Clash of the Teutons

Why the comparison?

For years BMW has been the leader of the prestige pack when it comes to dynamics, but in recent times Audi has thrown up a few surprises that are good enough to compete with BMW's finest. First Audi upset the status quo with the RS4 taking on the M3, while BMW still has no response for the rather wonderful R8. The TT might not be a match for the Z4 and the M5 might better the RS6 for sharpness, but the new Audi S4 looks like it's got the measure of BMW's 335i saloon. We pitch them together to see which comes out on top.

How are they similar?

Both the BMW 335i and Audi S4 are high performance junior executive saloons that sit near the top of their respective ranges. The Audi is currently the performance flagship thanks to the absence of an RS4 model while the BMW 335i is topped by its M3 relative. Each is powered by a 3.0-litre six-cylinder engine that features forced induction - a pair of turbos in the BMW and a supercharger in the Audi. That allows both to deliver over 300bhp, the Audi offering 333bhp compared to the BMW's 306bhp.

Forced induction allows each to return respectable economy given the performance on offer. BMW claims 31mpg for the 335i and Audi 29.1mpg for the S4. Emissions of CO₂ in both is impressive too, the Audi emitting 225g/km and the BMW 218g/km. Each is aimed at overtly sporting drivers and ride on firmer, more focussed suspension as a result (unless you specify the non M Sport 335i). The styling of both underlines their sporting intent with each looking more aggressive inside and out than other models in their respective ranges. Both can be had in estate guise with either manual or automatic transmissions.

How do they differ?

The S4 and BMW 335i might be largely similar in their purpose but they differ in many significant ways. The BMW's engine is a straight-six, the Audi's a V and while the BMW delivers its power only to the rear, the car from Ingolstadt powers all four of its wheels. The BMW has traditionally been the sharper car dynamically, but Audi's optional sport differential included in the Drive Select package turns the S4 into a real challenger. The S4 is quicker to 62mph with its 5.1 second time too, the BMW trailing that by 0.5 seconds. Both will reach their 155mph electronic limiters with ease.

However, in saloon guise the S4 is seriously undercut on price by the BMW, by around £4,000. Spec the BMW to the Audi's level and that will come down a little, but if you want the Audi's fancy differential to ensure it keeps up with the BMW in the fun department you'll increase the price difference further. With its four-wheel drive, the Audi is the more competent all-weather car, where as the BMW feels more involving and offers better steering feel than the Audi. There's not much in it though on the road. The Audi's interior is beautifully designed and finished; the BMW's is a touch unremarkable in comparison. The Audi's boot is a touch bigger and the cabin feels more spacious in the rear, too.

So which one would we have?

The BMW should win here by virtue of being the cheaper car, but the price differential isn't so great as to have us scurrying to the BMW dealer in preference to the Audi one. The S4 is a remarkable car, insomuch as it's a fast Audi that can contend properly with the dynamic might of BMW's 3 Series. We prefer the looks of the S4 over the BMW too - Audis have always been a bit more discreet than their Bavarian competitors. It's a close call, but the S4's greater performance, smarter looks and image would have us take it over the BMW here, but they're both great cars.

Kyle Fortune