2004 Audi S4 vs. 2011 BMW 550
To start off, 2011 BMW 550 is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2004 Audi S4. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2004 Audi S4 would be higher. At 4,400 cc (8 cylinders), 2011 BMW 550 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 BMW 550 (400 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 61 more horse power than 2004 Audi S4. (339 HP @ 7000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 BMW 550 should accelerate faster than 2004 Audi S4. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 BMW 550 weights approximately 215 kg more than 2004 Audi S4. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2004 Audi S4 is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2011 BMW 550. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2004 Audi S4 will offer significantly more control. 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 BMW 550 (609 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 199 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Audi S4. (410 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2011 BMW 550 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Audi S4. 2004 Audi S4 has automatic transmission and 2011 BMW 550 has manual transmission. 2011 BMW 550 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2004 Audi S4 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Audi S4 | 2011 BMW 550 | |
| Make | Audi | BMW |
| Model | S4 | 550 |
| Year Released | 2004 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4170 cc | 4400 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 5 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 339 HP | 400 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 410 Nm | 609 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1755 kg | 1970 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4590 mm | 4905 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1859 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1463 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2430 mm | 2969 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 9.1 L/100km | 10.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 17.9 L/100km | 15.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 70 L |
