Audi S4 vs Acura TLX Type S 0-60: Which is faster?

You know that feeling when you’re merging onto the highway, the on-ramp curves gently, and you just floor it—waiting for that instant surge of power that reminds you your sedan is more than just an appliance?

Table of Contents

TL;DR

The battle between the Audi S4 and the Acura TLX Type S is the classic definition of a “parts bin” rivalry. One is a German precision instrument, the other is a Japanese luxury performer with Honda DNA. When it comes to raw 0-60 mph times, the Audi S4 is the undisputed winner, hitting 60 in just 4.4 seconds . The TLX Type S is slightly behind at 4.9 seconds . But here’s the twist: straight-line speed isn’t everything. The TLX Type S fights back with standard features, a longer warranty, and an SH-AWD® system that makes it feel like a grip monster in the corners . So, which one is the faster daily driver? It depends on whether you want to win stoplight races or carve up back roads in supreme comfort.

Key Takeaways

0-60 MPH Victory: The 2024 Audi S4 takes the crown with a blistering 4.4-second sprint, thanks to its quick-shifting dual-clutch transmission and launch control .
The Corner Carver: While the Acura is heavier at 4,200 lbs, its Super Handling All-Wheel Drive™ (SH-AWD®) can send 70% of torque to the rear axle and vector it to the outside wheel, rotating the car through corners in a way that defies its weight .
Power Figures: The S4’s 3.0-liter turbo V6 churns out 349 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque . The TLX Type S counters with 355 horsepower and 354 lb-ft from its exclusive 3.0-liter turbo V6 .
Price vs. Features: The Acura typically undercuts the Audi on price while including more standard equipment, like Brembo® brakes and an adaptive suspension, which are often optional on the German rival .
Long-Term Ownership: If you plan on keeping your car past 100,000 miles, the Acura’s Honda-derived reliability and 6-year/70,000-mile powertrain warranty give it a significant edge .

Understanding the Powertrains: Heart of the Matter

To understand which car is “faster,” you have to look at what’s spinning under the hood. Both cars pack turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 engines, but they achieve their speed in very different ways. The Acura TLX Type S was designed to bring the fight to Germany, and it shows up with a brand-new engine just for the Type S trim .

The Acura TLX Type S: The Torque Monster

When Acura decided to bring back the Type S badge, they didn’t mess around. The engine is a 3.0-liter turbocharged V6 that makes 355 horsepower . But the real story is the torque: 354 lb-ft arrives as low as 1,400 rpm and stays flat until 5,000 rpm . That means in Sport+ Mode, you don’t have to wring its neck to feel speed; you breathe on the throttle, and the car lunges forward.

The transmission is a 10-speed automatic that Acura seriously beefed up for the Type S. They installed a new torque converter, stronger gears, and a dedicated cooler . The result? Downshifts are 40% quicker than the standard TLX . In the exclusive Sport+ setting, this gearbox finally acts the way you want a performance sedan to act—snappy and intelligent.

The Audi S4: The Precision Scalpel

The Audi S4 takes a slightly different approach. Its 3.0-liter turbo V6 is a masterpiece of efficiency and smoothness. It produces 349 horsepower, just shy of the Acura, but it edges ahead in torque with 369 lb-ft . This extra twist, combined with the S4’s lighter curb weight (around 3,847 lbs vs. the TLX’s 4,200 lbs), is the first clue to its 0-60 advantage .

Audi pairs this engine with an 8-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission . This is key. Dual-clutch transmissions (DCTs) pre-select the next gear, making shifts virtually instantaneous. It’s the kind of tech that feels robotic and violent in the best way when you’re accelerating hard. It’s also the main reason the S4 can rocket to 60 mph a full half-second faster than the Acura.

The 0-60 Showdown: Stoplight Sprint

Let’s get to the numbers you clicked for. If you’re sitting at a red light next to a friend, which car gets you to the other side of the intersection first?

Audi S4: 4.4 seconds .
Acura TLX Type S: 4.9 seconds .

Independent testing has even shown the TLX hitting 60 in 5.1 seconds, confirming that gap . That half-second difference is an eternity in the car world. It’s the difference between seeing the other car in your rearview mirror and watching it pull away.

Why the gap? It comes down to weight and launch technique. The Audi, with its dual-clutch gearbox and launch control, simply explodes off the line. The Acura, despite its power, has to work harder to move its 4,200-pound frame. The SH-AWD® system does a heroic job of finding grip, but physics is a tough opponent.

Here’s a visual breakdown of how the two titans compare on paper:

Specification	2024/2025 Acura TLX Type S	2024 Audi S4
Engine	3.0L Turbo V6	3.0L Turbo V6
Horsepower	355 hp @ 5,500 rpm	349 hp @ 6,300 rpm
Torque	354 lb-ft @ 1,400 rpm	369 lb-ft @ 3,200 rpm
0-60 MPH	4.9 seconds	4.4 seconds
Transmission	10-Speed Automatic	8-Speed Dual-Clutch (DCT)
Drivetrain	SH-AWD® (Torque Vectoring)	quattro® AWD
Curb Weight	~4,200 lbs	~3,847 lbs

Where Speed Really Lives: The Cornering Carve

Now, here is where the conversation gets interesting. If you define “fast” by how quickly you can take an off-ramp or navigate a twisty back road, the TLX Type S throws a massive punch.

The secret sauce is Super Handling All-Wheel Drive™ (SH-AWD®) . This isn’t just a traction system; it’s a handling device. Unlike standard AWD that just splits torque front to back, SH-AWD can send up to 70% of the engine’s torque to the rear axle and then route all of that to the outside rear wheel in a corner .

