Honda Accord vs. Audi A4
The point of having comparisons, is to know which product is better in order for the customer to make a smart buy. So when it comes to automobiles, having knowledge of which continent makes the best cars, becomes a rather intriguing issue. In this comparison review, we pit Japan’s Honda Accord against one of Europe’s best – the Audi A4.
Unfair as it may seem, pitting a cheaper car against an expensive one, the Honda Accord is by no means a pushover. It has a decent 2.4L inline-4 engine, which produces 177 horsepower at 6,500 RPM, and is mated to a 5-speed manual transmission gearbox. This thrifty engine has a fuel economy of 25 miles per gallon for city and highway driving. The manufacturer’s suggested retail price for this base model is $21,765.
Representing Europe, is the stunning Audi A4 2.0T Sedan FrontTrak Multitronic, which starts at a rather steep base price of $31,450. It is, though, equipped with a standard 2.0-liter, inline-4 turbo engine, that produces 211 horsepower at 4300 rpm. Quite surprisingly, it achieves 26 mpg for both city and highway driving. A variable speed automatic with overdrive is the standard transmission, although a manual gearbox is available for an extra $900.
Both cars offer 4-wheel anti-lock braking systems on all-disc brakes, but the Accord runs on front wheel drive only, compared to Audi’s four wheel drive system. Furthermore, the Honda Accord offers 16-inch alloy wheels, wrapped in 215/60 All-Season tires, while the European Audi gets sportier 17-inch rims, wrapped in 225/50R17 spec tires. In terms of curb weight, the Accord LX is a slightly trim 3230 lbs, compared to the Audi’s rather heavier weight of 3527 lbs.
One must remember though, that all those numbers are only for the entry-level models of both car manufacturers. Things get a bit more upscale, more competitive and pricier as you go up the different trim levels. The Accord offers three different trim levels, namely, the base LX, the upgraded EX, and the top of the line EX-L, which offers premium features such as leather upholstery and an optional navigation system.
Audi A4 offers four trim levels, which also get better. After the Frontrak Multitronic is the 2.0T Sedan Quattro Manual, then the Quattro Tiptronic, and finally, the wagon type 2.0 Avant Quattro Tiptronic.
With all this said, one must consider price, quality and satisfaction when choosing which car is best. The Honda Accord may look like the clear cut winner here, but the Audi A4 has one more thing up its sleeve. The basic warranty covers the Accord for only 36 months, while Audi A4 customers drive off with peace of mind, knowing that their car is covered for a good two years.