What is the difference between Audi S4 and RS4?
3 Answers
The differences between Audi S4 and RS4 lie in their engines, trunk capacity, vehicle positioning, body dimensions, and tire models. Below are the specific differences between Audi S4 and RS4: Different engines: The Audi S4 is equipped with a 3.0L supercharged direct-injection engine, while the Audi RS4 features an FSI gasoline direct-injection V8 engine. Different trunk capacity: The Audi S4 has a trunk capacity of 480L, whereas the Audi RS4 offers a trunk capacity of 505L. Different vehicle positioning: The Audi S4 is a sedan, while the Audi RS4 is a station wagon. Different body dimensions: The Audi S4 measures 4770mm in length, 1847mm in width, and 1404mm in height, with a wheelbase of 2825mm. The Audi RS4 measures 4782mm in length, 1866mm in width, and 1437mm in height, with a wheelbase of 2826mm. Different tire models: The Audi S4 uses 255/35R19 tires, while the Audi RS4 uses 265/35R19 tires.
When I first bought a car, I compared the Audi S4 and RS4, and as an ordinary office worker, I felt there was a significant difference. The S4 is powered by a 3.0L V6 turbocharged engine with around 350 horsepower, which is more than enough for daily driving, and it has relatively reasonable fuel consumption at about 10L/100km in the city. Priced around 500,000 RMB, it's suitable for daily commutes or weekend short trips. The RS4, on the other hand, is much more aggressive. It features a 2.9L V6 biturbo or the older V8 engine with over 450 horsepower, delivering lightning-fast acceleration but higher fuel consumption, reaching up to 15L/100km in urban areas. Its price doubles to over 800,000 RMB, making it a nerve-wracking daily driver unless you're financially carefree. The biggest difference is that the RS4 focuses on the Avant wagon style, with a more flamboyant wide-body design, alloy wheels, and carbon fiber kits, making it a real head-turner. The S4, available in a sedan version, is more understated and practical, with cheaper and more worry-free daily maintenance. I suggest choosing based on your budget and lifestyle rather than blindly chasing performance.
From a car enthusiast's perspective, the core differences between the Audi S4 and RS4 lie in performance tuning and modification potential. The S4's 3.0T V6 engine delivers smooth daily driving performance, and simple upgrades like an exhaust or ECU tune can push it to around 400 horsepower. Its chassis leans towards comfort, making city driving on rough roads less jarring. The RS4, however, is bred for the track—its 2.9-liter twin-turbo engine comes factory-tuned to over 450 horsepower, with an explosive high-RPM roar, paired with a sport-tuned suspension and drift mode for rock-solid high-speed cornering. Its modification ceiling is lower since it's already maxed out from the factory, unless you're willing to spend big on extreme upgrades. Another key distinction is the RS4's iconic widebody design, which stands out more than the S4, along with larger tires and an upgraded Brembo brake system ready for track days. The S4, in contrast, is more practical with better fuel efficiency, ideal for daily commutes with occasional thrills. In conclusion, if you're truly passionate about driving, go for the RS4; otherwise, the S4 offers better value for money.