What does that feel like? It feels like the car is rotating around you. It tucks the nose into the apex and pulls you out of the corner with authority. One reviewer noted that despite the Acura being down on power and heavier, it actually outperformed the Audi S4 in figure-eight testing, tying with the BMW M340i . The amount of grip is almost in disbelief .

The Audi S4’s quattro® system is legendary for a reason—it’s predictable, confidence-inspiring, and incredibly fast in bad weather. But on a dry, curvy road, the Acura’s trick rear differential makes it feel more alive, more playful. It’s a sensation you have to experience to believe.

“The TLX has a kind of clinical feel with little feedback to the steering. The car doesn’t have that special flow I take for granted in a BMW.” . This quote from a reviewer highlights the Acura’s only dynamic flaw: while it grips and goes, the steering feel is slightly numb compared to the best in class. The S4, while not as playful as a BMW, still offers that solid, planted feel that German cars are known for.

Living With the Speed: The Daily Grind

Here’s the thing about daily driving: you can’t live in Sport+ or Dynamic mode forever. Sometimes you just want to cruise.

Interior Vibes

Hop inside the Acura TLX Type S, and you’re wrapped in a cockpit designed for the driver. The flat-bottom steering wheel feels perfect in your hands, and the 16-way power adjustable seats (with heating and ventilation) hug you just right . The Precision Cockpit™ Digital Cluster changes its graphics based on your drive mode, adding to the occasion.

However, the cabin has a few rough edges. Despite the TLX being a longer car, the rear legroom is actually smaller than the Audi’s, measuring just 34.9 inches . Tall passengers might feel cramped back there. Also, the True Touchpad Interface™ infotainment system can be frustrating. It’s like using a laptop trackpad while driving—it takes time to learn, and some reviewers find it less intuitive than a standard touchscreen .

Slide into the Audi S4, and you’re greeted by one of the nicest interiors in the class. The materials are top-notch, and the fit and finish are impeccable. The Virtual Cockpit is the gold standard for digital gauges, allowing you to expand the tachometer or shrink it to make room for a Google Earth map . The MMI control system, which uses a rotary dial and touchpad, is much easier to use while driving than the Acura’s trackpad. Rear seat room is a bit more generous at 41.3 inches of front legroom (though rear legroom specifics aren’t listed, the overall cabin feels more airy) .

Cargo and Practicality

Acura TLX Type S: 13.5 cubic feet of trunk space .
Audi S4: 12.0 cubic feet of trunk space .

The Acura wins the grocery-getter contest here. That extra space makes a real difference when packing for a weekend away.

The Long Game: Reliability and Warranty

This is where the Acura TLX Type S starts to look like the smart financial play.

First, the warranty. Audi offers a solid but standard 4-year/50,000-mile basic and powertrain warranty . Acura matches the basic warranty but extends the powertrain warranty to 6 years/70,000 miles . That extra coverage on the engine and transmission is peace of mind you can’t put a price on.

Second, reliability. Honda (Acura’s parent company) is famous for building cars that run forever. The TLX Type S uses proven Honda engineering principles, which translates to lower predicted maintenance costs. One report estimates the average annual maintenance cost for a TLX at just $440, which is significantly lower than many German competitors . An Audi, while brilliantly engineered, will cost you more in scheduled services and unexpected repairs as the miles pile up . As one owner noted, the S4 requires expensive services like spark plug changes at 40,000 miles that add up quickly .

If you plan on keeping your “daily” for 100,000 or 200,000 miles, the Acura TLX Type S is overwhelmingly the smarter choice .

The Verdict: Which is the Faster Daily?

So, after all that, which one wins?

If your daily commute involves wide-open highways, you love the feeling of being pinned to your seat at every on-ramp, and you want the prestige of the four rings, the Audi S4 is the faster daily. That 4.4-second sprint to 60 is addictive, and the refined interior makes the traffic jam on the way home a much nicer place to be.

But if your “daily drive” involves a curvy back road to avoid traffic, you value standard performance equipment (like Brembos and adaptive suspension) over optional extras, and you plan on keeping your car for the long haul, the Acura TLX Type S is the faster daily. It might be a tick slower in a straight line, but the way it attacks a corner with the SH-AWD® system is genuinely special. It offers 90% of the thrills for less money and with more long-term reliability.

Think of it this way: The Audi S4 is the sprinter. The Acura TLX Type S is the decathlete.

What’s your take? Do you value the stoplight victory, or the cornering confidence? Drop a comment below and let us know which sedan you’d park in your garage.

FAQ: Your Questions Answered

Is the Acura TLX Type S faster than the Audi S4?
In a straight line, no. The Audi S4 hits 60 mph in 4.4 seconds, while the TLX Type S does it in 4.9 seconds . However, on a racetrack or curvy road, the TLX Type S can match or outperform the S4 thanks to its advanced torque-vectoring all-wheel drive .

What is Acura Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD®)?
It’s an intelligent AWD system that not only sends power to the wheels with grip but can also over-drive the outside rear wheel during cornering. This actively helps pivot the car through the turn, reducing understeer and making the car feel more agile .

Is the Audi S4 good for daily driving?
Yes. It offers a perfect blend of performance and luxury. The ride is compliant in Comfort mode, the Virtual Cockpit is a joy to use, and the quattro system makes it a beast in all weather conditions . Just be prepared for higher maintenance costs down the road.

Which car has a better interior for road trips?
The Acura TLX Type S offers slightly more trunk space (13.5 cu-ft vs. 12.0) for luggage . However, the Audi S4 typically has a more modern, high-tech cabin design and may be quieter on the highway. Rear seat passengers will likely find the Audi more comfortable .

Does the Acura TLX Type S require premium gas?
Yes. To achieve its 355 horsepower and 354 lb-ft of torque, the TLX Type S requires premium fuel, just like the Audi S4 .