You’ve given the Audi A4 some serious attention if you’re looking for a premium car in the midsize category. However, there are a wide variety of Audi’s to choose from. For this comparison, we’ll be comparing the Audi A4 and A5, two cars that have many similarities but also have their own distinct characteristics, which we’ll explore below.
Key Information:
Here is a table of the key differences between the Audi A4 and the Audi A5, based on the information from the search results:
| Feature | Audi A4 | Audi A5 |
|---|---|---|
| Body Style | Sedan | Coupe, Sportback, Cabriolet |
| Engine | 2.0L turbo 4-cylinder (40 TFSI®) or 2.0L turbo 4-cylinder (45 TFSI®) | 2.0L turbo 4-cylinder |
| Horsepower | 201 HP or 261 HP | 261 HP |
| Torque | 236 lb.-ft. or 273 lb.-ft. | 273 lb.-ft. |
| Fuel Economy (MPG) | 24 city/33 hwy or 24 city/32 hwy | 24 city/32 hwy |
| Cargo Space | Less than the A5 | 21.8 cubic feet |
The Audi A4 is a sedan, while the Audi A5 is available in coupe, sportback, and cabriolet body styles[5]. Both models have the same 2.0L turbo 4-cylinder engine, but the A5 has a slightly higher horsepower of 261 HP compared to the A4’s 201 HP or 261 HP options[1]. The A5 also has a higher torque of 273 lb.-ft. compared to the A4’s 236 lb.-ft. or 273 lb.-ft. options[1]. In terms of fuel economy, both models have the same rating of 24 city/33 hwy or 24 city/32 hwy[1]. However, the A5 has more cargo space than the A4, offering 21.8 cubic feet compared to the A4’s lesser amount[6].
Citations:
[1] https://www.audihoffmanestates.com/research/a4-vs-a5.htm
[2] https://www.motorbiscuit.com/audi-a4-vs-audi-a5-which-luxury-sedan-is-for-you/
[3] https://www.motorverso.com/audi-a5-vs-a4/
[4] https://www.audicincinnatieast.com/audi-a4-vs-a5-vs-a6.htm
[5] https://www.leasefetcher.co.uk/versus/audi-a4-vs-a5
[6] https://getjerry.com/questions/whats-the-difference-between-an-audi-a4-and-a5
Which car is the greatest fit for your needs and budget? You’re at the correct spot. This article is intended to help you make a better informed purchase choice by providing information on factors such as cost, durability, security, and the likelihood of encountering common issues.
See our review: Audi A5 vs Audi A6
See our review on the: A6 VS A4
As you’ll see, there are quite a few model years between the A4 and the A5, but for the purpose of this comparison, we’ll be utilizing the most recent versions of both cars. Leave a comment below if you’d want us to contrast certain generations of either, and we’ll do it in a separate article.
Audi A4 Vs A5
Audi debuted the A4 in 1994 as a small executive vehicle, and it is still in production today. We think the B8/B8.5 and B9 versions of the A4 will be the most widely purchased. The first three generations were constructed using the B platform from the Volkswagen Group, while the most recent two versions were constructed using the MLB platform.
The A4 comes as a sedan, a station wagon, and a convertible in the B6 and B7 generations. The A4 lineup also includes the sporty S4 and the ultra-powerful RS 4. However, Audi separated the convertible, 5-door liftback and coupe versions into the Audi A5 brand following the B8 generation.
After a long hiatus (the Audi 80 coupe was only manufactured from 1979 to 1986), Audi finally returned to the tiny executive coupe market by introducing the A5 in early 2007. Audi saw an opportunity to fill a need for a midsize premium coupe and seized it.
The first and second-generation A5s ride on the Volkswagen Group’s MLB platform. Besides the coupe and hatchback, the A5 is also available as a convertible and a Sportback. The A5 is also available in two sportier variants, the S5 and the RS 5. The A5 might be thought of as an athletic A4.
Audi A4 Generatons:
- B5 – A4: 1994-2001
- B6 – A4: 2001-2006
- B7 A4: – 2004-2009
- B8/B8.5 A4: – 2009-2016
- B9 A4: – 2016-2023
Audi A5 Generatons:
- B8/B8.5 A5: 2008-2017
- B9 A5: 2018-Present
Hopefully, reviewing the individual generations will help you make sense of the many A4 and A5 variants available. Each generation has distinct specifications, engines, gearboxes, and much more that we’ll be discussing over here. But we believe the most crucial component of a purchase choice is pricing, so we’ll delve into that immediately.
A4 versus A5 Price
The norm for Audi pricing is that a higher price tag indicates a more luxurious model. If you compare the A4 and the A3, the A4 is much more costly; if you compare the Q7 and the Q5, the Q7 is much more expensive; and so on. The Audi A4 and A5 are very identical in this respect.
A4 and A5 General Topics
Comparison of the A4 and A5 Body Dimensions.
