VS
At a Glance
Power
146 kW
245 kW
Torque
340 Nm
420 Nm
Fuel
7.5 l/100km
7.9 l/100km
Towing
1500 Kg
—
0-100 km/h
7.8 s
4.7 s
Engine
1984 cc
1984 cc
Choosing between the Audi A5 and the Audi S3 is one of the most common decisions South African car buyers face. The Audi A5 delivers 146 kW while the Audi S3 produces 245 kW. On fuel, the A5 returns 7.5 l/100km while the S3 uses 7.9 l/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R1 166 800 for the A5 and R1 091 100 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
146 kW
245 kW
Torque
340 Nm
420 Nm
0-100 kph
7.8 s
4.7 s
Top Speed
248 Km/h
250 Km/h
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
1984 cc
1984 cc
Engine Layout
inline
inline
Cylinders
4
4
Fuel Type
petrol
petrol
Forced Induction Device
turbocharger
turbocharger
Transmission
automatic
automatic
Number of Gears
7
7
Drive Wheels
front
all
Full Time 4x4
—
✓ Standard
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
7.5 l/100km
7.9 l/100km
Fuel Tank Capacity
56 l
55 l
CO2 Emissions
171 g/km
183 g/km
Dimensions
Length
4829 mm
4351 mm
Width
1860-2099 mm
1816-1984 mm
Height
1444 mm
1438 mm
Wheelbase
2892 mm
2630 mm
Kerb Weight
1653 Kg
1495 Kg
Doors
5
5
Seats
5
5
Load Volume
445-1299 l
325-1145 l
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
1500 Kg
—
Load Capacity
642 l
—
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Traction Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Airbag Count
7 (opt 9)
6 (opt 8)
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
Satellite Navigation
✓ Standard
Optional
Reversing Camera
Optional
✓ Standard
Park Distance Rear
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Park Distance Front
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Sunroof
Optional
✓ Standard
Heated Seats
Optional
Optional
Keyless Entry
Optional
Optional
Tow Bar
Optional
—
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
1
1
Warranty Distance
unlimited Km
unlimited Km
Service Intervals
—
service interval indicator (max 30000)
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Tie
2 / 4 categories
Performance
S3
Fuel Economy
A5
Value
S3
Practicality
A5
Pros & Cons
Audi A5
Better fuel economy (7.5 l/100km)
Less power than rival (146 kW vs 245 kW)
Higher starting price
Audi S3
More powerful engine (245 kW)
Lower starting price (R1 091 100)
Quicker 0-100 km/h (4.7 ss)
Higher fuel consumption (7.9 l/100km)
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the A5 or S3?
The A5 uses 7.5 l/100km and the S3 uses 7.9 l/100km on the combined cycle. The A5 is the more fuel-efficient choice. In South African conditions with a mix of highway and urban driving, real-world figures will be slightly higher.
Which has more power, the A5 or S3?
The A5 produces 146 kW and 340 Nm of torque while the S3 delivers 245 kW and 420 Nm of torque. The S3 is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the A5 and S3?
The A5 starts from R1 166 800 and the S3 from R1 091 100. The S3 is cheaper by R75 700 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the A5 or S3?
The A5 has a braked towing capacity of 1500 Kg and the S3 can tow not specified. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the A5 or the S3?
It depends on your priorities. If fuel economy matters most, check the L/100km figures above. If you need towing capacity, compare the towing ratings. For day-to-day South African driving - load shedding runs, potholed roads, school runs and highway commutes - 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.