A5 vs CT4
Choosing between Audi and Cadillac often comes down to a specific pair of products. In the compact luxury car class, that pair is the A5 and the CT4. Most of what matters is shared here; the differences are real but modest.
At a glance
- Engine & Performance A5 wins
- Fuel Economy & Range Tie
- Space & Practicality Tie
- Off-road & Towing Tie
- Engine & Performance7.1
- Fuel Economy & Range4.6
- 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
-
The A5 has 31 hp more power
Slight advantage to the A5: 268 hp compared with 237 hp. Power is only part of the story; weight, gearing and torque delivery shape how quick a car feels.
-
The A5 has 37 lb-ft more torque
On torque, the A5 edges out the CT4, 295 lb-ft to 258 lb-ft. Electrified powertrains deliver torque instantly, so compare torque figures alongside the powertrain type.
Design & Size
Dimensions
| Spec | A5 | CT4 |
|---|---|---|
| Length | N/A (not specified) | 187.2 in |
| Wheelbase | N/A (not specified) | 109.3 in |
Engine & Performance
A5 leads
The A5 wins the engine & performance section decisively. Point to the A5 for 31 hp more power. More power helps with merging, overtaking and climbing hills, especially with passengers and luggage on board. The takeaway: on engine & performance, the A5 is the stronger car.
Total system output
A5: 268 hp CT4: 237 hp The A5’s extra output gives it more in reserve when you need to get up to speed.
Torque
A5: 295 lb-ft CT4: 258 lb-ft More torque means stronger pulling from low speeds, which you feel when accelerating from a stop or climbing grades.
Fuel Economy & Range
Too close to call
If fuel economy & range matters most to you, this section won’t make the decision for you: they’re level. Net result on fuel economy & range: level.
Space & Practicality
Too close to call
Side by side, the space & practicality figures for the A5 and the CT4 barely differ. If space & practicality was going to be your tiebreaker, you’ll need a different one.
Off-road & Towing
Too close to call
The A5 and the CT4 match each other closely in this area. In short, off-road & towing is a draw; the decision lies elsewhere.
Safety & Tech
The safety & tech comparison is about what’s inside rather than how much. See the table for the A5’s and the CT4’s entries.
Full Specifications
Engine & Performance
| Spec | A5 | CT4 |
|---|---|---|
| Powertrain | Gas | Gas |
| Engine | 2.0L turbo I4 | 2.0L turbo I4 |
| Total system output | 268 hp (winner) | 237 hp |
| Torque | 295 lb-ft (winner) | 258 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 7-speed dual-clutch (S tronic) | 8-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain | AWD (quattro) | RWD (AWD available) |
Fuel Economy & Range
| Spec | A5 | CT4 |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel economy (combined)EPA estimate where available | 26 mpg | 26 mpg |
| Fuel economy (city) | 22 mpg | 22 mpg |
| Fuel economy (highway) | 31 mpg | 32 mpg |
Space & Practicality
| Spec | A5 | CT4 |
|---|---|---|
| Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Cargo (behind rear seats) | N/A (not specified) | 10.7 cu ft |
Off-road & Towing
| Spec | A5 | CT4 |
|---|---|---|
| AWD / 4WD available | Yes | Yes |
Safety & Tech
| Spec | A5 | CT4 |
|---|---|---|
| Basic warranty | 4 yr / 50,000 mi | 4 yr / 50,000 mi |
Dimensions
| Spec | A5 | CT4 |
|---|---|---|
| Length | N/A (not specified) | 187.2 in |
| Wheelbase | N/A (not specified) | 109.3 in |
Price
| Spec | A5 | 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 A5 if…
- you want more power (268 hp vs 237 hp)
- you often drive loaded up or with a trailer (295 lb-ft vs 258 lb-ft of torque)
- you already use other Audi products
Also Compared
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for most people, the A5 or the CT4?
On the specs compared here, the A5 makes more sense for most buyers; the CT4 doesn’t win a single measurable area.
Executive Summary
The A5 against the CT4: two brands, one class, and more nuance than the marketing suggests. For me, the deciding factor is that only the A5 gives you 31 hp more power.
The A5 makes sense for anyone who values engine & performance; the CT4 for anyone who values the things a spec sheet can’t capture.
My pick: the A5.
Personal opinion based on the data above. Your priorities may differ.