2025 Audi S3 vs 2025 Lexus RC
Comparison Overview
The 2025 Audi S3 bursts onto the scene as the sharp, turbocharged scalpel, boasting an exhilarating 328 hp, ready to carve corners with its Quattro AWD grip, making it the dynamic choice for spirited driving enthusiasts willing to pay $48,700. Contrastingly, the 2025 Lexus RC is the stylish, rear-wheel-drive boulevard cruiser, offering a timeless coupe silhouette with 241 hp and a slightly more accommodating 10.4 cu ft of cargo space, all starting at a compelling $45,620. The S3 holds a significant 87 hp advantage, pushing it far ahead in raw acceleration, though both premium machines sip fuel at a similar combined 26 MPG (Audi) versus 25 MPG (Lexus). While the S3 is smaller at 177.4 inches long, the RC prioritizes presence and a traditional coupe aesthetic, demanding premium fuel for its performance mandate.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Audi S3
The Audi S3's slightly superior combined fuel economy of 26 MPG and standard AWD offer a more practical and versatile daily driving experience.
2025 Lexus RC
Although neither is ideal, the Lexus RC offers a marginally larger cargo capacity at 10.4 cu ft compared to the S3's 8.3 cu ft.
2025 Audi S3
The 2025 Audi S3 dominates performance metrics with 328 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque versus the RC's 241 hp.
2025 Lexus RC
The Lexus RC provides a stylish RWD coupe experience for $3,080 less than the Audi S3 while delivering adequate premium fuel performance.
Choose the Audi S3 if...
- You prioritize straight-line performance, benefitting from the S3's 328 hp engine.
- You require the confident grip and handling stability provided by the standard All-Wheel Drive system.
- You prefer a compact sedan footprint (177.4 inches long) optimized for tight urban maneuvers.
Choose the Lexus RC if...
- Your budget dictates spending $3,080 less, as the RC starts at $45,620.
- You desire the classic feel and handling characteristics of a Rear-Wheel Drive coupe.
- You appreciate the slightly more accessible luggage area provided by the 10.4 cu ft of cargo space.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Audi S3 | Lexus RC |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 177.4" | 185.0" |
| Width | 71.5" | 72.4" |
| Height | 55.7" | 54.9" |
| Wheelbase | 103.6" | 107.5" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Audi | Lexus |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | — | ✓ |
| Headlight Delay-Off | — | ✓ |
| Front Height Adjustable Headrests | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Audi | Lexus |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 2.0 L | 2.0 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 4 | inline 4 |
| Base Engine Type | gas | gas |
| Horsepower | 328 hp | 241 hp @ 5200 rpm |
| Torque | 295 lb-ft | 258 lb-ft @ 1650 rpm |
| Number of Valves | 16 | 16 |
| Camshaft Type | Double overhead cam (DOHC) | Double overhead cam (DOHC) |
| Variable Valve Timing | Variable | Variable |
| Fuel Injection Type | ✓ | ✓ |
Drive Train
| Feature | Audi | Lexus |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | 7-speed automated manual | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Drivetrain Type | all wheel drive | rear wheel drive |
| Center Differential Type | Limited Slip | — |
Fuel
| Feature | Audi | Lexus |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | premium unleaded (required) | premium unleaded (required) |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 23/31 MPG | 21/31 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 26 MPG | 25 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 333.5/449.5 mi. | 367.5/542.5 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 14.5 gal. | 17.5 gal. |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Audi | Lexus |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cruise Control on Steering Wheel | — | ✓ |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | — | ✓ |
| Dual Zone Climate Control | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Audi | Lexus |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 10.1 in | 8.0 in |
| AM/FM Stereo | ✓ | ✓ |
| Speaker System | 6 | 10 |
| Android Auto (Wireless) | ✓ | — |
| Apple CarPlay (Wireless) | ✓ | — |
| USB Port | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB Port with External Media Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Android Auto (Wired) | — | ✓ |
