Alfa Romeo Giulia vs Audi A4
Value retention, real cost and monthly money, compared on the same 2026 South African data.
The Audi A4 wins on money kept: 59% retained after three years vs 53%, worth about R 168 970 at trade-in time.
Both curves, one chart
Head to head
| Giulia | A4 | |
|---|---|---|
| New price (from) | R 1 176 900 | R 774 800 |
| ±Monthly instalment | R 20 570/m | R 13 542/m |
| Retained after 1 year | 73% | 78% |
| Retained after 3 years | 53% | 59% |
| Value after 3 years | R 622 653 | R 453 682 |
| Lost to depreciation (3y) | R 554 247 | R 321 118 |
| Value after 5 years | R 452 602 | R 329 778 |
| Our tier | Weak-franchise mainstream | Premium (established) |
Alfa Romeo Giulia →
Alfa's rear-drive 3 Series rival reached South Africa in 2017, led by the 375 kW Quadrifoglio whose first allocation sold out in days. The current range starts around R1.18 million, with Quadrifoglio order books reopened in 2026 at just over R2 million. Reviewers rate it the driver's pick of the segment, but it resells well below equivalent BMWs.
Known for: sharp steering in the 3 series class
Audi A4 →
For three decades the A4 was Audi's core sedan in South Africa, running through five generations from 1995 until the new A5 replaced it in 2025. Buyers knew it for refinement and solid build rather than outright sportiness. Used examples are plentiful and prices are soft, making it a common value buy among premium sedans.
Known for: refined quattro executive staple
Common questions
Which holds value better, the Alfa Romeo Giulia or the Audi A4?
The Audi A4. It keeps about 59% of its price after three years against 53% for the Alfa Romeo Giulia, a gap of 6 points.
Which is cheaper to own over three years?
Depreciation is the biggest ownership cost. The Alfa Romeo Giulia loses about R 554 247 over three years and the Audi A4 loses about R 321 118. Fuel, insurance and servicing can narrow or widen that, but the depreciation gap is the number to start from.
What do they cost per month?
On typical finance (10% deposit, 72 months, 11.75%), the Alfa Romeo Giulia runs about R 20 570 per month and the Audi A4 about R 13 542, before fees and insurance.
Keep going
Modelled estimates on a retail basis; spec levels and real transaction prices vary.