Tiff Needell pits the Audi S4 against the Opel Insignia OPC

These two mid-size saloons share several traits: they are the most powerful versions of their respective ranges, they use direct-injection, supercharged V6 engines, they have four-wheel drive and they can reach 250 km/h.

Despite these similarities, the Audi and the Opel are very different when pushed to the limit, and Tiff Needell (Fifth Gear) sets out to prove it in the video below.

That said, I think that before watching it, it would be worth completing the technical description of both contenders. The engine of the Opel Insignia OPC (called the Vauxhall Insignia VXR in Great Britain) produces 325 CV and 435 Nm. It accelerates from 0-100 km/h in 6.0 seconds, consumes 10.6 l/100 km and its price in Spain is €41,480.00 (before discounts).

The Audi S4 produces 333 CV and 440 Nm. It accelerates from 0-100 km/h in 5.1 seconds, consumes 9.7 l/100 km and its price in Spain starts at €58,860.00 (before discounts). In other words, the Audi is more powerful, accelerates faster and consumes less than the Opel. What accounts for these differences?

One of the keys mentioned in the video is weight. While the Audi comes in at 1,735 kg, the Opel reaches 1,825 kg, a difference of 90 kg. This factor, together with better suspension tuning on the Audi, means that it manages to lap the Anglesey circuit two seconds faster than the Opel.

One question: is 2 seconds worth €17,000? Below, the video:

Source | YouTube