Audi S3 vs Tesla Model 3
Side-by-side comparison from manufacturer specifications, NHTSA safety data, and live dealer listings.
Vehicles
Vehicles
2026 Tesla Model 3
Overview
| Spec | Audi S3S3 Sedan | Tesla Model 3Sedan (electric DD) |
|---|---|---|
| Selected trim | S3 Sedan | Sedan (electric DD) |
| Body style | Sedan | Sedan |
| Drivetrain | all wheel drive | rear wheel drive |
| Fuel type | premium unleaded (required) | electric |
| Transmission | 7-speed automated manual | 1-speed direct drive |
| Engine type | gas | electric |
| Model year | 2026 | 2026 |
Pricing & market
| Spec | Audi S3S3 Sedan | Tesla Model 3Sedan (electric DD) |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $52,000 | $36,990 (best) |
| Lowest listing price | $36,150 | $19,595 (best) |
| Median listing price | $54,367 | $26,298 (best) |
| Highest listing price | $59,820 | $42,881 (best) |
| For sale now | 4 | 25 (best) |
Fuel economy & range
| Spec | Audi S3S3 Sedan | Tesla Model 3Sedan (electric DD) |
|---|---|---|
| Combined MPG | 26 MPG (best) | — |
| City MPG | 23 MPG (best) | — |
| Highway MPG | 31 MPG (best) | — |
| Combined MPGe | — | 139 MPGe (best) |
| Electric range | — | 321 mi (best) |
| 240V charge time | — | 12.1 hr (best) |
| Fuel tank | 14.5 gal (best) | — |
Performance
| Spec | Audi S3S3 Sedan | Tesla Model 3Sedan (electric DD) |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 328 hp (best) | — |
| Torque | 295 lb-ft (best) | — |
| Engine size | 2 L (best) | — |
| Cylinders | I4 | — |
Size & capability
| Spec | Audi S3S3 Sedan | Tesla Model 3Sedan (electric DD) |
|---|---|---|
| Seating | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Doors | 4 | 4 |
| Cargo volume | 8.3 cu ft | 24.1 cu ft (best) |
| Payload | 860 lbs (best) | — |
| Curb weight | 3,549 lbs (best) | 3,759 lbs |
| Ground clearance | — | 5.4 in (best) |
| Wheelbase | 103.6 in | 113.2 in (best) |
| Length | 177.4 in | 185.8 in (best) |
| Width | 71.5 in | 72.8 in (best) |
| Height | 55.7 in | 56.7 in (best) |
Safety & recalls
| Spec | Audi S3S3 Sedan | Tesla Model 3Sedan (electric DD) |
|---|---|---|
| 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 (best) | 1 |
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 S3 | Tesla Model 3 |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | S3 Sedan $52,000 MSRP(Currently comparing) | Sedan (electric DD) $36,990 MSRP(Currently comparing) |
| 2 | — | Premium $42,490 MSRP |
| 3 | — | Premium $47,490 MSRP |
| 4 | — | Performance $54,990 MSRP |
Live inventory
Audi S34 for sale
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New2026 Audi S3
2.0T
Mythos Black Metallic•red17 mi$59,820Jack Daniels Audi Paramus
Paramus, NJ
- Used
2026 Audi S3
2.0T
Glacier White Metallic•Gray124 mi$53,240LeithCars.com
Raleigh, NC
- Used
2023 Audi S3
Premium Plus
Glacier White Metallic•Black28,542 mi$36,150LeithCars.com
Raleigh, NC
New2026 Audi S3
None
Blue40 mi$55,494Audi Cary
Cary, NC
Tesla Model 325 for sale
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Used2019 Tesla Model 3
Long Range
White•Black50,289 mi$23,803Cadillac Marin
San Rafael, CA
Used2018 Tesla Model 3
Long Range
Deep Blue Metallic•Black66,240 mi$19,995Dulles Kia Leesburg
Leesburg, VA
Used2023 Tesla Model 3
Base
Midnight Silver Metallic•black26,300 mi$28,670Findlay Volvo Cars Las Vegas
Las Vegas, NV
Used2023 Tesla Model 3
None
Red•Black47,510 mi$26,885Bayway Chevrolet of Pearland
Pearland, TX
Used2025 Tesla Model 3
12,955 mi$38,495Classic Ford Smithfield
Smithfield, NC
Used2020 Tesla Model 3
Performance
Pearl White Mul•BLACK PREMIUM SEAT TRIM22,160 mi$30,112Radley Cadillac
Fredericksburg, VA
Audi S3 vs Tesla Model 3 FAQ
- Which is better: 2026 Audi S3 or 2026 Tesla Model 3?
- It depends on priorities. OpenDealer compares 2026 Audi S3 vs 2026 Tesla Model 3 on MSRP, fuel economy, horsepower, seating, towing, NHTSA safety ratings, and live market prices so you can weigh the tradeoffs.
- Which costs less: 2026 Audi S3 or 2026 Tesla Model 3?
- Based on starting MSRP, the 2026 Tesla Model 3 starts lower at $36,990. Live Audi S3 listings start at $36,150. Live Tesla Model 3 listings start at $19,595.
- Which has better startingMsrp: 2026 Audi S3 or 2026 Tesla Model 3?
- The 2026 Tesla Model 3 leads on startingMsrp in this comparison (36,990).
- Which has better combinedMpg: 2026 Audi S3 or 2026 Tesla Model 3?
- The 2026 Audi S3 leads on combinedMpg in this comparison (26).
- Which has better electricRangeMi: 2026 Audi S3 or 2026 Tesla Model 3?
- The 2026 Tesla Model 3 leads on electricRangeMi in this comparison (363).
- Which has better horsepower: 2026 Audi S3 or 2026 Tesla Model 3?
- The 2026 Tesla Model 3 leads on horsepower in this comparison (510).
- How do the NHTSA safety ratings compare for 2026 Audi S3 vs 2026 Tesla Model 3?
- NHTSA overall crash-test ratings in this comparison: Audi S3 (Not Rated/5 NHTSA overall).