2025 Alfa Romeo Giulia vs 2025 Audi S3
Comparison Overview
Deciding between the sporty Italian flair of the 2025 Alfa Romeo Giulia and the all-weather confidence of the 2025 Audi S3 presents a real dilemma for premium compact sedan shoppers. The most immediate difference is the $4,705 gap in MSRP, with the Giulia starting significantly lower at $43,995 versus the S3's $48,700. Power delivery is another sticking point: the Audi S3 boasts 328 hp, beating the Giulia's 280 hp, though the Giulia compensates with 306 lb-ft of torque, slightly edging out the S3's 295 lb-ft. Fuel economy is nearly identical, netting 27 combined MPG for the Alfa and 26 combined MPG for the Audi, both demanding premium fuel. While both are thrilling, the standard RWD setup of the Giulia contrasts with the S3's essential AWD, making the choice hinge on whether pure handling purity or all-weather security is your top priority for daily driving.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Alfa Romeo Giulia
The Alfa Romeo Giulia offers slightly better combined fuel economy at 27 MPG and has a lower entry price for daily driving budgets.
2025 Audi S3
While both are compact, the Audi S3's All-Wheel Drive provides better all-weather security favored by many families.
2025 Audi S3
The Audi S3 wins this battle by offering 328 horsepower, significantly more than the Giulia's 280 hp.
2025 Alfa Romeo Giulia
The Giulia provides strong performance specs while being $4,705 cheaper than the S3.
Choose the Alfa Romeo Giulia if...
- You prioritize saving money upfront, as the 2025 Giulia has an MSRP nearly $5,000 less than the S3.
- You appreciate the feel of traditional Rear Wheel Drive dynamics for a purer driving experience.
- You want slightly better highway cruising efficiency, achieving 33 MPG compared to the S3's 31 MPG.
Choose the Audi S3 if...
- You live in an area that sees significant rain or snow, making the standard All-Wheel Drive essential.
- You want maximum on-paper power, benefiting from the S3's 328 horsepower.
- You need the compact dimensions for easier city parking, as the S3 is shorter at 177.4 inches.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Alfa Romeo Giulia | Audi S3 |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 182.5" | 177.4" |
| Width | 73.7" | 71.5" |
| Height | 56.5" | 55.7" |
| Wheelbase | 111.0" | 103.6" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Alfa Romeo | Audi |
|---|---|---|
| Blind Spot Monitor | ✓ | ✓ |
| Lane Departure Warning | ✓ | ✓ |
| Lane Keeping Assist System | ✓ | — |
| Rear Cross Traffic Alert | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Attention Alert | ✓ | — |
| Pre-Collision Safety System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Front Side-Mounted Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Head Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Head Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| Passenger Airbag Occupant Sensing Deactivation | ✓ | ✓ |
| Electronic Stability Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Traction Control System | ✓ | ✓ |
| LATCH System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Door Child Safety Locks | ✓ | ✓ |
| Anti-lock Brakes (ABS) | 4-Wheel | 4-Wheel |
| Front Ventilated Disc Brakes | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes | ✓ | ✓ |
| Brake Assist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Tire Pressure Monitoring System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Automatic Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Headlight Delay-Off | ✓ | — |
| LED Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Self-Leveling Headlights | ✓ | — |
| Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Headlight Washers | ✓ | ✓ |
| Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Headrests | 2 | 2 |
| Front Height Adjustable Headrests | ✓ | — |
| Rear Headrests | 3 | 3 |
| Rear Height Adjustable Headrests | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Engine Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Post-Collision Safety System | — | ✓ |
| Dual Rear Side-Mounted Airbags | — | ✓ |
| Front Fixed Headrests | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Alfa Romeo | Audi |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 2.0 L | 2.0 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 4 | inline 4 |
| Base Engine Type | gas | gas |
| Horsepower | 280 hp @ 5200 rpm | 328 hp |
| Torque | 306 lb-ft @ 2000 rpm | 295 lb-ft |
| Number of Valves | 16 | 16 |
| Camshaft Type | Single overhead cam (SOHC) | Double overhead cam (DOHC) |
| Variable Valve Timing | Variable | Variable |
| Fuel Injection Type | ✓ | ✓ |
Drive Train
| Feature | Alfa Romeo | Audi |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | 8-speed shiftable automatic | 7-speed automated manual |
| Drivetrain Type | rear wheel drive | all wheel drive |
| Center Differential Type | — | Limited Slip |
Fuel
| Feature | Alfa Romeo | Audi |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | premium unleaded (required) | premium unleaded (required) |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 24/33 MPG | 23/31 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 27 MPG | 26 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 367.2/504.9 mi. | 333.5/449.5 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 15.3 gal. | 14.5 gal. |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Alfa Romeo | Audi |
|---|---|---|
| Push Button Start | ✓ | ✓ |
| Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cruise Control on Steering Wheel | ✓ | — |
