Audi A5 vs Audi RS3

The Audi A5 starts from $79,900 before on-road costs, while the Audi RS3 opens at $101,515. That makes the Audi A5 the more affordable entry point by $21,615.

Once you factor in stamp duty, registration, CTP insurance, and dealer delivery, expect to add roughly 8-12% on top of the RRP depending on your state. Estimated driveaway prices sit around $90,349 for the Audi A5 and $123,338 for the Audi RS3.

Over 5 years, the running costs favour the Audi A5 by roughly $1,850 in fuel alone.

Both the Audi A5 and Audi RS3 hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 87% for the Audi A5 and 89% for the Audi RS3.

Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. The Audi RS3 packs more ADAS features with 9 out of 10 key systems fitted, compared to 8 in the Audi A5.

Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, a reversing camera. Airbag count is 7 in the Audi A5 and 6 in the Audi RS3.

The Audi A5 features a 14.5-inch touchscreen paired with a 11.9-inch digital dash, while the Audi RS3 gets a 10.1-inch display and 12.3-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.

The Audi A5 stands out with ventilated seats, power tailgate and Bang & Olufsen audio that you will not find on the Audi RS3. The Audi RS3 counters with Sonos 3D Premium audio. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.

Interior trim differs: the Audi A5 gets leather upholstery while the Audi RS3 offers nappa leather. Climate control is 3-zone in the Audi A5 and 2-zone in the Audi RS3.

The Audi A5 uses a 4-cylinder petrol with direct fuel injection, turbocharging producing 150kW and 340Nm of torque, sent through a 7-speed s tronic to a FWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 7.8 seconds.

The Audi RS3 responds with a 5-cylinder petrol with direct fuel injection, turbocharging making 294kW and 500Nm, paired to a 7-speed s tronic driving all four wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 3.8 seconds.

The Audi RS3 has the clear power advantage at 294kW vs 150kW. In the real-world sprint, the Audi RS3 is 4.0s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.

The Audi A5 measures 4,762mm long on a 2,821mm wheelbase, 214mm longer than the Audi RS3 at 4,548mm (2,630mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Audi A5 generally means more rear legroom.

Boot space is 400L in the Audi A5 and 321L in the Audi RS3, giving the Audi A5 a 79L advantage.

For towing, the Audi RS3 leads with a 1,900kg braked capacity vs 1,800kg. That 100kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.

Based on 15,000km of annual driving, fuel costs roughly $1,967/year for the Audi A5 and $2,337/year for the Audi RS3. That is a $370 annual difference in favour of the Audi A5.

Estimated annual total: $1,967 (Audi A5) vs $2,337 (Audi RS3). The Audi A5 saves you roughly $370 per year in total ownership costs. Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.

Warranty: 5 years / 999,999km (Audi A5) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Audi RS3). Both match on warranty length.