VS
At a Glance
Power
355hp @ 5500
328hp @ 5450
Torque
354lb-ft @ 1400
310lb-ft @ 2000
Fuel
22 mpg est.
27 mpg est.
Engine
3.0 L/183ci
2.0 L/121ci
Choosing between the Acura Tlx and the Audi S3 is one of the most common decisions car buyers in the United States face. The Acura Tlx delivers 355hp @ 5500 while the Audi S3 produces 328hp @ 5450. On fuel, the Tlx returns 22 mpg est. while the S3 uses 27 mpg est. — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at $53,700 for the Tlx and $52,000 for the S3. 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 (hp)
355hp @ 5500
328hp @ 5450
Torque (lb-ft)
354lb-ft @ 1400
310lb-ft @ 2000
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
3.0 L/183ci
2.0 L/121ci
Engine Layout
V
—
Cylinders
6
4
Fuel Type
Gasoline
Gasoline
Forced Induction Device
Turbocharged
Turbocharged
Transmission
Automatic w/OD
Auto-Shift Manual w/OD
Number of Gears
—
7
Drive Wheels
All Wheel Drive
All Wheel Drive
Fuel Economy
Fuel Economy (Combined, est.)
22 mpg est.
27 mpg est.
Fuel Economy - City (mpg)
19mpg
23mpg
Fuel Economy - Highway (mpg)
25mpg
31mpg
Fuel Tank Capacity (gal)
15.9gal
14.5gal
Dimensions
Length (in)
194.6in
177.3in
Width (in)
75.2in
71.5in
Height (in)
56.4in
55.8in
Wheelbase (in)
113in
103.6in
Curb Weight (lbs)
4221lbs
3549lbs
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Traction Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
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
Backup Camera
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Rear Parking Aid
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Sunroof
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Heated Seats
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Power Seat Adjustment
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Audi S3
2 / 4 categories
Performance
Tlx
Fuel Economy
S3
Value
S3
Practicality
Tied
Pros & Cons
Acura Tlx
Well-rounded specification
Higher fuel consumption (22 mpg est.)
Higher starting price
Audi S3
Better fuel economy (27 mpg est.)
Lower starting price ($52,000)
Few notable weaknesses
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the Tlx or S3?
The Tlx gets 22 mpg est. and the S3 gets 27 mpg est. 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 Tlx or S3?
The Tlx produces 355hp @ 5500 and 354lb-ft @ 1400 of torque while the S3 delivers 328hp @ 5450 and 310lb-ft @ 2000 of torque. The Tlx is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the Tlx and S3?
The Tlx starts from $53,700 and the S3 from $52,000. The S3 is cheaper by $1,700 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Should I buy the Tlx or the S3?
It depends on your priorities. If fuel economy matters most, check the mpg figures above. If you need towing capacity, compare the towing ratings. For day-to-day driving - commutes, school runs and highway trips - 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