Compare the2023 Dodge ChargerVS 2023 Audi S4

Over 200 people are killed each year when backed over by motor vehicles. The Charger offers optional ParkSense that uses rear sensors to monitor for objects to the rear and automatically applies the brakes to prevent a collision. The S4 doesn’t offer backup collision prevention brakes.

Both the Charger and the S4 have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, side-impact head airbags, front seatbelt pretensioners, height adjustable front shoulder belts, plastic fuel tanks, four-wheel antilock brakes, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, daytime running lights, rearview cameras, available crash mitigating brakes, lane departure warning systems, blind spot warning systems and rear cross-path warning.

Dodge’s powertrain warranty covers the Charger 1 year and 10,000 miles longer than Audi covers the S4. Any repair needed on the engine, transmission, axles, joints or driveshafts is fully covered for 5 years or 60,000 miles. Coverage on the S4 ends after only 4 years or 50,000 miles.

There are almost 8 times as many Dodge dealers as there are Audi dealers, which makes it much easier should you ever need service under the Charger’s warranty.

To reliably power the ignition and other systems and to recharge the battery, the Charger has a standard 160-amp alternator (180-amp - Charger AWD/GT/R/T and 220 Scat Pack). The S4’s 150-amp alternator isn’t as powerful.

A reliable vehicle saves its owner time, money and trouble. Nobody wants to be stranded or have to be without a vehicle while it’s being repaired. Consumer Reports rates the Charger’s reliability 17 points higher than the S4.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2022 Initial Quality Study of new car owners surveyed provide the statistics that show that Dodge vehicles are better in initial quality than Audi vehicles. J.D. Power ranks Dodge second in initial quality, above the industry average. With 96 more problems per 100 vehicles, Audi is ranked 31st, below the industry average.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2022 survey of the owners of three-year-old vehicles provides the long-term dependability statistics that show that Dodge vehicles are more reliable than Audi vehicles. J.D. Power ranks Dodge above average in long-term dependability. With 26 more problems per 100 vehicles in the first three years of ownership, Audi is rated below average.

The Charger R/T’s standard 5.7 V8 produces 21 more horsepower (370 vs. 349) and 26 lbs.-ft. more torque (395 vs. 369) than the S4’s 3.0 turbo V6. The Charger Scat Pack’s standard 6.4 V8 produces 136 more horsepower (485 vs. 349) and 106 lbs.-ft. more torque (475 vs. 369) than the S4’s 3.0 turbo V6.

As tested in Car and Driver the Charger Scat Pack 6.4 V8 is faster than the Audi S4:

An engine control system that can shut down some of the engine’s cylinders helps improve the Charger R/T’s fuel efficiency. The S4 doesn’t offer a system that can shut down part of the engine.

The Charger has 3.2 gallons more fuel capacity than the S4 (18.5 vs. 15.3 gallons), for longer range between fill-ups.

The Charger has a standard cap-less fueling system. The fuel filler is automatically opened when the fuel nozzle is inserted and automatically closed when it’s removed. This eliminates the need to unscrew and replace the cap and it reduces fuel evaporation, which causes pollution. The S4 doesn’t offer a cap-less fueling system.

For better stopping power the Charger Daytona/Widebody’s front brake rotors are larger than those on the S4:

The Charger stops much shorter than the S4:

For better traction, the Charger Scat Pack Widebody’s tires are larger than the largest tires available on the S4 (305/35R20 vs. 255/35R19).

For better ride, handling and brake cooling the Charger R/T has standard 20-inch wheels. The S4’s largest wheels are only 19-inches.

For a smoother ride and more stable handling, the Charger’s wheelbase is 9 inches longer than on the S4 (120 inches vs. 111 inches).

For better handling and stability, the average track (width between the wheels) on the Charger is 2.2 inches wider in the front and 2.8 inches wider in the rear than the track on the S4.

The Charger’s front to rear weight distribution is more even (52% to 48%) than the S4’s (57% to 43%). This gives the Charger more stable handling and braking.

The Charger Scat Pack handles at .92 G’s, while the S4 Prestige pulls only .91 G’s of cornering force in a Motor Trend skidpad test.

For better maneuverability, the Charger Scat Pack’s turning circle is .6 feet tighter than the S4’s (37.5 feet vs. 38.1 feet).

To almost totally eliminate engine vibration in the passenger area, the Charger has liquid-filled engine mounts. The liquid helps further dampen engine harshness. The S4 uses conventional solid rubber engine mounts.

Because it has more passenger and cargo room, the EPA rates the Charger a Large car, while the S4 is rated a Compact.

The Charger has 12.7 cubic feet more passenger volume than the S4 (104.7 vs. 92).

The Charger has 1.3 inches more front headroom, .5 inches more front legroom, 3.6 inches more front shoulder room, 4.4 inches more rear legroom and 3.4 inches more rear shoulder room than the S4.

The Charger has a much larger trunk than the S4 (16.5 vs. 12 cubic feet).

Standard Trailer Sway Damping on the Charger uses the Electronic Stability Control sensors to detect trailer sway, then uses individual brakes to counteract any swaying and help keep the tow vehicle and trailer steady. The S4 doesn’t offer electronic trailer sway control.

The Charger has a standard remote vehicle starting system, so the vehicle can be started from inside the driver's house. This allows the driver to comfortably warm up the engine before going out to the vehicle. The climate system will also automatically heat or cool the interior, with the optional automatic climate control feature. The S4 doesn’t offer a remote starting system.

The Charger’s optional easy entry system raises the steering wheel and glides the driver’s seat back when the door is unlocked or the ignition is switched off, making it easier for the driver to get in and out. The S4 doesn’t offer an easy entry system.

The Charger’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 Charger is available in both rear-wheel drive and all-wheel drive configurations. The S4 doesn’t offer a two-wheel drive configuration.

The Charger will cost the buyer less in the long run because of its superior resale value. The IntelliChoice estimates that the Charger will retain 51.11% to 58.82% of its original price after five years, while the S4 only retains 47.61% to 47.65%.

IntelliChoice estimates that five-year ownership costs (depreciation, financing, insurance, fuel, fees, repairs and maintenance) for the Dodge Charger will be $4050 to $21207 less than for the Audi S4.

Consumer Reports® recommends the Dodge Charger, based on reliability, safety and performance.

The Dodge Charger outsold the Audi A4/S4 by over five to one during 2022.