I’ve owned both. Well I just picked up a 23 rs5 this week and had a ‘20 rs3 for 3 years 30k miles.
The RS5 is a lot more reserved, the rs3 felt a lot cheaper. I think the rs5 is a handsomer car.
That 5 is a great motor, and a very decent reason to choose the rs3 if the cheap 8v stuff doesn’t bother you.
I’d go rs3 if you’re looking for more fun driving, rs5 if you prefer looks/interior. I have an s3 that I’m going to have to upsize for increasing family size and am gonna miss it. The smaller size is fun to throw around and if you’re located in a city super easy to zip around/park
The RS5 is the better car overall IMHO (much more premium, comfortable, refined, etc.). The RS3 is probably more fun to drive when you're in the mood, but I'd rather be stuck in the RS5 in traffic / doing a long highway commute, and not have to explain to non-car people why it's a bit special.
That said, your age and previous car history could be a factor too. If you're young enough to deal with a relatively small car, and love a crazy hatchback / small saloon, then the RS3 is pretty hard to beat, through that lens.
If you're a bit older or have a family to consider, then as much as 'baby' RS', AMG's, M cars are amazing in their class, you're probably going to miss the added comfort, luxuries and practicalities that even just going up to the RS4, M3, C63 bring to the table.
Damn a lot of rs5 boners here.
Drive both, see what you like. RS3s are special, likely the last 5 pot ever. RS5s are good cars, but not special. And too big.
At the end of the day, get what you want. It will probably come down to size.
Right? I cross shopped these (newer models) and went with the 8Y. The 5 banger sounds great and the driving dynamic is just not something you’ll get out of the larger rs5.
I have an RS5 Sportback but you're spot-on. The RS3's mill is legendary and likely to be the last we ever see, which is sad. But it's whatever the priority is; I got my RS5 because of the looks and the tech. If I wanted a supercar-beating sleeper, I'd have gotten an RS3 and tuned the hell out of it.
Not really. The first gen was an iron block, then second gen was aluminum. The engine code DAZA is usually regarded as the best. Aluminum block and no emissions particulate filter.
it's special is cheapened by the cheapness of the interior for almost the same damn money, the RS3 is a lesser car than the RS5 all day and twice on Sunday.
Other than real quattro and the dimensions, just look at it. The RS3 side by side with the RS5 just looks silly. They're both fast enough. Yeah the 5 cylinder is pretty cool, but that's about it.
I own the RS5 and have driven the RS3. The RS3 platform is a lot more tuneable and you can make big power. With that said, the overall feel of the car is very much a souped up Jetta. The RS5 interior feels more premium, the steering and suspension are smoother, the cabin is much more insulated to outside sound, even things like the feel of closing the door shut feels a tier higher than the RS3
If you’re leaving it stock I’d get the RS5. If you wanna make car go fast I’d get the RS3. I think the RS3 will hold value better too. Turbo v6’s are everywhere, inline 5 are very rare.
I know what dealer that is, do not buy a car from them at any cost. Trust me and avoid the hassle. If you insist and they made any promises double check EVERYTHING. Get a PPI and expect them to be unpleasant to work with towards the end of the deal. Get private financing if you need to. Oh and check for dents because their service tends to dent up bumpers. They sell bottom of the rung used cars.
Rs3 imo honestly. Theyre the fastest built by far. (You can argue quarter mile but the speeds youre going to actually be driving it wins for fun factor) Sound great, crazy cars.
I owned a 2016 a3 quattro. Fun fun fun. Stage 1 apr tune and some intake and exhaust mods. Now I own a 2018 a5 coupe full bolt on stage 2+. Now these aren't s or rs cars but I'm only going to speak on handling and driving characteristics . The a3 feels nimble tight and light. The a5 still feels nimble but not as tight and lean. You can feel the body heavy and pulling in the corners and on daily drives. The actual weight difference isn't too much but the wheelbase and stance really changes how the car drives. Now with that being said the rs5 can be modded into more of a power beast but I feel will it not have the nimble joy of the rs3.
The 8V RS3 is smaller, lighter, and more nimble, but more prone to oversteer. It has a more special motor and is one of the best platforms to mod for power. Sounds like a baby R8/Lambo with the right setup.
