Audi A4 vs Subaru BRZ
Head-to-head specifications
| Metric | Audi A4 | Subaru BRZ | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Max power (hp) | 163 | 235 | -30.6% |
| Max torque (Nm) | 380 | 250 | +52.0% |
| Fuel economy (km/L) | 20.8 | 11.7 | +77.8% |
| NCAP safety | 5★ (Euro NCAP) | 5★ (JNCAP) | — |
| Fuel type | Diesel | Petrol | — |
| Transmission | DSG | 6AT | — |
| Price (USD est.) | $45,468 | $23,760 | +91.4% |
- Subaru BRZ makes about 31% more power (235 vs 163 hp).
- Audi A4 is the more economical, at 20.8 km/L against 11.7.
- Prices are converted to USD from their home markets (Germany and Japan); taxes and availability differ by country.
Verdict: A4 or BRZ?
Audi A4 advantages
- Pulling torque (+34%)
- Fuel economy (+44%)
Subaru BRZ advantages
- Engine power (+31%)
- Affordability (+48%)
Which should you choose?
- Choose the Audi A4 if you tow, carry loads or drive hilly roads.
- Choose the Subaru BRZ if you want stronger performance and overtaking confidence.
- Choose the Audi A4 if you drive a lot and fuel costs matter.
Value for money
Subaru BRZ delivers more horsepower per dollar, making it the better value of the two at their listed prices.
Audi A4 vs Subaru BRZ: which should you choose?
Audi A4 (2023 35 TDI) — diesel sedan with 163 hp and 380 Nm, rated at 20.8 km/L, 5-star Euro NCAP safety; priced near $45,468 in the Germany market.
Subaru BRZ (2026 S 6AT) — petrol coupe with 235 hp and 250 Nm, rated at 11.7 km/L, 5-star JNCAP safety; priced near $23,760 in the Japan market.
Audi A4 vs Subaru BRZ: Subaru BRZ is more powerful. Subaru BRZ makes about 31% more power (235 vs 163 hp). Audi A4 is the more economical, at 20.8 km/L against 11.7.
Performance
The Subaru BRZ is the more powerful, at 235 hp against 163 hp, with 250 Nm of torque on tap. Its petrol drivetrain pairs with a 6at transmission.
Running costs
The Audi A4 is more economical at 20.8 km/L against 11.7 km/L on their certified cycles, which compounds meaningfully over years of ownership. Test cycles differ between markets, so treat cross-region figures as directional.
Safety
Audi A4 is rated 5 stars by Euro NCAP and Subaru BRZ 5 stars by JNCAP. Different NCAP programmes use different protocols, so same-programme comparisons are the most reliable.
Price and value
The Subaru BRZ lists lower at about $23,760 (USD-converted from the Japan market). Factor in insurance, fuel or charging, taxes and resale — not just the sticker price.
The verdict
Both are credible choices in the car comparison space; the specification table above lays out every metric so you can weigh the trade-offs that matter to you. Pick the one whose strengths line up with how you will actually use it.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Audi A4 better than the Subaru BRZ?
These two are closely matched — the right pick comes down to which specific strengths you value and the price you actually pay. Subaru BRZ makes about 31% more power (235 vs 163 hp).
What is the main difference between the Audi A4 and the Subaru BRZ?
Subaru BRZ makes about 31% more power (235 vs 163 hp). Audi A4 is the more economical, at 20.8 km/L against 11.7.
Which is better value?
Subaru BRZ delivers more horsepower per dollar, making it the better value of the two at their listed prices.
Which should I choose?
Choose the Audi A4 if you tow, carry loads or drive hilly roads. Choose the Subaru BRZ if you want stronger performance and overtaking confidence.
Methodology
Cars are compared on manufacturer-rated maximum power and torque, certified fuel economy (km/L, converted from each market's test cycle: EPA, WLTP, CLTC, JC08/WLTC, ARAI) or EV energy use (kWh/100km), official NCAP crash-test ratings from the model's home-market programme, and list prices converted to USD at recent exchange rates. Each model shows its newest listed year and its highest-priority market trim. Test cycles differ between regions, so cross-market economy figures are directional rather than exact; prices exclude local taxes and incentives.