VS
At a Glance
Power
444hp @ 5900
328hp @ 5450
Torque
442lb-ft @ 2700
310lb-ft @ 2000
Fuel
23 mpg est.
27 mpg est.
Engine
2.9 L/177ci
2.0 L/121ci
Choosing between the Audi A6 and the Audi S3 is one of the most common decisions car buyers in the United States face. The Audi A6 delivers 444hp @ 5900 while the Audi S3 produces 328hp @ 5450. On fuel, the A6 returns 23 mpg est. while the S3 uses 27 mpg est. — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at $74,800 for the A6 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)
444hp @ 5900
328hp @ 5450
Torque (lb-ft)
442lb-ft @ 2700
310lb-ft @ 2000
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
2.9 L/177ci
2.0 L/121ci
Engine Layout
V
—
Cylinders
6
4
Fuel Type
Hybrid
Gasoline
Forced Induction Device
Turbocharged
Turbocharged
Transmission
Automatic
Auto-Shift Manual w/OD
Number of Gears
8
7
Drive Wheels
All Wheel Drive
All Wheel Drive
Fuel Economy
Fuel Economy (Combined, est.)
23 mpg est.
27 mpg est.
Fuel Economy - City (mpg)
18mpg
23mpg
Fuel Economy - Highway (mpg)
28mpg
31mpg
Fuel Tank Capacity (gal)
19.3gal
14.5gal
Dimensions
Length (in)
195in
177.3in
Width (in)
74.3in
71.5in
Height (in)
56.9in
55.8in
Wheelbase (in)
115.3in
103.6in
Curb Weight (lbs)
4486lbs
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
A6
Fuel Economy
S3
Value
S3
Practicality
Tied
Pros & Cons
Audi A6
Well-rounded specification
Higher fuel consumption (23 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 A6 or S3?
The A6 gets 23 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 A6 or S3?
The A6 produces 444hp @ 5900 and 442lb-ft @ 2700 of torque while the S3 delivers 328hp @ 5450 and 310lb-ft @ 2000 of torque. The A6 is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the A6 and S3?
The A6 starts from $74,800 and the S3 from $52,000. The S3 is cheaper by $22,800 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Should I buy the A6 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