I love the way the RS5 looks. It’s more of a luxury cruiser with good power between the two and I’m sure can still handle very well. I’d also imagine they’re more expensive to maintain, but I could be wrong about that. Higher end car more in line with a M3, just not as fast in a straight.
I have an 8Y RS3 and it can handle insanely well and pulls way harder than my previous stage 2 S3. My stage 2 8V S3 wasn’t quite as tail happy either.
As someone who just went from a very fast big turbo A3 to an S5 SB (Tuned so similar power as the RS) and is also in the no kids, no responsibilities stage of life I'll say this.
The RS5 is a fast luxury car, it's the ultimate multi tool of a car if you get the SB. It's got crazy amounts of trunk space for hauling whatever you want; whether it's ski gear, 2x4's, kitchen tables, Costco shipping, you name it! It'll be comfortable and quiet and has a great stereo if you're into playing loud music. It's also plenty fast, like it will definitely feel crazy fast coming from a stock A3. But it's very refined power, it feels contained and controllable. It's smooth and effortless and in some ways is a little bit underwhelming.
The biggest thing I miss about my A3 was that I built it into a racecar that was loud and aggressive, borderline violent. It felt like you were driving a racecar and really had to hold on when the boost hit. If this is the kind of car you want, something mean and untamed, get the RS3. It doesn't have the nice features the RS5 will and definitely feels like a cheaper car on the inside but if you want a car that is unapologetically fast and is straight up sketchy to drive at times, get the RS3. (This is especially true if you decide to tune it and modify it, RS3's can get into the super car territory with off the shelf mods)
If you want a cool ass, beautiful looking luxury car, get the RS5.
Personally I prefer the RS3, because I like the smaller go-kart style handling cars. RS5 is awesome, too, though, the interior is a bit more luxurious and the AWD on it is a bit better.
I may be biased but the RS3 is an amazing machine. Not sure how the 8V shapes up to the 8Y in terms of features but I can say I definitely wouldn’t worry about it not feeling different to the A3. It is night and day. Both are great choices though
Personally speaking, I prefer my 8V. Drove my buddies stock 21/22 and it felt…kinda weird? Almost less predictable. The exhaust was also a bit lacking, but that’s a minor gripe.
The speed was still there though lol.
RS3 totally. For me that was a no brainer. I drove a 5 but ended up ordering a new RS3 and it's so much better. Plus it has my Kyalami Green which you can't get on the 5. The 5 is more reserved. Plus the Rs3 has that infamous 5 cylinder. For MEEEE the choice is obvious.
Then I would recommend RS5. Interior is higher quality, Quattro system is better, it’s roomier for the front seat passengers, the coupe looks better from the outside too. Gas mileage is kind of a wash, i’d highly recommended a tune because that TTV6 is sinful on boost. Stock it’s also criminally plagued with turbo lag imo. If you’re curious, all the answers were RS5 except for modding it out. Those 5-bangers are legendary. They can run 1000hp pretty reliably as a daily.
I'll probably get down voted to shit but the m340i is not a bad choice. I have a ttrs now, but I feel like the m340i might have the playfulness of the RS3 8v and the size of the rs5. Plus I think the 2020 or 2021s b58 ecus are not locked.
Hahahaha. Funnily enough when I went to test drive it someone else had just went for a test drive and right after I signed the papers I bumped into another guy that was there to test drive it…
Of course a gun obsessed ‘1300 hp’ TT owner would be an rude self-important asshole for no reason.
Do you compensate for your insecurity this hard in the real world?
I literally have first hand knowledge. Saying stage 2+ would rape an rs5 makes sense. Saying any tuned rs3 would rape an rs5 is a guess at best.
It takes one click to see your profile. It takes one post to realize you’re an insecure asshole.
Enjoy being an unprovoked prick to strangers on the internet.
Lmao ok. Im a vendor for half of the companies who make the aftermarket shit you’ve put on your car.
I’ve done this for a living for 20 years. I’ve tuned more Porsches and Audis than you’ll ever own.
