BMW 3 Series vs Audi RS3
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.
BMW 3 Series
From $89,900
Sedan
Petrol
190kW
7.1 L/100km
5★ ANCAP
480L
Audi RS3
From $99,208
Hatchback
5-cylinder petrol with direct fuel injection, turbocharging
294kW
8.3 L/100km
5★ ANCAP
282L
Price Breakdown
The BMW 3 Series starts from $89,900 before on-road costs, while the Audi RS3 opens at $99,208. That makes the BMW 3 Series the more affordable entry point by $9,308.
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 $98,890 and $109,129 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs favour the BMW 3 Series by roughly $1,710 in fuel alone.
Safety Rundown
Both the BMW 3 Series and Audi RS3 hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 97% for the BMW 3 Series and 89% for the Audi RS3.
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 6 in the BMW 3 Series.
Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, a reversing camera. Airbag count is 6 in the BMW 3 Series and 6 in the Audi RS3. The Audi RS3 adds a 360-degree camera that the BMW 3 Series misses.
Feature Showdown
The BMW 3 Series features a 12.3-inch touchscreen, while the Audi RS3 gets a 10.1-inch display. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The BMW 3 Series stands out with Harman Kardon audio that you will not find on the Audi RS3. The Audi RS3 counters with head-up display, heated front seats, power tailgate, Sonos 3D Premium audio and ambient lighting. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Drivetrain
The BMW 3 Series uses a Petrol producing 190kW and 400Nm of torque, sent through a auto to a RWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 6 seconds.
The Audi RS3 responds with a 5-cylinder petrol with direct fuel injection, turbocharging making 294kW and 500Nm, paired to a 7-speed s tronic driving all four wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 3.8 seconds.
The Audi RS3 has the clear power advantage at 294kW vs 190kW. In the real-world sprint, the Audi RS3 is 2.2s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The BMW 3 Series measures 4,709mm long on a 2,851mm wheelbase, 320mm longer than the Audi RS3 at 4,389mm (2,630mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the BMW 3 Series generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 480L in the BMW 3 Series and 282L in the Audi RS3, giving the BMW 3 Series a 198L advantage.
For towing, the Audi RS3 leads with a 1,900kg braked capacity vs 1,800kg. That 100kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
11.0m to 11.1m
Based on 11.0m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
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 $2,024/year for the BMW 3 Series and $2,366/year for the Audi RS3. That is a $342 annual difference in favour of the BMW 3 Series.
Estimated annual total: $2,024 (BMW 3 Series) vs $2,366 (Audi RS3). The BMW 3 Series saves you roughly $342 per year in total ownership costs. Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.
Warranty: 5 years / 999,999km (BMW 3 Series) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Audi RS3). Both match on warranty length.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the BMW 3 Series if: You want the lower entry price, need more boot space, want lower running costs, or prefer BMW's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Audi RS3 if: You prioritise performance, need stronger towing, or prefer Audi's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
This is genuinely close. The BMW 3 Series and Audi RS3 trade blows across the spec sheet, and neither runs away with an outright win. The BMW 3 Series will save you roughly $342 a year in fuel. If boot space matters, the BMW 3 Series 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, BMW 3 Series and Audi RS3?
The BMW 3 Series is the cheapest at $89,900 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Audi RS3 by $9,308.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The BMW 3 Series uses the least fuel at 7.1L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — BMW 3 Series and Audi RS3 all hold a 5-star ANCAP rating. Compare the active-safety features above to separate them.
Which has the most boot space?
The BMW 3 Series has the largest boot at 480L.
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. The Audi RS3 is quickest to 100km/h in 3.8s.
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
Comments (0)
Sign in to join the conversation
No comments yet. Be the first!
