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Audi RS3 vs BMW M140I

What's the difference?

VS
Audi RS3
Audi RS3

2023 price

BMW M140I
BMW M140I

$27,990 - $51,490

2018 price

Summary

2023 Audi RS3
2018 BMW M140I
Safety Rating

Engine Type

Turbo 3, 1.5L
Fuel Type
-

Premium Unleaded Petrol
Fuel Efficiency
-

5.2L/100km (combined)
Seating
-

5
Dislikes
  • How much power is too much?
  • Front seats a bit flat at speed
  • Sportback looks a bit derivative

  • Low on standard features
  • Run-flat tyres
  • Limited rear legroom
2023 Audi RS3 Summary

After teasing us with the S3, all-wheel-drive version of its A3 sedan and hatch (Sportback in Audi-speak), Audi has finally given us the full-fat, RS3 variant of the same car. Any time you see an `R’ and an `S’ on the badge of an Audi, you know it’s the full nine yards in terms of all-wheel-drive grip and engine performance. And the RS3 is no different.

The power is enormous, the grip prodigious and the attitude is way tougher than any other A3 variant. It’s also well equipped, safe and nicely put together. But is that extra `R’ worth the added price of admission? And is this more Audi A-Series than you really need?

The other question is, given that the S3 is such a resolved package with its own shot of high-performance, do the numbers stack up for the RS3 version? How much is too much?

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2018 BMW M140I Summary

If you think it’s a Mercedes-Benz A-Class you want or maybe an Audi A3 Sportback or even a Volkswagen Golf, then stop and read this first before making a purchase.

The BMW 1 Series alternative isn’t just another prestige little car, because there are some fundamental differences between this 1 and those others, and they could cause you to totally rethink your decision.

If you’re already keen on getting a 1 Series then you need to read this, too, not only to help you find the right one, but also to alert you to what might be a couple of uncomfortable truths.

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Interested in a BMW M140I?

Deep dive comparison

2023 Audi RS3 2018 BMW M140I

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