Ford Mondeo vs Audi RS4
What's the difference?

Ford Mondeo

$5,995 - $24,480

2018 price

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Audi RS4

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2024 price

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Mercedes-Benz A-Class

Mercedes-Benz C-Class

Mercedes-Benz C43

Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class

Mercedes-Benz E-Class

Summary

2018 Ford Mondeo

2024 Audi RS4

By Tom White

By John Law

Safety Rating

Engine Type

Diesel Turbo 4, 2.0L

Twin Turbo V6, 2.9L

Fuel Type

Diesel

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Fuel Efficiency

5.1L/100km (combined)

9.5L/100km (combined)

Seating

Likes

Well equipped
Practical and refined
EcoBoost engine hammers

Suspension prowess
Responsive transmission
Snug bucket seats

Dislikes

Hit and miss styling
Inconsistent ride
SUV-like seating position

Cabin tech is ageing
Engine lacks ferocity
Firm over speed humps

2018 Ford Mondeo Summary

Yes, this is a Ford Mondeo review in Anno Domini 2018.

This assumes, of course, that Ford even still sells the Mondeo, and despite the fact that it's the third best-selling car in the segment, Ford oddly doesn't seem keen to talk about it.

Why? Perhaps Ford doesn't want anybody to get overly attached to a sedan-y hatch that has a cloudy future in an ever-shrinking mid-size market. After all, there's still a rather vocal sect of the population feeling burned by the end of the Falcon dynasty.

You'd also be right to assume those numbers are padded out a fair bit by corporate leases. Salesmen in England were long referred to as Mondoe Men for a reason. I'll tell you this much, though, I'd be pretty stoked if I got one of these Mondeos as a lease.

As an FG Falcon owner, for most intents and purposes it would even be a half-way decent replacement for my large sedan. Stick with me as I explain why.

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2024 Audi RS4 Summary

It's the end of the line for that Audi A4 as we know it. In saying goodbye to the ‘B9’ generation A4 that launched in 2015, we welcome the Audi RS4 Competition Plus.

It is the most hardcore example of the breed yet, sitting lower to the floor with hard-edged gear changes, lightweight wheels and snuggly bucket seats. You can also get it in swoopy RS5 Sportback guise.

Audi is only bringing 75 units of each down under as a swan song for the B9 generation RS4 and RS5 before the even-numbered model moves into its all-electric future.

As we’ll go on to discover, these two special models see the A4 and A5 bow out in style.

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Deep dive comparison

2018 Ford Mondeo 2024 Audi RS4

Verdict

The Mondeo creeps to the forefront as one of the best Fords with the smallest marketing budget.

Well equipped, reasonably fun to drive and semi-luxurious to be in for long periods, it's hard to remember why it's so forgettable.

Its certainly worth your consideration over its rivals, but then perhaps you don't want to fall in love with another Ford potentially headed for the chopping block in the near future.

Verdict

What a way to send off this generation of Audi RS4 and RS5. The extra focus courtesy of those trick coil overs and drama from the exhaust plus the sharper gear changes deliver the best Audi has done with these RS products.

There are some compromises, with the suspension favouring outright control over low-speed comfort. It’s also true that the current BMW’s M3 and M4 are more impressive, but when the products are nearly seven years fresher than Audi’s, what do you expect?

Plus, those looking for a more restrained and polite fast executive sedan (or wagon) will gel with the Audi’s sophistication. There aren’t many of these Competition Plus RS4 and RS5s coming to Australia and they are impressive visually and from behind the wheel. It’s a fitting way to send off the current generations.

Note: CarsGuide attended this event as a guest of the manufacturer, with accommodation and meals provided.

Ford Mondeo vs Audi RS4 What's the difference?

Summary

Deep dive comparison

Verdict

Verdict

Ford Mondeo vs Audi RS4
What's the difference?