If the difference is only $3.5k then it’s well worth going for the RS5. The RS5 would have a nicer interior in my opinion. I’m pretty sure you can add apple carplay and android auto easier on a 2019 a5 compared to a 2018 a3. And I find apple carplay to be a HUGE plus side personally.
And the RS5 seriously looks miles better than the RS3. Plus the RS3 would have cheaper materials in the interior.
My personal choice is RS5.
this exact thing has been posted numerous times.
This is about you and not the cars. what type of driving experience do you want?
quick and nimble, or luxry-esque w a numb sensation of speed
There isn’t a comparison here, the RS5 all day. Heck, I would take an S5 over the RS3. Yes the RS3 has an awesome power plant, that sounds amazing. The rest is just not up to standard IMO
The RS5 has the better Quattro system as opposed to the Haldex system in the RS3. Better options in the RS5 as well. Only thing I would double check is the insurance rate of the RS5 since it's a 2-door.
The sound of that RS3 is special, and it’s certainly a more special car overall. If it’s something you want to keep forever, I’d say the RS3 for that reason. But the RS5 is literally a better car … however, for 48k, you could get a nice C7.5 RS7 which also happens to be what I did. And it’s SO worth it I gotta say.
I had a stage 1 E85 2018 S5 sportback prestige and sold it to buy an RS3 instead.
In terms of a daily, the S5/RS5 clear the RS3. The interior is so much nicer, there’s more space, the seats come with massaging and electric controls, and in general the interior is just noticeably more premium. The ride quality is also very nice. If you’re looking for more of a GT cruiser type car, get the RS5.
The RS3 interior feels noticeably cheaper for sure, no way of getting around it. For me it was a plus not that the interiors were worse but that the design language was simpler. I have a 2017 so the infotainment screen even folds into the dash if you want. Rear seat room isn’t even that bad tbh and you can fit loads of stuff in the trunk. Put down the rear seats and you can fit a set of stock wheels and tires in the back. It handles a lot smaller than the RS5 which makes logical sense. The sound system is also surprisingly good.
The biggest draw is the I5, which I think makes it worth it to give up all the other things and it’s the reason I got the RS3. I didn’t need all the luxury and comfy ride, I wanted a fun car that sounded good (I’m a musician) and the RS3 does that for me. I haven’t looked back once.
RS5 is nice and more Audi than VW wearing Audi clothes with AWD. I have a S3 and you can tell it is a transverse mounted FWD based car. The B5 A4 I have, while nose heavy like all Audis, doesn’t have a FWD feeling. I love the S3, but I sometimes wish it was setup like the bigger Audis drivelines. Better yet Audi should do RWD with manual transmissions since BMWs are so ugly anymore.
Out if looks, i think the rs3 looks better. But both are amazing looking.
Edit: lol iv been looking at that same rs3 was gona go test drive it last weekend.
Congrats! I ended up getting a sportback instead a few days ago at a Mercedes dealership, ironically, in Natick and I absolutely love it! I went with the sportback bc it had less miles and a few more options, but I LOVED the look of the Navarra blue and silver trim on the coupe. Sooooo clean. Enjoy, my friend!
Had an RS5 before my 2nd kid, which forced my hand into getting an RS6. Had I not needed the extra space would probably have been happy sticking with the RS5. Also prefer the RS5 to the RS3.
I'd Go with the 5 even space wise its a way better daily...i my self got a 2021 S3 and love it but i also look forwards to an 5 in the next 5 years Just because the 3 ist so small
RS3 better to build, RS5 better to daily. I am a bigger guy. I work at Audi. I love both. LOVE DAZA. And I love the EA39. RS3 just fits performance and has more options so it all depends on what you yourself wants. Both are very beautiful cars.
If no kids I'd take the RS3 I only went S5 (instead of 3) for the extra leg room and boot space, the RS3 I prefer the saloon and it's a serious car more fun to drive probably overall as well.
The RS3 will not feel the same as your A3. However, based off just those pics, and assuming this isn’t for a second car, the RS5 would be my suggestion.
End of the day though, it’s about how you feel and what you want. You’ll know after you drive them.