Size and weight information for the A4 and A5 are provided below.
| Audi A4 2022 model | Audi A5 2022 model | |
| Length | 187.5″ | 184.9 |
| Width | 72.7″ | 72.6″ |
| Height | 56.2″ | 53.9″ |
| Wheelbase | 111″ | 108.8″ |
| Curb Weight | 3,417 lb | 3638 lb |
| Cargo Space | 12ft | 9.3ft – 21.8ft |
| Seating Capacity | 5 | 4 |
The table displays several distinctions. The numbers almost uniformly point to the A4 being the more prominent type. When we claimed that the A5 is essentially an A4 with more significant muscle, that’s what we had in mind. The A5’s convertible roof and folding rear seats make up the shortfall in cargo capacity compared to the sedan version. Despite being a coupe, the A5’s seating is still crucial (only two doors).
The A4’s four doors will make getting to the rear seats more accessible, making it a better choice if you often carpool or have children. If you want a sporty Audi and seldom transport more than two persons, the A5 might be a wiser choice.
High-Performance Audi A4 and A5 Models
There have been too many engine configurations for the Audi A4 to cover them all here, so we’ll be basing our discussion of available powertrains on the 2022 base A4 and A5 models.
Drivetrain and Engines
The 2017 Audi A4 is powered by a 2.0 litre TFSI (or 40 TDI) engine that generates 201 horsepower and 236 pound-feet of torque. When the rev limiter is engaged, it can reach a peak speed of 130 mph from a standstill in an astounding 6.3 seconds. When the RPM limitation is removed, the vehicle may reach its true peak speed of 150 mph. The 40 TFSI has a combined 26 mpg in the city and 34 mpg on the highway, with a fuel capacity of 15.3 gallons. The Audi website states that the A4 has the quattro® powertrain and a 7-speed S Tronic dual-clutch gearbox as standard equipment.
The 2.0-litre TFSI Premium (45 TFSI) engine used in the 2017 Audi A5 produces 261 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque. It can go from 0-60 in 5.3 seconds and can reach 130 mph with the rev limiter engaged. Without the rev restriction, the maximum legal speed is 155 mph. The 45 TFSI has a combined 27 mpg on the interstate and city roads with its 15.3 gallon fuel tank. The A5 has the quattro® all-wheel-drive system and the 7-speed S Tronic dual-clutch gearbox as standard equipment.
Tuning Capabilities
The tuning potential of the A4 and A5 is discussed briefly since it may interest some of our readers. We don’t have precise figures for the 2022s, but we know from experience that both models are flexible. Both models have a thriving modding community, and many variants are available.
Since both of them already have turbocharged engines, spending a few hundred dollars on an ECU tune, downpipe, and cold air intake would significantly boost their performance. We have a piece titled “The 5 Best Audi A4 B9 Performance Mods,” and we’re hard at work on a guide for the A5 that will detail the performance enhancements that can be made to the A4.
Common Issues and Dependability of the Audi A4 and A5
Audi A4
RepairPal gave the Audi A4 Quattro® a 3.0 out of 5, while other sites gave it an even worse rating, an average of 37.85 out of 100. To be more exact, the 2009 B7 Audi A4 was the worst model year, so avoid it at all costs.
The average yearly upkeep expense is £630. Excessive oil consumption (2011), engine misfires, defective pistons (2012), PCV valve failure, high-pressure fuel pump failure, and other issues are familiar with the A4. The list of issues with the A4 is long, yet many people have driven theirs for 200,000 miles or more without any major issues.
Please read on for solutions to some of the most often encountered issues with the A4 generation.
Audi A5
As for the Audi A5 quattro®, RepairPal gave it a 3.0 out of a possible five stars. Due to their status as the initial years of production for their respective generations, B8 and B9 A5s seem to have more issues than their later counterparts. A higher-than-average annual expenditure of $887 for upkeep puts it above the A4 price range. The Audi A5 is prone to various problems, including those with the timing chain, the oil, the engine, the clutch, the electrical system, carbon buildup, the control arms, and more. Despite the extensive list of regular difficulties, many A5s have surpassed 200,000 miles without severe engine problems.
Which Is Better, an A4 or an A5?
The correct response to this topic will vary from person to person. We hope that by discussing many factors, such as cost, size, performance, and dependability, we have helped you to answer this issue better. The A4 is more cost-effective, has larger passenger space, four doors, and was designed as a car for people. The A5, the other hand, is somewhat more costly, has fewer seats, and is more powerful and sporty. The Audi A5 is our pick, but only because it suits our way of life well.
Audi A4 vs. A5: Final Verdict
It’s not possible to say with certainty that one Audi model is superior to another. The driver’s situation and requirements should determine the answer. The benefits and drawbacks of both designs have been outlined above. There isn’t much of a price difference between the two regarding the secondhand market, and both are available for less than £38,000 when purchased a newer model.
How do the Audi A4 and A5 stack up, in your opinion? Which do you favour, if either? If you’ve driven both, you probably have a firm preference. Leave a comment and assist other readers with your knowledge!
