What is the difference between Audi S4 and RS4?

[SanEli]

The differences between Audi S4 and RS4 are: 1. Different engines: The Audi S4 is equipped with a 3.0L supercharged direct-injection engine; the RS4 has an FSI gasoline direct-injection V8 engine. 2. Different trunk capacities: The Audi S4 has a trunk capacity of 480L; the RS4 has a trunk capacity of 505L. 3. Different vehicle positioning: The Audi S4 is a sedan; the RS4 is a station wagon. 4. Different body dimensions: The Audi S4 has a length, width, and height of 4770mm, 1847mm, and 1404mm respectively, with a wheelbase of 2825mm; the RS4 has a length, width, and height of 4782mm, 1866mm, and 1437mm respectively, with a wheelbase of 2826mm.

[McTimothy]

Hey, I recently test drove these two cars, and their core difference lies in performance tuning. The Audi S4 uses a 3.0T V6 engine with smooth power delivery, offering strong acceleration without being overly aggressive. The RS4, on the other hand, is much fiercer—though also turbocharged, its power is boosted by nearly 100 horsepower, shaving over a second off the 0-100 km/h sprint and feeling more planted during high-speed cornering. The suspensions are entirely different too: the S4 leans toward daily comfort, absorbing bumps like speed bumps more gently, while the RS4 adopts a track-ready setup that feels taut even on smooth roads, better suited for seasoned drivers craving thrill rides. Additionally, the RS4 comes with beefier tires and brakes, making maintenance costlier. As an average driver, I’d pick the S4 for its balance of fun and fuel efficiency, reserving the RS4 for weekend canyon or track enthusiasts—those extra tens of thousands aren’t worth it for everyone. In short, the S4 is like a cushy sneaker, the RS4 a racing shoe—it depends whether you’re dressing for daily wear or competition.

[LeLuna]

From a daily commuting perspective, the difference between the Audi S4 and RS4 is quite significant. Driving the S4 to work every day is very comfortable, with excellent seat support and great cabin noise insulation, making long drives of one or two hours fatigue-free. However, the RS4 is much more hardcore, with a sportier suspension tuning that makes it noticeably bumpy on slightly uneven roads, making it more suitable for short-distance driving. In terms of fuel consumption, the S4 averages around 12L, while the RS4 often exceeds 15L, resulting in significantly higher long-term refueling costs. The space in both cars is basically the same, with sufficient trunk capacity, but the RS4 interior uses more carbon fiber and Alcantara, which looks cooler but is prone to dirt and harder to maintain. Price-wise, the RS4 starts at over 200,000 RMB more, with higher insurance and maintenance costs, and the extra performance is rarely utilized during daily traffic jams. I believe the S4 is more than enough for the average person, being economical and safe, while the RS4 is only suitable for those who pursue a personalized driving experience. Driving it to work isn't really worth it unless you're after attention and don't mind the extra cost.

[MacGia]

The most noticeable differences lie in the design. The Audi S4 maintains a relatively understated appearance, with a business-oriented front grille and exhaust design. In contrast, the RS4 exudes a more aggressive vibe, featuring a larger, angular bumper, standard sporty wheels, and signature silver side mirrors. The interior also stands out: the S4 seats use conventional leather with decent bolstering, while the RS4 often comes with race-inspired bucket seats upholstered in Alcantara, complemented by eye-catching stitching and carbon fiber trim, creating a cockpit-like feel. Color and customization options further differentiate the two—the RS4 offers bold choices like orange brake calipers and greater tuning potential. In summary, the S4 suits those who prefer a reserved style, whereas the RS4 caters to younger enthusiasts seeking bold individuality, though the latter comes with louder cabin noise, slightly reduced comfort, and a heftier price tag.

[BradleyDella]

There's a significant price difference between these two cars. The Audi S4 starts at over 500,000 RMB, while the RS4 jumps to nearly 800,000 RMB, with an even bigger gap when including insurance and taxes. Daily usage costs differ noticeably too - the S4 has lower fuel consumption, cheaper maintenance, and decent resale value. The RS4 not only costs more upfront but requires more frequent replacement of components like tires and brakes, potentially adding over 100,000 RMB in extra expenses over five years. In terms of value, the S4's performance satisfies most needs with 0-100km/h acceleration under 5 seconds. While the RS4 is faster, its extra horsepower is wasted in city driving, making it less cost-effective unless you're a track enthusiast. Insurance costs also differ substantially, with RS4's higher accident risk rating typically doubling premiums. For limited budgets, the S4 is the sensible choice. The RS4 only makes sense for those willing to pay premium for thrills - but remember to test drive both rather than just comparing specs on paper.

[VanChloe]

There is a significant gap in driving experience and technical details. The Audi S4's chassis tuning leans towards neutrality, offering stable and comfortable daily driving. The RS4 comes standard with a sports differential and enhanced quattro system, providing stronger grip during cornering and superior high-speed stability, though its stiffer suspension affects ride comfort over bumps. Technically, the S4 includes standard electronic assists like dynamic steering, while the RS4 adds a customizable Race mode for adjusting engine response and suspension stiffness, catering to enthusiasts looking to explore its full potential. The RS4's larger and more responsive braking system excels in heat dissipation, delivering unmatched track performance. However, higher fuel consumption and noise levels are notable drawbacks, and its components wear faster, requiring frequent maintenance checks. Personally, the S4 is ideal for urban driving with plenty of fun, while the RS4 is tailored for hardcore enthusiasts seeking extreme handling—though the extra cost for marginal gains may not justify the investment for average drivers who won't utilize all its features.