VS
At a Glance
Power
245 kW
160 kW
Torque
420 Nm
engine 221 Nm
Fuel
7.8 l/100km
4.6 l/100km
Towing
—
—
0-100 km/h
4.7 s
8.9 s
Engine
1984 cc
2494 cc
Choosing between the Audi S3 and the Lexus ES is one of the most common decisions South African car buyers face. The Audi S3 delivers 245 kW while the Lexus ES produces 160 kW. On fuel, the S3 returns 7.8 l/100km while the ES uses 4.6 l/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R1 106 100 for the S3 and R1 138 800 for the ES. 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
160 kW
Torque
420 Nm
engine 221 Nm
0-100 kph
4.7 s
8.9 s
Top Speed
250 Km/h
180 Km/h
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
1984 cc
2494 cc
Engine Layout
inline
inline
Cylinders
4
4
Fuel Type
petrol
petrol-electric hybrid
Forced Induction Device
turbocharger
—
Transmission
automatic
automatic
Number of Gears
7
—
Drive Wheels
all
front
Full Time 4x4
✓ Standard
—
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
7.8 l/100km
4.6 l/100km
Fuel Tank Capacity
55 l
50 l
CO2 Emissions
181 g/km
104 g/km
Dimensions
Length
4504 mm
4975 mm
Width
1816-1984 mm
1865 mm
Height
1415 mm
1445 mm
Wheelbase
2630 mm
2870 mm
Ground Clearance
—
158 mm
Kerb Weight
1495 Kg
1740 Kg
Doors
4
4
Seats
5
5
Load Volume
325 l
454 l
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
—
—
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Traction Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Airbag Count
6 (opt 8)
10
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
7 vehicle / 8 hybrid battery
Warranty Distance
unlimited Km
105000 vehicle / 195000 hybrid battery K
Service Intervals
service interval indicator (max 30000)
15000
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Audi S3
2 / 4 categories
Performance
S3
Fuel Economy
ES
Value
S3
Practicality
Tied
Pros & Cons
Audi S3
More powerful engine (245 kW)
Lower starting price (R1 106 100)
Quicker 0-100 km/h (4.7 ss)
Higher fuel consumption (7.8 l/100km)
Lexus ES
Better fuel economy (4.6 l/100km)
Less power than rival (160 kW vs 245 kW)
Higher starting price
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the S3 or ES?
The S3 uses 7.8 l/100km and the ES uses 4.6 l/100km on the combined cycle. The ES 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 ES?
The S3 produces 245 kW and 420 Nm of torque while the ES delivers 160 kW and engine 221 Nm of torque. The S3 is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the S3 and ES?
The S3 starts from R1 106 100 and the ES from R1 138 800. The S3 is cheaper by R32 700 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the S3 or ES?
The S3 has a braked towing capacity of not specified and the ES can tow 0 Kg. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the S3 or the ES?
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.