VS
At a Glance
Power
245 kW
190 kW
Torque
420 Nm
400 Nm
Fuel
7.8 l/100km
6.5 l/100km
Towing
—
1600 Kg
0-100 km/h
4.7 s
5.8 s
Engine
1984 cc
1998 cc
Choosing between the Audi S3 and the BMW 3 Series is one of the most common decisions South African car buyers face. The Audi S3 delivers 245 kW while the BMW 3 Series produces 190 kW. On fuel, the S3 returns 7.8 l/100km while the 3 Series uses 6.5 l/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R1 106 100 for the S3 and R1 040 567 for the 3 Series. 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
245 kW
190 kW
Torque
420 Nm
400 Nm
0-100 kph
4.7 s
5.8 s
Top Speed
250 Km/h
250 Km/h
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
1984 cc
1998 cc
Engine Layout
inline
inline
Cylinders
4
4
Fuel Type
petrol
petrol
Forced Induction Device
turbocharger
turbocharger
Transmission
automatic
automatic
Number of Gears
7
8
Drive Wheels
all
rear
Full Time 4x4
✓ Standard
—
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
7.8 l/100km
6.5 l/100km
Fuel Tank Capacity
55 l
59 l
CO2 Emissions
181 g/km
149 g/km
Dimensions
Length
4504 mm
4713 mm
Width
1816-1984 mm
1827-2068 mm
Height
1415 mm
1440 mm
Wheelbase
2630 mm
2851 mm
Ground Clearance
—
136 mm
Kerb Weight
1495 Kg
1525 DIN / 1600 EU Kg
Doors
4
4
Seats
5
5
Load Volume
325 l
480 l
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
—
1600 Kg
Load Capacity
—
555 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)
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
✓ Standard
Optional
Adaptive Cruise Control
✓ Standard
Optional
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
Optional
Keyless Entry
Optional
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
BMW 3 Series
3 / 4 categories
Performance
S3
Fuel Economy
3 Series
Value
3 Series
Practicality
3 Series
Pros & Cons
Audi S3
More powerful engine (245 kW)
Quicker 0-100 km/h (4.7 ss)
Higher fuel consumption (7.8 l/100km)
Higher starting price
BMW 3 Series
Better fuel economy (6.5 l/100km)
Lower starting price (R1 040 567)
Less power than rival (190 kW vs 245 kW)
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the S3 or 3 Series?
The S3 uses 7.8 l/100km and the 3 Series uses 6.5 l/100km on the combined cycle. The 3 Series 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 S3 or 3 Series?
The S3 produces 245 kW and 420 Nm of torque while the 3 Series delivers 190 kW and 400 Nm of torque. The S3 is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the S3 and 3 Series?
The S3 starts from R1 106 100 and the 3 Series from R1 040 567. The 3 Series is cheaper by R65 533 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the S3 or 3 Series?
The S3 has a braked towing capacity of not specified and the 3 Series can tow 1600 Kg. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the S3 or the 3 Series?
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.