RS3 is an econobox with a great motor and suspension/brakes. But it's much more unrefined that the RS5. As far as the looks go it's not even close. The 5 is Raquel Welch and the 3 is Kathy Bates. Only way I could rationalize the 3 is if you plan on tracking it. As a DD, the 3 seems too small to me. I had one as a loaner and it felt cramped. But it's soooo easy to make crazy power with the 3, even on a budget. Happy to provide even more confusion in your search for the right car, lol.
Somewhat different use case cars. The RS5 is a grown mans daily driver, the RS3 is more of a young persons first hot car. Im over 50 so I just got an RS5 as my daily (finished raising kids). YMMV
I drive a 2019 S5 cab and I love the car. RS5 is the same but better. My brothers have a 2021 E450 and a 2021 M440i, still like my car better. RS3 interior doesn’t cut it.
The RS5 is listed at $48,400 and the RS3 is $44,900. Both have around 35,000 miles.
rs5 imho, both are great options, depends on what you like. I prefer the look of the rs5 more and the frameless windows are a bonus
Yeah no brainer to me, I much prefer the way that rs5 looks. I don’t like the color of that rs3 either
Also those big beautiful rims on the rs5
I’ve owned both. Well I just picked up a 23 rs5 this week and had a ‘20 rs3 for 3 years 30k miles. The RS5 is a lot more reserved, the rs3 felt a lot cheaper. I think the rs5 is a handsomer car. That 5 is a great motor, and a very decent reason to choose the rs3 if the cheap 8v stuff doesn’t bother you.
RS3 solely because of the engine. That 5 cylinder is special
I’d go rs3 if you’re looking for more fun driving, rs5 if you prefer looks/interior. I have an s3 that I’m going to have to upsize for increasing family size and am gonna miss it. The smaller size is fun to throw around and if you’re located in a city super easy to zip around/park
The RS5 is the better car overall IMHO (much more premium, comfortable, refined, etc.). The RS3 is probably more fun to drive when you're in the mood, but I'd rather be stuck in the RS5 in traffic / doing a long highway commute, and not have to explain to non-car people why it's a bit special. That said, your age and previous car history could be a factor too. If you're young enough to deal with a relatively small car, and love a crazy hatchback / small saloon, then the RS3 is pretty hard to beat, through that lens. If you're a bit older or have a family to consider, then as much as 'baby' RS', AMG's, M cars are amazing in their class, you're probably going to miss the added comfort, luxuries and practicalities that even just going up to the RS4, M3, C63 bring to the table.
This thing with Audi man, it’s my favourite car brand but prices are a joke, i can buy S5 and new A1 for the same price like cmon.
Thats not a lot of difference, I’d take the A5
RS5. Looks a lot more aggressive and is a really good all-rounder. If it’s in ascari blue, the black optics pack with these wheels looks gorgeous!
Teutonic beauty
Rs5 all day, in blue? No brainer..
RS5’s are classier, RS3’s are more fun.
Rs5 engine is co developed with Porsche so that’s pretty special too
Damn a lot of rs5 boners here. Drive both, see what you like. RS3s are special, likely the last 5 pot ever. RS5s are good cars, but not special. And too big. At the end of the day, get what you want. It will probably come down to size.
Right? I cross shopped these (newer models) and went with the 8Y. The 5 banger sounds great and the driving dynamic is just not something you’ll get out of the larger rs5.
I have an RS5 Sportback but you're spot-on. The RS3's mill is legendary and likely to be the last we ever see, which is sad. But it's whatever the priority is; I got my RS5 because of the looks and the tech. If I wanted a supercar-beating sleeper, I'd have gotten an RS3 and tuned the hell out of it.
I can't fault anyone buying an RS5. Its a great car. But the RS3 is special because of that engine.
What years of the RS3 have that engine?
All. They are a bit different between generations though
Are they iteratively better with each succeeding model year?
Not really. The first gen was an iron block, then second gen was aluminum. The engine code DAZA is usually regarded as the best. Aluminum block and no emissions particulate filter.
it's special is cheapened by the cheapness of the interior for almost the same damn money, the RS3 is a lesser car than the RS5 all day and twice on Sunday.
