

Model Year | 2012 | 2006 | |
Model | Audi A4 / S4 | Ford Explorer | |
Engine | |||
Transmission | |||
Drivetrain | |||
Body | 4dr Sedan | 4dr SUV | |
Difference | |||
Wheelbase | 110.6 in | 113.7 in | -3.1 in |
Length | 185.2 in | 193.4 in | -8.2 in |
Width | 71.9 in | 73.7 in | -1.8 in |
Height | 56.2 in | 72.8 in | -16.6 in |
Curb Weight | 3590 lb. | 4440 lb. | -850 lb. |
Fuel Capacity | 16.9 gal. | 22.5 gal. | -5.6 gal. |
Headroom, Row 1 | 40.0 in | 39.8 in | 0.2 in |
Shoulder Room, Row 1 | 55.5 in | 59.0 in | -3.5 in |
Hip Room, Row 1 | 0.0 in | 55.4 in | -55.4 in |
Legroom, Row 1 | 41.3 in | 42.4 in | -1.1 in |
Headroom, Row 2 | 37.5 in | 38.7 in | -1.2 in |
Shoulder Room, Row 2 | 54.3 in | 58.9 in | -4.6 in |
Hip Room, Row 2 | 0.0 in | 55.5 in | -55.5 in |
Legroom, Row 2 | 35.2 in | 36.9 in | -1.7 in |
Headroom, Row 3 | 0.0 in | 37.4 in | -37.4 in |
Shoulder Room, Row 3 | 0.0 in | 53.1 in | -53.1 in |
Hip Room, Row 3 | 0.0 in | 45.3 in | -45.3 in |
Legroom, Row 3 | 0.0 in | 34.9 in | -34.9 in |
Total Legroom | 76.5 in (over 2 rows) | 114.2 in (over 3 rows) | -37.7 in |
Cargo Volume, Minimum | 12.4 ft3 | 13.6 ft3 | -1.2 ft3 |
Cargo Volume, Behind R2 | 12.4 | 43.9 ft3 | -31.5 |
Cargo Volume, Maximum | 12.4 ft3 | 83.7 ft3 | -71.3 ft3 |
2012 Audi A4 / S4 Seat Room and Comfort: Pros | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
2012 | 4dr Sedan supercharged 333hp 3.0L V6 7-speed automated manual AWD |
Without question, the most comfortable car for long road trips that I've ever owned. Our family of four took a road trip of ~2000 miles, longest single-day drive was 11 hours, and never felt any fatigue or discomfort from the seating. Seats are firm and supportive but not harsh or uncomfortable. see full Audi A4 / S4 review |
2012 Audi A4 / S4 Seat Room and Comfort: Cons | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
2012 | 4dr Sedan turbocharged 211hp 2.0L I4 6-speed manual AWD |
Like German cars, the seats are quite hard. see full Audi A4 / S4 review |
2006 Ford Explorer Seat Room and Comfort: Pros | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
2006 | 4dr SUV 292-horsepower 4.6L V8 6-speed automatic 4WD w/low range |
Have driven from Maryland to Florida and back a couple of times, as well as 3-4 hours trips routinely. Seats are comfortable with no backache and don't have to stop every couple of hours due to fatigue. Could drive and be comfortable all day long. see full Ford Explorer review |
2005 | 4dr SUV 210-horsepower 4.0L V6 5-speed automatic 4WD w/low range |
Lots of room. Great even in the 3rd rear bench see full Ford Explorer review |
2005 | 4dr SUV 210-horsepower 4.0L V6 5-speed automatic RWD |
Plenty of leg room see full Ford Explorer review |