VS
At a Glance
Power
245 kW
190 kW
Torque
420 Nm
350 Nm
Fuel
7.9 l/100km
—
Towing
—
-
0-100 km/h
4.7 s
5.9 s
Engine
1984 cc
electric cc
Choosing between the Audi S3 and the MINI Cooper is one of the most common decisions car buyers in South Africa face. The Audi S3 delivers 245 kW while the MINI Cooper produces 190 kW. Pricing starts at R1 091 100 for the S3 and R994 200 for the Cooper. 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 S3Sportback Quattro Stronic (245kw) 2025 - From R1 091 100
MINI Cooper2026 - From R994 200
Performance
Power Output
245 kW
190 kW
Torque
420 Nm
350 Nm
0-100 kph
4.7 s
5.9 s
Top Speed
250 Km/h
200 Km/h
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
1984 cc
electric cc
Engine Layout
inline
—
Cylinders
4
—
Fuel Type
petrol
electric
Forced Induction Device
turbocharger
—
Transmission
automatic
automatic
Number of Gears
7
-
Drive Wheels
all
front
Full Time 4x4
✓ Standard
—
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
7.9 l/100km
—
Fuel Tank Capacity
55 l
49.2 kWh l
CO2 Emissions
183 g/km
-
Dimensions
Length
4351 mm
3858 mm
Width
1816-1984 mm
1756-1967 mm
Height
1438 mm
1460 mm
Wheelbase
2630 mm
2526 mm
Kerb Weight
1495 Kg
1650 DIN / 1725 EU Kg
Doors
5
3
Seats
5
4
Load Volume
325-1145 l
210-800 l
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
—
-
Load Capacity
—
455 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)
7
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
✓ Standard
Heated Seats
Optional
Optional
Keyless Entry
Optional
Optional
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
1
2 vehicle / 8 battery
Warranty Distance
unlimited Km
unlimited vehicle / 100000 battery Km
Service Intervals
service interval indicator (max 30000)
service interval indicator / 20000 km
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Audi S3
2 / 4 categories
Performance
S3
Fuel Economy
Tied
Value
Cooper
Practicality
S3
Pros & Cons
Audi S3
More powerful engine (245 kW)
Quicker 0-100 km/h (4.7 ss)
Higher starting price
MINI Cooper
Lower starting price (R994 200)
Less power than rival (190 kW vs 245 kW)
Frequently Asked Questions
Which has more power, the S3 or Cooper?
The S3 produces 245 kW and 420 Nm of torque while the Cooper delivers 190 kW and 350 Nm of torque. The S3 is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the S3 and Cooper?
The S3 starts from R1 091 100 and the Cooper from R994 200. The Cooper is cheaper by R96 900 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the S3 or Cooper?
The S3 has a braked towing capacity of not specified and the Cooper can tow 0 Kg. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the S3 or the Cooper?
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