Audi
S4
Genesis
G70
Audi S4 vs Genesis G70: 2021 Comparison
The short answer
The Audi S4 offers fuel economy, while the Genesis G70 excels at power instead. Choose the Audi S4 if you prioritize fuel economy in daily driving, or the Genesis G70 if power matters more for your needs. Both are covered by real owner reports on CarWizz.
Specs side by side
What owners say
S4
Overall
Sentiment is deeply divided by generation and is heavily dependent on owner expectations and financial preparedness. For the B8/B8.5 generation (circa 2010-2016) with the supercharged 3.0T V6, feedback is overwhelmingly positive, praising the engine as a "beast" with great power, low-end torque, and a strong reliability track record when properly maintained. This generation is frequently described as a practical, fast, and comfortable daily driver that blends performance with family usability.
Best version to buy
B8.5 Generation (circa 2013-2016): This iteration of the supercharged 3.0T V6 is consistently highlighted for its proven reliability, strong performance, and the inclusion of a desirable dual-clutch (S tronic) or manual transmission in some models. It is seen as having resolved early B8 issues while avoiding the potential new-engine concerns of the later B9 and the catastrophic timing issues of the older B6/B7 V8 models.
Known issues
- ⚠**B6/B7 (4.2L V8) Generation:** Timing chain guide failure: Requires engine-out service, catastrophic if failed, guides can crack causing chain slack. Frequency: very frequent.
- ⚠**B8/B8.5 & B9 (3.0T V6) Generations:** High maintenance and repair costs: Brake jobs ($1,500+), control arms, water pumps, thermostats, PCV valves. Frequency: very frequent.
- ⚠**General/All Generations:** Oil changes are expensive: Requires 9.5+ quarts of oil. Frequency: recurrent. Complexity of repairs: Tight engine bays make DIY work difficult. Frequency: recurrent.
G70
Overall
Sentiment is sharply divided, creating a high-risk, high-reward ownership profile. The vehicle is widely praised for its exceptional value proposition, offering strong performance (particularly from the 3.3T V6), a well-appointed interior, and engaging driving dynamics at a price point significantly below established German competitors. Many owners express deep satisfaction, citing the car as a "blast" to drive and a remarkable performance bargain, especially when purchased used with steep depreciation.
Best version to buy
The 3.3T Sport Prestige (or similarly high-trim) model is most frequently recommended. Owners highlight the superior power and performance of the twin-turbo V6 over the 2.0T and 2.5T four-cylinder engines.
Known issues
- ⚠Dealership service and corporate support problems: extremely long wait times for appointments (4-6 weeks), refusal or inability to provide loaner vehicles, unresponsive customer service, parts availability delays. Frequency: very frequent.
- ⚠Electrical and sensor malfunctions: false forward collision/Blind Spot Monitoring warnings, sensor failures (often attributed to stone chips), complete driver-aid system shutdowns, intermittent fault lights. Frequency: very frequent.
- ⚠Interior build quality and rattles: headliner and sunroof rattles, creaking doors in cold weather, failing power seat switches, vibrating speakers, loose objects in headliner. Frequency: very frequent.
The verdict
The Audi S4 is the better choice for most buyers.
It has better fuel economy on its best-equipped version than the Genesis G70, based on the data above. If power matters more to you than running costs, the Genesis G70 is worth a closer look instead.
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Frequently asked questions
Which is more reliable, the Audi S4 or the Genesis G70?
Owner reports show similar reliability sentiment for the Audi S4 and the Genesis G70. Check the known issues listed above for specific differences between the two.
Which is better for families, the Audi S4 or the Genesis G70?
Data on family-specific factors like cargo space is limited for one or both models, but based on available reports, both are positioned as practical daily drivers. Check the specs table above for seating and body type.
Which has better fuel economy, the Audi S4 or the Genesis G70?
The Audi S4 is more fuel-efficient on paper: 10.2 L/100km combined versus 11.2-11.7 L/100km for the Genesis G70, based on the best-equipped catalogued version of each.
Which is cheaper to maintain, the Audi S4 or the Genesis G70?
Exact maintenance costs aren't in our data, but owner reports mention cost-related concerns more often for the Audi S4 than the Genesis G70. See the known issues comparison above.