2025 Audi RS 3 vs 2025 BMW M2

$63,400 · Sedan

$65,500 · Coupe

Comparison Overview

The 2025 Audi RS 3 grabs attention with its legendary 5-cylinder engine delivering 394 hp and remarkable all-wheel-drive grip, presenting an agile package at 178.5 inches long. Conversely, the 2025 BMW M2 unleashes a pure, raw performance punch, boasting a muscular 473 hp and 406 lb-ft of torque, complete with the choice of a tactile 6-speed manual transmission. While the M2’s superior power gives it the edge in raw acceleration, the RS 3’s 23 combined MPG offers significantly better fuel economy compared to the M2's 19 combined MPG, reflecting its slightly more efficient character. Furthermore, the M2 provides nearly double the utility with 13.8 cu ft of cargo space versus the RS 3’s smaller 8.3 cu ft. These titans of compact performance demand premium fuel, but their distinct approaches—precision AWD versus brute RWD power—define their appeal.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Audi RS 3

The Audi RS 3 wins for commuters due to its superior combined fuel economy of 23 MPG versus the M2's 19 MPG.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 BMW M2

The BMW M2 is better suited for light family duties because it offers 13.8 cu ft of cargo capacity, significantly more than the RS 3’s 8.3 cu ft.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 BMW M2

The BMW M2 appeals more to driving purists with its potent 473 hp and the engaging option of a 6-speed manual transmission.

💰 Best Value

2025 Audi RS 3

The Audi RS 3 offers better operational value, costing $2,100 less at MSRP while delivering substantially better fuel efficiency.

Choose the Audi RS 3 if...

You prioritize day-to-day running costs, benefiting from 23 combined MPG versus the M2's 19 MPG.
You prefer the security and traction of an All-Wheel Drive system in all weather conditions.
You want the entry point to this segment, as the Audi RS 3 has a lower MSRP of $63,400.

Choose the BMW M2 if...

Maximum straight-line performance is essential, thanks to its 473 hp engine, a 79 hp advantage over the RS 3.
You demand the visceral connection of a traditional 6-speed manual transmission.
You require more usable storage space, as the M2 coupe offers 13.8 cu ft of cargo room.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Audi RS 3	BMW M2
Length	178.5"	180.3"
Width	72.9"	74.3"
Height	54.8"	55.2"
Wheelbase	103.6"	108.1"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Audi	BMW
Blind Spot Monitor	✓	✓
Lane Departure Warning	✓	✓
Lane Keeping Assist System	✓	✓
Rear Cross Traffic Alert	✓	✓
Pre-Collision Safety System	✓	✓
Post-Collision Safety System	✓	✓
Dual Front Side-Mounted Airbags	✓	✓
Dual Rear 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	✓	✓
LED Headlights	✓	✓
Adaptive Headlights	✓	—
Daytime Running Lights	✓	✓
Headlight Washers	✓	—
Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors	✓	✓
Front Headrests	2	2
Front Integrated Headrests	✓	✓
Rear Headrests	3	2
Rear Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	—
Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt	✓	—
Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote)	✓	✓
Engine Immobilizer	✓	✓
Brake Drying	—	✓
Brake Preparation System	—	✓
Headlight Delay-Off	—	✓
Self-Leveling Headlights	—	✓
Rear Folding Headrests	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Audi	BMW
Base Engine Displacement	2.5 L	3.0 L
Number of Cylinders	inline 5	inline 6
Base Engine Type	gas	gas
Horsepower	394 hp	473 hp @ 6250 rpm
Torque	369 lb-ft	406 lb-ft @ 2650 rpm
Number of Valves	20	24
Camshaft Type	Double overhead cam (DOHC)	Double overhead cam (DOHC)
Variable Valve Timing	Variable	Variable
Fuel Injection Type	✓	✓

Drive Train

Feature	Audi	BMW
Transmission Type	7-speed automated manual	6-speed manual
Drivetrain Type	all wheel drive	rear wheel drive
[object Object]	✓	—
[object Object]	✓	—
Hill Descent Control	✓	—

Fuel

Feature	Audi	BMW
Fuel Type	premium unleaded (required)	premium unleaded (required)
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	20/30 MPG	16/23 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	23 MPG	19 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	290.0/435.0 mi.	219.2/315.1 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	14.5 gal.	13.7 gal.

