Audi RS3 vs Audi A3

The Audi RS3 starts from $99,208 before on-road costs, while the Audi A3 opens at $54,800. That makes the Audi A3 the more affordable entry point by $44,408.

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. That puts estimated driveaway prices in the ballpark of $109,129 and $60,280 respectively.

Over 5 years, the running costs favour the Audi A3 by roughly $4,275 in fuel alone.

Both the Audi RS3 and Audi A3 hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 89% for the Audi RS3 and 89% for the Audi A3.

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 7 in the Audi A3.

Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, a reversing camera. Airbag count is 6 in the Audi RS3 and 6 in the Audi A3. The Audi RS3 adds a 360-degree camera that the Audi A3 misses.

The Audi RS3 features a 10.1-inch touchscreen, while the Audi A3 gets a 10.1-inch display. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.

The Audi RS3 stands out with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, head-up display and Sonos 3D Premium audio that you will not find on the Audi A3. The Audi A3 counters with Apple CarPlay. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.

The Audi RS3 uses a 5-cylinder petrol with direct fuel injection, turbocharging producing 294kW and 500Nm of torque, sent through a 7-speed s tronic to a AWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 3.8 seconds.

The Audi A3 responds with a Petrol MHEV making 110kW and 250Nm, paired to a 7-speed s tronic driving the front wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 8.1 seconds.

The Audi RS3 has the clear power advantage at 294kW vs 110kW. In the real-world sprint, the Audi RS3 is 4.3s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.

The Audi RS3 measures 4,389mm long on a 2,630mm wheelbase, 37mm longer than the Audi A3 at 4,352mm (2,635mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Audi A3 generally means more rear legroom.

Boot space is 282L in the Audi RS3 and 325L in the Audi A3, giving the Audi A3 a 43L advantage.

For towing, the Audi RS3 leads with a 1,900kg braked capacity vs 1,200kg. That 700kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.

Based on 15,000km of annual driving, fuel costs roughly $2,366/year for the Audi RS3 and $1,511/year for the Audi A3. That is a $855 annual difference in favour of the Audi A3.

Estimated annual total: $2,366 (Audi RS3) vs $1,511 (Audi A3). The Audi A3 saves you roughly $855 per year in total ownership costs. Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.

Warranty: 5 years / 999,999km (Audi RS3) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Audi A3). Both match on warranty length.