Should You Buy a Genesis G70 3.3T or an Audi S4 for $35,000?

The latest-generation Genesis G70 3.3T AWD and Audi S4 each represent a compelling way to spend your money on a second-hand sports sedan that’s big on high-end features and high-performance driving. Both pack turbocharged V6 power and advanced AWD systems that work to put their full capabilities within the driver’s reach at all times. Both are capable of handling some of the planet’s nastiest winter-driving conditions with proper tires, and both will work well as an occasional retreat from the SUV or pickup you might park it next to in your driveway.

But what if you had a budget of around $35,000 to spend on a sport sedan – where is it best spent? With Genesis, or with Audi? Here’s where your dollars should go.

We’re focusing specifically on the latest-generation Genesis G70 (2019+) with 3.3T engine and the latest-generation Audi S4 (2020+). Pricing data is sourced from AutoTempest.com and is correct at the time of writing in May 2025.

Meet The Machinery

Both machines are four-door, AWD-equipped sedans with turbo V6 power, high-performance braking and rear axle components, AWD, and little less than the latest safety, connectivity, and convenience tech of their day. So what sets each apart?
The Genesis G70

The Genesis G70 traces its roots back to 2019, the date of its original launch. The 2022 model year brought a facelift and visual update, most notably adding a sleeker new front bumper and a more integrated, dynamic taillamp shape. Various configurations were available over the years, including one with a 2-liter turbo four-cylinder engine set up with rear-drive and a six-speed manual– perhaps the perfect replacement for a Genesis Coupe if you need a functional back seat. The award-winning 3.3-liter twin-turbo V6 was also on offer, commonly paired with AWD and an automatic 8-speed.

Audi S4 Sedan Generations: Everything You Need To Know In One Place

Audi’s in-between S4 is a sweet spot in the lineup, providing A4 sensibilities and excellent performance at a lower price than the hardcore RS4.

Audi’s Go-Faster A4

The Audi S4 has been the go-fast version of the Audi A4 since its launch in the year 2000. The latest-generation S4 is its fifth, dubbed B9, and it launched in 2019. A facelift came for the 2020 model year as the new competitor from Genesis began ramping up sales. The facelifted fifth-generation Audi S4 remains on sale today, alongside the facelifted first-generation Genesis G70. Unlike the G70, the S4 was only available in one basic configuration that already included a full selection of performance upgrades, as this was the performance flagship of Audi’s A4 line. It’s a sports-branded sub-model, while the G70 is not.
Here’s How They Compare

Let’s start with a comparison of physical size and dimensions, where the most important discovery is simple: if one of these machines fits in your garage, the other one likely will, too. The Genesis G70 is 2.4 inches longer overall than the S4, which is 2.4 inches wider overall than the G70. On wheelbase, curb weight, and height, the two are virtually a dead-even tie, and these cars are basically the same size.

Exterior Dimensions Comapred: S4 vs. G70

2022 Genesis G70 3.3T

2022 Audi S4

Length

184.4 inches

186.8 inches

Width

72.8 inches

75.2 inches

Height

55.1inches

55.3 inches

Wheelbase

111.6 inches

111.2 inches

Curb Weight

3,774 lbs

3,858 lbs

What About The Interior?

On board, there’s little difference when it comes to shoulder room between the two cars – which is interesting given that the S4 is notably wider than the G70. More major advantages include front seat legroom, where the Genesis leads the Audi by 1.3 inches, or 3%. The G70 also beats the S4 handily when it comes to front seat headroom with a 2.4-inch (6%) advantage, so taller drivers take note that you’ll probably have more space in the Genesis.

Genesis

It’s the Audi with the more spacious rear seat, boasting a half-inch more rear-seat headroom than the G70 and nearly an inch more rear-seat legroom (as well as a slightly larger trunk) and all despite being the physically shorter car.

