Audi S4

The Audi S4 is a performance-oriented Audi model offered across seven generations in the supplied catalogue data. Production spans from 1997 onward. Body styles include Sedan and Cabrio. The model range covers gasoline and diesel versions, all with AWD.

Overview

Generations

1 generation (1997–2001) was offered as a Sedan with four versions. Its range used a 2.7-litre gasoline turbo V-shaped six-cylinder engine, paired with either Manual or Automatic transmission.

2 generation (2002–2004) was available as a Cabrio with six versions. All listed versions used a naturally aspirated 4.2-litre gasoline V-shaped eight-cylinder engine, with Manual or Automatic transmissions.

3 generation (2004–2008) continued as a Cabrio and included six versions. The supplied data lists the same 4.2-litre naturally aspirated gasoline V-shaped eight-cylinder layout, with Manual and Automatic choices.

4 generation (2008–2011) returned to the Sedan body style with four versions. It used a 3.0-litre gasoline V-shaped six-cylinder engine with a Compressor, available with Manual or Robotic transmission.

4 generation, restyling (2011–2016) was a Sedan with three versions. It retained the 3.0-litre gasoline V-shaped six-cylinder Compressor engine, offered with Manual or Robotic transmission.

5 generation (2016–2019) was a Sedan with four versions. The range included a 3.0-litre diesel turbo V-shaped six-cylinder engine and a 3.0-litre gasoline turbo V-shaped six-cylinder engine.

5 generation, restyling (from 2019) is a Sedan with two versions. Both listed versions use a 3.0-litre diesel turbo V-shaped six-cylinder engine.

Engines and specs

Generation	Version	Power	Torque	Displacement	Fuel	Cylinders / layout	Boost	Gearbox	Drive
1 generation	2.7 AT	265 hp	400 Nm	2671 cc	Gasoline	6, V-shaped	Turbo	Automatic, 5	AWD
1 generation	2.7 MT	265 hp	400 Nm	2671 cc	Gasoline	6, V-shaped	Turbo	Manual, 6	AWD
2 generation	4.2 MT	344 hp	410 Nm	4163 cc	Gasoline	8, V-shaped	No	Manual, 6	AWD
2 generation	4.2 AT	344 hp	410 Nm	4163 cc	Gasoline	8, V-shaped	No	Automatic, 6	AWD
3 generation	4.2 MT	344 hp	410 Nm	4163 cc	Gasoline	8, V-shaped	No	Manual, 6	AWD
3 generation	4.2 AT	344 hp	410 Nm	4163 cc	Gasoline	8, V-shaped	No	Automatic, 6	AWD
4 generation	3.0 MT	333 hp	440 Nm	2995 cc	Gasoline	6, V-shaped	Compressor	Manual, 6	AWD
4 generation	3.0 S-tronic	333 hp	440 Nm	2995 cc	Gasoline	6, V-shaped	Compressor	Robotic, 7	AWD
4 generation, restyling	3.0 MT	333 hp	440 Nm	2995 cc	Gasoline	6, V-shaped	Compressor	Manual, 6	AWD
4 generation, restyling	3.0 S-tronic	333 hp	440 Nm	2995 cc	Gasoline	6, V-shaped	Compressor	Robotic, 7	AWD
5 generation	3.0 AT, 347 hp	347 hp	700 Nm	2967 cc	Diesel	6, V-shaped	Turbo	Automatic, 8	AWD
5 generation	3.0 AT, 354 hp	354 hp	500 Nm	2995 cc	Gasoline	6, V-shaped	Turbo	Automatic, 8	AWD
5 generation, restyling	3.0 AT, 347 hp	347 hp	700 Nm	2967 cc	Diesel	6, V-shaped	Turbo	Automatic, 8	AWD

Performance and economy

The listed Audi S4 versions have a top speed of 250 km/h. The quickest measured 0–100 km/h result is 4.7 seconds for the 5 generation 3.0 AT, 354 hp. The 5 generation diesel 3.0 AT, 347 hp is listed at 4.8–4.9 seconds, while the 4 generation and facelifted 4 generation 3.0-litre versions range from 5.0 to 5.4 seconds.

For the earliest 1 generation 2.7 AT, 0–100 km/h is not measured. Its fuel-consumption figures are also not measured. The manual 2.7 MT is listed at 5.7–5.8 seconds to 100 km/h and 17.0 l/100 km city, 9.0 l/100 km highway, and 11.0 l/100 km combined.

The 4.2-litre Cabrio versions record 5.6–5.9 seconds with Manual transmission and 5.8–6.2 seconds with Automatic transmission. Their combined consumption ranges from 12.3 to 13.8 l/100 km.

The supercharged 3.0-litre Sedan versions use 8.1–9.9 l/100 km combined. The 5 generation diesel 3.0 AT uses 6.2–6.3 l/100 km combined, while the gasoline 3.0 AT uses 7.3–7.5 l/100 km combined. This makes the diesel 5 generation range 1.1–3.7 l/100 km lower in combined consumption than the gasoline alternative, depending on the compared listed version.

Dimensions and weight

Kerb weight across the supplied Audi S4 data ranges from 1510 kg to 1895 kg. Gross weight ranges from 2060 kg to 2375 kg. Ground clearance ranges from 110 mm to 140 mm where measured; it is not measured for the listed diesel 5 generation versions.

Fuel-tank capacity is 62 litres for the 1 generation, 63 or 66 litres for the Cabrio generations, 64 litres for the 4 generation, 61 litres for the 4 generation restyling, and 58 litres for the 5 generation.

Wheel sizes are not measured for most versions. Listed sizes include 225/55 R16, 225/50 R17, and 245/40 R18 for the 4 generation restyling 3.0 MT. The 5 generation gasoline 3.0 AT versions list 245/40 R18 and 245/35 R19.

Which version to choose

For the strongest output in the supplied range, choose the 5 generation 3.0 AT, 354 hp: it has 7 hp more than the diesel 3.0 AT, 347 hp and reaches 100 km/h 0.1–0.2 seconds sooner. The diesel alternative provides 200 Nm more torque and has lower listed combined consumption by 1.1–1.3 l/100 km.

For the lowest listed combined fuel consumption, the 5 generation diesel 3.0 AT, 347 hp is the clear choice at 6.2–6.3 l/100 km. For a manual transmission, the 4 generation and its restyling offer the 333 hp 3.0 MT. The restyled version is listed at 5.2 seconds to 100 km/h and 9.9 l/100 km combined, compared with 5.1 seconds and 9.7 l/100 km for the earlier 4 generation 3.0 MT.

The Cabrio range suits buyers specifically seeking that body style. Its 4.2-litre 4.2 MT versions are listed at 344 hp and 410 Nm, while the 4.2 AT versions retain the same output and torque with Automatic transmission.