2011 s4 vs 2012 A6

[seattlematt]

Hey guys, I'm trying to decide between these two cars it seems that they both have the same engine similar drivetrain. I really like the luxury of the A6 and I love the 3.0t. What does the S4 offer that doesn't exist in the A6?

[importraceram]

Hey guys, I'm trying to decide between these two cars it seems that they both have the same engine similar drivetrain. I really like the luxury of the A6 and I love the 3.0t. What does the S4 offer that doesn't exist in the A6?

Manual transmission.

[seandon_792]

Overall the a6 has more options and features. The S4 has sport seats, manual transmission and carbon interior trim that wouldn’t be available on the A6.


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[4RCFED]

DSG- which you can tune, less weight etc. Less tech in the S4 but it's a trade off I guess.

[clAudi]

While the S4 is definitely not compact it's noticably shorter than the A6 as well overall more agile.


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[SteveYem]

While the S4 is definitely not compact it's noticably shorter than the A6 as well overall more agile.


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Agreed, and the S4 itself is already a bit of a porker.
I had a 2012 A6 as a loaner back when I had my 2012 S4. I enjoyed the A6 for the weekend I had it. I was impressed by the fuel efficiency of the 3.0t in the A6...it was better than I was getting in my S4.....however, the A6 version runs a less aggressive tune than the S4 from the factory if I'm not mistaken. It is a large, lumbering car but it was comfortable. My wife and I had plenty of elbow space to share on the center console during our weekend road trip, and admittedly it felt a bit cramped when we got back in the S4. But for spirited/fun driving I would pick the S4 any day.

[Audibot]

Really OP, it's what you are after. Also, stock, the A6 makes less hp and tq than the S4 (probably not going to be an issue if you don't keep it stock).

[seattlematt]

In the A6 I would certainly go stage 1 or maybe 2, so the power difference might become negligible. Both are Auto, I have not seen manual S4's in the similar price range, whereas autos are showing up 17-20K which is about the same price as the 2012 A6.

The a6 has 8 speed auto, the S4 has SMG?

[p3u]

Just a couple points.

The C7 A6 is only 150lbs heavier than a B8 S4. Same engine, lower tune, but when flashed it makes the same power. One caveat is the transmission only redlines to 6400rpm. Once a TCU tune comes out it will make the gap to tenth in the 1/4 vs a like for like tune vs S4.

I'm running 11.46 and expect to be 11.1 once the tcu tune is released from APR.

[jimrobbington]

Just a couple points.

The C7 A6 is only 150lbs heavier than a B8 S4. Same engine, lower tune, but when flashed it makes the same power. One caveat is the transmission only redlines to 6400rpm. Once a TCU tune comes out it will make the gap to tenth in the 1/4 vs a like for like tune vs S4.

I'm running 11.46 and expect to be 11.1 once the tcu tune is released from APR.

Was going to mention this. A6 has like ~30 or so less ponies from the factory.

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[seattlematt]

Thanks everyone for your responses. It sounds like I am still going to stick with looking for c7 3.0t A6.

[GandalfTheIbis]

S4 will be a better drivers car from a physics standpoint... while the A6 will have backseat that an adult can sit in comfortably for more than 30 minutes.

[jimrobbington]

S4 will be a better drivers car from a physics standpoint... while the A6 will have backseat that an adult can sit in comfortably for more than 30 minutes.

But it will feel sloppier, especially around curves.

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[AvusPdx]

Pro's (IMO)
S4 - True Dual clutch transmisson, Sports Diff, better seats for spirited driving, more agile, Flat bottom steering wheel, over all more sporty, "S" badge, more after market support
A6 - Bigger space/more cargo, same engine as the S4, more mature look, more comfortable (unless lowering it), better interior noise reduction

Con's
S4 - More aggressive and younger styling, harsher ride, DSG maintenance
A6 - "A" badge never will be an S or RS no matter how much you mod it, sloppy handling, Slush box transmission less crisp, not much of an eye catcher now days, even more dulled driving experience, no matter how much you mod it'll only be a freeway cruiser 1/4 mile muscle car

I have a child with a rear facing baby seat and I have not had an issue with space with a stroller/bouncer/diaper bag/wife.
I moved from a b7 RS4 and the interior space feels much bigger in a B8.

I though about an sq5 but when I need all that space is probably 5% of the time. I didn't want to sacrifice 95% of fun for 5% of necessity of a bigger space.

[wangshuo1989]

If it's your only car I would vote for a6. If you already have a people hauler S4 is more fun everyday, mostly due to the sport diff. You can carry much more speed into a turn and the car feels pretty neutral.

[p3u]

I went through the same thing, B8 vs C7. Ultimately I went C7 due to size, both physical room in the vehicle for a car seat and trunk space.

Obviously it won't be as fun of a car in the corners, so I didn't purchase with the intent or expectation for it to be.

Style wise is subjective, both are sharp looking vehicles, esp when tastefully modified.

Power, near as makes no difference, esp when tuned.

[nowakm99]

My personal philosophy is as follows: If you enjoy spirited driving, buy the smallest/lightest car that you can live with. If you need the extra space, go bigger with the A6.

[juniorcruzer]

I own a 2010 A6 and 2010 S4....S4 is a bit more nimble and toss-able than the A6, but the A6 is a much better put together car. Don't get the rattles and creaks that I have in the S4. A6 is APR stage 2, and it will surprise the hell out of you how well it goes. I'm 6'1" and it is a much better experience getting in and out of the A6 than the S4, but the seats and adjust-ability on the S4 is better.

Both are good cars for what they are intended. Just a matter of what you are looking for.

Jon

[GandalfTheIbis]

My personal philosophy is as follows: If you enjoy spirited driving, buy the smallest/lightest car that you can live with. If you need the extra space, go bigger with the A6.

This matches my experience as well. I drive my bigger, less flashy (by local standards) vehicle back and forth to work, and I long to be in my S4 instead almost every day. Next work car is gonna be a mini cooper S

[PopTart]

S4 is more agile. The A6 is too large. If there's a gap in traffic, you have to think twice before threading the needle.

[GandalfTheIbis]

Lol, in general you should probably think twice about "threading the needle" in traffic.

[seattlematt]

I get what you mean, 9 shouldn't make much of a difference in fitting between cars on the freeway :)

[p3u]

I get what you mean, 9 shouldn't make much of a difference in fitting between cars on the freeway :)

It doesn't lol.

[juniorcruzer]

I get what you mean, 9 shouldn't make much of a difference in fitting between cars on the freeway :)

Technically 8.7"...I always round up as well.

Jon

[AFR1485]

Sounds like the OP wants a comfortable cruiser more than an engaging driving experience. I think the A6 with the 3.0 is great for that. That car feels more than 150lbs heavier than the S4.


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[TEB]

If you'd like the extra space and don't intend to track the car, the A6 is an easy decision. I've had a B5, B6, and now B8 and never felt bad stuffing adults in the back seat if they want me to drive.