VS
At a Glance
Power
362hp @ 5000
394hp @ 5600
Torque
406lb-ft @ 1370
369lb-ft @ 2250
Fuel
24 mpg est.
24 mpg est.
Engine
3.0 L/183ci
2.5 L/151ci
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 362hp @ 5000 while the Audi S3 produces 394hp @ 5600. On fuel, the A6 returns 24 mpg est. while the S3 uses 24 mpg est. — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at $71,400 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)
362hp @ 5000
394hp @ 5600
Torque (lb-ft)
406lb-ft @ 1370
369lb-ft @ 2250
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
3.0 L/183ci
2.5 L/151ci
Engine Layout
V
—
Cylinders
6
5
Fuel Type
Gasoline
Gasoline
Forced Induction Device
Turbocharged
Turbocharged
Transmission
Auto-Shift Manual w/OD
Automatic
Number of Gears
7
7
Drive Wheels
All Wheel Drive
All Wheel Drive
Fuel Economy
Fuel Economy (Combined, est.)
24 mpg est.
24 mpg est.
Fuel Economy - City (mpg)
20mpg
20mpg
Fuel Economy - Highway (mpg)
29mpg
29mpg
Fuel Tank Capacity (gal)
19.3gal
14.5gal
Dimensions
Length (in)
Coming Soon
178.8in
Width (in)
Coming Soon
72.9in
Height (in)
Coming Soon
55.6in
Wheelbase (in)
Coming Soon
103.6in
Curb Weight (lbs)
4310lbs
3627lbs
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
S3
Fuel Economy
Tied
Value
S3
Practicality
Tied
Pros & Cons
Audi A6
Well-rounded specification
Higher starting price
Audi S3
Lower starting price ($52,000)
Few notable weaknesses
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the A6 or S3?
The A6 gets 24 mpg est. and the S3 gets 24 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 362hp @ 5000 and 406lb-ft @ 1370 of torque while the S3 delivers 394hp @ 5600 and 369lb-ft @ 2250 of torque. The S3 is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the A6 and S3?
The A6 starts from $71,400 and the S3 from $52,000. The S3 is cheaper by $19,400 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