Choosing between a 4G TL 6MT SH-AWD and a 2015/2016 Audi S4 6MT
08-20-2018, 06:22 PM
#1
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:
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!
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!
08-20-2018, 08:06 PM
#4
Team Owner
If driving dynamics matter to you, get the S4. It's not as large as the TL, but it's still a decent size.
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JJH (08-20-2018)
08-20-2018, 09:53 PM
#8
Instructor
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?
it's only $500 option which many people do not bother to get, which baffles me.
your buying 'S4' and you choose to leave that option out???
better yet, audi left that as an option? why? why not just include as standard and raise the cost?
08-20-2018, 10:37 PM
#9
The inconvenient truth
I feel like there's at least a 10 grand difference in price between these two vehicles.
08-21-2018, 12:11 AM
#10
Moderator
Audi S4. [/thread]
Easiest answer I've given all day.
Easiest answer I've given all day.
08-21-2018, 12:44 AM
#11
Team Owner
The interior of the S4 is not only much nicer in terms of fit and finish, but the vehicle performance is better in all regards, too. You're comparing apples to grape seeds.
08-21-2018, 01:07 AM
#12
Turd Polisher
iTrader: (1)
Eth fo.
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00TL-P3.2 (08-21-2018)
08-21-2018, 09:49 AM
#15
Ex-OEM King
The A4/S4 will be bigger than a Golf. The Golf and A3/S3 are the same size. That said, it's not exactly small so I'd go try one out and see how it fits you.
08-21-2018, 10:04 AM
#17
Moderator
Another S4 vote
Then A4
I'd have no problem with a GolfR, had it been in my budget, but 2018+ for the updates, and with the DSG.
WRX/STi after that
Then maybe 4G TL.
Then A4
I'd have no problem with a GolfR, had it been in my budget, but 2018+ for the updates, and with the DSG.
WRX/STi after that
Then maybe 4G TL.
08-28-2018, 07:51 AM
#19
Team Owner
Was there really any doubt? We all own Audis/BMW/Merc since Acura beaked.
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08-28-2018, 09:50 AM
#20
Moderator
08-30-2018, 07:50 PM
#21
Banned
Do you suggest that a 2012-2014 TL 4th gen AWD price is in the same ballpark as a 2015-2016 S$?
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.
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.
09-01-2018, 02:36 AM
#23
Azine Jabroni
Two very different cars. S4 if you’re okay with the price. That car is a little beast
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09-08-2018, 09:35 AM
#26
Azine Jabroni
F yeah dude! Congrats!
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JJH (09-08-2018)
09-08-2018, 11:08 AM
#27
Turd Polisher
iTrader: (1)
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JJH (09-08-2018)
09-08-2018, 12:39 PM
#28
Team Owner
Nice. That blue rocks. Got an underhood shot?
09-10-2018, 04:14 AM
#31
Senior Moderator
With the lease coming due on my 16 TLX, a well cared for used B8 S4 is an outside consideration of mine.
Congrats on the acquisition JJH. Keep us posted on your experiences.
Congrats on the acquisition JJH. Keep us posted on your experiences.
09-10-2018, 10:16 AM
#32
Moderator
Love the color.
09-10-2018, 06:41 PM
#36
Azine Jabroni
The blue color looks amazing, particularly for Audi who tends to sell models which favor black and grey.
09-12-2018, 06:53 PM
#37
I drive a Subata.
iTrader: (1)
A lovely choice. That car is very fast.
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