VS
At a Glance
Power
261hp @ 5000
328hp @ 5450
Torque
273lb-ft @ 1600
310lb-ft @ 2000
Fuel
27 mpg est.
27 mpg est.
Engine
2.0 L/121ci
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 261hp @ 5000 while the Audi S3 produces 328hp @ 5450. On fuel, the A6 returns 27 mpg est. while the S3 uses 27 mpg est. — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at $54,900 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.
Specification
Audi A6Sport Premium 45 TFSI quattro 2021 - From $54,900
Audi S3quattro 2026 - From $52,000
Performance
Power Output (hp)
261hp @ 5000
328hp @ 5450
Torque (lb-ft)
273lb-ft @ 1600
310lb-ft @ 2000
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
2.0 L/121ci
2.0 L/121ci
Cylinders
4
4
Fuel Type
Hybrid
Gasoline
Forced Induction Device
Turbocharged
Turbocharged
Transmission
Automatic
Auto-Shift Manual w/OD
Number of Gears
7
7
Drive Wheels
All Wheel Drive
All Wheel Drive
Fuel Economy
Fuel Economy (Combined, est.)
27 mpg est.
27 mpg est.
Fuel Economy - City (mpg)
23mpg
23mpg
Fuel Economy - Highway (mpg)
31mpg
31mpg
Fuel Tank Capacity (gal)
19.3gal
14.5gal
Dimensions
Length (in)
194.4in
177.3in
Width (in)
74.3in
71.5in
Height (in)
57.4in
55.8in
Wheelbase (in)
115.1in
103.6in
Curb Weight (lbs)
4101lbs
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
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 27 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 261hp @ 5000 and 273lb-ft @ 1600 of torque while the S3 delivers 328hp @ 5450 and 310lb-ft @ 2000 of torque. The S3 is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the A6 and S3?
The A6 starts from $54,900 and the S3 from $52,000. The S3 is cheaper by $2,900 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