RS3 power is underrated while the A45 is overrated, but at the same time the Merc is better on track. Like a lot.
Audi RS3 Sportback vs Mercedes-Benz A 45 AMG
| Category | A 45 AMG | Audi RS3 Sportback |
|---|---|---|
| Max power (ps / bhp) | 360 / 355 | 340 / 335 |
| Max torque (Nm / lb-ft) | 450 / 332 | 450 / 332 |
| Curb weight (kg / lb) | 1526 / 3364 | 1611 / 3552 |
| Power / tonne (ps / bhp) | 236 / 233 | 211 / 208 |
| Average price | €60,000 | €54,000 |
Lap Times
| Track | A 45 AMG | Audi RS3 Sportback |
|---|---|---|
| Nürburgring Nordschleife | 8:10.00 | 8:20.00 |
| Hockenheim Short | 1:14.90 | 1:15.40 |
| Interlagos | 1:57.88 | 1:59.44 |
| Sachsenring | 1:40.79 | 1:40.69 |
| Autozeitung test track | 1:44.80 | 1:40.30 |
Acceleration
| Speed & distance | A 45 AMG | Audi RS3 Sportback |
|---|---|---|
| 0 - 40 kph | 1.3 s | 1.1 s |
| 0 - 80 kph | 3.1 s | 3.0 s |
| 0 - 100 kph | 4.4 s | 4.2 s |
| 0 - 130 kph | 7.7 s | 6.8 s |
| 0 - 160 kph | 10.5 s | 10.2 s |
| 0 - 180 kph | 12.8 s | 12.4 s |
| 0 - 200 kph | 16.9 s | 15.7 s |
| 0 - 60 mph | 4.2 s | 3.8 s |
| 0 - 100 mph | 10.0 s | 9.9 s |
| Est. 1/8 mile | 9.0 s @ 94.4 mph | 8.7 s @ 96.9 mph |
| 1/4 mile | 12.3 s | 12.4 s |
Rolling acceleration
| Speed | A 45 AMG | Audi RS3 Sportback |
|---|---|---|
| 80 - 120 kph (4) | 4.1 s | 4.4 s |
| 80 - 120 kph (5) | 6.1 s | 5.4 s |
| 80 - 120 kph (6) | 9.9 s | 6.7 s |
| 80 - 120 kph (7) | 20.4 s | 8.9 s |
| 80 - 160 kph (4) | 8.8 s | 9.3 s |
| 80 - 160 kph (5) | 12.8 s | 12.0 s |
| 80 - 160 kph (6) | 19.7 s | 15.1 s |
| Est. 100 - 200 kph | 12.5 s | 11.5 s |
General performance
| Category | A 45 AMG | Audi RS3 Sportback |
|---|---|---|
| Top speed | 270 kph (168 mph) | 260 kph (162 mph) |
| Est. 0 - 100 mph - 0 | 17.6 s @ 1512 ft | 16.5 s @ 1414 ft |
| Est. max acceleration | 0.69 g (7 m/s²) | 0.74 g (7 m/s²) |
| 18m slalom | 69.2 kph (43.0 mph) | 68.4 kph (42.5 mph) |
| 36m slalom | 135.0 kph (83.9 mph) | 129.0 kph (80.2 mph) |
| Fuel economy | 7.0 l/100 km (34 mpg US / 40 UK) | 12.2 l/100 km (19 mpg US / 23 UK) |
| Downforce @ 200 kph | -58 kg (-128 lbs) | -20 kg (-44 lbs) |
| 100 kph - 0 | 35 m (114 ft) | 35 m (115 ft) |
| 200 kph - 0 | 140 m (459 ft) | 135 m (443 ft) |
Summary
| Category | A 45 AMG | Audi RS3 Sportback |
|---|---|---|
| Track Performance | 100 | 100 |
| Straight line speed | 88 | 100 |
| Overall | 95 | 100 |
Verdict
RS3 Sportback is the fastest by a small margin.
This comparison has been viewed 8.8k times.
Acceleration graph
decak54 6y ago
the car must be compared with the same setup, the same stiffness of the shocks and springs;
then there are those who mount michelin super sport or cup2 can not be compared with those who mount standard performance tyres uhp
like golf mk7 R;
other important thing is the angles of camber etc etc:
(all angles are centesimal degrees)
* golf mk7 r and the other vag like s3, rs3 etc. etc. have a standard lady camber who goes to get the bread
-0.85 front angle degree and -1.30 rear angle degree;
a45 has -1.85 front angle degree and -2.45 rear angle degree;
m2 -1.50 front angle degreeand -1.85 rear angle degree,
focus rs has -1.50 front angle degree and -1.0 rear angle degree
m3 e46 csl has -1.75 front angle degreeand -1.85 rear angle degree
angle give us a lot
Mental 12y ago
Pretty close. But the RS3 is pretty much outdated already, it will soon have a 8V successor. While A45 AMG is just a newcomer.
So by a clear logic, the next RS3 should easily defeat the Benz. But not so fast! AMG is rumoring about the possible A45 AMG BLACK with 400 PS! That would be serious competition!
But for sure, both Audi and Mercedes make the best hot-hatches. BMW should come up with something more impressive than M135i.
Hans 12y ago
BR2+ A45 should be faster because it's more powerful and lighter and newer. But balance is worse, weight distribution is worse, and engine is worse, worse suspension.
RS3 is just better car. And yeah, RS3 interior is outdated. Fortunately, will be the new RS3,soon and will be even better.
BR2+ 12y ago
Not really a difference.
..1s at Sachsenring, .2s at Hockenheim, Autozeitung doesn't publish conditions as far as I know, so im betting one was a lot better then the other given a 4s difference.
Not too mention there both the same price, And no, I don't believe the A45 only weighs as much as listed.
Id take the RS3 for its better looks, Interior goes to the A45, But if I were to choses any HotHatch, Id take a Focus RS500, hands down the better looker for me.
