Yes. The 2004 Audi S4 uses Audi's quattro permanent all-wheel-drive system.
The B6-generation S4, introduced for the 2003 model year, paired a 4.2-liter V8 with Audi's quattro drivetrain, delivering power to all four wheels via a center differential. In practice, that means the S4's traction is managed continuously and does not switch to a two-wheel-drive mode; it is designed for grip in various conditions. In markets including the U.S., quattro was standard on the S4, with both a six-speed manual and a Tiptronic automatic transmission offered.
What defines the S4's Quattro setup
The following points describe the core characteristics of the 2004 S4's quattro system.
- Permanent all-wheel drive with a center differential (Torsen) that distributes torque between front and rear as needed.
- Full-time AWD. There is no conventional selectable two-wheel-drive mode on most S4s of this generation.
- Typically paired with the 4.2-liter V8 engine and offered with manual or Tiptronic transmission options.
- Designed to improve traction during cornering, acceleration, and slippery conditions, contributing to stable handling characteristics.
In practice, quattro in the 2004 S4 is intended to provide consistent, all-weather performance rather than a performance-oriented "two-wheel drive" feel. The system is a defining feature of the S4's character and ownership experience.
Market variations and availability
Depending on region, Audi's quattro was standard on the S4, but there were some differences in trim and equipment. The U.S. model year 2004 S4 was available with the 6-speed manual or Tiptronic automatic, both incorporating the quattro drivetrain, and there wasn't a non-quattro companion in this lineup.
Transmission choices and performance packages
Beyond the drivetrain, buyers could choose between manual or automatic transmissions, with performance characteristics tuned to complement the AWD system.
- Six-speed manual (typical in earlier S4 trims) or five-speed Tiptronic in some markets; some official sources list six speeds for manual. The important point: all featured quattro.
- Performance packages could include sport suspension and other handling enhancements, reinforcing quattro dynamics.
These variations reflect Audi's approach to the S4 during the B6 era, reinforcing the car's emphasis on all-weather performance and handling precision.
Ownership and maintenance implications
The permanent quattro system can influence maintenance and servicing. Key considerations include:
- Regular inspection of the center differential and driveshafts for wear, especially with high-mileage vehicles.
- Proper oiling of the drive components per manufacturer recommendations.
- Ensuring alignment and suspension components are in good condition to maximize AWD effectiveness.
Overall, the 2004 S4's AWD system is central to how the car behaves on the road, particularly in adverse weather or in spirited driving scenarios.
Summary
In short, the 2004 Audi S4 is equipped with Audi's quattro permanent all-wheel-drive system. This AWD setup, combined with the 4.2-liter V8 and available manual or Tiptronic transmissions, defined the S4's performance character for that model year. If you're assessing a 2004 S4, expect a car that relies on quattro to deliver traction and stability across a variety of driving conditions.
Summary: The 2004 S4 is Quattro (AWD). The system is permanent, center-differential-based, and integral to the car's performance profile, with standard availability across markets including the U.S. This article detailed the drivetrain, market variations, and ownership considerations, and provided guidance for evaluating a used example.