Compare the2024 Maserati GhibliVS 2024 Audi S4

The Ghibli has a standard blind spot warning system that uses sensors to alert the driver to objects in the vehicle’s blind spots where the side view mirrors don’t reveal them and moves the vehicle back into its lane. A system to reveal vehicles in the S4’s blind spot costs extra.

To help make backing out of a parking space safer, the Ghibli has standard Rear Cross Path, helping the driver avoid collisions. Audi charges extra for Rear Cross-Traffic Assist on the S4.

Both the Ghibli and the S4 have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, driver knee airbags, side-impact head airbags, front seatbelt pretensioners, height adjustable front shoulder belts, four-wheel antilock brakes, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, crash mitigating brakes, daytime running lights, lane departure warning systems and rearview cameras.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2023 Initial Quality Study of new car owners surveyed provide the statistics that show that Maserati vehicles are better in initial quality than Audi vehicles. J.D. Power ranks Maserati above average in initial quality. With 39 more problems per 100 vehicles, Audi is rated below average.

The Ghibli Modena’s standard 3.0 turbo V6 produces 75 more horsepower (424 vs. 349) and 37 lbs.-ft. more torque (406 vs. 369) than the S4’s 3.0 turbo V6. The Ghibli Trofeo’s standard 3.8 turbo V8 produces 223 more horsepower (572 vs. 349) and 169 lbs.-ft. more torque (538 vs. 369) than the S4’s 3.0 turbo V6.

The Ghibli has 5.8 gallons more fuel capacity than the S4 (21.1 vs. 15.3 gallons), for longer range between fill-ups.

The Ghibli 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 Ghibli’s brake rotors are larger than those on the S4:

The Ghibli stops shorter than the S4:

For better traction and acceleration, the Ghibli has larger standard rear tires than the S4 (275/40R19 vs. 255/35R19). The Ghibli’s optional rear tires are larger than the largest rear tires available on the S4 (285/35R20 vs. 255/35R19).

The Ghibli’s optional 285/30R21 rear tires provide better handling because they have a lower 30 series profile (height to width ratio) that provides a stiffer sidewall than the S4’s 35 series tires.

For better ride, handling and brake cooling the Ghibli offers optional 21-inch wheels. The S4’s largest wheels are only 19-inches.

The Ghibli’s drift compensation steering can automatically compensate for road conditions which would cause the vehicle to drift from side to side, helping the driver to keep the vehicle straight more easily. The S4 doesn’t offer drift compensation steering.

For a smoother ride and more stable handling, the Ghibli’s wheelbase is 7 inches longer than on the S4 (118 inches vs. 111 inches).

For better handling and stability, the track (width between the wheels) on the Ghibli is 2.5 inches wider in the front and 3.9 inches wider in the rear than on the S4.

The Ghibli’s front to rear weight distribution is more even (50% to 50%) than the S4’s (57% to 43%). This gives the Ghibli more stable handling and braking.

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

The Ghibli has 16 cubic feet more passenger volume than the S4 (108 vs. 92).

The Ghibli has 1.5 inches more front headroom, 1.9 inches more front shoulder room, 1.4 inches more rear headroom and 2 inches more rear shoulder room than the S4.

The Ghibli has a much larger trunk than the S4 (17.7 vs. 12 cubic feet).

To make loading and unloading groceries and cargo easier, especially for short adults, the Ghibli offers an optional power trunk, which opens and closes automatically by pressing a button or just by kicking your foot under the back bumper, completely leaving your hands free. The S4 doesn’t offer a power trunk, so its trunk has to be closed manually.

The Ghibli’s standard easy entry system raises the steering wheel and glides the driver’s seat back, making it easier for the driver to get in and out. The S4 doesn’t offer an easy entry system.

The Ghibli’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.

A power rear sunshade is optional in the Ghibli to help block heat and glare for the rear passengers. The S4 doesn’t offer a rear sunshade.

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