A4 vs CT4
It’s Audi against Cadillac in the compact luxury car class, and the A4 and the CT4 are the models carrying each flag. Where the A4 shines on fuel economy & range, the CT4 counters on engine & performance.
At a glance
- Engine & Performance CT4 wins
- Fuel Economy & Range A4 wins
- Space & Practicality Tie
- Off-road & Towing Tie
- Engine & Performance3.1
- Fuel Economy & Range7.9
- Engine & Performance5.0
- Fuel Economy & Range4.8
Spec scores (0 to 10) are calculated from manufacturer specs against other models in the same class. See how the formula works. They are not reviews or user ratings.
Key Differences
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The CT4 has 36 hp more power
The numbers aren’t close. The CT4 lists 237 hp for total system output, while the A4 lists 201 hp. More power helps with merging, overtaking and climbing hills, especially with passengers and luggage on board.
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The A4 has better fuel economy
Not a big gap, but a consistent one. The A4’s 29 mpg beats the CT4’s 26 mpg. Better combined fuel economy lowers your running costs every week, and the savings add up over years of ownership.
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The A4 has better city fuel economy
A clear win for the A4: 26 mpg against 22 mpg. Few specs in this matchup are as one-sided. In town, driving style has a big effect, but the A4 starts from a better baseline.
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The CT4 has 22 lb-ft more torque
The CT4 wins this narrowly, 258 lb-ft against 236 lb-ft, which makes it more of a bonus than a reason to buy. Electrified powertrains deliver torque instantly, so compare torque figures alongside the powertrain type.
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The A4 has better highway fuel economy
The A4 has a modest edge on fuel economy (highway): 36 mpg against 32 mpg for the CT4. The A4 uses less fuel on the highway, a real saving on road trips and long commutes.
Design & Size
Dimensions
| Spec | A4 | CT4 |
|---|---|---|
| Length | N/A (not specified) | 187.2 in |
| Wheelbase | N/A (not specified) | 109.3 in |
Engine & Performance
CT4 leads
The CT4 dominates the engine & performance section, and the gaps are large enough to matter in daily use. The CT4 brings 36 hp more power. The CT4’s extra output gives it more in reserve when you need to get up to speed. That makes the CT4 the natural choice for buyers focused on engine & performance.
Total system output
A4: 201 hp CT4: 237 hp Power is only part of the story; weight, gearing and torque delivery shape how quick a car feels.
Torque
A4: 236 lb-ft CT4: 258 lb-ft The CT4’s extra torque makes it more relaxed when fully loaded or towing.
Fuel Economy & Range
A4 leads
The fuel economy & range numbers point firmly in one direction: toward the A4. The A4 delivers better fuel economy. Official figures rarely match real-world driving exactly, but the ranking between two cars tends to hold. Bottom line for fuel economy & range: the A4 has the edge.
Fuel economy (combined)
A4: 29 mpg CT4: 26 mpg The A4 uses less fuel on the standard combined cycle, which matters most if you drive a lot.
Fuel economy (city)
A4: 26 mpg CT4: 22 mpg City fuel economy matters most if your driving is mostly short trips, traffic and stop-and-go commutes.
Space & Practicality
Too close to call
The space & practicality section is even. Any gaps here are within the range you’d never notice. For space & practicality, pick whichever you prefer for other reasons.
Off-road & Towing
Too close to call
In the off-road & towing category, the A4 and the CT4 land in almost the same place. Treat off-road & towing as common ground and look elsewhere for the deciding factor.
Safety & Tech
The safety & tech comparison is about what’s inside rather than how much. See the table for the A4’s and the CT4’s entries.
Full Specifications
Engine & Performance
| Spec | A4 | CT4 |
|---|---|---|
| Powertrain | Gas (12V mild hybrid) | Gas |
| Engine | 2.0L turbo I4 | 2.0L turbo I4 |
| Total system output | 201 hp | 237 hp (winner) |
| Torque | 236 lb-ft | 258 lb-ft (winner) |
| Transmission | 7-speed dual-clutch (S tronic) | 8-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain | AWD (quattro) | RWD (AWD available) |
Fuel Economy & Range
| Spec | A4 | CT4 |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel economy (combined)EPA estimate where available | 29 mpg (winner) | 26 mpg |
| Fuel economy (city) | 26 mpg (winner) | 22 mpg |
| Fuel economy (highway) | 36 mpg (winner) | 32 mpg |
Space & Practicality
| Spec | A4 | CT4 |
|---|---|---|
| Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Cargo (behind rear seats) | N/A (not specified) | 10.7 cu ft |
Off-road & Towing
| Spec | A4 | CT4 |
|---|---|---|
| AWD / 4WD available | Yes | Yes |
Safety & Tech
| Spec | A4 | CT4 |
|---|---|---|
| Basic warranty | 4 yr / 50,000 mi | 4 yr / 50,000 mi |
Dimensions
| Spec | A4 | CT4 |
|---|---|---|
| Length | N/A (not specified) | 187.2 in |
| Wheelbase | N/A (not specified) | 109.3 in |
Price
| Spec | A4 | CT4 |
|---|---|---|
| Starting MSRP | N/A (not specified) | $34,995 |
“N/A” means the manufacturer does not specify the value or we could not confirm it. Figures marked “manufacturer rating” are the maker’s own claims, not our measurements.
Which One Should You Buy?
Choose the A4 if…
- you want better combined fuel economy (29 mpg vs 26 mpg)
- you want better city fuel economy (26 mpg vs 22 mpg)
- you want better highway fuel economy (36 mpg vs 32 mpg)
Choose the CT4 if…
- you want more power (237 hp vs 201 hp)
- you often drive loaded up or with a trailer (258 lb-ft vs 236 lb-ft of torque)
- you’re loyal to Cadillac and happy with it
Also Compared
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I buy the A4 or the CT4?
There’s no single right answer. The A4 leads on fuel economy & range and the CT4 on engine & performance.
Executive Summary
Here’s my take on Audi’s A4 versus Cadillac’s CT4. Honestly, better fuel economy on the A4 does a lot of the persuading for me. The A4 also scores with better highway fuel economy. The CT4 has a trump card of its own in 36 hp more power.
If your days lean on fuel economy & range, I’d pick the A4; if they lean on engine & performance, the CT4.
My pick: whichever matches your priority, since fuel economy & range means the A4 and engine & performance means the CT4.
Personal opinion based on the data above. Your priorities may differ.