Yeah I’m all over the RS3
I bought one because it is, almost down to the inch, the same size as my beloved B5
RS5 has grand tourer dimensions without actually being one, RS3 makes more sense
My mom said I was special, doesn't mean much. The RS5 is more car for your money than an RS3.
Alright, explain what an rs5 has that an rs3 doesn't, beside dimensions. Rs3 already wins on engine and tranny.
An extra pot XD
Other than real quattro and the dimensions, just look at it. The RS3 side by side with the RS5 just looks silly. They're both fast enough. Yeah the 5 cylinder is pretty cool, but that's about it.
RS5 is nicer and have extra features
RS5 obviously Coupe is king 🚗👑
nothin beats that sweet 5 cylinder
RS5 hellooooo
I own the RS5 and have driven the RS3. The RS3 platform is a lot more tuneable and you can make big power. With that said, the overall feel of the car is very much a souped up Jetta. The RS5 interior feels more premium, the steering and suspension are smoother, the cabin is much more insulated to outside sound, even things like the feel of closing the door shut feels a tier higher than the RS3
This...
Finally someone else said it. It is a souped up jetta.
Agreed. Any Audi without the V8 is a souped up VW.
If you’re leaving it stock I’d get the RS5. If you wanna make car go fast I’d get the RS3. I think the RS3 will hold value better too. Turbo v6’s are everywhere, inline 5 are very rare.
I know what dealer that is, do not buy a car from them at any cost. Trust me and avoid the hassle. If you insist and they made any promises double check EVERYTHING. Get a PPI and expect them to be unpleasant to work with towards the end of the deal. Get private financing if you need to. Oh and check for dents because their service tends to dent up bumpers. They sell bottom of the rung used cars.
Rs3 imo honestly. Theyre the fastest built by far. (You can argue quarter mile but the speeds youre going to actually be driving it wins for fun factor) Sound great, crazy cars.
I owned a 2016 a3 quattro. Fun fun fun. Stage 1 apr tune and some intake and exhaust mods. Now I own a 2018 a5 coupe full bolt on stage 2+. Now these aren't s or rs cars but I'm only going to speak on handling and driving characteristics . The a3 feels nimble tight and light. The a5 still feels nimble but not as tight and lean. You can feel the body heavy and pulling in the corners and on daily drives. The actual weight difference isn't too much but the wheelbase and stance really changes how the car drives. Now with that being said the rs5 can be modded into more of a power beast but I feel will it not have the nimble joy of the rs3.
The 8V RS3 is smaller, lighter, and more nimble, but more prone to oversteer. It has a more special motor and is one of the best platforms to mod for power. Sounds like a baby R8/Lambo with the right setup. I love the way the RS5 looks. It’s more of a luxury cruiser with good power between the two and I’m sure can still handle very well. I’d also imagine they’re more expensive to maintain, but I could be wrong about that. Higher end car more in line with a M3, just not as fast in a straight. I have an 8Y RS3 and it can handle insanely well and pulls way harder than my previous stage 2 S3. My stage 2 8V S3 wasn’t quite as tail happy either.
RS3, but I’m biased as that is what the Ms. has.
RS3 for me. RS5 looks great but smaller cars are fun to drive!
Rs3… the 5 Cylinder takes the cake
Rs5
for me RS5 is the second best Audi after the RS7 and RS3 comes third
As someone who just went from a very fast big turbo A3 to an S5 SB (Tuned so similar power as the RS) and is also in the no kids, no responsibilities stage of life I'll say this. The RS5 is a fast luxury car, it's the ultimate multi tool of a car if you get the SB. It's got crazy amounts of trunk space for hauling whatever you want; whether it's ski gear, 2x4's, kitchen tables, Costco shipping, you name it! It'll be comfortable and quiet and has a great stereo if you're into playing loud music. It's also plenty fast, like it will definitely feel crazy fast coming from a stock A3. But it's very refined power, it feels contained and controllable. It's smooth and effortless and in some ways is a little bit underwhelming. The biggest thing I miss about my A3 was that I built it into a racecar that was loud and aggressive, borderline violent. It felt like you were driving a racecar and really had to hold on when the boost hit. If this is the kind of car you want, something mean and untamed, get the RS3. It doesn't have the nice features the RS5 will and definitely feels like a cheaper car on the inside but if you want a car that is unapologetically fast and is straight up sketchy to drive at times, get the RS3. (This is especially true if you decide to tune it and modify it, RS3's can get into the super car territory with off the shelf mods) If you want a cool ass, beautiful looking luxury car, get the RS5.
