John Stahmann

Some interesting things I've noticed (both brochures Euro spec)...

- S4 Sedan trunk is smaller than the A4 Sedan (floor is raised 3mm in S4 Sedan)

- S4 Avant rear cargo area smaller than A4 (floor is raised 66mm in S4 Avant)

- Front track of S4 is narrower than on the A4 (S4 Sedan/Avant - 1516mm, A4 Sedan/Avant - 1528)

- Rear track of S4 is narrower than on the A4 (S4 Sedan/Avant - 1512mm, A4 Sedan/Avant - 1526)

- Nose of S4 Sedan/Avant is 5mm longer than the A4

- Rear of the S4 Sedan is 20mm longer than A4 Sedan and Avant is 23mm longer than A4.

Interesting small differences in the cars.

In Europe the RS4 wheel is an option on the S4, as well.

SS1BADTT

I think the differences in the trunk area are due to a larger wheel/tire combo. Just a guess.

Ash

...don't think this points to any structural differences. The front and rear lengths are probably different due to the new bumpers/valences. The track difference makes no sense to me, until you look at the different brakes and the fact that the S4 will probably have wider wheels than an A4...and also perhaps the difference in brakes?

Ash

Rob O

There are dimensional differences between Euro-spec and US-spec related to bumper and safety equipment differences. Even between US and Euro B5 S4s, the overall length varies because our bumpers "stick out" more as a result of more stringent low-impact crash requirements.

If the dimensions you are comparing are for same market A4s and S4s, they are interesting. You'd think the S would have a wider track (or at least as wide).

John Stahmann

Maybe the exhaust system has larger mufflers and needs more room underneath or something...

John Stahmann

Both Euro spec brochures, so same market.

Rob O

But doesn't the track dimension manufacturers give *include* mounted tires/wheels? Or is it from the hub on either side?

Still doesn't make any sense ... narrow the track to fit wider wheels? Seems adjusting the wheel offset (on the wider S4 wheels) and modifying the spokes to clear the brakes (if adjusting the offset impacts clearance) would be easier.

Rob O

Interesting.

Ash

..who knows what reasons they have for changing it. And thinking about it further, I think track may indeed be from mounted wheels/tires. Doesn't make sense...must be a reason though.