VS
At a Glance
Power
245 kW
390 kW
Torque
420 Nm
670 Nm
Fuel
7.8 l/100km
—
Towing
—
1500 Kg
0-100 km/h
4.7 s
3.8 s
Engine
1984 cc
electric cc
Choosing between the Audi S3 and the BYD Seal is one of the most common decisions South African car buyers face. The Audi S3 delivers 245 kW while the BYD Seal produces 390 kW. Pricing starts at R1 106 100 for the S3 and R1 211 900 for the Seal. 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
390 kW
Torque
420 Nm
670 Nm
0-100 kph
4.7 s
3.8 s
Top Speed
250 Km/h
179 Km/h
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
1984 cc
electric cc
Engine Layout
inline
—
Cylinders
4
—
Fuel Type
petrol
electric
Forced Induction Device
turbocharger
—
Transmission
automatic
automatic
Number of Gears
7
—
Drive Wheels
all
all
Full Time 4x4
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
7.8 l/100km
—
Fuel Tank Capacity
55 l
82.6 kWh l
CO2 Emissions
181 g/km
—
Dimensions
Length
4504 mm
4800 mm
Width
1816-1984 mm
1875-2150 mm
Height
1415 mm
1460 mm
Wheelbase
2630 mm
2920 mm
Ground Clearance
—
145 mm
Kerb Weight
1495 Kg
2185 Kg
Doors
4
4
Seats
5
5
Load Volume
325 l
50 front + 400 rear l
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
—
1500 Kg
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Traction Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Airbag Count
6 (opt 8)
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
✓ Standard
Park Distance Rear
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Park Distance Front
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Sunroof
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Heated Seats
Optional
✓ Standard
Keyless Entry
Optional
✓ Standard
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
1
5 vehicle / 8 battery
Warranty Distance
unlimited Km
100000 vehicle / 200000 battery Km
Service Intervals
service interval indicator (max 30000)
20000
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
BYD Seal
2 / 4 categories
Performance
Seal
Fuel Economy
Tied
Value
S3
Practicality
Seal
Pros & Cons
Audi S3
Lower starting price (R1 106 100)
Less power than rival (245 kW vs 390 kW)
BYD Seal
More powerful engine (390 kW)
Quicker 0-100 km/h (3.8 ss)
Higher starting price
Frequently Asked Questions
Which has more power, the S3 or Seal?
The S3 produces 245 kW and 420 Nm of torque while the Seal delivers 390 kW and 670 Nm of torque. The Seal is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the S3 and Seal?
The S3 starts from R1 106 100 and the Seal from R1 211 900. The S3 is cheaper by R105 800 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the S3 or Seal?
The S3 has a braked towing capacity of not specified and the Seal can tow 1500 Kg. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the S3 or the Seal?
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.