2025 Audi S3 vs 2025 Cadillac CT4
Comparison Overview
The most significant numerical divergence between the 2025 Audi S3 and the 2025 Cadillac CT4 is the $13,705 MSRP gap, with the CT4 starting at $34,995 compared to the S3's $48,700. This price difference is paired with a substantial 91 horsepower disparity; the S3 delivers 328 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque, significantly outpacing the CT4's 237 hp and 258 lb-ft. Despite the performance difference, both sedans achieve an identical 26 MPG combined, though the S3 is marginally less efficient on the highway at 31 MPG versus the CT4's 32 MPG. Furthermore, the CT4 offers 2.4 cubic feet more cargo space (10.7 cu ft vs. 8.3 cu ft) and is 9.8 inches longer, while both vehicles share similar exterior widths of approximately 71.5 inches.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Cadillac CT4
The Cadillac CT4 wins for commuters due to its significantly lower $34,995 MSRP, making it the more financially prudent daily driver.
2025 Cadillac CT4
The CT4 offers superior utility for families with 10.7 cu ft of cargo capacity compared to the S3's 8.3 cu ft.
2025 Audi S3
The Audi S3 is the clear enthusiast choice, boasting 328 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque, substantially more than the CT4's output.
2025 Cadillac CT4
The CT4 presents better value by providing comparable 26 MPG combined efficiency for $13,705 less upfront.
Choose the Audi S3 if...
- Maximum performance is paramount, as the S3 produces 328 hp versus the CT4's 237 hp.
- All-wheel drive capability is a mandatory requirement for traction and stability.
- The driver prefers the rapid shifting nature of a 7-speed automated manual transmission.
Choose the Cadillac CT4 if...
- Budget constraints necessitate the lower $34,995 starting MSRP.
- Maximum trunk space is needed, as the CT4 provides 10.7 cu ft versus the S3's 8.3 cu ft.
- Rear-wheel drive dynamics and an 8-speed shiftable automatic transmission are preferred for driving feel.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Audi S3 | Cadillac CT4 |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 177.4" | 187.2" |
| Width | 71.5" | 71.4" |
| Height | 55.7" | 56.0" |
| Wheelbase | 103.6" | 109.0" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Audi | Cadillac |
|---|---|---|
| Blind Spot Monitor | ✓ | ✓ |
| Lane Departure Warning | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Cross Traffic Alert | ✓ | ✓ |
| Pre-Collision Safety System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Post-Collision Safety System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Front Side-Mounted Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Rear Side-Mounted Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Head Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Head Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| Passenger Airbag Occupant Sensing Deactivation | ✓ | ✓ |
| Electronic Stability Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Traction Control System | ✓ | ✓ |
| LATCH System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Door Child Safety Locks | ✓ | ✓ |
| Anti-lock Brakes (ABS) | 4-Wheel | 4-Wheel |
| Front Ventilated Disc Brakes | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes | ✓ | ✓ |
| Brake Assist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Tire Pressure Monitoring System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Automatic Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| LED Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Headlight Washers | ✓ | — |
| Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Headrests | 2 | 2 |
| Front Fixed Headrests | ✓ | — |
| Rear Headrests | 3 | 2 |
| Rear Height Adjustable Headrests | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Engine Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Lane Keeping Assist System | — | ✓ |
| Headlight Delay-Off | — | ✓ |
| Front Height Adjustable Headrests | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Audi | Cadillac |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 2.0 L | 2.0 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 4 | inline 4 |
| Base Engine Type | gas | gas |
| Horsepower | 328 hp | 237 hp @ 5000 rpm |
| Torque | 295 lb-ft | 258 lb-ft @ 1500 rpm |
| Number of Valves | 16 | 16 |
| Camshaft Type | Double overhead cam (DOHC) | Double overhead cam (DOHC) |
| Variable Valve Timing | Variable | Variable |
| Fuel Injection Type | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cylinder Deactivation | — | ✓ |
Drive Train
| Feature | Audi | Cadillac |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | 7-speed automated manual | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Drivetrain Type | all wheel drive | rear wheel drive |
| Center Differential Type | Limited Slip | — |
Fuel
| Feature | Audi | Cadillac |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | premium unleaded (required) | premium unleaded (recommended) |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 23/31 MPG | 22/32 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 26 MPG | 26 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 333.5/449.5 mi. | 374.0/544.0 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 14.5 gal. | 17.0 gal. |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Audi | Cadillac |
|---|---|---|
| Push Button Start | ✓ | ✓ |
| Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Audio Controls on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Electric Power Steering | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear View Camera | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Parking Sensors | ✓ | — |
