2004 Audi A4 vs. 1996 Audi S6
To start off, 2004 Audi A4 is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Audi S6. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Audi S6 would be higher. At 4,172 cc (8 cylinders), 1996 Audi S6 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Audi S6 (322 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 99 more horse power than 2004 Audi A4. (223 HP @ 6300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Audi S6 should accelerate faster than 2004 Audi A4. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Audi S6 weights approximately 135 kg more than 2004 Audi A4. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are four wheel drive (4WD) - it offers better handling, traction, and control in all driving conditions compared with front wheel drive or 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, 1996 Audi S6 (400 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 100 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Audi A4. (300 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 1996 Audi S6 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Audi A4.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Audi A4 | 1996 Audi S6 | |
| Make | Audi | Audi |
| Model | A4 | S6 |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2976 cc | 4172 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 5 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 223 HP | 322 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 300 Nm | 400 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.5 mm | 84.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 92.8 mm | 93 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 11.6:1 |
| Top Speed | 236 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 9.2 seconds | 6 seconds |
| Drive Type | 4WD | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1610 kg | 1745 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4550 mm | 4800 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2660 mm | 2700 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 10.9 L/100km | 14.9 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 66 L | 80 L |
