VS
At a Glance
Power
257kW@6800
245 kW
Torque
440Nm@3500
420 Nm
Fuel
10.8
7.9 l/100km
Towing
2100
—
0-100 km/h
6.9
4.7 s
Engine
4163
1984 cc
Choosing between the AUDI A6 and the Audi S3 is one of the most common decisions South African car buyers face. The AUDI A6 delivers 257kW@6800 while the Audi S3 produces 245 kW. On fuel, the A6 returns 10.8 while the S3 uses 7.9 l/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R1 796 500 for the A6 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
257kW@6800
245 kW
Torque
440Nm@3500
420 Nm
0-100 kph
6.9
4.7 s
Top Speed
250
250 Km/h
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
4163
1984 cc
Engine Layout
LONGITUDINAL V 8
inline
Cylinders
8
4
Fuel Type
UNLEADED
petrol
Forced Induction Device
—
turbocharger
Transmission
AUTOMATIC
automatic
Number of Gears
6
7
Drive Wheels
ALL
all
Full Time 4x4
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Low Range
✗
—
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
10.8
7.9 l/100km
Fuel Consumption Urban
15.6
—
Fuel Consumption Highway
8.1
—
Fuel Tank Capacity
80
55 l
CO2 Emissions
260
183 g/km
Dimensions
Length
4927
4351 mm
Width
1855
1816-1984 mm
Height
1459
1438 mm
Wheelbase
2843
2630 mm
Ground Clearance
125
—
Kerb Weight
1770
1495 Kg
Doors
4
5
Seats
5
5
Load Volume
—
325-1145 l
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
2100
—
Load Capacity
546
—
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
—
✓ Standard
Stability Control
ESP
✓ Standard
Traction Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Airbag Count
8
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
Optional
✓ Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control
—
✓ Standard
Bluetooth
✗
✓ Standard
Satellite Navigation
Optional
Optional
Reversing Camera
—
✓ Standard
Park Distance Rear
Optional
✓ Standard
Park Distance Front
Optional
✓ Standard
Sunroof
Optional
✓ Standard
Heated Seats
Optional
Optional
Electric Seat Adjustment
✓ Standard
—
Keyless Entry
✗
Optional
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
12
1
Warranty Distance
—
unlimited Km
Service Plan
M
—
Service Intervals
30000
service interval indicator (max 30000)
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Audi S3
3 / 4 categories
Performance
S3
Fuel Economy
S3
Value
S3
Practicality
A6
Pros & Cons
AUDI A6
Well-rounded specification
Higher fuel consumption (10.8)
Higher starting price
Audi S3
Better fuel economy (7.9 l/100km)
Lower starting price (R1 091 100)
Quicker 0-100 km/h (4.7 ss)
Few notable weaknesses
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the A6 or S3?
The A6 uses 10.8 and the S3 uses 7.9 l/100km on the combined cycle. The S3 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 A6 or S3?
The A6 produces 257kW@6800 and 440Nm@3500 of torque while the S3 delivers 245 kW and 420 Nm of torque. They produce similar power outputs.
What is the price difference between the A6 and S3?
The A6 starts from R1 796 500 and the S3 from R1 091 100. The S3 is cheaper by R705 400 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the A6 or S3?
The A6 has a braked towing capacity of 2100 and the S3 can tow not specified. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the A6 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.