| Rear Parking Sensors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Assisted Parking Assist | ✓ | — |
| Cruise Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Seatback Storage | ✓ | ✓ |
| Leather Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Three Zone Climate Control | ✓ | — |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts | ✓ | ✓ |
| Interior Air Filtration | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Vanity Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cruise Control on Steering Wheel | — | ✓ |
| Wireless Charging Pad | — | ✓ |
| Dual Zone Climate Control | — | ✓ |
| Sun Sensor | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Audi | Cadillac |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 10.1 in | 8.0 in |
| AM/FM Stereo | ✓ | ✓ |
| Speaker System | 6 | 8 |
| Android Auto (Wireless) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Apple CarPlay (Wireless) | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB Port | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB Port with External Media Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auxiliary Audio Input | — | ✓ |
| Memory Card Slot | — | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio | — | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio Trial Period | — | 3 months |
| Speed Sensitive Volume Control | — | ✓ |
Power Feature
| Feature | Audi | Cadillac |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 4 | 4 |
| Moonroof Type | 1st Row Power Glass Extended | — |
| Remote Keyless Entry | ✓ | — |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Keyless Entry | — | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Audi | Cadillac |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 36.8 in. | 38.3 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 41.2 in. | 42.4 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 54.8 in. | 55.2 in. |
| Seat Material: Leather/Sueded Microfiber | ✓ | — |
| Front Seat Type: Sport | ✓ | — |
| Driver Seat Power Adjustments | 8-way | 8-way |
| Driver Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Lumbar Support | Power | Power |
| Passenger Seat Power Adjustments | 8-way | 6-way |
| Passenger Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | ✓ |
| Passenger Seat Lumbar Support | Power | — |
| Driver Seat Heating | Multi-level | — |
| Passenger Seat Heating | Multi-level | — |
| Front Hip Room | — | 53.0 in. |
| Seat Material: Leatherette | — | ✓ |
| Front Seat Type: Bucket | — | ✓ |
Rearseats
| Feature | Audi | Cadillac |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 36.6 in. | 36.5 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 35.2 in. | 33.4 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 53.0 in. | 53.9 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | ✓ |
| Folding Rear Seat Feature | ✓ | ✓ |
| Pass-Thru Center Armrest | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Hip Room | — | 52.5 in. |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Audi | Cadillac |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Material | Alloy | — |
| Wheel Diameter | 18 in | 17 in |
| Tire Size | 225/40R18 | P225/45R17 |
| Run Flat Tires | ✓ | — |
| Wheel Finish | — | Painted Alloy |
| Tire Type | — | ✓ |
Suspension
| Feature | Audi | Cadillac |
|---|---|---|
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
Warranty
| Feature | Audi | Cadillac |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Warranty | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. |
| Drivetrain Warranty | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. | 6 yr./ 70000 mi. |
| Corrosion/Rust Warranty | 12 yr./ unlimited mi. | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. |
| Roadside Assistance | 4 yr./ unlimited mi. | 6 yr./ 70000 mi. |
| Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance | — | 1 yr./ unlimited mi. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2025 Audi S3 and 2025 Cadillac CT4.
What is the fuel requirement difference between the two sedans?
The 2025 Audi S3 strictly requires premium unleaded fuel to achieve its performance metrics. Conversely, the 2025 Cadillac CT4 lists premium unleaded as recommended, suggesting it can likely operate safely on regular fuel, albeit potentially with reduced performance.
How does the physical footprint of the two cars compare?
The Cadillac CT4 is physically larger, measuring 187.2 inches long compared to the S3's 177.4 inches, resulting in the CT4's superior 10.7 cu ft cargo capacity. However, their widths are nearly identical, with the S3 at 71.5 inches and the CT4 at 71.4 inches.
Is the Audi S3 significantly more expensive than the Cadillac CT4?
Yes, the price difference is substantial, with the Audi S3 starting at $48,700 while the Cadillac CT4 begins at $34,995. This $13,705 separation is the primary differentiator in the value proposition.
Which car has better transmission and drivetrain layouts?
The Audi S3 utilizes an all-wheel drive system paired with a 7-speed automated manual transmission focused on quick shifts. The CT4 uses a traditional rear-wheel drive layout mated to an 8-speed shiftable automatic.
Do these cars have comparable fuel economy despite the performance gap?
Surprisingly, both vehicles achieve an identical 26 MPG combined rating. The S3 manages 23/31 MPG city/highway, while the CT4 is rated slightly lower in the city at 22 MPG but achieves 32 MPG on the highway.
How much more power does the Audi S3 offer over the Cadillac CT4?
The Audi S3 is substantially more powerful, delivering 328 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque. This represents a 91 hp surplus over the 237 hp and 258 lb-ft offered by the standard Cadillac CT4 model.
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