1996 Audi A4 vs. 2011 Ford S-Max
To start off, 2011 Ford S-Max is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Audi A4. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Audi A4 would be higher. At 1,997 cc (4 cylinders), 2011 Ford S-Max is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Ford S-Max (128 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 27 more horse power than 1996 Audi A4. (101 HP @ 5300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Ford S-Max should accelerate faster than 1996 Audi A4. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Ford S-Max weights approximately 558 kg more than 1996 Audi A4. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear wheel drive vehicles. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 2011 Ford S-Max (320 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 180 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Audi A4. (140 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 2011 Ford S-Max will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Audi A4.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Audi A4 | 2011 Ford S-Max | |
| Make | Audi | Ford |
| Model | A4 | S-Max |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Minivan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1595 cc | 1997 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 101 HP | 128 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 140 Nm | 320 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3800 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 85.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 77.5 mm | 88 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1185 kg | 1743 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 4770 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1890 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1660 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2860 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 70 L |
