2019 Audi S3 vs. 2019 Volkswagen Golf R
iSeeCars' unbiased and data-driven comparison of the 2019 Audi S3 and 2019 Volkswagen Golf R contrasts the two cars across a broad spectrum of vehicle specifications to determine which car is better. In addition to comparing pricing and specs, iSeeCars uses all the ratings, rankings, and insights from its comprehensive analyses of each vehicle model, including calculations of reliability, safety, depreciation, value retention, and the vehicle's projected lifetime recalls (based on analyzing over 25 billion data points). This in-depth evaluation is used to identify which vehicle represents a better overall choice for shoppers who are considering both the 2019 Audi S3 and the 2019 Volkswagen Golf R.
When we compare the 2019 Audi S3's and the 2019 Volkswagen Golf R's specifications and ratings, the 2019 Audi S3 has the advantage in the area of fuel efficiency. The 2019 Volkswagen Golf R has the advantage in the areas of typical lower range of pricing for used cars, resale value and interior volume. The 2019 Audi S3 and 2019 Volkswagen Golf R have the same base engine power. Based on this comparison of the 2019 Audi S3's and the 2019 Volkswagen Golf R's specifications and ratings, the 2019 Volkswagen Golf R is a better car than the 2019 Audi S3.
Pricing: A used 2019 Audi S3 ranges from $28,160 to $38,626 while a used 2019 Volkswagen Golf R is priced between $27,486 to $38,496.
Resale/Retained Value: Looking at the 5-year depreciation rate for both models, the 2019 Audi S3 loses 42.8 percent of its value and the 2019 Volkswagen Golf R loses 33.2 percent of its value. This means the 2019 Volkswagen Golf R retains 9.6 percentage points more of its value and has the advantage of higher resale value versus the 2019 Audi S3.
Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency Comparison: For engine performance, the base engine of both the 2019 Audi S3 and the 2019 Volkswagen Golf R makes 288 horsepower. The S3 is rated to deliver an average of 25 miles per gallon, while the Golf R is rated to deliver an average of 24 miles per gallon. Both have a highway range of 421 miles. Both models use premium unleaded.
Passenger Space Comparison: The 2019 Volkswagen Golf R, a compact car, has the advantage of offering more interior volume, reflected in more front head room, front shoulder room, rear head room, rear shoulder room, rear leg room, and cargo space. The 2019 Audi S3 and 2019 Volkswagen Golf R are comparable in regards to front leg room.
Safety Ratings: When comparing crash test ratings from NHTSA, both the 2019 Audi S3 and the 2019 Volkswagen Golf R have the same average safety rating of 5 out of 5 Stars.
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
-
Starting MSRP:
$44,500
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Luxury Subcompact Cars)
$48,814
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Luxury Subcompact Cars)
$32,500 - $99,000
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
-
Starting MSRP:
$40,395
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Compact Cars)
$21,340
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Compact Cars)
$14,795 - $40,395
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
$33,098
Price Range:
$28,160 - $38,626
Category Avg Price:
(Luxury Subcompact Cars)
$40,098
Category Avg Price Range:
(Luxury Subcompact Cars)
$23,413 - $87,951
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
9
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
53,841
# Good or Great Deals:
1
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
$33,439
Price Range:
$27,486 - $38,496
Category Avg Price:
(Compact Cars)
$19,292
Category Avg Price Range:
(Compact Cars)
$11,224 - $33,439
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
45
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
51,297
# Good or Great Deals:
26
Audi S3 Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
8.1 / 10
Reliability:
6.6 / 10
Retained Value:
7.8 / 10
Safety:
10.0 / 10
Volkswagen Golf R Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
Not available
Reliability:
Not available
Retained Value:
8.4 / 10
Safety:
10.0 / 10
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for 2019 Audi S3
Remaining Life Expectancy (years):
6.1
Typical Category Remaining Life Expectancy:
(Luxury Subcompact Cars)
6.8
Category Remaining Life Expectancy Range:
(Luxury Subcompact Cars)
6.1 - 8
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
1.8%
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for 2019 Volkswagen Golf R
Remaining Life Expectancy (years):
6.7
Typical Category Remaining Life Expectancy:
(Compact Cars)
6.3
Category Remaining Life Expectancy Range:
(Compact Cars)
4.1 - 9.5
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
0.5%
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
1.9
Typical Category Recalls:
(Luxury Subcompact Cars)
1.7
Category Range for Recalls:
(Luxury Subcompact Cars)
1.2 - 4.2
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
2.4
Typical Category Recalls:
(Compact Cars)
4.5
Category Range for Recalls:
(Compact Cars)
0.5 - 15.5
Audi S3 Rankings
Ranking
8 out of / 36Ranking
9 out of / 36Ranking
10 out of / 36Ranking
15 out of / 36Ranking
18 out of / 31Ranking
19 out of / 36Ranking
23 out of / 36Ranking
32 out of / 36Ranking
34 out of / 36Volkswagen Golf R Rankings
Ranking
2 out of / 43Ranking
13 out of / 43Ranking
17 out of / 43Ranking
18 out of / 43Ranking
21 out of / 43Ranking
24 out of / 24Ranking
26 out of / 43Ranking
35 out of / 43Ranking
42 out of / 43Available Body Styles
Sedan
Available Body Styles
Hatchback
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
2019 Audi S3 Trim Levels
2.0T quattro Premium Plus, 2.0T quattro Prestige
2019 Volkswagen Golf R Trim Levels
4Motion
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
4 years / 50000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain:
4 years / 50000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
4 years
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
6 years / 72000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain:
6 years / 72000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
3 years / 36000 miles
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
5 out of 5 Stars
2024 NHTSA Overall Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
2024 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
2024 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2024 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
5 out of 5 Stars