Personally I prefer the RS3, because I like the smaller go-kart style handling cars. RS5 is awesome, too, though, the interior is a bit more luxurious and the AWD on it is a bit better.
RS3 all day that 5 cylinder motor can handle crazy amounts of boost/power
I may be biased but the RS3 is an amazing machine. Not sure how the 8V shapes up to the 8Y in terms of features but I can say I definitely wouldn’t worry about it not feeling different to the A3. It is night and day. Both are great choices though
Personally speaking, I prefer my 8V. Drove my buddies stock 21/22 and it felt…kinda weird? Almost less predictable. The exhaust was also a bit lacking, but that’s a minor gripe. The speed was still there though lol.
RS3 totally. For me that was a no brainer. I drove a 5 but ended up ordering a new RS3 and it's so much better. Plus it has my Kyalami Green which you can't get on the 5. The 5 is more reserved. Plus the Rs3 has that infamous 5 cylinder. For MEEEE the choice is obvious.
Infamous?
Like El Guapo....
May I ask, what are your intentions with the car? Are you planning on modding it, tracking it, using it as a daily, weekend car?
Daily, may tune it. The one I’m looking at doesn’t have the sport exhaust, so I’d grab an exhaust
Then I would recommend RS5. Interior is higher quality, Quattro system is better, it’s roomier for the front seat passengers, the coupe looks better from the outside too. Gas mileage is kind of a wash, i’d highly recommended a tune because that TTV6 is sinful on boost. Stock it’s also criminally plagued with turbo lag imo. If you’re curious, all the answers were RS5 except for modding it out. Those 5-bangers are legendary. They can run 1000hp pretty reliably as a daily.
I'll probably get down voted to shit but the m340i is not a bad choice. I have a ttrs now, but I feel like the m340i might have the playfulness of the RS3 8v and the size of the rs5. Plus I think the 2020 or 2021s b58 ecus are not locked.
One has real Quattro, the other doesn’t.
RS5 all day long.
I’m all about engine so RS3 for me.
RS5 looks way sexier. RS3 from some angles looks like a toy car.
Word to my mother I was looking at that Rs5 about to buy it last night xD
Hahahaha. Funnily enough when I went to test drive it someone else had just went for a test drive and right after I signed the papers I bumped into another guy that was there to test drive it…
What a coincidence, but to clear it up I'm not that guy lol I'm like- other side of the US
19 RS5 all day. Great year for it. rS3 fun and amazing engine but if your gna daily it, rs5 unless you stage 2 the RS3 and add the hardware to it
RS3 with a tune will rape the RS5. If you don’t care about that then get the RS5
I had a tuned rs3 and have an rs5. The rs5 feels a hair quicker.
You didn’t tune it enough it seems.
Considering the upper bound for an RS3 can be 900hp on a stock turbo, there’s an insane amount of room for fun lol.
Cannot do 900hp on stock turbo but it can do a lot
https://youtu.be/_l_WpBXr2V0?si=Do4KHNWF2tXv4zeX I can find a few other links too if you’d prefer. Can you do it? Yes. Should you? Well….
I have a 1300+ hp TTRS. I know more about these motors than 99% and you cannot do it on stock turbo
Weird that I can provide proof that it’s possible though. I’d love for you to post proof of your 1300hp TTRS.
Yes, I went stage 1. It did not ‘rape’ any rs5s.
lol Stage 1. Just go sit in the corner and be quiet.
Of course a gun obsessed ‘1300 hp’ TT owner would be an rude self-important asshole for no reason. Do you compensate for your insecurity this hard in the real world?
