VS
At a Glance
Power
294 kW
309kW@8300
Torque
500 Nm
400Nm@3900
Fuel
9.0 l/100km
12.3L/100km
Towing
—
1700kg
0-100 km/h
3.8 s
5.1s
Engine
2480 cc
3999cc
Choosing between the Audi Rs3 and the BMW M3 is one of the most common decisions car buyers in South Africa face. The Audi Rs3 delivers 294 kW while the BMW M3 produces 309kW@8300. On fuel, the Rs3 returns 9.0 l/100km while the M3 uses 12.3L/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R1 498 200 for the Rs3 and R1 094 150 for the M3. 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.
Specification
Audi Rs3Sportback Quattro Stronic 2025 - From R1 498 200
BMW M3Convertible M-DCT 2010 - From R1 094 150
Performance
Power Output
294 kW
309kW@8300
Torque
500 Nm
400Nm@3900
0-100 kph
3.8 s
5.1s
Top Speed
250 Km/h
250km/h
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
2480 cc
3999cc
Engine Layout
inline
LONGITUDINAL V 8
Cylinders
5
8
Fuel Type
petrol
UNLEADED
Forced Induction Device
turbocharger
—
Transmission
automatic
AUTOMATIC
Number of Gears
7
7
Drive Wheels
all
REAR
Full Time 4x4
✓ Standard
✗
Low Range
—
✗
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
9.0 l/100km
12.3L/100km
Fuel Consumption Urban
—
17.3L/100km
Fuel Consumption Highway
—
9.4L/100km
Fuel Tank Capacity
55 l
63L
CO2 Emissions
204 g/km
295g/km
Dimensions
Length
4381 mm
4615mm
Width
1851-1984 mm
1804-1804mm
Height
1430 mm
1392mm
Wheelbase
2631 mm
2761mm
Ground Clearance
—
143mm
Kerb Weight
1565 Kg
1830kg
Doors
5
2
Seats
5
4
Load Volume
282-1104 l
—
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
—
1700kg
Load Capacity
—
350kg
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
✓ Standard
—
Stability Control
✓ Standard
DYNAMIC STABILITY CONTROL
Traction Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Airbag Count
6 (opt 8)
6
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
✗
Satellite Navigation
Optional
Optional
Reversing Camera
✓ Standard
—
Park Distance Rear
✓ Standard
Optional
Park Distance Front
✓ Standard
Optional
Sunroof
✓ Standard
✗
Heated Seats
Optional
BOTH FRONT
Electric Seat Adjustment
—
✓ Standard
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
✗
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
1
24
Warranty Distance
unlimited Km
-
Service Plan
—
M
Service Intervals
service interval indicator (max 30000)
30000
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
BMW M3
3 / 4 categories
Performance
M3
Fuel Economy
Rs3
Value
M3
Practicality
M3
Pros & Cons
Audi Rs3
Better fuel economy (9.0 l/100km)
Quicker 0-100 km/h (3.8 ss)
Higher starting price
BMW M3
Lower starting price (R1 094 150)
Higher fuel consumption (12.3L/100km)
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the Rs3 or M3?
The Rs3 uses 9.0 l/100km and the M3 uses 12.3L/100km on the combined cycle. The Rs3 is the more fuel-efficient choice. In real-world conditions with a mix of highway and urban driving, actual figures will be slightly higher.
Which has more power, the Rs3 or M3?
The Rs3 produces 294 kW and 500 Nm of torque while the M3 delivers 309kW@8300 and 400Nm@3900 of torque. The M3 is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the Rs3 and M3?
The Rs3 starts from R1 498 200 and the M3 from R1 094 150. The M3 is cheaper by R404 050 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the Rs3 or M3?
The Rs3 has a braked towing capacity of not specified and the M3 can tow 1700kg. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the Rs3 or the M3?
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.
Also Consider