VS
At a Glance
Power
309kW@5500
245 kW
Torque
550Nm@1400
420 Nm
Fuel
9.6
7.9 l/100km
Towing
2100
—
0-100 km/h
4.6
4.7 s
Engine
3993
1984 cc
Choosing between the AUDI A6 and the Audi S3 is one of the most common decisions South African car buyers face. The AUDI A6 delivers 309kW@5500 while the Audi S3 produces 245 kW. On fuel, the A6 returns 9.6 while the S3 uses 7.9 l/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R868 000 for the A6 and R1 091 100 for the S3. 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
309kW@5500
245 kW
Torque
550Nm@1400
420 Nm
0-100 kph
4.6
4.7 s
Top Speed
250
250 Km/h
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
3993
1984 cc
Engine Layout
LONGITUDINAL V 8
inline
Cylinders
8
4
Fuel Type
UNLEADED
petrol
Forced Induction Device
—
turbocharger
Transmission
AUTOMATIC
automatic
Number of Gears
7
7
Drive Wheels
ALL
all
Full Time 4x4
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Low Range
✗
—
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
9.6
7.9 l/100km
Fuel Consumption Urban
13.4
—
Fuel Consumption Highway
7.5
—
Fuel Tank Capacity
75
55 l
CO2 Emissions
174
183 g/km
Dimensions
Length
4931
4351 mm
Width
1874-2086
1816-1984 mm
Height
1453
1438 mm
Wheelbase
2912
2630 mm
Ground Clearance
—
—
Kerb Weight
1895
1495 Kg
Doors
4
5
Seats
5
5
Load Volume
—
325-1145 l
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
2100
—
Load Capacity
995
—
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
—
✓ Standard
Stability Control
ESP
✓ Standard
Traction Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Airbag Count
6
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
Optional
✓ Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control
—
✓ Standard
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Satellite Navigation
✓ Standard
Optional
Reversing Camera
—
✓ Standard
Park Distance Rear
Optional
✓ Standard
Park Distance Front
Optional
✓ Standard
Sunroof
Optional
✓ Standard
Heated Seats
Optional
Optional
Electric Seat Adjustment
✓ Standard
—
Keyless Entry
✗
Optional
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
12
1
Warranty Distance
—
unlimited Km
Service Plan
M
—
Service Intervals
30000
service interval indicator (max 30000)
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Tie
2 / 4 categories
Performance
S3
Fuel Economy
S3
Value
A6
Practicality
A6
Pros & Cons
AUDI A6
Lower starting price (R868 000)
Quicker 0-100 km/h (4.6s)
Higher fuel consumption (9.6)
Audi S3
Better fuel economy (7.9 l/100km)
Higher starting price
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the A6 or S3?
The A6 uses 9.6 and the S3 uses 7.9 l/100km on the combined cycle. The S3 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 A6 or S3?
The A6 produces 309kW@5500 and 550Nm@1400 of torque while the S3 delivers 245 kW and 420 Nm of torque. They produce similar power outputs.
What is the price difference between the A6 and S3?
The A6 starts from R868 000 and the S3 from R1 091 100. The A6 is cheaper by R223 100 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the A6 or S3?
The A6 has a braked towing capacity of 2100 and the S3 can tow not specified. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the A6 or the S3?
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.