VS
At a Glance
Power
245 kW
145 kW
Torque
420 Nm
400 Nm
Fuel
7.8 l/100km
5.6 l/100km
Towing
—
2000 Kg
0-100 km/h
4.7 s
7.3 s
Engine
1984 cc
1995 cc
Choosing between the Audi S3 and the BMW 5 Series is one of the most common decisions car buyers in South Africa face. The Audi S3 delivers 245 kW while the BMW 5 Series produces 145 kW. On fuel, the S3 returns 7.8 l/100km while the 5 Series uses 5.6 l/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R1 106 100 for the S3 and R1 286 731 for the 5 Series. 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 S3Quattro Stronic (245kw) 2025 - From R1 106 100
BMW 5 Series520d M Sport 2023 - From R1 286 731
Performance
Power Output
245 kW
145 kW
Torque
420 Nm
400 Nm
0-100 kph
4.7 s
7.3 s
Top Speed
250 Km/h
233 Km/h
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
1984 cc
1995 cc
Engine Layout
inline
inline
Cylinders
4
4
Fuel Type
petrol
diesel
Forced Induction Device
turbocharger
turbocharger
Transmission
automatic
automatic
Number of Gears
7
8
Drive Wheels
all
rear
Full Time 4x4
✓ Standard
—
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
7.8 l/100km
5.6 l/100km
Fuel Tank Capacity
55 l
60 l
CO2 Emissions
181 g/km
147 g/km
Dimensions
Length
4504 mm
5060 mm
Width
1816-1984 mm
1900-2156 mm
Height
1415 mm
1515 mm
Wheelbase
2630 mm
2995 mm
Ground Clearance
—
154 mm
Kerb Weight
1495 Kg
1775 DIN / 1850 EU Kg
Doors
4
4
Seats
5
5
Load Volume
325 l
520 l
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
—
2000 Kg
Load Capacity
—
630 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
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
Optional
Heated Seats
Optional
✓ Standard
Keyless Entry
Optional
✓ 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
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Tie
2 / 4 categories
Performance
S3
Fuel Economy
5 Series
Value
S3
Practicality
5 Series
Pros & Cons
Audi S3
More powerful engine (245 kW)
Lower starting price (R1 106 100)
Quicker 0-100 km/h (4.7 ss)
Higher fuel consumption (7.8 l/100km)
BMW 5 Series
Better fuel economy (5.6 l/100km)
Less power than rival (145 kW vs 245 kW)
Higher starting price
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the S3 or 5 Series?
The S3 uses 7.8 l/100km and the 5 Series uses 5.6 l/100km on the combined cycle. The 5 Series 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 S3 or 5 Series?
The S3 produces 245 kW and 420 Nm of torque while the 5 Series delivers 145 kW and 400 Nm of torque. The S3 is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the S3 and 5 Series?
The S3 starts from R1 106 100 and the 5 Series from R1 286 731. The S3 is cheaper by R180 631 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the S3 or 5 Series?
The S3 has a braked towing capacity of not specified and the 5 Series can tow 2000 Kg. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the S3 or the 5 Series?
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