RS3 vs RS5 (Car and Driver) instrument tested comparison

[S3DUDE]

The two cars are almost virtually identical in performance. I watched a couple of videos of the RS5 vs RS3 and I honestly thought that the RS5 had better chances but when you compare the numbers it appears that the RS3 is neck to neck and even beats it by a small margin on some areas. Overall it seems like the RS3 is a lot of car for the money so I'll throw this : Money/performance ratio RS3 wins

link here: https://www.caranddriver.com/reviews...-6-performance
RS3
ENGINE TYPE: turbocharged and intercooled DOHC 20-valve inline-5, aluminum block and head, port and direct fuel injection

DISPLACEMENT: 151 cu in, 2480 cc
POWER: 400 hp @ 7000 rpm
TORQUE: 354 lb-ft @ 1700 rpm

TRANSMISSION: 7-speed dual-clutch automatic with manual shifting mode comparison

DIMENSIONS:
WHEELBASE: 103.6 in
LENGTH: 176.3 in
WIDTH: 70.9 in HEIGHT: 55.0 in
PASSENGER VOLUME: 87 cu ft
TRUNK VOLUME: 10 cu ft
CURB WEIGHT: 3547 lb

C/D TEST RESULTS: RS3/RS5
Zero to 60 mph: 3.5 sec. /3.5 sec (tied)
Zero to 100 mph: 8.7 sec. /8.8 sec(RS3 wins)
Zero to 130 mph: 15.4 sec/16.1 sec (RS3 wins)
Zero to 150 mph: 22.8 sec/23.8 sec (RS3 wins)
Rolling start, 5-60 mph: 4.3 sec/4.6sec (RS3 wins)
Top gear, 30-50 mph: 2.8 sec/2.7 sec (RS5 wins)
Top gear, 50-70 mph: 3.2 sec/3.0 sec (RS5 wins)
Standing ¼-mile: 11.9 sec @ 117 mph/11.9@116 (RS3 wins)
Top speed (governor limited, mfr's claim): 174 mph
Braking, 70-0 mph: 157 ft/156 ft (RS5 wins)
Roadholding, 300-ft-dia skidpad: 0.98 g/0.95g (RS3 wins
EPA FUEL ECONOMY:
Combined/city/highway: 22/19/28 mpg// 21/18/26 mpg (Rs3 wins)

RS5
ENGINE TYPE: twin-turbocharged and intercooled DOHC 24-valve V-6, aluminum block and heads, direct fuel injection

DISPLACEMENT: 177 cu in, 2894 cc
POWER: 444 hp @ 6700 rpm
TORQUE: 443 lb-ft @ 1900 rpm

TRANSMISSION: 8-speed automatic with manual shifting mode

CHASSIS
Suspension (F/R): multilink/multilink
Brakes (F/R): 15.7-in vented, cross-drilled carbon-ceramic disc/13.0-in vented, cross-drilled disc
Tires: Hankook Ventus S1 Evo2, 275/30R-20 97Y AO

DIMENSIONS
Wheelbase: 108.9 in
Length: 185.9 in
Width: 73.3 in
Height: 53.5 in
Passenger volume: 87 cu ft
Trunk volume: 12 cu ft
Curb weight: 4003 lb

C/D TEST RESULTS
Zero to 60 mph: 3.5 sec
Zero to 100 mph: 8.8 sec
Zero to 130 mph: 16.1 sec
Zero to 150 mph: 23.8 sec
Rolling start, 5–60 mph: 4.6 sec
Top gear, 30–50 mph: 2.7 sec
Top gear, 50–70 mph: 3.0 sec
Standing ¼-mile: 11.9 sec @ 116 mph
Top speed (governor limited, mfr’s claim): 174 mph
Braking, 70–0 mph: 156 ft
Roadholding, 300-ft-dia skidpad: 0.95 g

C/D FUEL ECONOMY
Observed: 20 mpg

[irablumberg]

In general, the RS3 punches way above its weight class. Put some better brakes and tires on it and it will likely embarrass lots of competitors on a road course as well as at the drag strip. Also, as demonstrated by numerous folks here, slap a tune, intake and a better IC on it and you really have some 1/4 mile action. Not cheap to start, but probably one of the best platforms around for hop ups. And yet still a great daily driver.

