2025 Audi S3 vs 2025 Cadillac CT5

$48,700 · Sedan

$47,595 · Sedan

Comparison Overview

The 2025 Audi S3 bursts onto the scene with thrilling German precision, packing a formidable 328 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque through its sophisticated Quattro all-wheel-drive system. Contrasting this sharp focus, the 2025 Cadillac CT5 offers an American luxury perspective, built on a larger, longer 193.8-inch frame, prioritizing smooth cruising dynamics even with its 237 hp engine. The Audi demands a premium, starting at $48,700 compared to the Cadillac’s $47,595, yet the S3 delivers a massive 91-horsepower advantage, making its performance credentials clear. Both sedans achieve a respectable 26 MPG combined, though the CT5 nets slightly better highway efficiency at 32 MPG versus the S3's 31 MPG. While the S3 is significantly shorter at 177.4 inches, the CT5 offers substantially more utility with 11.9 cu ft of cargo space versus the Audi’s mere 8.3 cu ft, illustrating a clear trade-off between agility and practicality.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Audi S3

The Audi S3’s compact 177.4-inch length and standard AWD offer superior agility and grip in varied urban conditions.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 Cadillac CT5

The Cadillac CT5 provides significantly more usable space with 11.9 cubic feet of cargo capacity compared to the S3's 8.3 cubic feet.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Audi S3

The Audi S3's dominant 328 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque offer a vastly superior performance foundation for spirited driving.

💰 Best Value

2025 Cadillac CT5

The Cadillac CT5 is priced lower at $47,595 while offering a larger vehicle footprint, making it a compelling value proposition outside of raw power.

Choose the Audi S3 if...

Maximum driving excitement is paramount, thanks to the 328 hp available from the turbocharged engine.
You prefer the predictable grip and traction control provided by the standard all-wheel-drive system.
A compact, nimble sedan silhouette (177.4 inches long) is necessary for navigating tight city streets.

Choose the Cadillac CT5 if...

You require more luggage capacity, as the CT5 boasts a generous 11.9 cubic feet for storage.
You prefer the smoother shifting feel of a 10-speed automatic transmission over a 7-speed automated manual.
You value a slightly lower initial purchase price of $47,595, saving $1,105 over the Audi S3.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Audi S3	Cadillac CT5
Length	177.4"	193.8"
Width	71.5"	74.1"
Height	55.7"	57.2"
Wheelbase	103.6"	116.0"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Audi	Cadillac
Blind Spot Monitor	✓	✓
Lane Departure Warning	✓	✓
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	✓	✓
Daytime Running Lights	✓	✓
Headlight Washers	✓	—
Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors	✓	✓
Front Headrests	2	2
Front Fixed Headrests	✓	—
Rear Headrests	3	2
Rear Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	✓
Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt	✓	✓
Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote)	✓	✓
Engine Immobilizer	✓	✓
Lane Keeping Assist System	—	✓
Driver Attention Alert	—	✓
Brake Preparation System	—	✓
Headlight Delay-Off	—	✓
Front Height Adjustable Headrests	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Audi	Cadillac
Base Engine Displacement	2.0 L	2.0 L
Number of Cylinders	inline 4	inline 4
Base Engine Type	gas	gas
Horsepower	328 hp	237 hp @ 5000 rpm
Torque	295 lb-ft	258 lb-ft @ 1500 rpm
Number of Valves	16	16
Camshaft Type	Double overhead cam (DOHC)	Double overhead cam (DOHC)
Variable Valve Timing	Variable	Variable
Fuel Injection Type	✓	✓
Cylinder Deactivation	—	✓

Drive Train

Feature	Audi	Cadillac
Transmission Type	7-speed automated manual	10-speed shiftable automatic
Drivetrain Type	all wheel drive	rear wheel drive
Center Differential Type	Limited Slip	—

Fuel

Feature	Audi	Cadillac
Fuel Type	premium unleaded (required)	premium unleaded (recommended)
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	23/31 MPG	23/32 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	26 MPG	26 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	333.5/449.5 mi.	391.0/544.0 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	14.5 gal.	17.0 gal.

