Audi S3 vs. Audi RS3: Why Everyone Wants the Latter

Hero Image Credit: audi-mediacenter.com

If y'all've idea about ownership the high-performance Audi S3 sedan/hatchback, y'all've probably besides given some thought to buying the superior Audi RS3. As luxury loftier-operation cars go, both the Audi S3 and Audi RS3 are legends in their ain rights. Both cars alloy luxury, style, technology, and performance in ways that few other competing cars tin match. They may non be as big as the likes of the S5/RS5 or S7/RS7, just they still offer truly compelling operation; hence, as the maxim goes, "good things come in modest packages". The Audi RS3 has e'er enjoyed much more fanfare than the Audi S3; whether that actress attention is deserved is what we're going to find out.

Exterior

Both the S3 and RS3 boast sporty and aggressively styled exteriors, just the RS3 looks a tad more than daring. While the S3 features a Platinum Gray Singleframe® grille with Aluminum-optic double blade bars and "S3" badging, the RS3 features a black honeycomb grille with "S3" badging and 'quattro' lettering on its lower end. The RS3 also features additional blackness honeycomb detailing on the front fascia. In the rear, both models feature a rear diffuser and a performance-inspired rear bumper. The S3 also features quad exhaust outlets while the RS3 features unique oval frazzle outlets. In improver, the S3 comes fitted with eighteen-inch blend wheels with a v-parallel-spoke design, only it tin can also exist had with optional 19-inch blend wheels. The RS3, on the other hand, comes fitted with 19-inch, 5-arm-bract blend wheels.

Interior

The interiors of both the S3 and RS3 are sleek, sophisticated and luxurious. The S3 features standard leather seating surfaces with "Southward" embossing and dissimilarity stitching, and information technology as well features brushed aluminum inlays. The RS3 kicks it up a notch with upgraded fine Nappa leather seating surfaces with "RS" embossing, crimson interior accents, the Audi virtual cockpit, front end South sport seats with scarlet dissimilarity diamond stitching and extendable thigh support, bachelor RS Carbon inlays, and much more. Therefore, the interior of the RS3 looks somewhat sportier and more luxurious.

Suspension and Handling

Both the S3 and RS3 come equipped with a MacPherson strut front end suspension with lower wishbones and a four-link rear suspension with a carve up bound/stupor absorber arrangement; merely, the RS3 adds Audi Magnetic ride. Audi Magnetic ride uses tiny magnetic particles to create a magnetic field within the shock absorber, its purpose being to adapt the firmness of the shocks within fractions of a second as driving atmospheric condition change. As a event, the RS3 delivers firmer, sharper handling with less trunk whorl. Audi Magnetic ride is besides available as an option in the S3.

As well worth noting is that both the S3 and RS3 come equipped with Audi's Quattro® all-wheel drive system. This organisation is designed to help meliorate road grip and overall control past sending more ability and torque to the wheels when it senses understeer, oversteer, or wheel slippage. As a upshot, both of these cars always feel quite planted on the road.

Audi S3 vs Audi RS3 - Why Everyone Wants the Latter Suspension and Handling

Prototype Credit: autocar.co.nz

Engine and Manual

Here is where the most significant difference between these ii cars is. The latest Audi S3 comes equipped with a 2.0-litre TFSI® four-cylinder engine that generates 228kW (310 horsepower) at 5800 – 6500 rpm and 380 Nm (280.iii lb.-ft.) of torque at 1850 – 5700 rpm. The latest RS3, on the other manus, boasts a 2.5-litre TFSI® v-cylinder engine that serves up 294 kW (400 horsepower) at 5850 – 7000 rpm and 480 Nm (354.0 lb.-ft.) of torque at 1700 - 5850 rpm. The S3's engine pairs with either a standard 6-speed manual transmission or an optional seven-speed dual-clutch transmission that facilitates quick gear shifts, while helping to improve fuel efficiency. The RS3'due south engine only pairs with the 7-speed dual-clutch transmission. In terms of engine sounds, the RS3 takes the cake. The S3's engine sounds kind-of sporty but is toned down, while the RS3 gives off a deeper, more pronounced roar with pops and growls.

In terms of fuel economy, the Audi S3 boasts ratings of up to 9.1L/100 km in the city and 5.8L/100 km on the highway when equipped with its standard 225/40 R18 92Y, HM4 tires. The Audi RS3, on the other paw, delivers ratings of 11.3L/100 km in the metropolis and 6.6L/100 km on the highway when equipped with its standard 235/35 R19 91Y 40 tires. Therefore, the fuel economy of the RS3 doesn't differ much from that of the S3; it's notwithstanding quite good.

Dispatch

The S3 can dart from aught to 100km/h in iv.six seconds while the RS3 requires just 4.i seconds to achieve the same feat. This difference may seem small just it is quite noticeable in real-world driving. The RS3 literally outpaces the S3 without breaking a sweat. Also worth noting is that both the S3 and RS3 tin hit a top speed of 250 km/h (155 mph), but this top speed can be increased to 280 km/h (174 mph) in the RS3 upon asking.

Final Considerations

In that location are people who argue that instead of ownership the significantly more than expensive RS3, you lot should just tune and change the S3 and its output will increase even upward to 400 horsepower like the RS3. Undoubtedly, you tin can modernistic the S3 and crank up its power significantly, even upwardly to 400 horsepower, but there is no denying the fact that the S3's engine can never be a match for the RS3's five-cylinder monster. If you were to give the RS3'due south engine but a stage 1 or phase 2 tune, you would creepo up the RS3'due south output to levels that the S3 would never be able to match. Therefore, all things considered, the Audi RS3 is really the amend automobile. Whether its significantly college cost tag is worth the investment, however, is totally up to you.

When you buy the Audi S3 or RS3, you should likewise consider getting a body kit for information technology because both of them take to body kits very well. You can become loftier quality Audi S3/RS3 body kits at AusBody Works. We at AusBody Works take partnered with top-rated body kit manufacturers and sellers, so you are assured of the highest quality body kits. Our Audi S3/RS3 body kits are as well affordably priced.