2024 NHTSA Overall Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
2024 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
2024 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2024 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
288 hp @ 5400 rpm
Torque:
280 foot-lbs @ 1900 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.082 hp per pound
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
288 hp @ 5400 rpm
Torque:
280 foot-lbs @ 1800 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.087 hp per pound
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
2 liters
Engine Configuration:
Inline
Number of Cylinders:
4
Transmission:
Automatic
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
AWD
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
22 / 29 / 25
Range (city/hwy):
319 / 421 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Premium Unleaded
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
2 liters
Engine Configuration:
Inline
Number of Cylinders:
4
Transmission:
Manual
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
AWD
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
21 / 29 / 24
Range (city/hwy):
305 / 421 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Premium Unleaded
Standard/Optional Features
Alloy wheels:
Standard
Android Auto:
Standard
Apple CarPlay:
Standard
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Heated Seats
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Leather Upholstery:
Standard
Paddle Shifters:
Standard
Parking Sensors:
Standard
Power Lift Gate:
Standard
Power outlet:
Standard
Satellite radio:
Standard
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Standard
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Available
Automatic Parking:
Available
Navigation System:
Available
Roadside assistance:
Available
Wifi:
Available
Air Suspension:
N/A
Captain's seat:
N/A
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
N/A
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Heated Steering Wheel:
N/A
Internet Radio:
N/A
Massage Seats:
N/A
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Quad Seats:
N/A
Roof Rack:
N/A
Trailer Hitch:
N/A
Standard/Optional Features
Alloy wheels:
Standard
Android Auto:
Standard
Apple CarPlay:
Standard
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Heated Seats
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Leather Upholstery:
Standard
Paddle Shifters:
Available
Parking Sensors:
Standard
Power Lift Gate:
N/A
Power outlet:
Standard
Satellite radio:
Standard
Sunroof/Moonroof:
N/A
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
N/A
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Standard
Automatic Parking:
N/A
Navigation System:
Standard
Roadside assistance:
Standard
Wifi:
N/A
Air Suspension:
N/A
Captain's seat:
N/A
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
N/A
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Heated Steering Wheel:
N/A
Internet Radio:
N/A
Massage Seats:
N/A
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Quad Seats:
N/A
Roof Rack:
N/A
Trailer Hitch:
N/A
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Standard
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Standard
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Standard
Lane Departure Warning:
Available
Lane Keeping Assist:
Available
360-Degree Camera:
N/A
Driver Attention Monitoring:
N/A
Pedestrian Detection:
N/A
Rear Seat Reminder:
N/A
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Standard
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Standard
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Standard
Lane Departure Warning:
Standard
Lane Keeping Assist:
Standard
360-Degree Camera:
N/A
Driver Attention Monitoring:
N/A
Pedestrian Detection:
N/A
Rear Seat Reminder:
N/A
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
36.5 inches
Front Leg Room:
41.2 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
54.8 inches
Rear Head Room:
36.1 inches
Rear Leg Room:
35.1 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
53 inches
Cargo Space:
10 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
86.0 cubic feet
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
38.4 inches
Front Leg Room:
41.2 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
55.9 inches
Rear Head Room:
38.1 inches
Rear Leg Room:
35.6 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
53.9 inches
Cargo Space:
22.8 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
116.3 cubic feet
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
3494 lbs
Width:
77.2 inches
Height:
54.8 inches
Length:
175.8 inches
Wheelbase:
103.6 inches
Ground Clearance:
Not yet available
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
3300 lbs
Width:
70.8 inches
Height:
56.5 inches
Length:
168.4 inches
Wheelbase:
103.5 inches
Ground Clearance:
4.8 inches
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
18.0 x 8.0 inches
Wheel Type:
aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
225/40R18
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
19.0 x 8.0 inches
Wheel Type:
aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
235/35R19
Exterior Colors
Black
Brilliant Black / Mythos Black Metallic
Blue
Ara Blue Crystal Effect / Navarra Blue Metallic
Gray
Daytona Gray Pearl Effect / Nano Gray Metallic
Red
Tango Red Metallic
White
Glacier White Metallic
Green
Not available
Orange
Not available
Purple
Not available
Yellow
Not available
Exterior Colors
Black
Deep Black Pearl
Blue
91 Blue / Azure Blue Pearl / Deep Blue Pearl / Ice Blue / Inky Blue Pearl / Jazz Blue Pearl / Lapiz Blue Metallic / Nogaro Blue Pearl / Prussian Blue Metallic / Sarantos Turqouise / Star Blue Metallic / Techno Blue Pearl
Gray
Anthracite Metallic / Dust Gray / Graphite Metallic / Indium Gray Metallic / Mocha Anthracite Metallic / Slate Gray / Squirrel Gray
Red
Bordeaux Red Pearl / Dark Burgundy Pearl / Hot Chili Pearl / Mars Red / Oxide Red / Raspberry Red / Tornado Red
White
Oryx White Pearl
Green
Caribbean Green / Cliff Green / Irish Green / Moss Green Metallic / Racing Green / Reseda Green / Viper Green Metallic
Orange
Copper Orange Metallic / Magma Orange / TNT Orange
Purple
Dark Violet Pearl / Mystic Blue Pearl / Traffic Purple / Violet Touch Pearl
Yellow
Curry Yellow / Futura Yellow Metallic / Ginster Yellow
Interior Colors
Black
Black w/ Rock Gray Stitching
Gray
Rotor Gray w/ Anthracite Stitching
Red
Magma Red w/ Anthracite Stitching
Interior Colors
Black
Titan Black
Gray
Not available
Red
Not available