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	Audi	Cadillac
Push Button Start	✓	✓
Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel	✓	—
Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Audio Controls on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Electric Power Steering	✓	✓
Rear View Camera	✓	✓
Front Parking Sensors	✓	✓
Rear Parking Sensors	✓	✓
Driver Assisted Parking Assist	✓	—
Cruise Control	✓	—
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	✓	✓
Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors	✓	✓
Power Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel	—	✓
Cruise Control on Steering Wheel	—	✓
Front View Camera	—	✓
Side View Camera	—	✓
Automatic Parking Assist	—	✓
Wireless Charging Pad	—	✓
Adaptive Cruise Control	—	✓
Universal Remote Transmitter	—	✓
Heated Steering Wheel	—	✓
Dual Zone Climate Control	—	✓
Sun Sensor	—	✓
Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Audi	Cadillac
Infotainment Display	10.1 in	33.0 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Speaker System	6	15
Android Auto (Wireless)	✓	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wireless)	✓	✓
USB Port	✓	✓
USB Port with External Media Control	✓	✓
Premium Speaker Brand	—	AKG
Subwoofer Count	—	1
Surround Audio	—	Discrete
Satellite Radio	—	✓

Power Feature

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

Frontseats

Feature	Audi	Cadillac
Front Head Room	36.8 in.	39.0 in.
Front Leg Room	41.2 in.	42.4 in.
Front Shoulder Room	54.8 in.	56.7 in.
Seat Material: Leather/Sueded Microfiber	✓	—
Front Seat Type: Sport	✓	—
Driver Seat Power Adjustments	8-way	12-way
Driver Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Driver Seat Lumbar Support	Power	Power
Passenger Seat Power Adjustments	8-way	12-way
Passenger Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Passenger Seat Lumbar Support	Power	Power
Driver Seat Heating	Multi-level	—
Passenger Seat Heating	Multi-level	—
Front Hip Room	—	53.7 in.
Seat Material: Leather	—	✓
Front Seat Type: Bucket	—	✓
Driver Seat Memory Settings	—	2
Driver Seat Ventilation	—	✓
Passenger Seat Ventilation	—	✓
Seat Massage Function	—	✓

Rearseats

Feature	Audi	Cadillac
Rear Head Room	36.6 in.	36.6 in.
Rear Leg Room	35.2 in.	37.9 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	53.0 in.	55.7 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Folding Rear Seat Feature	✓	✓
Pass-Thru Center Armrest	✓	✓
Rear Hip Room	—	53.7 in.

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Audi	Cadillac
Wheel Material	Alloy	—
Wheel Diameter	18 in	18 in
Tire Size	225/40R18	245/45R18
Run Flat Tires	✓	—
Wheel Finish	—	Painted Alloy
Tire Type	—	✓

Suspension

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

Warranty

Feature	Audi	Cadillac
Basic Warranty	4 yr./ 50000 mi.	4 yr./ 50000 mi.
Drivetrain Warranty	4 yr./ 50000 mi.	6 yr./ 70000 mi.
Corrosion/Rust Warranty	12 yr./ unlimited mi.	4 yr./ 50000 mi.
Roadside Assistance	4 yr./ unlimited mi.	6 yr./ 70000 mi.
Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance	—	1 yr./ unlimited mi.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2025 Audi S3 and 2025 Cadillac CT5.

Is the premium fuel requirement a major difference between these two sedans?

Yes, the 2025 Audi S3 strictly requires premium unleaded fuel to maintain its performance figures. Conversely, the 2025 Cadillac CT5 only recommends premium unleaded, offering slightly more flexibility for daily driving costs.

How does the drivetrain philosophy affect the driving dynamics?

The Audi S3 uses an all-wheel-drive system paired with a 7-speed automated manual, optimized for explosive acceleration and grip. The Cadillac CT5 employs a rear-wheel-drive platform with a 10-speed automatic, which typically provides a more traditional, balanced handling feel preferred by luxury cruisers.

Which car is physically larger and feels more substantial on the road?

The Cadillac CT5 is noticeably larger, measuring 193.8 inches in length compared to the S3’s 177.4 inches, and it is also wider and taller, translating to a grander presence.

Can I tow with either of these vehicles?

Since neither vehicle's provided specifications include towing capacities, it is safest to assume neither is designed for towing until official manufacturer data confirms otherwise.

How close is the fuel economy, considering the big power difference?

Remarkably, both cars achieve an identical 26 MPG combined rating. However, the less powerful CT5 edges out the S3 slightly on the highway with 32 MPG versus 31 MPG, likely due to its more efficient 10-speed gearbox.

Is the 91 horsepower gap noticeable in real-world driving?

Absolutely; the S3's 328 hp versus the CT5’s 237 hp means the Audi accelerates much more aggressively. The S3's torque advantage of 295 lb-ft over the CT5's 258 lb-ft further emphasizes its superior straight-line performance.