VS
At a Glance
Power
146 kW
294 kW
Torque
340 Nm
500 Nm
Fuel
7.5 l/100km
8.9 l/100km
Towing
1500 Kg
—
0-100 km/h
7.8 s
3.8 s
Engine
1984 cc
2480 cc
Choosing between the Audi A5 and the Audi RS3 is one of the most common decisions South African car buyers face. The Audi A5 delivers 146 kW while the Audi RS3 produces 294 kW. On fuel, the A5 returns 7.5 l/100km while the RS3 uses 8.9 l/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R1 123 000 for the A5 and R1 528 200 for the RS3. Both vehicles have their merits. The right choice depends on your priorities: fuel economy, performance, towing ability, safety features or total cost of ownership. This comparison covers every specification available so you can make an informed decision.
Performance
Power Output
146 kW
294 kW
Torque
340 Nm
500 Nm
0-100 kph
7.8 s
3.8 s
Top Speed
248 Km/h
250 Km/h
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
1984 cc
2480 cc
Engine Layout
inline
inline
Cylinders
4
5
Fuel Type
petrol
petrol
Forced Induction Device
turbocharger
turbocharger
Transmission
automatic
automatic
Number of Gears
7
7
Drive Wheels
front
all
Full Time 4x4
—
✓ Standard
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
7.5 l/100km
8.9 l/100km
Fuel Tank Capacity
56 l
55 l
CO2 Emissions
171 g/km
202 g/km
Dimensions
Length
4829 mm
4533 mm
Width
1860-2099 mm
1851-1984 mm
Height
1444 mm
1412 mm
Wheelbase
2892 mm
2631 mm
Kerb Weight
1653 Kg
1565 Kg
Doors
5
4
Seats
5
5
Load Volume
445-1299 l
321 l
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
1500 Kg
—
Load Capacity
642 l
—
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Traction Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Airbag Count
7 (opt 9)
6 (opt 8)
Driver Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Passenger Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Side Airbags Front
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Curtain Airbags
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Features & Tech
Air Conditioning
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Climate Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Cruise Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Satellite Navigation
✓ Standard
Optional
Reversing Camera
Optional
✓ Standard
Park Distance Rear
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Park Distance Front
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Sunroof
Optional
✓ Standard
Heated Seats
Optional
Optional
Keyless Entry
Optional
✓ Standard
Tow Bar
Optional
—
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
1
1
Warranty Distance
unlimited Km
unlimited Km
Service Intervals
—
service interval indicator (max 30000)
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Audi A5
3 / 4 categories
Performance
RS3
Fuel Economy
A5
Value
A5
Practicality
A5
Pros & Cons
Audi A5
Better fuel economy (7.5 l/100km)
Lower starting price (R1 123 000)
Less power than rival (146 kW vs 294 kW)
Audi RS3
More powerful engine (294 kW)
Quicker 0-100 km/h (3.8 ss)
Higher fuel consumption (8.9 l/100km)
Higher starting price
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the A5 or RS3?
The A5 uses 7.5 l/100km and the RS3 uses 8.9 l/100km on the combined cycle. The A5 is the more fuel-efficient choice. In South African conditions with a mix of highway and urban driving, real-world figures will be slightly higher.
Which has more power, the A5 or RS3?
The A5 produces 146 kW and 340 Nm of torque while the RS3 delivers 294 kW and 500 Nm of torque. The RS3 is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the A5 and RS3?
The A5 starts from R1 123 000 and the RS3 from R1 528 200. The A5 is cheaper by R405 200 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the A5 or RS3?
The A5 has a braked towing capacity of 1500 Kg and the RS3 can tow not specified. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the A5 or the RS3?
It depends on your priorities. If fuel economy matters most, check the L/100km figures above. If you need towing capacity, compare the towing ratings. For day-to-day South African driving - load shedding runs, potholed roads, school runs and highway commutes - consider ground clearance, service network coverage, and total cost of ownership including insurance and maintenance. Use the spec tables above to compare every detail before making your decision.