VS
At a Glance
Power
245 kW
202 kW
Torque
420 Nm
350 Nm
Fuel
7.8 l/100km
9.9 l/100km
0-100 km/h
4.7 s
—
Engine
1984 cc
2387 cc
Choosing between the Audi S3 and the Subaru WRX is one of the most common decisions car buyers in South Africa face. The Audi S3 delivers 245 kW while the Subaru WRX produces 202 kW. On fuel, the S3 returns 7.8 l/100km while the WRX uses 9.9 l/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R1 106 100 for the S3 and R899 000 for the WRX. 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
Subaru WRX2.4 DIT 2022 - From R899 000
Performance
Power Output
245 kW
202 kW
Torque
420 Nm
350 Nm
0-100 kph
4.7 s
—
Top Speed
250 Km/h
-
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
1984 cc
2387 cc
Engine Layout
inline
boxer
Cylinders
4
4
Fuel Type
petrol
petrol
Forced Induction Device
turbocharger
turbocharger
Transmission
automatic
manual
Number of Gears
7
6
Drive Wheels
all
all
Full Time 4x4
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
7.8 l/100km
9.9 l/100km
Fuel Consumption Urban
—
13.8 l/100km
Fuel Consumption Highway
—
7.7 l/100km
Fuel Tank Capacity
55 l
63 l
CO2 Emissions
181 g/km
225 g/km
Dimensions
Length
4504 mm
4670 mm
Width
1816-1984 mm
1825 mm
Height
1415 mm
1465 mm
Wheelbase
2630 mm
2675 mm
Ground Clearance
—
135 mm
Kerb Weight
1495 Kg
—
Doors
4
4
Seats
5
5
Load Volume
325 l
423 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)
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
✓ Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control
✓ Standard
—
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Satellite Navigation
Optional
✓ Standard
Reversing Camera
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Park Distance Rear
✓ Standard
—
Park Distance Front
✓ Standard
—
Sunroof
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Heated Seats
Optional
✓ Standard
Keyless Entry
Optional
✓ Standard
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
1
5
Warranty Distance
unlimited Km
150000 Km
Service Intervals
service interval indicator (max 30000)
15000
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Audi S3
2 / 4 categories
Performance
S3
Fuel Economy
S3
Value
WRX
Practicality
Tied
Pros & Cons
Audi S3
More powerful engine (245 kW)
Better fuel economy (7.8 l/100km)
Higher starting price
Subaru WRX
Lower starting price (R899 000)
Higher fuel consumption (9.9 l/100km)
Less power than rival (202 kW vs 245 kW)
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the S3 or WRX?
The S3 uses 7.8 l/100km and the WRX uses 9.9 l/100km on the combined cycle. The S3 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 WRX?
The S3 produces 245 kW and 420 Nm of torque while the WRX delivers 202 kW and 350 Nm of torque. The S3 is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the S3 and WRX?
The S3 starts from R1 106 100 and the WRX from R899 000. The WRX is cheaper by R207 100 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Should I buy the S3 or the WRX?
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