Interior Dimensions Comapred: S4 vs. G70

2022 Genesis G70 3.3T

2022 Audi S4

Front Seat Headroom

39.7 inches

37.3 inches

Front Seat Shoulder Room

56.3 inches

55.9 inches

Front Seat Leg Room

42.6 inches

41.3 inches

Rear Seat Headroom

36.9 inches

37.4 inches

Rear Seat Shoulder Room

54.6 inches

54.5 inches

Rear Seat Leg Room

34.8 inches

35.7 inches

Trunk Volume

10.5 cu-ft

12.0 cu-ft

Comparison Where It Matters: Performance

Genesis

Of course, you’re probably buying these machines largely for their performance capabilities, so let’s line things up side by side below to see how they compare. Scan the specs, and you’ll find a virtual tie – that is, until you dig a little deeper into the data where the Audi has a clear advantage.

Performance Specs Compared: S4 vs. G70

2022 Genesis G70 3.3T Specifications

2022 Audi S4 Specifications

Engine

3.3L twin-turbo V6 gas

3.0L V6 gas turbo

Horsepower

365 hp

349 hp

Torque

376 lb-ft

369 lb-ft

Transmission

8-speed auto

0-60

4.7 sec (approx)

4.5 sec (approx)

EPA Annual Fuel Cost (approx)

$3,150 (premium fuel)

$2,600 (premium fuel)

Horsepower and torque between these two cars are separated by just 16 ponies and 7 lb-ft, respectively, with the G70 leading on both figures. The G70 is also a touch lighter than the S4 by 84 lbs, though the S4 should manage a slightly quicker 0-60 sprint. By the numbers, these two are virtually tied when it comes to key performance metrics.

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That’s not the case when it comes to fuel costs, though. Both engines run premium gas, and the EPA says the S4 drinks $550 less of your gas dollars annually than the G70, saving you about fifty bucks a month on gas that you can put towards your grocery bill.
Price Comparison

Though the Audi S4 can be pricier than a comparable G70 (as we’ll see below), remember to factor in the long-term fuel costs when making a decision. You’ll likely pay more for that S4 today, but if you keep it for 4 or 5 years, it’ll save you about $2,500 in fuel versus the G70 over the same period, according to EPA data. This can make the higher asking price a little easier to digest.
Specifically, a search of AutoTempest.com data shows that shoppers after a used G70 in 2025 can set a budget of about $25,000 for a unit with about 50,000 miles or less. For that same $25,000, you’re hardly into a latest-generation S4 at that price, at least without a major odometer reading. For an S4 with 50,000 miles or less, you’ll need to set a budget in the low to mid-thirties, nearly $10,000 more than a G70. Searching only units with sub-20,0000-mile odometer readings, a G70 tends to come in around $33,000, while the same odometer reading on a comparable S4 will easily run up into low-$40,000 territory.

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Of course, this reflects the starting prices of each machine. The Genesis G70 was an unknown contender from a brand-new automaker with no history or heritage to draw from, and started in the mid-forties with V6 and AWD. The well-established S4, with decades of motorsports history behind its engineering team, was priced between $50,000 and $58,000. According to J.D. Power, there’s no Qualtiy and Reliability score available for the latest-generation S4. Only the 2022 and 2023 G70 have a rating here, and it’s ‘great’ in both cases.
Before You Buy

Owners of both machines tend to rave about their performance capabilities and excellent interiors, though buying the healthiest-possible used S4 or G70 requires a few extra steps on your part.
First, work with a local dealer to determine if any recall work might be outstanding, and plan to have any outstanding recalls taken care of as soon as possible, as they make your vehicle safer. Second, assume the S4 or G70 you’re considering needs new tires, brakes, fluids and a fresh battery until you have a professional technician confirm otherwise. Be sure the unit you’re considering is riding a set of quality performance tires from a brand you trust, and that they’re fresh and healthy, not worn out or weathered.

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Finding a used G70 or S4 with remaining warranty shouldn’t be too hard, and add-on warranty packages are popular with many owners for the added peace of mind they offer. Before deciding on adding an extended warranty package, consider saving the amount in your bank account so your funds remain available if repairs are needed, and if they aren’t.
Note also that the G70 comes from an era when Genesis was making a name for itself by topping the dependability charts, though that’s no guarantee the specific model you’re considering isn’t problem-free. Always have a used car checked by a professional as a final step before you buy.

Sources: Audi, Genesis, EPA, J.D. Power and Associates, AutoTempest