VS
At a Glance
Power
463 kW
309kW@8300
Torque
850 Nm
400Nm@3900
Fuel
12.2 l/100km
12.3
Towing
2100 Kg
1700
0-100 km/h
3.4 s
5.1
Engine
3996 cc
3999
Choosing between the Audi RS6 and the BMW M3 is one of the most common decisions South African car buyers face. The Audi RS6 delivers 463 kW while the BMW M3 produces 309kW@8300. On fuel, the RS6 returns 12.2 l/100km while the M3 uses 12.3 — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R2 417 800 for the RS6 and R1 134 650 for the M3. 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
463 kW
309kW@8300
Torque
850 Nm
400Nm@3900
0-100 kph
3.4 s
5.1
Top Speed
250 Km/h
250
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
3996 cc
3999
Engine Layout
V
LONGITUDINAL V 8
Cylinders
8
8
Fuel Type
petrol
UNLEADED
Forced Induction Device
turbocharger
—
Transmission
automatic
AUTOMATIC
Number of Gears
8
7
Drive Wheels
all
REAR
Full Time 4x4
✓ Standard
✗
Low Range
—
✗
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
12.2 l/100km
12.3
Fuel Consumption Urban
—
17.3
Fuel Consumption Highway
—
9.4
Fuel Tank Capacity
75 l
63
CO2 Emissions
285 g/km
295
Dimensions
Length
4995 mm
4615
Width
1951-2110 mm
1804-1804
Height
1460 mm
1392
Wheelbase
2929 mm
2761
Ground Clearance
—
143
Kerb Weight
2090 DIN / 2165 EU Kg
1830
Doors
5
2
Seats
4+1
4
Load Volume
565-1680 l
—
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
2100 Kg
1700
Load Capacity
—
350
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
✓ Standard
—
Stability Control
✓ Standard
DYNAMIC STABILITY CONTROL
Traction Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Airbag Count
6 (opt 8)
6
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
Optional
✓ Standard
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✗
Satellite Navigation
✓ Standard
Optional
Reversing Camera
Optional
—
Park Distance Rear
✓ Standard
Optional
Park Distance Front
✓ Standard
Optional
Sunroof
✓ Standard
✗
Heated Seats
✓ Standard
BOTH FRONT
Electric Seat Adjustment
—
✓ Standard
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
✗
Tow Bar
Optional
—
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
1
24
Warranty Distance
unlimited Km
—
Service Plan
—
M
Service Intervals
service interval indicator (max 30000)
30000
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Audi RS6
3 / 4 categories
Performance
RS6
Fuel Economy
RS6
Value
M3
Practicality
RS6
Pros & Cons
Audi RS6
Better fuel economy (12.2 l/100km)
Higher towing capacity (2100 Kg)
Quicker 0-100 km/h (3.4 ss)
Higher starting price
BMW M3
Lower starting price (R1 134 650)
Higher fuel consumption (12.3)
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the RS6 or M3?
The RS6 uses 12.2 l/100km and the M3 uses 12.3 on the combined cycle. The RS6 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 RS6 or M3?
The RS6 produces 463 kW and 850 Nm of torque while the M3 delivers 309kW@8300 and 400Nm@3900 of torque. They produce similar power outputs.
What is the price difference between the RS6 and M3?
The RS6 starts from R2 417 800 and the M3 from R1 134 650. The M3 is cheaper by R1 283 150 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the RS6 or M3?
The RS6 has a braked towing capacity of 2100 Kg and the M3 can tow 1700. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the RS6 or the M3?
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.