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Audi S2: quattro coupe and Avant with turbo five-cylinder engine
The Audi S2 (1990–1995) is the sporty version of the Audi Coupé and Audi 80 with a turbo five-cylinder engine and quattro all-wheel drive. In this article, we review its bodies, engine, and what to check when buying a used car.
S2 in brief
The S2 was the faster and better-equipped version of the Audi Coupé and Audi 80. It offered quattro all-wheel drive, a turbo five-cylinder engine, and a 6-speed gearbox.
Today, the S2 is one of the most sought-after Audis of the 1990s, so prices and availability greatly depend on the condition of the specific example.
Bodies
The most common variant is the two-door S2 Coupé. The S2 Avant (estate) and S2 Limousine (sedan) were also produced, but they are rarer.
The Audi RS2 Avant, co-developed with Porsche, is a separate, more powerful model and is not identical to the S2.
Engine and gearbox
The S2 has a 2.2-litre turbo five-cylinder engine with around 220–230 hp. Power is sent to all wheels via a Torsen centre differential.
The gearbox is a 6-speed manual. The car accelerates from 0-100 km/h in around 6 seconds, making it dynamic even by today's standards.
What to check when buying a used S2
Check the condition of the engine and turbocharger, cooling system, and oil leaks. Service history and whether the car hasn't been heavily tuned are important.
Check the gearbox and suspension (the 6-speed box is sensitive to rough use), as well as the quattro system, suspension, brakes, and body — especially wheel arches, sills, and the underside.
The choice of parts greatly depends on the specific model: some are shared with other Audis, but specific S2 parts can be expensive and hard to find.
Trim levels
Names and equipment vary by market and year; we list the versions most commonly found in Europe.
S2 Coupé
1990–1995The most common version is the two-door coupé.
- 2.2-litre turbo five-cylinder engine
- Quattro four-wheel drive
- Six-speed manual gearbox
S2 Avant
1993–1995Estate with a larger boot.
- The same engine as the coupé
- A more practical body style
- A rarer version
S2 Limousine
1993–1995Four-door saloon.
- Four-door body
- The same engine as the coupé
- Very rare
Comparing versions
| Coupé | Avant | Limousine | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Who it's for | For driving pleasure | For practicality | For enthusiasts of rare cars |
| Body style | Coupe | Estate | Sedan |
| Price in the used market (relatively) | €€€ | €€€ | €€€ |
Most buyers will prefer the Coupe. The Avant is for those who need the boot space, and the Limousine is for those who crave exclusivity.
Pros
- Character of the turbo five-cylinder engine
- Quattro four-wheel drive
- Classic 1990s looks
- Collector's potential
Cons
- Expensive specific parts
- Cost of maintaining the turbo engine and gearbox
- Some cars are modified or poorly maintained
Frequently asked questions
How much power does the Audi S2 have?
Around 220–230 hp, depending on the year.
How does the S2 differ from the RS2?
The RS2 Avant was developed with Porsche and is more powerful, while the S2 is the more straightforward model.
Is the S2 suitable for daily use?
It can be, if it's well-maintained, but it's an old car, so service history and condition are crucial.
Updated 2026-10-21 · Trim levels and equipment vary by market and model year — check the equipment of the specific car. · Translated automatically
