Audi RS3 vs Ford F-150
A detailed look at how two of Australia's most popular cars compare on price, running costs, safety, and everyday livability.
Specifications and pricing correct at time of publishing. Prices are RRP before on-road costs unless stated otherwise. Always confirm with the manufacturer or dealer before purchasing.
Audi RS3
From $101,515
Sedan
5-cylinder petrol with direct fuel injection, turbocharging
294kW
8.2 L/100km
5★ ANCAP
321L
Ford F-150
From $106,950
Pick-up
Petrol V6 Twin-Turbo (EcoBoost)
298kW
13.4 L/100km
ANCAP: no data
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Price Breakdown
The Audi RS3 starts from $101,515 before on-road costs, while the Ford F-150 opens at $106,950. That makes the Audi RS3 the more affordable entry point by $5,435.
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 $111,667 and $117,645 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs favour the Audi RS3 by roughly $7,410 in fuel alone.
Safety Rundown
ANCAP safety ratings have not been published for both models yet. We will update this section when crash test results are available.
Feature Showdown
The Audi RS3 features a 10.1-inch touchscreen paired with a 12.3-inch digital dash, while the Ford F-150 gets a 12-inch display and 12-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The Audi RS3 stands out with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, head-up display, heated front seats, Sonos 3D Premium audio and ambient lighting that you will not find on the Ford F-150. The Ford F-150 counters with Apple CarPlay. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Interior trim differs: the Audi RS3 gets nappa leather upholstery while the Ford F-150 offers cloth.
Drivetrain
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 Ford F-150 responds with a Petrol V6 Twin-Turbo (EcoBoost) making 298kW and 678Nm, paired to a 10-speed automatic driving the rear wheels.
The Ford F-150 has the clear power advantage at 298kW vs 294kW. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The Audi RS3 measures 4,548mm long on a 2,630mm wheelbase, 1360mm shorter than the Ford F-150 at 5,908mm (3,697mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Ford F-150 generally means more rear legroom.
For towing, the Ford F-150 leads with a 4,500kg braked capacity vs 1,900kg. That 2,600kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
11.1m diameter
Average
Based on 11.1m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Turning circle ratings
True Cost to Own
Based on 15,000km of annual driving, fuel costs roughly $2,337/year for the Audi RS3 and $3,819/year for the Ford F-150. That is a $1,482 annual difference in favour of the Audi RS3.
Estimated annual total: $2,337 (Audi RS3) vs $3,819 (Ford F-150). The Audi RS3 saves you roughly $1,482 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 (Ford F-150). Both match on warranty length.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Audi RS3 if: You want the lower entry price, want lower running costs, or prefer Audi's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Ford F-150 if: You prioritise performance, need stronger towing, or prefer Ford's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
This is genuinely close. The Audi RS3 and Ford F-150 trade blows across the spec sheet, and neither runs away with an outright win. The Audi RS3 will save you roughly $1,482 a year in fuel. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, Audi RS3 and Ford F-150?
The Audi RS3 is the cheapest at $101,515 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Ford F-150 by $5,435.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Audi RS3 uses the least fuel at 8.2L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — Audi RS3 all hold a 5-star ANCAP rating. Compare the active-safety features above to separate them.
Which can tow the most?
The Ford F-150 has the highest braked towing capacity at 4,500kg.
Which is the most powerful?
The Ford F-150 makes the most power at 298kW.
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Disclaimer: All information in this comparison was believed to be correct at the time of publishing (20 April 2026). Prices are manufacturer recommended retail prices (RRP) and may vary by state, dealer, and options. Driveaway costs include estimated on-road costs for Victoria. Fuel economy figures are WLTP/ADR combined cycle. Specifications can change without notice. Always verify with the manufacturer before making a purchase decision. CarSorted does not accept payment for recommendations.
Auto-generated from CarSorted's specification data · 20 April 2026
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