| Model Year | 2011 | 2012 | |
| Model | Audi A4 / S4 | Mercedes-Benz M-Class | |
| Engine | supercharged 3.0L V6 DOHC-4v 333 hp@5500 325 lb-ft@2900 |
turbocharged 5.5L V8 DOHC-4v 518 hp@5250 516 lb-ft@1750 |
|
| Transmission | 7-speed automated manual | 7-speed shiftable automatic | |
| Drivetrain | AWD | AWD | |
| Body | 4dr Wagon | 4dr SUV | |
| Difference | |||
| Wheelbase | 110.6 in | 114.8 in | -4.2 in |
| Length | 185.2 in | 189.1 in | -3.9 in |
| Width | 71.9 in | 75.2 in | -3.3 in |
| Height | 56.5 in | 70.7 in | -14.2 in |
| Curb Weight | 3757 lb. | 5238 lb. | -1481 lb. |
| Fuel Capacity | 16.9 gal. | 24.6 gal. | -7.7 gal. |
| Headroom, Row 1 | 40.4 in | 38.9 in | 1.5 in |
| Shoulder Room, Row 1 | 55.5 in | 58.5 in | -3 in |
| Legroom, Row 1 | 41.3 in | 40.3 in | 1 in |
| Headroom, Row 2 | 38.2 in | 38.5 in | -0.3 in |
| Shoulder Room, Row 2 | 54.3 in | 58.4 in | -4.1 in |
| Legroom, Row 2 | 35.2 in | 38.4 in | -3.2 in |
| Total Legroom | 76.5 in (over 2 rows) | 78.7 in (over 2 rows) | -2.2 in |
| Cargo Volume, Minimum | 17.3 ft3 | 36.2 ft3 | -18.9 ft3 |
| Cargo Volume, Maximum | 50.5 ft3 | 71.0 ft3 | -20.5 ft3 |
| 2011 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 |
| 2011 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 |
| 2010 | 4dr Sedan supercharged 333hp 3.0L V6 7-speed automated manual AWD |
Padding a bit stiff see full Audi A4 / S4 review |
| 2010 | 4dr Sedan supercharged 333hp 3.0L V6 7-speed automated manual AWD |
Too narrow see full Audi A4 / S4 review |
| 2010 | 4dr Wagon turbocharged 211hp 2.0L I4 6-speed shiftable automatic AWD |
Huh, never have, never will sit in the back of this car...It is a hoot to drive see full Audi A4 / S4 review |
| 2012 Mercedes-Benz M-Class Seat Room and Comfort: Pros | ||
| Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
| 2013 | 4dr SUV turbocharged 240hp 3.0L V6 Diesel 7-speed shiftable automatic AWD |
No more back or leg pain on long trips. see full Mercedes-Benz M-Class review |