Audi RS3 vs Ford Mondeo
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
Petrol
5-cylinder petrol with direct fuel injection, turbocharging
294kW
8.2 L/100km
ANCAP: no data
321L
Ford Mondeo
Price TBC
Liftback
Petrol
2.0L EcoBoost turbo petrol Ti-VCT
149kW
8.2 L/100km
5★ ANCAP
557L
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Price Breakdown
Pricing for one or both models is yet to be confirmed for the Australian market. We will update this comparison when official RRPs are announced.
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 Mondeo gets a 8-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, heated front seats, Sonos 3D Premium audio and ambient lighting that you will not find on the Ford Mondeo. The Ford Mondeo counters with Apple CarPlay. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
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 Mondeo responds with a 2.0L EcoBoost turbo petrol Ti-VCT making 149kW and 345Nm, paired to a 6-speed automatic driving the front wheels.
The Audi RS3 has the clear power advantage at 294kW vs 149kW. 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, 323mm shorter than the Ford Mondeo at 4,871mm.
Boot space is 321L in the Audi RS3 and 557L in the Ford Mondeo, giving the Ford Mondeo a 236L 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.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
11.1m to 11.6m
Based on 11.1m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 11.6m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Turning circle ratings
Compare U-turns side by side
Turning Circle · U-turn compare
kerb-to-kerb, 2 cars0 of 2 clear a 7.0 m street in one sweep
Green cars complete the U-turn; amber need a 3-point turn. Drag the slider to test tighter streets.
Standard widths: AU local streets ~5.5–7 m; main roads ~9–12 m.
True Cost to Own
Based on 15,000km of annual driving, fuel costs roughly $2,337/year for the Audi RS3 and $2,337/year for the Ford Mondeo.
Estimated annual total: $2,337 (Audi RS3) vs $2,337 (Ford Mondeo). Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.
Warranty: 5 years / 999,999km (Audi RS3) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Ford Mondeo). Both match on warranty length.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Audi RS3 if: You prioritise performance, need stronger towing, or prefer Audi's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Ford Mondeo if: You need more boot space, or prefer Ford's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Audi RS3 takes 2 of 3 key spec categories. If boot space matters, the Ford Mondeo has a clear edge. 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 Mondeo?
The Audi RS3 is the cheapest at $101,515 before on-road costs.
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 — Ford Mondeo all hold a 5-star ANCAP rating. Compare the active-safety features above to separate them.
Which has the most boot space?
The Ford Mondeo has the largest boot at 557L.
Which can tow the most?
The Audi RS3 has the highest braked towing capacity at 1,900kg.
Which is the most powerful?
The Audi RS3 makes the most power at 294kW.
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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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