AudiWorld Forums

Audi A3: 2015 A3 vs S3

If you’re in the market for a luxury sedan and have honed in on Audi’s various models, you can’t go wrong with either the A3 or S3 models. Here are the differences between the two.

By Jeffrey Bausch - March 23, 2016

This article applies to the 8V Audi A3 and 8VS Audi S3 (2012-Present).

While Audi’s A3 and S3 model cars look somewhat the same, upon closer inspection, they’re actually two very different vehicles, with one serving the purpose as a standard, entry-level sedan and the other serving the role as its more sporty counterpart. Perhaps most glaring is the difference in sticker price—there’s nearly a $10,000 gap between the A3 and S3. Why? Take a closer look as we break down both vehicles.

Figure 1. The A3 and its ill-tempered sibling.

Style

While it’s not exactly a breakthrough look, the S3 is more tastefully designed. The A3, on the other hand, is simpler in its look, giving the car more of a practical feel rather that of a luxury sedan.

Breaking it down a bit further, the S3 carries with it a sportier packaging, to complement its more powerful engine. The A3’s design is an improvement upon the model’s previous hatchback days, and gives this line a more mature look.

Figure 2. More aggressive styling sets the S3 apart.

Practicality

The A3 has an awesome in-dash interface with a plethora of options to keep the driver informed and entertained. The S3 has a pop-up infotainment system with a few more sporty style accents, but the A3 system, as it is designed, appears to serve its purpose a bit better.

Worth noting, both cars feature tiny, compact rear seats, making the transportation of a group of people not that, well, practical.

Figure 3. Almost all the creature comforts you could ever ask for.

Driving

The A3 gets 23mpg in the city and 33mpg on the highway; the S3, on the other hand, gets 23mpg in the city and 31mpg on the highway. So there’s not much difference here.

Both handle the same; though, as it is noted in the following section, the S3 has a more powerful engine, as such, the car as a whole handles aggressive maneuvering a bit better than the A3. There’s better “feel” for the car and road, in this case, if you will.

Figure 4. The S3 has optional adjustable suspension.

Engine

While both Audi models feature an intercooled turbo premium unleaded I-4 engine, the S3 packs more highway punch than the A3. Getting into the finer details a bit more:

The A3’s SAE net torque @ RPM is 200 @ 1600; the S3 is 280 @ 1900.

The S3’s SAE net horsepower @ RPM is 170 @ 4500; the S3 is 292 @ 5400.

Figure 5. The heart of the S3 is a 2.0 L 4 banger.

Value

A 2015 Audi A3 retails for approximately $30,000. In comparison, a 2015 Audi S3 retails for approximately $41,100. Both cars depreciate at around the same rate, so there’s no real difference in long-term value.

What it comes down to is personal taste and financial comfortability. If you want a stylish sedan to get to and from work, you can’t go wrong with an A3. If, on the other hand, you’re in the market for a sportier sedan and have the financial flexibility to afford a slightly more expensive car than Audi’s standard model, then definitely go with the S3. Though neither car will disappoint.

Figure 6. Something for everyone.

Related Discussion and Sites