VS
At a Glance
Power
294 kW
390 kW
Torque
500 Nm
650 Nm
Fuel
9.0 l/100km
10.2 l/100km
Towing
—
-
0-100 km/h
3.8 s
3.5 s
Engine
2480 cc
2993 cc
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 390 kW. On fuel, the Rs3 returns 9.0 l/100km while the M3 uses 10.2 l/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R1 498 200 for the Rs3 and R2 213 002 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 M3Xdrive Competition (g80) 2024 - From R2 213 002
Performance
Power Output
294 kW
390 kW
Torque
500 Nm
650 Nm
0-100 kph
3.8 s
3.5 s
Top Speed
250 Km/h
290 Km/h
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
2480 cc
2993 cc
Engine Layout
inline
inline
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
9.0 l/100km
10.2 l/100km
Fuel Tank Capacity
55 l
59 l
CO2 Emissions
204 g/km
232 g/km
Dimensions
Length
4381 mm
4794 mm
Width
1851-1984 mm
1903-2068 mm
Height
1430 mm
1433 mm
Wheelbase
2631 mm
2857 mm
Ground Clearance
—
120 mm
Kerb Weight
1565 Kg
1770 DIN / 1855 EU Kg
Doors
5
4
Seats
5
5
Load Volume
282-1104 l
480 l
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
—
-
Load Capacity
—
480 lkg
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
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
Optional
✓ Standard
Reversing Camera
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Park Distance Rear
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Park Distance Front
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Sunroof
✓ Standard
Optional
Heated Seats
Optional
✓ Standard
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
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 / 20000 km
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Audi Rs3
2 / 4 categories
Performance
M3
Fuel Economy
Rs3
Value
Rs3
Practicality
Tied
Pros & Cons
Audi Rs3
Better fuel economy (9.0 l/100km)
Lower starting price (R1 498 200)
Less power than rival (294 kW vs 390 kW)
BMW M3
More powerful engine (390 kW)
Quicker 0-100 km/h (3.5 ss)
Higher fuel consumption (10.2 l/100km)
Higher starting price
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the Rs3 or M3?
The Rs3 uses 9.0 l/100km and the M3 uses 10.2 l/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 390 kW and 650 Nm 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 R2 213 002. The Rs3 is cheaper by R714 802 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 0 Kg. 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