VS
At a Glance
Power
294 kW
145 engine kW
Torque
500 Nm
440 Nm
Fuel
9.0 l/100km
5.0 l/100km
Towing
—
2100 Kg
0-100 km/h
3.8 s
7.6 s
Engine
2480 cc
1993 cc
Choosing between the Audi RS3 and the Mercedes-Benz E-Class is one of the most common decisions South African car buyers face. The Audi RS3 delivers 294 kW while the Mercedes-Benz E-Class produces 145 engine kW. On fuel, the RS3 returns 9.0 l/100km while the E-Class uses 5.0 l/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R1 591 900 for the RS3 and R1 428 015 for the E-Class. 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
294 kW
145 engine kW
Torque
500 Nm
440 Nm
0-100 kph
3.8 s
7.6 s
Top Speed
250 Km/h
238 Km/h
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
2480 cc
1993 cc
Engine Layout
inline
inline
Cylinders
5
4
Fuel Type
petrol
diesel
Forced Induction Device
turbocharger
turbocharger
Transmission
automatic
automatic
Number of Gears
7
9
Drive Wheels
all
rear
Full Time 4x4
✓ Standard
—
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
9.0 l/100km
5.0 l/100km
Fuel Tank Capacity
55 l
66 l
CO2 Emissions
204 g/km
129 g/km
Dimensions
Length
4381 mm
4949 mm
Width
1851-1984 mm
1880-2065 mm
Height
1430 mm
1468 mm
Wheelbase
2631 mm
2961 mm
Kerb Weight
1565 Kg
1915 Kg
Doors
5
4
Seats
5
5
Load Volume
282-1104 l
540 l
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
—
2100 Kg
Load Capacity
—
615 l
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Traction Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Airbag Count
6 (opt 8)
7 (opt 9)
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
Optional
✓ Standard
Reversing Camera
✓ Standard
Optional
Park Distance Rear
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Park Distance Front
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Sunroof
✓ Standard
Optional
Heated Seats
Optional
✓ Standard
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
Optional
Tow Bar
—
Optional
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
1
2
Warranty Distance
unlimited Km
unlimited Km
Service Intervals
service interval indicator (max 30000)
service interval indicator
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Mercedes-Benz E-Class
3 / 4 categories
Performance
RS3
Fuel Economy
E-Class
Value
E-Class
Practicality
E-Class
Pros & Cons
Audi RS3
More powerful engine (294 kW)
Quicker 0-100 km/h (3.8 ss)
Higher fuel consumption (9.0 l/100km)
Higher starting price
Mercedes-Benz E-Class
Better fuel economy (5.0 l/100km)
Lower starting price (R1 428 015)
Less power than rival (145 engine kW vs 294 kW)
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the RS3 or E-Class?
The RS3 uses 9.0 l/100km and the E-Class uses 5.0 l/100km on the combined cycle. The E-Class 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 RS3 or E-Class?
The RS3 produces 294 kW and 500 Nm of torque while the E-Class delivers 145 engine kW and 440 Nm of torque. The RS3 is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the RS3 and E-Class?
The RS3 starts from R1 591 900 and the E-Class from R1 428 015. The E-Class is cheaper by R163 885 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the RS3 or E-Class?
The RS3 has a braked towing capacity of not specified and the E-Class can tow 2100 Kg. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the RS3 or the E-Class?
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.