Audi A4 vs Volvo S80

Fast diesels today are becoming the norm rather than the exception, and it’s particularly true in the luxury segment. Take the Audi A4 powered by a 3-litre diesel or the new Volvo S80Volvo S80 with a twin turbo diesel engine; these are quick, pack in the luxury their petrol siblings offer and are a lot more effi cient to run in pure monetary terms.

There’s another connect between this particular A4 and the S80. Of course, we reviewed both recently, but more than that these cars cost almost the same. Naturally then, you’d be wondering which of the two should you buy? And as always, we have the answer.

Interiors are more appealing and modern, and there's more equipment too. Instrumentation is comprehensive

Better ride and handling combo make the A4 more likeable

Look at the two parked side by side and it’s clear the Volvo still speaks a more traditional stylish language. This one is a face-lifted model and it has the creases and lines, and good proportions too, but overall the idea here seems to be to please the majority than to break the mould and create a fresh fan following.

The A4 though, does just that. It’s so far ahead in design terms, not just compared to the Volvo but its own elder sister, the A6 as well, that it’s worth buying for its styling alone. Inside too, it’s a lot more contemporary than the S80. To boot, it comes across as better built and fi nished. The choice of display, the lighting and even the small knobs and buttons and the garnishing all round exudes a richness that’s missing on the Volvo.

However, if it’s a comfortable and spacious car you want, mainly to be chauffeured around in, the S80 makes a better case for itself. It has more space at the rear compared to the A4, be it for the knees, shoulder or even the head. It also has cushier seats which are more like a couch wherein you sink into them and get comfortable. These also allow more movement than the harder and more contoured seats of the A4.

S80 interiors are well put together, but look jaded in the Audi's company. The clocks too, though readable, look dated

S80 feels planted in a straight line and its steering returns good feedback too

The S80 also boasts of better ride, especially at slower speeds. It absorbs the smaller nuisances well and lets very little into the cabin. Even at speed, it does well till the potholes get deeper. Bumps are still dispatched with authority, but the S80 tends to crash into deeper potholes with more verve than the A4, leaving its occupants uncomfortable.

The A4 is actually built for the driver. It has a better driving position and even the front seats hold you better in place. These are again harder than the Volvo’s, but give you a sense of sportiness missing on the Volvo.

And sporty the A4 definitely is. It handles better and, with four wheel drive, has tremendous grip around bends. No matter how hard you try, it’s nearly impossible to get the Audi to behave improperly. Its steering feels better when driving hard and the car responds better to driver inputs as well. The S80 in comparison feels a lot softer. It’s still a good handling car, but the A4 is just leagues ahead.

Audi A4

It’s also leagues ahead when it comes to performance. The A4 uses a larger engine that puts out more power and torque. Naturally it out accelerates the Volvo handsomely. It’s two seconds ahead in the run up to 100kmph and the gap only increases as speeds rise. It also has a higher top speed.

Volvo S80

The Audi’s engine is also more refi ned and the 6-speed auto it’s coupled to works much etter than the S80’s in manual mode. In fully automatic mode however, the Volvo goes about its business with the least amount of fuss. As for the engine, it’s a twin turbo fi ve cylinder engine. And till one doesn’t rev it really hard, it goes about its business with potency. In fact, in everyday driving it can surprise you with its pull lower down the rev range. Rev it hard though, and it begins to sound rough.