Audi RS3 vs Ford Mustang
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.
Data checked: specs 15 Oct 2026, price 15 Oct 2026
Driver assistance, as the maker lists it
Swipe across. Tap a feature to see what it does and each car's source.
StandardOptional: printed price, +pack or NCO (no-cost)No, not offeredNo dataCounts beside each car use the same colours; ? is no option data.
From each manufacturer's Australian equipment list. No data means that car's document does not say. The drawings are our own illustrations of how each kind of system works.
Ford Mustang: we're still completing width, seat count, 0-100km/h, ground clearance and braked towing, plus 1 other.
A blank cell below means we don't have that figure, not that the car scores badly on it. We leave them empty rather than estimate, so any row where one car is blank isn't a like-for-like comparison yet.
$101,515RRP
- no option data for this car
$72,990RRP
- no option data for this car
Printed option prices only. A pack is counted once and makes the figure a floor when it carries no printed price. Nothing is inferred from the other car.
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Price Breakdown
The Audi RS3 starts from $101,515 before on-road costs, while the Ford Mustang opens at $72,990. That makes the Ford Mustang the more affordable entry point by $28,525.
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 $80,289 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs favour the Audi RS3 by roughly $1,710 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.
Recalls on our record
Audi RS3
None open on our record
Ford Mustang
- REC-006723 · published 15 Sep 2026Due to a manufacturing defect, the engine bay wiring harness ground terminal may become damaged due to vibrations.Year range on the notice: 2023 - 2026
- REC-006572 · published 26 Mar 2026The Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) valve may fail.Year range on the notice: 2024 - 2025
- REC-006542 · published 17 Feb 2026Due to a software issue, the brake fluid warning light may not illuminate as intended to warn the driver if the brake fluid level is low.Year range on the notice: 2021 - 2023
- 15 more on the model page.
A recall covers the builds its notice lists, not every car of a model. Check your VIN at vehiclerecalls.gov.au.
Feature Showdown
The Audi RS3 features a 10.1-inch touchscreen paired with a 12.3-inch digital dash, while the Ford Mustang gets a 13.2-inch display and 12.4-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The Audi RS3 stands out with head-up display and Sonos 3D Premium audio — features our data doesn't list for the Ford Mustang. The Ford Mustang counters with ventilated seats and Bang & Olufsen audio. 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 Mustang offers leather accented.
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 Mustang responds with a Petrol making 232kW and 445Nm, paired to a 10-speed automatic with paddle shifters driving the rear wheels.
The Audi RS3 has the clear power advantage at 294kW vs 232kW. 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, 263mm shorter than the Ford Mustang at 4,811mm (2,719mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Ford Mustang generally means more rear legroom.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
11.1m to 11.5m
Based on 11.1m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 11.5m 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 $2,679/year for the Ford Mustang. That is a $342 annual difference in favour of the Audi RS3.
Warranty: 5 years / 999,999km (Audi RS3) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Ford Mustang). Both match on warranty length.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Audi RS3 if: You prioritise performance, want lower running costs, or prefer Audi's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Ford Mustang if: You want the lower entry price, or prefer Ford's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
Audi RS3: Top CarSorted Score, 65 vs 61, but the Ford Mustang is $28,525 cheaper
The Audi RS3 comes out ahead on the CarSorted Score (65 vs 61), taking 2 of 3 key spec rows below. The deciding gaps: performance (Audi RS3 ahead by 36), practicality (Audi RS3 ahead by 13), fuel economy (Audi RS3 ahead by 11). The Audi RS3 will save you roughly $342 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 Mustang?
The Ford Mustang is the cheapest at $72,990 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Audi RS3 by $28,525.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Audi RS3 uses the least fuel at 8.2L/100km on the combined cycle.
What are the ANCAP safety ratings?
None of Audi RS3 and Ford Mustang carry a published ANCAP rating yet, so there is no crash result to compare. Check back as they are tested.
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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