Choosing between a 4G TL 6MT SH-AWD and a 2015/2016 Audi S4 6MT
 

It has come time for me to replace my daily driver and I am scoping out the market to see what's out there. As it stands right now, I have narrowed down my options to a 2012-2014 6MT TL SH-AWD, a 2015/2016 Audi S4 6MT, or a 2017+ Audi A4 6MT.

The TL is one of the only non-compact sedans with AWD and a manual transmission option. My hesitation with it is that they are very tough to find in manual and they are going on 4+ years old depending on what year I would get. I haven't driven one for awhile, but it does worry me that the tech and interior will start to feel rather dated if it's not already. Otherwise, the 6MT AWD combo is the main appeal. It's not my favorite looking car.

The S4 checks all the boxes for fun to drive and my biggest must which is having a manual transmission. Again, I think the tech is in a somewhat similar state as the 4G TL because they didn't change much from the first year of that generation of S4s. I don't think they are the best looking cars, and they are kind of small being a compact sedan. The interior has a nice feel to it, though. The cost of ownership is also on my mind relative to the TL.

My criteria is somewhat limiting to my car search:

• 6MT
• AWD
• 250+hp
• Sport/luxury combined

Other cars that I've looked at and eliminated from my options: WRX, Civic, Accord, Golf-R (due to size of the interior), 3 series.

Any thoughts on my two main choices (S4/4G TL)?

Thanks in advance!

Are you planning to just daily either or do you want to mod them as well?

Daily driver in midwest (snow).

If driving dynamics matter to you, get the S4. It's not as large as the TL, but it's still a decent size.

Is there a large contrast between the driving dynamics of the S4 and the 4G TL SH-AWD? I know the S4 is more of a performance car, but is it really that noticeable?

Have you had an opportunity to drive an S4 yet? It is in a completely different league than a 4G TL. If money is no issue, S4 all day.

No, I am waiting for one to pop up that is local to me.

makes sure u get one w/ sport rear differential.
it's only $500 option which many people do not bother to get, which baffles me.
your buying 'S4' and you choose to leave that option out???
better yet, audi left that as an option? why? why not just include as standard and raise the cost?

I feel like there's at least a 10 grand difference in price between these two vehicles.

Audi S4. [/thread]

Easiest answer I've given all day.

Eth fo.

:nod:

I'm a German car guy 100%... Audi S4 all the way. Golf-R would be a close second...

I have never been in an S4 before, but the 2017 Golf-R that I test drove felt small. Is the S4 smaller inside? I can't track down measurements anywhere.

Saying it's a noticeable difference is the understatement of the century. The S4 and 4G TL are worlds apart in almost every measure except for price and size of beak.

The A4/S4 will be bigger than a Golf. The Golf and A3/S3 are the same size. That said, it's not exactly small so I'd go try one out and see how it fits you.

S4

The 4G's look like shit!

Another S4 vote
Then A4

I'd have no problem with a GolfR, had it been in my budget, but 2018+ for the updates, and with the DSG.

WRX/STi after that

Then maybe 4G TL.

Well thanks guys, you've all made the decision much easier!

Was there really any doubt? We all own Audis/BMW/Merc since Acura beaked.

:rofl:

Do you suggest that a 2012-2014 TL 4th gen AWD price is in the same ballpark as a 2015-2016 S$?

Unlikely. By $10000, I would venture to say.

I can't stand the TL's styling and it is thirsty. Definitely the best car to keep very long term. But it will already be 2 years older than the Audi.

AWD is totally overrated. I like the S4 (it has a real engine, not a toy), but get a cheaper 2014-2015 335i RWD. And pray about reliability.

Hahaha.

OP, S4 would be a great choice for sure. :)

Two very different cars. S4 if you’re okay with the price. That car is a little beast

Looks like a troll, S4.

https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/acurazi...989b3fe0d2.jpg
https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/acurazi...9a71a4d2d9.jpg
https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/acurazi...5eada46c2a.jpg
https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/acurazi...610d762aa2.jpg
https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/acurazi...50c70028a8.jpg

Nice. That blue rocks. Got an underhood shot?

Yep! Nevada driven with 45,000 miles on the odometer. Very clean - the previous owner treated like I would have.

https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/acurazi...ed78303ff6.jpg

:cheers: Love the color.

I love that color! Nice car!

Great choice! Congratulations!

6-cyl manual, all wins.

The blue color looks amazing, particularly for Audi who tends to sell models which favor black and grey.

A lovely choice. That car is very fast.