DecodedCarsAudi A3 vs Audi S3
2026 Audi A3 vs 2026 Audi S3 — two subcompact cars compared on efficiency, size, safety and reliability.
The short version
The Audi A3 is more fuel-efficient: 28 vs 26 MPG combined in its best version.
That works out to about $200 a year less in fuel for the Audi A3 (EPA estimate, 15,000 miles).
Across all model years since 2005, the Audi S3 has had fewer recall campaigns (12 vs 28).
The two cars
The 2026 Audi A3 is a subcompact car offered with a 2.0L 4-cyl turbo engine and all-wheel drive. It measures about 177 inches long and 72 inches wide on a 104-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 2,866 lb.
The 2026 Audi S3 is a subcompact car offered with a 2.0L 4-cyl turbo engine and all-wheel drive. It measures about 177 inches long and 72 inches wide on a 104-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 3,483 lb.
Buying used? The 2024 A3 and the 2024 S3 have the fewest problems in our data; avoid the 2015 A3 and the 2022 S3.
Basics
Efficiency
Performance & space
Safety & reliability
Interest
Green = clearly better. Prices are not included. How we calculate this →
Which one should you choose?
Choose the Audi A3 if…
- You want lower fuel bills (28 vs 26 MPG)
Choose the Audi S3 if…
- You put reliability history first (12 vs 28 recalls since 2005)
Pros & cons of each
2026 Audi A3
- Excellent fuel economyUp to 28 MPG combined — 17% better than the average 2026 subcompact car (24 MPG).
- Lots of standard safety tech5 of 5 key driver aids standard on the versions we checked.
- Premium fuel requiredEvery gasoline version is rated for premium, which raises running costs.
- Modest powerUp to 201 hp, versus about 311 hp for similar 2026 models.
2026 Audi S3
- Premium fuel requiredEvery gasoline version is rated for premium, which raises running costs.
Full 2026 Audi A3 specs →Full 2026 Audi S3 specs →Compare fuel costs for your driving →Compare size & garage fit →