VS
At a Glance
Power
328hp @ 5450
237hp @ 5000
Torque
310lb-ft @ 2000
258lb-ft @ 1500-4000
Fuel
27 mpg est.
26 mpg est.
Engine
2.0 L/121ci
—
Choosing between the Audi S3 and the Cadillac Ct5 is one of the most common decisions car buyers in the United States face. The Audi S3 delivers 328hp @ 5450 while the Cadillac Ct5 produces 237hp @ 5000. On fuel, the S3 returns 27 mpg est. while the Ct5 uses 26 mpg est. — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at $52,000 for the S3 and $49,200 for the Ct5. 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 S3quattro 2026 - From $52,000
Cadillac Ct54dr Sdn Premium Luxury 2026 - From $49,200
Performance
Power Output (hp)
328hp @ 5450
237hp @ 5000
Torque (lb-ft)
310lb-ft @ 2000
258lb-ft @ 1500-4000
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
2.0 L/121ci
—
Engine Layout
—
V
Cylinders
4
6
Fuel Type
Gasoline
Gasoline
Forced Induction Device
Turbocharged
Turbocharged
Transmission
Auto-Shift Manual w/OD
Automatic
Number of Gears
7
—
Drive Wheels
All Wheel Drive
Rear Wheel Drive
Fuel Economy
Fuel Economy (Combined, est.)
27 mpg est.
26 mpg est.
Fuel Economy - City (mpg)
23mpg
22mpg
Fuel Economy - Highway (mpg)
31mpg
31mpg
Fuel Tank Capacity (gal)
14.5gal
17.4gal
Dimensions
Length (in)
177.3in
193.8in
Width (in)
71.5in
74.1in
Height (in)
55.8in
57.2in
Wheelbase (in)
103.6in
116in
Curb Weight (lbs)
3549lbs
3663lbs
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Stability Control
✓ Standard
—
Traction Control
✓ 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
S3
Value
Ct5
Practicality
Tied
Pros & Cons
Audi S3
Better fuel economy (27 mpg est.)
Higher starting price
Cadillac Ct5
Lower starting price ($49,200)
Higher fuel consumption (26 mpg est.)
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the S3 or Ct5?
The S3 gets 27 mpg est. and the Ct5 gets 26 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 S3 or Ct5?
The S3 produces 328hp @ 5450 and 310lb-ft @ 2000 of torque while the Ct5 delivers 237hp @ 5000 and 258lb-ft @ 1500-4000 of torque. The S3 is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the S3 and Ct5?
The S3 starts from $52,000 and the Ct5 from $49,200. The Ct5 is cheaper by $2,800 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Should I buy the S3 or the Ct5?
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