Audi A5 vs. Audi S3
iSeeCars' unbiased and data-driven comparison of the Audi A5 and Audi S3 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 Audi A5 and the Audi S3.
In comparing the Audi A5's and the Audi S3's specifications and ratings, the Audi A5 has the advantage in the areas of fuel efficiency and reliability. The Audi S3 has the advantage in the areas of new vehicle base pricing, typical lower range of pricing for one- to five-year-old used cars, resale value, interior volume, overall quality score and base engine power. Based on this comparison of the Audi A5's and the Audi S3's specifications and ratings, the Audi S3 is a better car than the Audi A5.
Pricing: A used 2024 Audi A5 ranges from $49,998 to $65,490 while a used 2024 Audi S3 is priced between $46,971 to $58,315. For a new model, the Audi A5's price is between $58,237 and $67,656, with the Audi S3 priced between $53,402 and $62,353.
Resale/Retained Value: Looking at the 5-year depreciation rate for both models, the Audi A5 loses 46.2 percent of its value and the Audi S3 loses 42.8 percent of its value. This means the Audi S3 retains 3.4 percentage points more of its value and has the advantage of higher resale value versus the Audi A5.
Quality Rating: The iSeeCars Overall Quality rating for the Audi A5 is 7.7 out of 10 while the Audi S3's quality rating is 8.1 out of 10.
Reliability Rating: iSeeCars’ Reliability Rating for the Audi A5 is 7.8 out of 10. For the Audi S3 the reliability rating is 6.6 out of 10. This gives the Audi A5 an advantage in reliability compared to the Audi S3.
Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency Comparison: For engine performance, the Audi A5’s base engine makes 261 horsepower, and the Audi S3 base engine makes 306 horsepower. The A5 is rated to deliver an average of 27 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 505 miles. The S3 is rated to deliver an average of 26 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 464 miles. This gives the Audi A5 the fuel efficiency and maximum range advantage over the Audi S3. Both models use premium unleaded.
Passenger Space Comparison: The Audi S3, a subcompact car, has the advantage of offering more interior volume, reflected in more rear head room, rear shoulder room and rear leg room. The Audi A5, a compact car, has the advantage in the areas of front head room, front shoulder room, front leg room, and cargo space.
Safety Ratings: The Audi S3 has an average safety rating of 5 out of 5 Stars based on NHTSA's crash test ratings.
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
58237 - 67656
Starting MSRP:
55600
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Luxury Compact Cars)
48375
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Luxury Compact Cars)
31800 - 79900
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
53402 - 62353
Starting MSRP:
47400
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Luxury Subcompact Cars)
58130
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Luxury Subcompact Cars)
38800 - 98950
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
58095
Price Range:
49998 - 65490
Category Avg Price:
(Luxury Compact Cars)
52490
Category Avg Price Range:
(Luxury Compact Cars)
35163 - 100522
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
25
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
8283
# Good or Great Deals:
12
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
53116
Price Range:
46971 - 58315
Category Avg Price:
(Luxury Subcompact Cars)
67794
Category Avg Price Range:
(Luxury Subcompact Cars)
47250 - 119964
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
18
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
11105
# Good or Great Deals:
4
5-year Depreciation
Depreciation $:
25944
Depreciation %:
0.46661077
Resale Value $:
29656
Residual Value %:
0.53338923
Typical Category Depreciation %:
(Luxury Compact Cars)
0.48947277
Category Depreciation Range:
(Luxury Compact Cars)
0.33466199 - 0.53474953
5-year Depreciation
Depreciation $:
20851
Depreciation %:
0.439897
Resale Value $:
26549
Residual Value %:
0.560103
Typical Category Depreciation %:
(Luxury Subcompact Cars)
0.42669912
Category Depreciation Range:
(Luxury Subcompact Cars)
0.39968411 - 0.439897
Audi A5 Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
7.717885 / 10
Reliability:
7.811482 / 10
Retained Value:
7.624287 / 10
Safety:
Not available
Audi S3 Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
8.145648 / 10
Reliability:
6.6 / 10
Retained Value:
7.836944 / 10
Safety:
10.0 / 10
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for Audi A5
Avg Life Expectancy (years):
9.5
Typical Category Life Expectancy:
(Luxury Compact Cars)
10.6
Category Life Expectancy Range:
(Luxury Compact Cars)
8.1 - 14.3
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
0.004
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for Audi S3
Avg Life Expectancy (years):
11.1
Typical Category Life Expectancy:
(Luxury Subcompact Cars)
11.2
Category Life Expectancy Range:
(Luxury Subcompact Cars)
11.1 - 13.0
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
0.018
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
2.2326695731184167
Typical Category Recalls:
(Luxury Compact Cars)
2.2
Category Range for Recalls:
(Luxury Compact Cars)
1.2 - 14.6
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
2.1697610394867706
Typical Category Recalls:
(Luxury Subcompact Cars)
3.2
Category Range for Recalls:
(Luxury Subcompact Cars)
2.1 - 10.4
Audi A5 Rankings
Ranking
2 out of / 16Ranking
2 out of / 5Ranking
2 out of / 5Ranking
3 out of / 25Ranking
8 out of / 25Ranking
8 out of / 25Ranking
10 out of / 25Ranking
13 out of / 25Ranking
14 out of / 25Ranking
23 out of / 25Audi S3 Rankings
Ranking
12 out of / 36Ranking
18 out of / 36Ranking
18 out of / 36Ranking
20 out of / 32Ranking
34 out of / 36Ranking
34 out of / 36Available Body Styles
Convertible, Coupe
Available Body Styles
Sedan
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
Audi A5 Trim Levels
quattro Premium 45 TFSI, quattro Premium Plus 45 TFSI, quattro Prestige 45 TFSI, quattro S line Prem Plus 45 TFSI, quattro S line Premium 45 TFSI, quattro S line Prestige 45 TFSI
Audi S3 Trim Levels
2.0T quattro Premium, 2.0T quattro Premium Plus, 2.0T quattro Prestige
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:
4 years / 50000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain:
4 years / 50000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
4 years
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
Not yet available
2025 NHTSA Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2025 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2025 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2025 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
Not yet available
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
5 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2025 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2025 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2025 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
Not yet available
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
261 hp @ 6300 rpm
Torque:
273 foot-lbs @ 4200 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.065 hp per pound
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
306 hp @ 5450 rpm
Torque:
295 foot-lbs @ 3000 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):
24 / 33 / 27
Range (city/hwy):
367 / 505 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Premium Unleaded
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):
23 / 32 / 26
Range (city/hwy):
334 / 464 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Premium Unleaded
Standard/Optional Features
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Standard
Alloy wheels:
Standard
Android Auto:
Standard
Apple CarPlay:
Standard
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Heated Seats
Standard
Heated Steering Wheel:
Standard
Internet Radio:
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Leather Upholstery:
Standard
Paddle Shifters:
Standard
Parking Sensors:
Standard
Power Lift Gate:
Standard
Power outlet:
Standard
Roadside assistance:
Standard
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Automatic Parking:
Available
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
Available
Navigation System:
Available
Satellite radio:
Available
Wifi:
Available
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
Available
Air Suspension:
N/A
Captain's seat:
N/A
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Massage Seats:
N/A
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Quad Seats:
N/A
Roof Rack:
N/A
Sunroof/Moonroof:
N/A
Trailer Hitch:
N/A
Standard/Optional Features
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Available
Alloy wheels:
Standard
Android Auto:
Standard
Apple CarPlay:
Standard
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Heated Seats
Standard
Heated Steering Wheel:
N/A
Internet Radio:
Available
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Leather Upholstery:
Standard
Paddle Shifters:
Standard
Parking Sensors:
Standard
Power Lift Gate:
Standard
Power outlet:
Standard
Roadside assistance:
Standard
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Automatic Parking:
Standard
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
N/A
Navigation System:
Available
Satellite radio:
Available
Wifi:
Available
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
Available
Air Suspension:
N/A
Captain's seat:
N/A
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Massage Seats:
N/A
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Quad Seats:
N/A
Roof Rack:
N/A
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Standard
Trailer Hitch:
N/A
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Standard
Driver Attention Monitoring:
Standard
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Lane Departure Warning:
Standard
Lane Keeping Assist:
Standard
Pedestrian Detection:
Standard
360-Degree Camera:
Available
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Available
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Available
Rear Seat Reminder:
N/A
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Standard
Driver Attention Monitoring:
N/A
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Lane Departure Warning:
Standard
Lane Keeping Assist:
Available
Pedestrian Detection:
Standard
360-Degree Camera:
N/A
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Available
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Available
Rear Seat Reminder:
N/A
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
38.3 inches
Front Leg Room:
41.3 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
55.3 inches
Rear Head Room:
36.3 inches
Rear Leg Room:
33.1 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
46.9 inches
Cargo Space:
9.3 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
83.0 cubic feet
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
36.8 inches
Front Leg Room:
41.2 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
54.8 inches
Rear Head Room:
36.6 inches
Rear Leg Room:
35.2 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
53 inches
Cargo Space:
8.3 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
87.0 cubic feet
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
3990 lbs
Width:
79.9 inches
Height:
54.5 inches
Length:
184.9 inches
Wheelbase:
108.8 inches
Ground Clearance:
Not yet available
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
3527 lbs
Width:
78.1 inches
Height:
55.7 inches
Length:
177.3 inches
Wheelbase:
103.6 inches
Ground Clearance:
Not yet available
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
18.0 x 8.5 inches
Wheel Type:
aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
245/40R18
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
18.0 x 8.0 inches
Wheel Type:
aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
225/40R18
Exterior Colors
Black
Mythos Black Metallic
Blue
Navarra Blue Metallic
Gray
Chronos Gray Metallic / Daytona Gray Pearl Effect
Green
District Green Metallic
Red
Progressive Red Metallic
White
Arkona White / Glacier White Metallic
Yellow
Not available
Exterior Colors
Black
Mythos Black Metallic
Blue
Navarra Blue Metallic / Turbo Blue
Gray
Daytona Gray Pearl Effect
Green
Not available
Red
Tango Red Metallic
White
Glacier White Metallic / Ibis White
Yellow
Python Yellow Metallic
Interior Colors
Beige
Atlas Beige
Black
Black
Brown
Okapi Brown
Gray
Rock Gray
Interior Colors
Beige
Not available
Black
Black w/ Rock Gray Stitching
Brown
Not available
Gray
Steel Gray w/ Anthracite Stitching