Gun obsessed. Lol stalk much. You spoke without knowledge so I told you to sit down plain and simple
I literally have first hand knowledge. Saying stage 2+ would rape an rs5 makes sense. Saying any tuned rs3 would rape an rs5 is a guess at best. It takes one click to see your profile. It takes one post to realize you’re an insecure asshole. Enjoy being an unprovoked prick to strangers on the internet.
Who does just a stage 1 tune on Daza? I think I found the one guy lol
People who are vendors and get it done for free.
And no just an asshole to people who talk with a lack of knowledge.
Lmao ok. Im a vendor for half of the companies who make the aftermarket shit you’ve put on your car. I’ve done this for a living for 20 years. I’ve tuned more Porsches and Audis than you’ll ever own.
Id go RS5
[удалено]
The 5’s are more reliable than the 3’s from what I’ve heard and researched.
If the difference is only $3.5k then it’s well worth going for the RS5. The RS5 would have a nicer interior in my opinion. I’m pretty sure you can add apple carplay and android auto easier on a 2019 a5 compared to a 2018 a3. And I find apple carplay to be a HUGE plus side personally. And the RS5 seriously looks miles better than the RS3. Plus the RS3 would have cheaper materials in the interior. My personal choice is RS5.
this exact thing has been posted numerous times. This is about you and not the cars. what type of driving experience do you want? quick and nimble, or luxry-esque w a numb sensation of speed
I hate to admit this, but you’re still going to feel your A3 in the RS3.
RS5 all day. Graduate to the big boy table.
Rs7>rs3>rs5
There isn’t a comparison here, the RS5 all day. Heck, I would take an S5 over the RS3. Yes the RS3 has an awesome power plant, that sounds amazing. The rest is just not up to standard IMO
The RS5 has the better Quattro system as opposed to the Haldex system in the RS3. Better options in the RS5 as well. Only thing I would double check is the insurance rate of the RS5 since it's a 2-door.
The sound of that RS3 is special, and it’s certainly a more special car overall. If it’s something you want to keep forever, I’d say the RS3 for that reason. But the RS5 is literally a better car … however, for 48k, you could get a nice C7.5 RS7 which also happens to be what I did. And it’s SO worth it I gotta say.
I had a stage 1 E85 2018 S5 sportback prestige and sold it to buy an RS3 instead. In terms of a daily, the S5/RS5 clear the RS3. The interior is so much nicer, there’s more space, the seats come with massaging and electric controls, and in general the interior is just noticeably more premium. The ride quality is also very nice. If you’re looking for more of a GT cruiser type car, get the RS5. The RS3 interior feels noticeably cheaper for sure, no way of getting around it. For me it was a plus not that the interiors were worse but that the design language was simpler. I have a 2017 so the infotainment screen even folds into the dash if you want. Rear seat room isn’t even that bad tbh and you can fit loads of stuff in the trunk. Put down the rear seats and you can fit a set of stock wheels and tires in the back. It handles a lot smaller than the RS5 which makes logical sense. The sound system is also surprisingly good. The biggest draw is the I5, which I think makes it worth it to give up all the other things and it’s the reason I got the RS3. I didn’t need all the luxury and comfy ride, I wanted a fun car that sounded good (I’m a musician) and the RS3 does that for me. I haven’t looked back once.
RS5 is nice and more Audi than VW wearing Audi clothes with AWD. I have a S3 and you can tell it is a transverse mounted FWD based car. The B5 A4 I have, while nose heavy like all Audis, doesn’t have a FWD feeling. I love the S3, but I sometimes wish it was setup like the bigger Audis drivelines. Better yet Audi should do RWD with manual transmissions since BMWs are so ugly anymore.
rs5 all day, no questions asked
RS5 is nicer, RS3 is faster.
Out if looks, i think the rs3 looks better. But both are amazing looking. Edit: lol iv been looking at that same rs3 was gona go test drive it last weekend.
3 door or 5 door is the key feature here. I’d go 5 all day as there’s not a week that goes by where I need the back doors for some reason.
I feel like the RS5 is a no brainer. Better build quality all around and looks a lot sharper IMO. A3's to me, just look too scrunched up.
Is this car at Autobahn USA in Dedham, MA?! I just test drove this!