| Audio Controls on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Electric Power Steering | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear View Camera | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Parking Sensors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Parking Sensors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Wireless Charging Pad | ✓ | — |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | ✓ | — |
| Universal Remote Transmitter | ✓ | — |
| Front Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Overhead Console with Storage | ✓ | — |
| Leather Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Simulated Alloy Trim on Steering Wheel | ✓ | — |
| Heated Steering Wheel | ✓ | — |
| Dual Zone Climate Control | ✓ | — |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts | ✓ | ✓ |
| Interior Air Filtration | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Vanity Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror | ✓ | — |
| Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Assisted Parking Assist | — | ✓ |
| Cruise Control | — | ✓ |
| Front Seatback Storage | — | ✓ |
| Three Zone Climate Control | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Alfa Romeo | Audi |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 8.8 in | 10.1 in |
| AM/FM Stereo | ✓ | ✓ |
| Speaker System | 8 | 6 |
| Android Auto (Wired) | ✓ | — |
| Apple CarPlay (Wired) | ✓ | — |
| USB Port | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auxiliary Audio Input | ✓ | — |
| USB Port with External Media Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio | ✓ | — |
| Satellite Radio Trial Period | 6 months | — |
| Android Auto (Wireless) | — | ✓ |
| Apple CarPlay (Wireless) | — | ✓ |
Power Feature
| Feature | Alfa Romeo | Audi |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 4 | 4 |
| Keyless Entry | ✓ | — |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Moonroof Type | — | 1st Row Power Glass Extended |
| Remote Keyless Entry | — | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Alfa Romeo | Audi |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 38.6 in. | 36.8 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 42.4 in. | 41.2 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 56.1 in. | 54.8 in. |
| Seat Material: Leather | ✓ | — |
| Front Seat Type: Bucket | ✓ | — |
| Driver Seat Power Adjustments | 8-way | 8-way |
| Driver Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Lumbar Support | Power | Power |
| Driver Seat Memory Settings | 3 | — |
| Passenger Seat Power Adjustments | 6-way | 8-way |
| Passenger Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | ✓ |
| Passenger Seat Lumbar Support | Power | Power |
| Driver Seat Heating | Multi-level | Multi-level |
| Passenger Seat Heating | Multi-level | Multi-level |
| Seat Material: Leather/Sueded Microfiber | — | ✓ |
| Front Seat Type: Sport | — | ✓ |
Rearseats
| Feature | Alfa Romeo | Audi |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 37.6 in. | 36.6 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 35.1 in. | 35.2 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 53.6 in. | 53.0 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | ✓ |
| Folding Rear Seat Feature | ✓ | ✓ |
| Pass-Thru Center Armrest | ✓ | ✓ |
| Heated Rear Seats (Multi-Level) | ✓ | — |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Alfa Romeo | Audi |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Finish | Painted Alloy | — |
| Wheel Size | 18 x 8.0 in | — |
| Tire Size | 225/45R18 | 225/40R18 |
| Run Flat Tires | ✓ | ✓ |
| Wheel Material | — | Alloy |
| Wheel Diameter | — | 18 in |
Suspension
| Feature | Alfa Romeo | Audi |
|---|---|---|
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | — | ✓ |
| Rear Stabilizer Bar | — | ✓ |
Warranty
| Feature | Alfa Romeo | Audi |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Warranty | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. |
| Drivetrain Warranty | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. |
| Corrosion/Rust Warranty | 12 yr./ unlimited mi. | 12 yr./ unlimited mi. |
| Roadside Assistance | 4 yr./ unlimited mi. | 4 yr./ unlimited mi. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2025 Alfa Romeo Giulia and 2025 Audi S3.
Which car is faster in a straight line?
Based on horsepower, the 2025 Audi S3 is quicker, offering 328 hp compared to the Giulia's 280 hp. While the Giulia has slightly more torque at 306 lb-ft versus 295 lb-ft, the S3's AWD system and higher peak power usually give it the edge in pure acceleration tests.
Does the difference in drive type matter for my daily commute?
It matters significantly depending on your location. The Giulia uses Rear Wheel Drive (RWD), which many enthusiasts prefer for balanced handling, but it can struggle in slippery conditions. The S3’s All-Wheel Drive (AWD) provides superior grip and stability in rain, snow, or low-traction situations.
Is the Alfa Romeo Giulia much bigger than the Audi S3?
The Alfa Romeo Giulia is dimensionally larger overall, measuring 182.5 inches long compared to the S3's 177.4 inches. However, neither is large, and the S3 provides a small Cargo Capacity figure of 8.3 cu ft that you should consider if hauling gear is frequent.
How much more expensive is the Audi S3 annually due to fuel?
Both cars require premium unleaded fuel, but the Giulia is marginally more efficient at 27 combined MPG versus the S3's 26 combined MPG. Over a year, this difference is minor, likely equating to only a few dollars difference unless you drive extensive highway miles where the Giulia's 33 MPG rating pays small dividends.
If I need the absolute best price, which should I buy?
The 2025 Alfa Romeo Giulia is the clear budget choice, starting at $43,995. This represents a $4,705 saving compared to the $48,700 base price of the 2025 Audi S3.
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