| Apple CarPlay (Wired) | — | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio | — | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio Trial Period | — | 3 months |
| Speed Sensitive Volume Control | — | ✓ |
Power Feature
| Feature | Audi | Lexus |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 4 | 2 |
| Moonroof Type | 1st Row Power Glass Extended | — |
| Remote Keyless Entry | ✓ | — |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Keyless Entry | — | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Audi | Lexus |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 36.8 in. | 39.0 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 41.2 in. | 45.4 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 54.8 in. | 54.7 in. |
| Seat Material: Leather/Sueded Microfiber | ✓ | — |
| Front Seat Type: Sport | ✓ | — |
| Driver Seat Power Adjustments | 8-way | 10-way |
| Driver Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Lumbar Support | Power | Power |
| Passenger Seat Power Adjustments | 8-way | 8-way |
| Passenger Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | ✓ |
| Passenger Seat Lumbar Support | Power | — |
| Driver Seat Heating | Multi-level | — |
| Passenger Seat Heating | Multi-level | — |
| Front Hip Room | — | 53.9 in. |
| Seat Material: Leatherette | — | ✓ |
| Front Seat Type: Bucket | — | ✓ |
Rearseats
| Feature | Audi | Lexus |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 36.6 in. | 34.8 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 35.2 in. | 27.3 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 53.0 in. | 50.8 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | ✓ |
| Folding Rear Seat Feature | ✓ | — |
| Pass-Thru Center Armrest | ✓ | — |
| Rear Hip Room | — | 44.9 in. |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Audi | Lexus |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Material | Alloy | Alloy |
| Wheel Diameter | 18 in | — |
| Tire Size | 225/40R18 | 235/45R18 |
| Run Flat Tires | ✓ | — |
| Wheel Size | — | 18 x 8.0 in |
| Tire Type | — | All Season |
| Spare Tire Type | — | Temporary |
| Spare Tire Location | — | Inside Mounted |
Suspension
| Feature | Audi | Lexus |
|---|---|---|
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
Warranty
| Feature | Audi | Lexus |
|---|---|---|
| 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. | 6 yr./ unlimited mi. |
| Roadside Assistance | 4 yr./ unlimited mi. | 4 yr./ unlimited mi. |
| Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance | — | 1 yr./ 10000 mi. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2025 Audi S3 and 2025 Lexus RC.
How much more powerful is the Audi S3 compared to the Lexus RC?
The 2025 Audi S3 holds a substantial 87 horsepower advantage, delivering 328 hp compared to the 2025 Lexus RC's 241 hp. This power difference means the S3 will accelerate significantly quicker out of the box.
Which vehicle is better for fuel efficiency during daily driving?
Both require premium unleaded fuel, but the Audi S3 narrowly wins with a Combined MPG rating of 26, edging out the Lexus RC's 25 MPG. Commuters will see marginal, yet positive, savings with the S3 over time.
Does the difference in drive type matter between these two cars?
Yes, the Audi S3 uses standard All-Wheel Drive (AWD), ideal for traction in all weather, whereas the Lexus RC features traditional Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD), which enthusiasts often prefer for balanced handling dynamics.
Is the price difference worth the performance gap?
The Audi S3 costs $3,080 more than the Lexus RC. If achieving 328 hp is paramount, the price difference is justified by the nearly 40% increase in horsepower over the base RC.
Which car is larger, the S3 sedan or the RC coupe?
Despite being a sedan, the Audi S3 is shorter overall at 177.4 inches in length compared to the RC coupe’s 185.0 inches. The Lexus RC is also slightly wider and lower to the ground.
How does the transmission compare in terms of gear count?
The Audi S3 utilizes a quick-shifting 7-speed automated manual transmission designed for performance engagement. The Lexus RC features an 8-speed shiftable automatic, offering one extra ratio for potentially smoother highway cruising.
More Mid-Range Sedans ($30k-$50k)
View allVehicle Details
Compare More Vehicles
Use our interactive comparison tool to compare up to 4 vehicles at once
Open Comparison Tool