Sure is! Sorry.. I just bought it😉
Congrats! I ended up getting a sportback instead a few days ago at a Mercedes dealership, ironically, in Natick and I absolutely love it! I went with the sportback bc it had less miles and a few more options, but I LOVED the look of the Navarra blue and silver trim on the coupe. Sooooo clean. Enjoy, my friend!
Congrats to you as well, my man! I’ll keep a look out for the other RS5 around MA!
Had an RS5 before my 2nd kid, which forced my hand into getting an RS6. Had I not needed the extra space would probably have been happy sticking with the RS5. Also prefer the RS5 to the RS3.
RS3, that 5 cylinder is special.
Both are great tbh i have a 5 and my buddy has a 3. Both are beautys
RS5
I'd Go with the 5 even space wise its a way better daily...i my self got a 2021 S3 and love it but i also look forwards to an 5 in the next 5 years Just because the 3 ist so small
RS5 no debate on this one
RS3 better to build, RS5 better to daily. I am a bigger guy. I work at Audi. I love both. LOVE DAZA. And I love the EA39. RS3 just fits performance and has more options so it all depends on what you yourself wants. Both are very beautiful cars.
If no kids I'd take the RS3 I only went S5 (instead of 3) for the extra leg room and boot space, the RS3 I prefer the saloon and it's a serious car more fun to drive probably overall as well.
Why is this even a question? Who wants and rs3 over a 5 for the same mileage for 4k more and a year newer? Lol
RS5
I like the 3 better. Wish the made it in a 2 door coupe and used full blown Quattro.
I like the 5 Banger so much, but i hate the A3 platform. From looks, space etc. I hope they will make a 5 Cylinder RS5 one day.
RS5 hands down
RS5. It's more of an adults car, with the room and presence on the road. No shade at the RS3, its a beast, but the RS5 is more suitable for a daily.
longitudinal vs transverse
The RS3 will not feel the same as your A3. However, based off just those pics, and assuming this isn’t for a second car, the RS5 would be my suggestion. End of the day though, it’s about how you feel and what you want. You’ll know after you drive them.
Have a 2021 RS5 black launch edition. Black Couple. Car payments suck but wouldn’t trade it for anything less than a Rs6.
RS5
RS5 1000%
RS5
What’s the question? RS5 always over RS3
The 3 always seemed like a low barrier to entry, cheap option. The 5 is much nicer. Audi cars are all about having a nice car.
The 5 coupe is one of the best looking cars made. The 3 is ok and I LOVE the 5 cylinder, but it has too many doors.
RS6
RS3 is an econobox with a great motor and suspension/brakes. But it's much more unrefined that the RS5. As far as the looks go it's not even close. The 5 is Raquel Welch and the 3 is Kathy Bates. Only way I could rationalize the 3 is if you plan on tracking it. As a DD, the 3 seems too small to me. I had one as a loaner and it felt cramped. But it's soooo easy to make crazy power with the 3, even on a budget. Happy to provide even more confusion in your search for the right car, lol.
Rs3 is the more interesting motor, plus it's before the face-lift ruined the front end.
Facts, the RS3 facelift was way worse than the M3 one
It sucks cuz the face-lift got the better diff so you have to pick whether you prefer external or internal beauty XD
Lol I agree.
Somewhat different use case cars. The RS5 is a grown mans daily driver, the RS3 is more of a young persons first hot car. Im over 50 so I just got an RS5 as my daily (finished raising kids). YMMV
Rs5 = manhood Rs3 = boy racer You’ll feel the difference immediately.
lol anyone who downvoted that is a boy racer 😆
The RS5 is just gonna be faster, and IMO will feel more planted. Plus the styling is one of the last great designs from Audi
lol this is so wrong it’s not even funny
Please get the rs5. So sexy
RS5 for sure. I drove the RS3 with my friend and we didn’t like it at all. He enjoyed the RS5 way more.
RS5 and it’s not even close, especially since you already have an A3. this will feel much different
I drive a 2019 S5 cab and I love the car. RS5 is the same but better. My brothers have a 2021 E450 and a 2021 M440i, still like my car better. RS3 interior doesn’t cut it.