VS
At a Glance
Power
294 kW
331 kW
Torque
500 Nm
600 Nm
Fuel
8.9 l/100km
8.3 l/100km
Towing
—
2000 Kg
0-100 km/h
3.8 s
4.5 s
Engine
2480 cc
2894 cc
Choosing between the Audi RS3 and the Audi S6 is one of the most common decisions South African car buyers face. The Audi RS3 delivers 294 kW while the Audi S6 produces 331 kW. On fuel, the RS3 returns 8.9 l/100km while the S6 uses 8.3 l/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R1 610 700 for the RS3 and R1 671 100 for the S6. 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
294 kW
331 kW
Torque
500 Nm
600 Nm
0-100 kph
3.8 s
4.5 s
Top Speed
250 Km/h
250 Km/h
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
2480 cc
2894 cc
Engine Layout
inline
V
Cylinders
5
6
Fuel Type
petrol
petrol
Forced Induction Device
turbocharger
turbocharger
Transmission
automatic
automatic
Number of Gears
7
8
Drive Wheels
all
all
Full Time 4x4
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
8.9 l/100km
8.3 l/100km
Fuel Tank Capacity
55 l
73 l
CO2 Emissions
202 g/km
193 g/km
Dimensions
Length
4533 mm
4954 mm
Width
1851-1984 mm
1886-2110 mm
Height
1412 mm
1446 mm
Wheelbase
2631 mm
2928 mm
Kerb Weight
1565 Kg
1860 Kg
Doors
4
4
Seats
5
5
Load Volume
321 l
520 l
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
—
2000 Kg
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Traction Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Airbag Count
6 (opt 8)
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
Optional
Adaptive Cruise Control
✓ Standard
Optional
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Satellite Navigation
Optional
✓ Standard
Reversing Camera
✓ Standard
Optional
Park Distance Rear
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Park Distance Front
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Sunroof
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Heated Seats
Optional
✓ Standard
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
Optional
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)
service interval indicator (max 30000)
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Audi S6
3 / 4 categories
Performance
S6
Fuel Economy
S6
Value
RS3
Practicality
S6
Pros & Cons
Audi RS3
Lower starting price (R1 610 700)
Quicker 0-100 km/h (3.8 ss)
Higher fuel consumption (8.9 l/100km)
Less power than rival (294 kW vs 331 kW)
Audi S6
More powerful engine (331 kW)
Better fuel economy (8.3 l/100km)
Higher starting price
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the RS3 or S6?
The RS3 uses 8.9 l/100km and the S6 uses 8.3 l/100km on the combined cycle. The S6 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 RS3 or S6?
The RS3 produces 294 kW and 500 Nm of torque while the S6 delivers 331 kW and 600 Nm of torque. The S6 is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the RS3 and S6?
The RS3 starts from R1 610 700 and the S6 from R1 671 100. The RS3 is cheaper by R60 400 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the RS3 or S6?
The RS3 has a braked towing capacity of not specified and the S6 can tow 2000 Kg. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the RS3 or the S6?
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.