[BombersNemesis]

In general, the RS3 punches way above its weight class. Put some better brakes and tires on it and it will likely embarrass lots of competitors on a road course as well as at the drag strip. Also, as demonstrated by numerous folks here, slap a tune, intake and a better IC on it and you really have some 1/4 mile action. Not cheap to start, but probably one of the best platforms around for hop ups. And yet still a great daily driver.

Agreed!

This car is amazing. Hands down my favorite car from the factory that I've ever owned. Can't wait to throw a few mods on and really hurt some feelings.

[comingabriel]

If it weren't for the 2.5LT, I would not have looked at the RS3.
Saw an RS5 last night in the airport, and said to myseld, I shoulda got this baby. The interior was so much nicer. Love coupes, and the only car in red I would drive.

[John P.]

If it weren't for the 2.5LT, I would not have looked at the RS3.
Saw an RS5 last night in the airport, and said to myseld, I shoulda got this baby. The interior was so much nicer. Love coupes, and the only car in red I would drive.

Agreed!

[MossEisley]

I'm dying waiting for my 2019 RS3, but seriously considered the RS5. I saw the 5 in green with some carbon fiber accents and it is gorgeous.

Sent from my Pixel 2 XL using Tapatalk

[comingabriel]

Very sexy car and very unlike the 2.7L-TT the 2.9L-TT is soooo much better to work with, and should not be remotally as temperamental, esp with chains, instead of a belt. BUT, not a fan of plastic chain guides either.

[TheContrarian]

To be completely honest, the RS3/TTRS are the only Audis I like besides the R8. I'm not really an Audi fan, I just like the 5 cylinder and the A3 bodywork.

[robopp]

The sound of the RS5 is embarrassingly bad.


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[AudiS4SD]

Bump.

Got linked from another thread in the RS5 forums. Currently looking (albeit maybe a year early) for replacements for my B8.5 S4. I would love to get an RS5 Sportback, but I'm afraid an $80k+ MSRP for a good setup is a bit out of my budget. However, it appears that the RS3 can be had for similar performance at a much better price.

Unfortunately, it's crazy that the RS3 does not have power seats or other "simple" options that the price point would suggest.

With size not necessarily an issue (other car is an SUV), which would you choose? I realize this may be biased being in the RS3 forums, but curious why you all chose what you did and why.

Thanks!

[Gamil]

Hi,

Good questioning here.

I'm glad to share my choice, if it can help anyone.

RS5 is more refined, bigger, heavier, less sporty imo.
RS3 is more like "pocket rocket", agile, easier to toss around.
Power is very similar, but sound is better with the 5 pot if you ask me.
Electric seats vs manual seats : indeed this is strange, especially when the TTrs has those electric seats. Oh well I don't move very often, i'm the only driver of the car.
Hatchback is a plus vs sedan.

Ultimately, it all came to the price. Not worth the extra money for me, my needs, and what I expect for such car. RS7 would be a no go too, too big / large / boaty for me.

After more than a year of ownership :
- miss a manual transmission. Would have been the same with the RS5.
- OEM tires are not great
- black tips are pealing on the OEM sport exhaust
- great engine, at every RPM.
- transmission in "D" mode sucks. in "S" mode, it revs too high for nothing, especially in 2nd gear.
- gas mileage is very low in city.

That's it !

[SolarRS3]

The price difference between rs3 rs5 is just insane for what you get with the rs3. If you want 4 door rs3, if you want sportback and 2 door TTrs. The 5 cyl is a piece of marvel and SOUND exotic. You get an engine that almost no cars has. The rs5 is quite mundane if you ask me.

If you want 4 door sportback, get a uses rs7, they drive really nice with the DRC suspension, albeit not as tossable as the rs3 still.