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	Audi	BMW
Push Button Start	✓	✓
Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel	✓	—
Audio Controls on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Electric Power Steering	✓	✓
Front View Camera	✓	—
Side View Camera	✓	—
Rear View Camera	✓	✓
Front Parking Sensors	✓	✓
Rear Parking Sensors	✓	✓
Driver Assisted Parking Assist	✓	—
Wireless Charging Pad	✓	—
Adaptive Cruise Control	✓	—
Universal Remote Transmitter	✓	✓
Front Cupholders	✓	✓
Rear Cupholders	✓	—
Front Door Pockets	✓	✓
Rear Door Pockets	✓	—
Front Seatback Storage	✓	—
Leather Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Three Zone Climate Control	✓	—
Rear Ventilation Ducts	✓	✓
Interior Air Filtration	✓	✓
Dual Vanity Mirrors	✓	✓
Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror	✓	✓
Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors	✓	✓
Cruise Control on Steering Wheel	—	✓
Cruise Control	—	✓
Dual Zone Climate Control	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Audi	BMW
Infotainment Display	10.1 in	14.9 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Premium Speaker Brand	Sonos	Harman/Kardon
Stereo Power	680W	—
Speaker System	15	—
Surround Audio	Discrete	Discrete
Android Auto (Wireless)	✓	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wireless)	✓	✓
USB Port	✓	✓
Satellite Radio	✓	✓
Satellite Radio Trial Period	3 months	12 months
USB Port with External Media Control	—	✓

Power Feature

Feature	Audi	BMW
One-Touch Power Windows	4	2
Moonroof Type	1st Row Power Glass Extended	1st Row Power Glass
Keyless Entry	✓	✓
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓

Frontseats

Feature	Audi	BMW
Front Head Room	36.8 in.	38.1 in.
Front Leg Room	41.2 in.	41.8 in.
Front Shoulder Room	54.8 in.	55.9 in.
Seat Material: Premium Leather	✓	—
Front Seat Type: Sport	✓	✓
Driver Seat Power Adjustments	8-way	—
Driver Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Driver Seat Lumbar Support	Power	Power
Driver Seat Memory Settings	2	2
Passenger Seat Power Adjustments	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	—	✓
Driver Seat Thigh Extension	—	✓
Passenger Seat Thigh Extension	—	✓

Rearseats

Feature	Audi	BMW
Rear Head Room	36.6 in.	34.7 in.
Rear Leg Room	35.2 in.	32.2 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	53.0 in.	51.7 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	—
Folding Rear Seat Feature	✓	✓
Pass-Thru Center Armrest	✓	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Audi	BMW
Wheel Finish	Painted Alloy	Painted Alloy
Wheel Diameter	19 in	—
Tire Type	Performance	Performance
Tire Size	✓	285/30R
Wheel Size	—	20 x 10.5 in.

Suspension

Feature	Audi	BMW
Four-Wheel Independent Suspension	✓	✓
Front Stabilizer Bar	✓	✓
Rear Stabilizer Bar	✓	✓

Warranty

Feature	Audi	BMW
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.
Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance	—	3 yr./ 36000 mi.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2025 Audi RS 3 and 2025 BMW M2.

How much more powerful is the BMW M2 compared to the Audi RS 3?

The BMW M2 holds a significant advantage in outright power, delivering 473 horsepower, which is 79 more than the Audi RS 3's 394 hp. This translates to a much higher performance ceiling for the M2.

Is the Audi RS 3 more economical for daily driving?

Yes, the RS 3 is noticeably more efficient, achieving 23 combined MPG compared to the M2’s 19 combined MPG. This 4 MPG difference, combined with the lower $63,400 MSRP, suggests lower running costs for the Audi.

Which car offers a more traditional sports car driving experience?

The BMW M2 caters to traditionalists by offering an optional 6-speed manual transmission and a Rear Wheel Drive layout. The RS 3 sticks to its specialized 7-speed automated manual and All-Wheel Drive system.

How does the cargo capacity compare between the two vehicles?

The BMW M2, despite being a coupe, offers substantially more cargo space at 13.8 cu ft. The sedan-bodied Audi RS 3 is notably constrained with only 8.3 cu ft, which could impact road trips.

Do both cars require the same type of fuel?

Both the 2025 Audi RS 3 and the 2025 BMW M2 require premium unleaded fuel due to their high-compression, high-performance engines.

What is the primary difference in physical size?

The BMW M2 is slightly larger overall; it is 180.3 inches long and 74.3 inches wide, making it wider and slightly longer than the 178.5-inch long Audi RS 3.