Audi RS5 vs Audi A3
A detailed look at how two of Australia's most popular Liftbacks 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 RS5
Price TBC
Liftback
Petrol
V6 petrol engine with direct fuel injection, twin turbocharging and Audi valvelift system
331kW
9.4 L/100km
ANCAP: no data
—
Audi A3
From $54,800
Liftback
Petrol
Petrol MHEV
110kW
5.3 L/100km
5★ ANCAP
380L
Audi RS5: we're still completing price, length, width, height and wheelbase, plus 4 others.
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.
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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 RS5 features a 10.1-inch touchscreen paired with a 12.3-inch digital dash, while the Audi A3 gets a 10.1-inch display and 12.3-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The Audi RS5 stands out with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, head-up display, wireless charging, panoramic roof and Bang & Olufsen 3D Sound System audio — features our data doesn't list for the Audi A3. The Audi A3 counters with Apple CarPlay. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Drivetrain
The Audi RS5 uses a V6 petrol engine with direct fuel injection, twin turbocharging and Audi valvelift system producing 331kW and 600Nm of torque, sent through a 8-speed tiptronic to a AWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 3.9 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 RS5 has the clear power advantage at 331kW vs 110kW. In the 0-100 sprint (manufacturer-claimed), the Audi RS5 is 4.2s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
10.6m diameter
Good
Based on 10.6m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Turning circle ratings
Interactive simulator: U-turns, parking & towing
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns are easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
Good
Needs a 3-point turn (one reverse)
Needs about 9.3 m to swing round without stopping. Road is 9.0 m.
U-turn on a wide street
≥ 10 m: clears in one
U-turn on a standard street
7 m: 3-point turn
Standard parking bay
1.8 m wide: fits with room
Tight carpark aisle
6 m: swings in
Narrow laneway
3.5 m: no room to turn
Turning circle ratings
Standard widths: AU local streets carry ~5.5–7 m of carriageway; main roads ~9–12 m. AS 2890.1 carpark aisles are ~5.8–6.6 m for 90° bays (2.6 m wide × 5.4 m deep).
Road, aisle, swing and off-tracking figures are indicative estimates from the published turning circle. Verify in person before relying on them.
True Cost to Own
Based on 15,000km of annual driving, fuel costs roughly $2,679/year for the Audi RS5 and $1,511/year for the Audi A3. That is a $1,168 annual difference in favour of the Audi A3.
Warranty: 5 years (Audi RS5) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Audi A3). Both match on warranty length.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Audi RS5 if: You prioritise performance, or prefer Audi's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Audi A3 if: You want lower running costs, or prefer Audi's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Audi RS5 takes 2 of 3 key spec categories. The Audi A3 will save you roughly $1,168 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 RS5 and Audi A3?
The Audi A3 is the cheapest at $54,800 before on-road costs.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Audi A3 uses the least fuel at 5.3L/100km on the combined cycle.
What are the ANCAP safety ratings?
Audi A3 holds a 5-star ANCAP rating. We have no published ANCAP rating for Audi RS5, so there is nothing to compare on crash performance. Compare the active-safety features above instead.
Which can tow the most?
The Audi A3 has the highest braked towing capacity at 1,200kg.
Which is the most powerful?
The Audi RS5 makes the most power at 331kW. The Audi RS5 is quickest to 100km/h in 3.9s.
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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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