Audi A4 Quattro vs Audi S3
Side-by-side comparison from manufacturer specifications, NHTSA safety data, and live dealer listings.
Vehicles
Vehicles
2026 Audi S3
Overview
| Spec | Audi A4 QuattroPremium S line | Audi S3S3 Sedan |
|---|---|---|
| Selected trim | Premium S line | S3 Sedan |
| Body style | Sedan | Sedan |
| Drivetrain | all wheel drive | all wheel drive |
| Fuel type | premium unleaded (required) | premium unleaded (required) |
| Transmission | 7-speed automated manual | 7-speed automated manual |
| Engine type | mild hybrid | gas |
| Model year | 2025 | 2026 |
Pricing & market
| Spec | Audi A4 QuattroPremium S line | Audi S3S3 Sedan |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $44,100 (best) | $52,000 |
| Lowest listing price | — | $55,494 (best) |
| Median listing price | — | $57,657 (best) |
| Highest listing price | — | $59,820 (best) |
| For sale now | 0 | 2 (best) |
Fuel economy & range
| Spec | Audi A4 QuattroPremium S line | Audi S3S3 Sedan |
|---|---|---|
| Combined MPG | 26 MPG | 26 MPG |
| City MPG | 23 MPG | 23 MPG |
| Highway MPG | 32 MPG (best) | 31 MPG |
| Fuel tank | 15.3 gal (best) | 14.5 gal |
Performance
| Spec | Audi A4 QuattroPremium S line | Audi S3S3 Sedan |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 261 hp | 328 hp (best) |
| Torque | 273 lb-ft | 295 lb-ft (best) |
| Engine size | 2 L | 2 L |
| Cylinders | I4 | I4 |
Size & capability
| Spec | Audi A4 QuattroPremium S line | Audi S3S3 Sedan |
|---|---|---|
| Seating | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Doors | 4 | 4 |
| Cargo volume | 12 cu ft (best) | 8.3 cu ft |
| Payload | 1,014 lbs (best) | 860 lbs |
| Curb weight | 3,682 lbs | 3,549 lbs (best) |
| Wheelbase | 111 in (best) | 103.6 in |
| Length | 187.5 in (best) | 177.4 in |
| Width | 72.7 in (best) | 71.5 in |
| Height | 56.2 in (best) | 55.7 in |
Safety & recalls
| Spec | Audi A4 QuattroPremium S line | Audi S3S3 Sedan |
|---|---|---|
| NHTSA overall | — | Not Rated |
| Frontal crash (driver) | — | Not Rated |
| Frontal crash (passenger) | — | Not Rated |
| Side crash (driver) | — | Not Rated |
| Side crash (passenger) | — | Not Rated |
| Side pole | — | Not Rated |
| Rollover | — | Not Rated |
| Open recalls (YMM scope) | None reported | None reported |
Highlighted values indicate the better figure for that spec when a clear winner exists. Specs reflect the selected trim for each vehicle. Drag a vehicle header to reorder columns. MSRP and specifications are manufacturer data; listing prices and inventory come from live dealer listings. Safety ratings are from NHTSA.
Trim overview
All available trims with MSRP. The trim selected above is highlighted; comparison specs use that selection.
| Trim | Audi A4 Quattro | Audi S3 |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Premium S line $44,100 MSRP(Currently comparing) | S3 Sedan $52,000 MSRP(Currently comparing) |
| 2 | Premium Plus S line $48,600 MSRP | — |
| 3 | Prestige S line $51,300 MSRP | — |
Live inventory
Audi A4 Quattro vs Audi S3 FAQ
- Which is better: 2025 Audi A4 Quattro or 2026 Audi S3?
- It depends on priorities. OpenDealer compares 2025 Audi A4 Quattro vs 2026 Audi S3 on MSRP, fuel economy, horsepower, seating, towing, NHTSA safety ratings, and live market prices so you can weigh the tradeoffs.
- Which costs less: 2025 Audi A4 Quattro or 2026 Audi S3?
- Based on starting MSRP, the 2025 Audi A4 Quattro starts lower at $44,100. Live Audi S3 listings start at $55,494.
- Which has better startingMsrp: 2025 Audi A4 Quattro or 2026 Audi S3?
- The 2025 Audi A4 Quattro leads on startingMsrp in this comparison (44,100).
- Which has better horsepower: 2025 Audi A4 Quattro or 2026 Audi S3?
- The 2026 Audi S3 leads on horsepower in this comparison (328).
- How do the NHTSA safety ratings compare for 2025 Audi A4 Quattro vs 2026 Audi S3?
- NHTSA overall crash-test ratings in this comparison: Audi S3 (Not Rated/5 NHTSA overall).