Audi A4 vs. Subaru Legacy

iSeeCars' unbiased and data-driven comparison of the Audi A4 and Subaru Legacy contrasts the two cars across a broad spectrum of vehicle specifications to determine which car is better. In addition to comparing pricing and specs, iSeeCars uses all the ratings, rankings, and insights from its comprehensive analyses of each vehicle model, including calculations of reliability, safety, depreciation, value retention, and the vehicle's projected lifetime recalls (based on analyzing over 25 billion data points). This in-depth evaluation is used to identify which vehicle represents a better overall choice for shoppers who are considering both the Audi A4 and the Subaru Legacy.

When we compare the Audi A4's and the Subaru Legacy's specifications and ratings, the Audi A4 has the advantage in the areas of reliability, overall quality score and base engine power. The Subaru Legacy has the advantage in the areas of new vehicle base pricing, typical lower range of pricing for one- to five-year-old used cars, resale value and interior volume. The Audi A4 and Subaru Legacy have the same fuel efficiency. Based on this comparison of the Audi A4's and the Subaru Legacy's specifications and ratings, the Subaru Legacy is a better car than the Audi A4.

Pricing: A used 2024 Audi A4 ranges from $39,992 to $51,860 while a used 2024 Subaru Legacy is priced between $25,884 to $35,342. For a new model, the Audi A4's price is between $45,370 and $54,500, with the Subaru Legacy priced between $27,715 and $38,048.

Resale/Retained Value: Looking at the 5-year depreciation rate for both models, the Audi A4 loses 50.2 percent of its value and the Subaru Legacy loses 37.2 percent of its value. This means the Subaru Legacy retains 13 percentage points more of its value and has the advantage of higher resale value versus the Audi A4.

Quality Rating: The iSeeCars Overall Quality rating for the Audi A4 is 8.5 out of 10 while the Subaru Legacy's quality rating is 8.4 out of 10. This results in the Audi A4 being ranked 6 out of 36 Best Luxury Small Cars and the Subaru Legacy being ranked 9 out of 13 Best Midsize Cars.

Reliability Rating: iSeeCars’ Reliability Rating for the Audi A4 is 8.1 out of 10. For the Subaru Legacy the reliability rating is 8.1 out of 10. This gives the Audi A4 a slight advantage in reliability compared to the Subaru Legacy.

Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency Comparison: For engine performance, the Audi A4’s base engine makes 201 horsepower, and the Subaru Legacy base engine makes 182 horsepower. The A4 is rated to deliver an average of 30 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 536 miles. The Legacy is rated to deliver an average of 30 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 648 miles. This gives the Subaru Legacy the fuel efficiency and maximum range advantage over the Audi A4. The A4 uses premium unleaded, and the Legacy uses regular unleaded.

Passenger Space Comparison: The Subaru Legacy, a midsize car, has the advantage of offering more interior volume, reflected in more front head room, front shoulder room, front leg room, rear shoulder room, rear leg room, and cargo space. The Audi A4, a compact car, has the advantage in the area of rear head room.

Safety Ratings: When comparing crash test ratings from NHTSA, both the Audi A4 and the Subaru Legacy have the same average safety rating of 5 out of 5 Stars. When comparing IIHS evaluations, the Subaru Legacy has the advantage with a Top Safety Pick award.