Compare the2026 Volkswagen Golf RVS 2025 Audi S4

Over 200 people are killed each year when backed over by motor vehicles. The Golf R has standard Maneuver Braking that use rear sensors to monitor for objects to the rear and automatically apply the brakes to prevent a collision. The S4 doesn’t offer automatic braking for stationary objects directly to the rear.

The Golf R has a standard blind spot warning system that uses sensors to alert the driver to objects in the vehicle’s blind spots where the side view mirrors don’t reveal them and moves the vehicle back into its lane. A system to reveal vehicles in the S4’s blind spot costs extra.

To help make backing out of a parking space safer, the Golf R has standard Rear Traffic Alert and automatically engage the brakes. Audi charges extra for Rear Cross-Traffic Assist on the S4.

The Golf R’s driver alert monitor detects an inattentive driver then sounds a warning and suggests a break. According to the NHTSA, drivers who fall asleep cause about 100,000 crashes and 1500 deaths a year. The S4 doesn’t offer a driver alert monitor.

Both the Golf R and the S4 have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, side-impact head airbags, front and rear seatbelt pretensioners, height adjustable front shoulder belts, plastic fuel tanks, four-wheel antilock brakes, all wheel drive, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, crash mitigating brakes, post-collision automatic braking systems, daytime running lights, lane departure warning systems and rearview cameras.

The Volkswagen Golf R weighs 2270 pounds more than the Audi S4. The NHTSA advises that heavier cars are much safer in collisions than their significantly lighter counterparts.

Volkswagen pays for scheduled maintenance on the Golf R for 2 years and 20,000 miles. Volkswagen will pay for oil changes, tire rotations, air filter replacements, cabin filter replacement, brake fluid replacement, inspections, and any other required maintenance. Audi only pays for the first scheduled maintenance visit on the S4.

There are over 2 times as many Volkswagen dealers as there are Audi dealers, which makes it much easier should you ever need service under the Golf R’s warranty.

The Volkswagen Golf R’s engine uses a cast iron block for durability, while the S4’s engine uses an aluminum block. Aluminum engine blocks are much more prone to warp and crack at high temperatures than cast iron.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2025 Initial Quality Study of new car owners surveyed provide the statistics that show that Volkswagen vehicles are better in initial quality than Audi vehicles. With 44 fewer problems per 100 vehicles, JD Power ranks Volkswagen higher than Audi.

As tested in Car and Driver the Volkswagen Golf R is faster than the Audi S4:

On the EPA test cycle the Golf R DSG gets better fuel mileage than the S4 (22 city/31 hwy vs. 20 city/29 hwy).

The Golf R offers a standard sequential manual gearbox (SMG). With no clutch pedal to worry about and a fully automatic mode, an SMG is much more efficient than a conventional automatic but just as easy to drive. The S4 doesn’t offer an SMG or a conventional manual transmission.

For better stopping power the Golf R’s front brake rotors are larger than those on the S4:

The Golf R stops much shorter than the S4:

The Golf R handles at .99 G’s, while the S4 Prestige pulls only .95 G’s of cornering force in a Car and Driver skidpad test.

The Golf R is 1 foot, 6.4 inches shorter than the S4, making the Golf R easier to handle, maneuver and park in tight spaces.

The Golf R has 1.2 inches more front headroom and .7 inches more rear headroom than the S4.

The Golf R’s standard easy entry system glides the driver’s seat back, making it easier for the driver to get in and out. The S4 doesn’t offer an easy entry system.

The Golf R’s instruments include an oil pressure gauge and a temperature gauge - which could save your engine! Often ‘idiot lights’ don’t warn you until damage has been done. The S4 does not have an oil pressure gauge.

The Golf R’s standard Keyless Access allow you to unlock the doors from either front door handle, open the trunk, and start the engine, all without removing the key from the pocket or purse. Keyless Engine Start/Stop standard on the S4 only offers hands-free access for the ignition, none to unlock the car.

To improve rear visibility by keeping the rear window clear, the Golf R has a standard rear wiper. The S4 doesn’t offer a rear wiper.

The Volkswagen Golf R has power folding mirrors that offer unparalleled convenience while maneuvering in tight places or parked. With the mirrors folded it’s easier to walk past and help prevent parking damage. The mirrors can be quickly unfolded when the driver is ready to leave. Power folding mirrors are only offered on the S4 Premium Plus/Prestige.

Compared to traditional radio, the Volkswagen Golf R’s standard SiriusXM satellite radio provides an unmatched listening experience. Its extensive coverage guarantees consistent, crystal-clear reception across the continental U.S., and access to over 100 channels dedicated to a multitude of genres, including music, news, sports, talk shows, and comedy, many with only limited commercial breaks. Satellite radio costs extra on the S4.

To quickly and conveniently keep personal devices charged without cables tangling and wearing out, the Volkswagen Golf R has a standard wireless phone charging system (Qi) in the center console. Only the S4 Premium Plus/Prestige offers wireless charging.

According to iSeeCars.com the 2025 Volkswagen Golf R retains 59.23% of its original value after 5 years, significantly more than the 47.75% resale value of the 2025 Audi S4 after five years, which can save the Volkswagen’s owner up to $9484 in depreciation.

Motor Trend selected the Golf R as their 2026 Car of the Year. The S4 has never been chosen.

The Volkswagen GTI/Golf R outsold the Audi A4/S4 by almost 21 to one during 2025.