2025 Audi RS 3 vs 2025 BMW M3

$63,400 · Sedan

$76,700 · Sedan

Comparison Overview

The most significant numerical divergence between the 2025 Audi RS 3 and the 2025 BMW M3 is the substantial $13,300 MSRP difference, with the Audi priced at $63,400 compared to the BMW's $76,700. Power delivery shows the M3 leading significantly, generating 473 hp and 406 lb-ft of torque against the RS 3's 394 hp and 369 lb-ft. This performance gap is offset by efficiency, as the RS 3 achieves 23 MPG combined versus the M3's 19 MPG combined, translating to a 4 MPG advantage for the Audi. Furthermore, the M3 is considerably larger, measuring 189.1 inches long compared to the RS 3's 178.5 inches, yet the BMW sedan offers nearly double the utility with 16.9 cu ft of cargo space versus the Audi's 8.3 cu ft. The BMW uses a 6-speed manual, while the Audi features a 7-speed automated manual transmission.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Audi RS 3

The 2025 Audi RS 3 wins for commuters due to its superior combined fuel economy of 23 MPG versus the M3's 19 MPG.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 BMW M3

The 2025 BMW M3 offers substantially more practicality with 16.9 cu ft of cargo capacity, nearly double the RS 3's 8.3 cu ft.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 BMW M3

Enthusiasts will favor the 2025 BMW M3 for its higher output of 473 hp and standard 6-speed manual transmission.

💰 Best Value

2025 Audi RS 3

The Audi RS 3 provides competitive performance at a $13,300 lower MSRP and better daily efficiency.

Choose the Audi RS 3 if...

Your budget necessitates staying under a $65,000 MSRP, specifically $63,400.
Maximum daily driving efficiency is paramount, evidenced by its 23 MPG combined rating.
You prefer the engagement of a 7-speed automated manual transmission paired with all-wheel drive.

Choose the BMW M3 if...

Maximum outright performance is desired, supported by 473 hp and 406 lb-ft of torque.
You require substantial luggage capacity, as the 16.9 cu ft trunk is significantly larger than the competitor's.
A traditional 6-speed manual transmission is a non-negotiable requirement for driving engagement.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Audi RS 3	BMW M3
Length	178.5"	189.1"
Width	72.9"	74.3"
Height	54.8"	56.6"
Wheelbase	103.6"	112.5"

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	3
Rear Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	✓
Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt	✓	✓
Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote)	✓	✓
Engine Immobilizer	✓	✓
Driver Attention Alert	—	✓
Brake Drying	—	✓
Brake Preparation System	—	✓
Self-Leveling Headlights	—	✓
Front Fixed 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	✓	—
Rear Differential Type	—	Limited Slip

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.	249.6/358.8 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	14.5 gal.	15.6 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	464W
Speaker System	15	16
Surround Audio	Discrete	Discrete
Android Auto (Wireless)	✓	—
Apple CarPlay (Wireless)	✓	—
USB Port	✓	✓
Satellite Radio	✓	✓
Satellite Radio Trial Period	3 months	12 months
Subwoofer Count	—	2
Android Auto (Wired)	—	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wired)	—	✓
USB Port with External Media Control	—	✓

Power Feature

Feature	Audi	BMW
One-Touch Power Windows	4	4
Moonroof Type	1st Row Power Glass Extended	—
Keyless Entry	✓	✓
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓
Reverse Tilt Passenger Mirror	—	✓

Frontseats

Feature	Audi	BMW
Front Head Room	36.8 in.	40.6 in.
Front Leg Room	41.2 in.	41.6 in.
Front Shoulder Room	54.8 in.	56.0 in.
Seat Material: Premium Leather	✓	✓
Front Seat Type: Sport	✓	✓
Driver Seat Power Adjustments	8-way	10-way
Driver Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Driver Seat Lumbar Support	Power	Power
Driver Seat Memory Settings	2	2
Passenger Seat Power Adjustments	8-way	10-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
Driver Seat Thigh Extension	—	✓
Passenger Seat Thigh Extension	—	✓

Rearseats

Feature	Audi	BMW
Rear Head Room	36.6 in.	37.8 in.
Rear Leg Room	35.2 in.	35.6 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	53.0 in.	54.6 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	✓	285/35R Z
Wheel Size	—	19 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 M3.

How does the drivetrain differ between the two sedans?

The 2025 Audi RS 3 utilizes an all-wheel drive system paired with a 7-speed automated manual transmission. Conversely, the 2025 BMW M3 is rear-wheel drive and comes equipped with a 6-speed manual transmission in this specific configuration.

Is the extra cost of the M3 justified by the horsepower increase?

The BMW M3 demands $13,300 more, but rewards drivers with 79 more horsepower (473 hp vs. 394 hp) and 37 more lb-ft of torque (406 vs. 369). This performance uplift is significant for track use but costs extra in initial purchase price.

Which car is more practical for regular family use based on size?

The BMW M3 is substantially larger overall, measuring 189.1 inches in length compared to the RS 3's 178.5 inches. More importantly, the M3 offers nearly double the cargo capacity at 16.9 cu ft versus the RS 3's 8.3 cu ft.

What is the long-term fuel cost consideration?

The Audi RS 3 is demonstrably more fuel-efficient, achieving 23 MPG combined, which is 4 MPG better than the BMW M3's 19 MPG combined. Both require premium unleaded fuel.

Are the handling characteristics vastly different due to the transmission type?

Yes, the transmission choice significantly alters the experience; the RS 3's quick-shifting 7-speed automated manual offers consistent performance, whereas the M3's 6-speed manual requires active driver input for every shift.