VS
At a Glance
Power
294 kW
310 kW
Torque
500 Nm
500 Nm
Fuel
8.9 l/100km
8.3 l/100km
Towing
—
1500 Kg
0-100 km/h
3.8 s
4.1 s
Engine
2480 cc
1991 cc
Choosing between the Audi RS3 and the Mercedes-AMG CLA is one of the most common decisions South African car buyers face. The Audi RS3 delivers 294 kW while the Mercedes-AMG CLA produces 310 kW. On fuel, the RS3 returns 8.9 l/100km while the CLA 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 740 207 for the CLA. 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
310 kW
Torque
500 Nm
500 Nm
0-100 kph
3.8 s
4.1 s
Top Speed
250 Km/h
270 Km/h
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
2480 cc
1991 cc
Engine Layout
inline
inline
Cylinders
5
4
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
51 l
CO2 Emissions
202 g/km
208 g/km
Dimensions
Length
4533 mm
4701 mm
Width
1851-1984 mm
1830-1999 mm
Height
1412 mm
1413 mm
Wheelbase
2631 mm
2729 mm
Kerb Weight
1565 Kg
1675 Kg
Doors
4
4
Seats
5
5
Load Volume
321 l
460 l
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
—
1500 Kg
Load Capacity
—
470 l
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Traction Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Airbag Count
6 (opt 8)
7
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
Optional
Reversing Camera
✓ Standard
Optional
Park Distance Rear
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Park Distance Front
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Sunroof
✓ Standard
Optional
Heated Seats
Optional
Optional
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Tow Bar
—
Optional
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
1
2
Warranty Distance
unlimited Km
unlimited Km
Service Intervals
service interval indicator (max 30000)
service interval indicator max 20000
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Mercedes-AMG CLA
3 / 4 categories
Performance
CLA
Fuel Economy
CLA
Value
RS3
Practicality
CLA
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 310 kW)
Mercedes-AMG CLA
More powerful engine (310 kW)
Better fuel economy (8.3 l/100km)
Higher starting price
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the RS3 or CLA?
The RS3 uses 8.9 l/100km and the CLA uses 8.3 l/100km on the combined cycle. The CLA 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 CLA?
The RS3 produces 294 kW and 500 Nm of torque while the CLA delivers 310 kW and 500 Nm of torque. The CLA is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the RS3 and CLA?
The RS3 starts from R1 610 700 and the CLA from R1 740 207. The RS3 is cheaper by R129 507 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the RS3 or CLA?
The RS3 has a braked towing capacity of not specified and the CLA can tow 1500 Kg. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the RS3 or the CLA?
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.