A4 vs S60
Put the A4 next to the S60 and you have Audi and Volvo going after exactly the same compact luxury car crowd. The honest headline: the A4 and the S60 are evenly matched in most of the areas we compared.
At a glance
- Engine & Performance S60 wins
- Fuel Economy & Range Tie
- Space & Practicality Tie
- Off-road & Towing Tie
- Engine & Performance3.1
- Fuel Economy & Range7.9
- Engine & Performance5.3
- Fuel Economy & Range8.6
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 S60 has 46 hp more power
The S60’s 247 hp leaves the A4’s 201 hp well behind, so if this spec matters to you, the choice is easy. The S60’s extra output gives it more in reserve when you need to get up to speed.
-
The S60 has 22 lb-ft more torque
A modest but measurable lead goes to the S60: 258 lb-ft compared with 236 lb-ft. The S60’s extra torque makes it more relaxed when fully loaded or towing.
Design & Size
Engine & Performance
S60 leads
For engine & performance, the verdict is easy: the S60 leads, and not by a little. The S60 wins here with 46 hp more power. More power helps with merging, overtaking and climbing hills, especially with passengers and luggage on board. For anyone who cares most about engine & performance, the S60 is the safer choice.
Total system output
A4: 201 hp S60: 247 hp Power is only part of the story; weight, gearing and torque delivery shape how quick a car feels.
Torque
A4: 236 lb-ft S60: 258 lb-ft Electrified powertrains deliver torque instantly, so compare torque figures alongside the powertrain type.
Fuel Economy & Range
Too close to call
Evenly matched is the fairest summary of the fuel economy & range section. Both cover fuel economy & range well enough that other priorities should break the tie.
Space & Practicality
Too close to call
In the space & practicality category, the A4 and the S60 land in almost the same place. In short, space & practicality is a draw; the decision lies elsewhere.
Off-road & Towing
Too close to call
Neither pulls ahead on off-road & towing; the numbers are close throughout. Neither car gives you a reason to choose it on off-road & towing.
Safety & Tech
The safety & tech entries below are descriptive rather than numeric. Read them side by side to see where the A4 and the S60 part ways.
Full Specifications
Engine & Performance
| Spec | A4 | S60 |
|---|---|---|
| Powertrain | Gas (12V mild hybrid) | Gas (48V mild hybrid) |
| Engine | 2.0L turbo I4 | 2.0L turbo I4 |
| Total system output | 201 hp | 247 hp (winner) |
| Torque | 236 lb-ft | 258 lb-ft (winner) |
| Transmission | 7-speed dual-clutch (S tronic) | 8-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain | AWD (quattro) | FWD (AWD available) |
Fuel Economy & Range
| Spec | A4 | S60 |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel economy (combined)EPA estimate where available | 29 mpg | 30 mpg |
| Fuel economy (city) | 26 mpg | 27 mpg |
| Fuel economy (highway) | 36 mpg | 36 mpg |
Space & Practicality
| Spec | A4 | S60 |
|---|---|---|
| Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
Off-road & Towing
| Spec | A4 | S60 |
|---|---|---|
| AWD / 4WD available | Yes | Yes |
Safety & Tech
| Spec | A4 | S60 |
|---|---|---|
| Basic warranty | 4 yr / 50,000 mi | 4 yr / 50,000 mi |
“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 S60 if…
- you want more power (247 hp vs 201 hp)
- you often drive loaded up or with a trailer (258 lb-ft vs 236 lb-ft of torque)
- you prefer staying with Volvo
Also Compared
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I buy the A4 or the S60?
On the specs compared here, the S60 makes more sense for most buyers; the A4 doesn’t win a single measurable area.
Executive Summary
Comparing the A4 and the S60 feels a bit like comparing two good restaurants with different menus. The biggest reason I lean toward the S60 is simple: it has 46 hp more power.
The way I see it, people who prioritize the things a spec sheet can’t capture will be happier with the A4, and those who prioritize engine & performance with the S60.
My pick: the S60.
Personal opinion based on the data above. Your priorities may differ.