VS
At a Glance
Power
245 kW
285 kW
Torque
420 Nm
500 Nm
Fuel
7.9 l/100km
8.4 l/100km
Towing
—
1800 Kg
0-100 km/h
4.7 s
4.9 s
Engine
1984 cc
2998 cc
Choosing between the Audi S3 and the BMW 4 Series is one of the most common decisions South African car buyers face. The Audi S3 delivers 245 kW while the BMW 4 Series produces 285 kW. On fuel, the S3 returns 7.9 l/100km while the 4 Series uses 8.4 l/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R1 091 100 for the S3 and R1 658 786 for the 4 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.
Performance
Power Output
245 kW
285 kW
Torque
420 Nm
500 Nm
0-100 kph
4.7 s
4.9 s
Top Speed
250 Km/h
250 Km/h
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
1984 cc
2998 cc
Engine Layout
inline
inline
Cylinders
4
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
7.9 l/100km
8.4 l/100km
Fuel Tank Capacity
55 l
59 l
CO2 Emissions
183 g/km
192 g/km
Dimensions
Length
4351 mm
4770 mm
Width
1816-1984 mm
1852-2081 mm
Height
1438 mm
1394 mm
Wheelbase
2630 mm
2851 mm
Kerb Weight
1495 Kg
1890 DIN / 1965 EU Kg
Doors
5
2
Seats
5
4
Load Volume
325-1145 l
300-385 l
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
—
1800 Kg
Load Capacity
—
500 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)
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
✓ Standard
Park Distance Rear
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Park Distance Front
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Sunroof
✓ Standard
—
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 / 20000 km
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Tie
2 / 4 categories
Performance
4 Series
Fuel Economy
S3
Value
S3
Practicality
4 Series
Pros & Cons
Audi S3
Better fuel economy (7.9 l/100km)
Lower starting price (R1 091 100)
Quicker 0-100 km/h (4.7 ss)
Less power than rival (245 kW vs 285 kW)
BMW 4 Series
More powerful engine (285 kW)
Higher fuel consumption (8.4 l/100km)
Higher starting price
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the S3 or 4 Series?
The S3 uses 7.9 l/100km and the 4 Series uses 8.4 l/100km on the combined cycle. The S3 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 S3 or 4 Series?
The S3 produces 245 kW and 420 Nm of torque while the 4 Series delivers 285 kW and 500 Nm of torque. The 4 Series is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the S3 and 4 Series?
The S3 starts from R1 091 100 and the 4 Series from R1 658 786. The S3 is cheaper by R567 686 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the S3 or 4 Series?
The S3 has a braked towing capacity of not specified and the 4 Series can tow 1800 Kg. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the S3 or the 4 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.