320 Nm | 1984 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | Turbo | Variable | FWD |
| Fourth, 3.2 MT | 265 hp | 330 Nm | 3197 cc | Gasoline | 6, V-shaped | No | 6-speed Manual | AWD |
| Fourth, 3.2 CVT | 265 hp | 330 Nm | 3197 cc | Gasoline | 6, V-shaped | No | Variable | FWD |
| Fourth, 3.0 AT | 239 hp | 500 Nm | 2967 cc | Diesel | 6, V-shaped | Turbo | 6-speed Automatic | AWD |
| Fourth, 2.0 MT | 120 hp | 290 Nm | 1968 cc | Diesel | 4, Inline | Turbo | 6-speed Manual | FWD |
| Fourth, 2.0 CVT | 120 hp | 290 Nm | 1968 cc | Diesel | 4, Inline | Turbo | Variable | FWD |
| Fourth restyling, 1.8 MT | 120 or 170 hp | 230 or 320 Nm | 1798 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | Turbo | 6-speed Manual | FWD or AWD |
| Fourth restyling, 2.0 MT | 180, 211, or 225 hp | 320 or 350 Nm | 1984 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | Turbo | 6-speed Manual | FWD or AWD |
| Fourth restyling, 2.0 CVT | 211 or 225 hp | 350 Nm | 1984 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | Turbo | Variable | FWD |
| Fourth restyling, 3.0 S-tronic | 272 hp | 400 Nm | 2995 cc | Gasoline | 6, V-shaped | Turbo | 7-speed Robotic | AWD |
| Fifth, 1.4 MT | 150 hp | 250 Nm | 1395 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | Turbo | 6-speed Manual | FWD |
| Fifth, 2.0 MT | 190 hp | 320 Nm | 1984 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | Turbo | 6-speed Manual | FWD |
| Fifth, 2.0 S-tronic | 249 or 252 hp | 370 Nm | 1984 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | Turbo | 7-speed Robotic | FWD |
| Fifth, 2.0 MT | 122 or 150 hp | 270 or 320 Nm | 1968 cc | Diesel | 4, Inline | Turbo | 6-speed Manual | FWD |
| Fifth, 2.0 S-tronic | 122, 150, or 190 hp | 270, 320, or 400 Nm | 1968 cc | Diesel | 4, Inline | Turbo | 7-speed Robotic | FWD or AWD |
| Fifth restyling, 2.0 MT | 150 hp | 270 Nm | 1984 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | Turbo | 6-speed Manual | FWD |
| Fifth restyling, 2.0 S-tronic | 136, 163, or 190 hp | 320, 380, or 400 Nm | 1968 cc | Diesel | 4, Inline | Turbo | 7-speed Robotic | FWD or AWD |
| Fifth restyling, 3.0 AT | 231 hp | 500 Nm | 2967 cc | Diesel | 6, V-shaped | Turbo | 8-speed Automatic | AWD |
| Fifth restyling, 50 TDI V6 quattro Tiptronic | 286 hp | 620 Nm | 2967 cc | Diesel | 6, V-shaped | Turbo | 8-speed Automatic | AWD |
| Fifth restyling, 50 TDI V6 quattro MHEV Tiptronic | 286 hp | 620 Nm | 2967 cc | Diesel | 6, V-shaped | Turbo | 8-speed Automatic | AWD |
For output relative to displacement, the fifth-generation 252 hp 2.0 S-tronic produces about 127 hp per litre, while the 286 hp 50 TDI V6 quattro Tiptronic produces about 96 hp per litre. The 286 hp diesel instead emphasizes torque: its 620 Nm exceeds the 252 hp Gasoline version’s 370 Nm by 250 Nm.
Audi A4 performance, mpg and economy
For outright pace, the fifth-generation restyled 50 TDI V6 quattro Tiptronic and 50 TDI V6 quattro MHEV Tiptronic lead the supplied versions at 5.3 seconds to 100 km/h and 250 km/h. Their measured combined consumption is 5.7 and 6.0 l/100 km respectively. The MHEV version is 55 kg heavier at 1785 kg and emits 158 g/km of CO₂, versus 1730 kg and 150 g/km for the non-MHEV version. With identical 286 hp and 620 Nm outputs, the non-MHEV car has the better recorded consumption and weight figures.
The restyled fifth-generation 231 hp 3.0 AT reaches 100 km/h in 6.1 seconds and 249 km/h while using 5.6 l/100 km combined. It gives up 55 hp and 120 Nm to either 286 hp version, but its recorded combined consumption is 0.1 l/100 km lower than the 50 TDI V6 quattro Tiptronic and 0.4 l/100 km lower than the 50 TDI V6 quattro MHEV Tiptronic.
For economy, the fifth-generation 150 hp Diesel 2.0 MT with 3.7 l/100 km combined is the strongest measured choice. The equivalent 150 hp Diesel 2.0 S-tronic records 3.8 l/100 km, making the Robotic convenience cost 0.1 l/100 km in the supplied figures. Both reach 100 km/h in 8.9 and 8.7 seconds respectively.
