Audi A3 vs S3: What’s the difference?

What are the main differences between the Audi A3 and the S3? Let’s take a look!

Are you looking for the differences between the Audi A3 vs S3?

The main differences between the Audi A3 and the Audi S3 in South Africa come down to performance, design, and pricing. Let’s take a closer look!

Audi A3 vs S3: What’s the difference?

Performance

Audi A3

The Audi A3 is available in Sportback or Sedan guise with engines including the 1.4-litre turbo-petrol (35TFSI) producing 110 kW and 250 Nm with an 8-speed automatic transmission and the 2.0-litre turbo-petrol (40TFSI) offering 140 kW and 320 Nm with a 7-speed dual clutch transmission. The A3 is geared towards everyday comfort and efficiency. The A3 35TFSI claims 8.2 seconds in the sprint from zero to 100 kph while the A3 40TFSI is marginally faster with a claimed time of 7.4 seconds.

Buy a new Audi A3 on Cars.co.za

Buy a used Audi A3 on Cars.co.za

Audi S3

Comparatively, the Audi S3 is a sportier model (also offered in Sportback or Sedan guise) with a 2.0-litre turbocharged engine delivering 213 kW and 400 Nm with a 7-speed dual clutch transmission, resulting in much quicker acceleration with a claimed zero to 100 kph sprint time of 4.9 seconds. It also comes with Audi’s Quattro all-wheel drive for better handling and stability.

Buy a new Audi S3 on Cars.co.za

Buy a used Audi S3 on Cars.co.za

Design and Features

While both cars share similar exterior lines, the S3 has sportier touches, including a more aggressive body kit, larger wheels, quad exhausts, and a lower stance, setting it apart from the more subtle A3.

Inside, the S3 also benefits from sportier accents, including sport seats, higher-end materials, and performance-focused interior details, while the A3 remains more focused on luxury and everyday usability.

Compare the features of the Audi A3 and S3 using our handy Compare Tool