The fifth-generation 190 hp Diesel 2.0 S-tronic illustrates the FWD-versus-AWD trade-off particularly clearly. The FWD version reaches 100 km/h in 7.7 seconds, consumes 4.1 l/100 km combined, and weighs 1480 kg. The AWD version is 0.5 seconds quicker, consumes 4.4 l/100 km, and weighs 95 kg more. That additional driven axle therefore accompanies quicker acceleration but also 0.3 l/100 km higher consumption.
Some versions have no recorded performance or consumption result. For the third-generation 200 hp AWD 2.0 MT and 2.0 AT, acceleration, top speed, and consumption are not measured. For the fourth-generation Diesel 2.0 CVT, top speed and consumption are not measured. For the fifth-generation 122 hp Diesel 2.0 MT and 2.0 S-tronic, consumption is not measured.
Audi A4 dimensions, weight and practical specs
The first-generation Estate versions shown weigh 1175–1365 kg and use a 60-litre tank, while the restyled first-generation Sedan versions range from 1120 to 1480 kg where measured and use a 62-litre tank. Ground clearance is 110 mm in both entries.
The second-generation Cabrio uses a 66-litre tank on most displayed versions, although the later 1.8 AT entry records 70 litres. Its measured kerb weights range from 1470 to 1660 kg, and ground clearance is 130 mm. The third-generation Cabrio uses a 70-litre tank, weighs 1520–1790 kg where measured, and also has 130 mm clearance.
The fourth-generation Sedan uses a 65-litre tank. Measured kerb weight runs from 1410 kg for the 120 and 160 hp FWD 1.8 MT to 1690 kg for the Diesel 3.0 AT. Ground clearance is 160 mm on the Gasoline versions shown and 135 mm on the displayed Diesel 2.0 MT and 2.0 CVT.
The restyled fourth-generation Sedan retains a 65-litre tank but records 120 mm of clearance. Its displayed wheel sizes include 225/55 R16, 225/50 R17, and 245/40 R18. Kerb weights span 1430–1665 kg.
The fifth-generation Sedan uses a 54-litre tank and has 140 mm ground clearance. Wheel choices shown across its versions are 205/60 R16, 225/50 R17, 245/40 R18, and 245/35 R19. Kerb weights span 1320–1575 kg.
The restyled fifth-generation Estate uses either a 54- or 58-litre tank and weighs 1465–1785 kg. Ground clearance and wheel sizes are not measured. Gross weight ranges from 2070 kg for the 150 hp Gasoline 2.0 MT to 2355 kg for both 286 hp versions.
Weight per horsepower reinforces the performance rankings. The restyled fifth-generation 50 TDI V6 quattro Tiptronic carries about 6.0 kg per hp, compared with about 7.5 kg per hp for the 231 hp 3.0 AT and about 11.3 kg per hp for the 136 hp Estate 2.0 S-tronic at 1535 kg.
Which Audi A4 version should you choose?
Choose the fifth-generation 150 hp Diesel 2.0 MT if measured combined economy matters most: 3.7 l/100 km is the lowest figure in this data. The 150 hp Diesel 2.0 S-tronic is the close alternative at 3.8 l/100 km and is 0.2 seconds quicker to 100 km/h.
Choose the fifth-generation 190 hp Diesel 2.0 S-tronic in FWD form for the sharper balance of pace and consumption: 7.7 seconds to 100 km/h and 4.1 l/100 km combined. Select its AWD counterpart if the 7.2-second acceleration figure matters more than the additional 95 kg and 0.3 l/100 km.
Choose the restyled fifth-generation 50 TDI V6 quattro Tiptronic for maximum recorded performance. It matches the MHEV version’s 286 hp, 620 Nm, 5.3-second acceleration, and 250 km/h top speed, while weighing 55 kg less and recording 0.3 l/100 km lower combined consumption.
Choose the 252 hp fifth-generation Gasoline 2.0 S-tronic when power per litre is the priority. At about 127 hp per litre, it is more highly rated relative to displacement than the larger 286 hp Diesel, and it reaches 100 km/h in 6.3 seconds.
For an older Cabrio, the third-generation 255 hp 3.1 MT AWD is the quickest fully measured Gasoline choice at 6.8 seconds to 100 km/h. The 233 hp Diesel 3.0 MT AWD is slower at 7.3 seconds but produces 450 Nm, which is 120 Nm more than the 330 Nm version of the 3.1 MT.
For the first-generation Estate, the 150 hp Turbo 1.8 MT FWD is the quickest fully measured version shown at 8.5 seconds to 100 km/h and 218 km/h. The 101 hp 1.6 MT is slower at 12.1 seconds but records 8.0 l/100 km combined, compared with 7.8 l/100 km for that 150 hp 1.8 MT. On these figures, the Turbo version is both substantially quicker and 0.2 l/100 km more economical.
No recommendation can be made here on Audi A4 price, reliability, engine-mount replacement cost, engine oil, or examples for sale because those values are not measured in the supplied data.