2025 Audi S3 vs 2025 Subaru BRZ
Comparison Overview
The primary difference between the 2025 Audi S3 sedan and the 2025 Subaru BRZ coupe is the staggering $15,490 MSRP gap, with the Audi starting at $48,700 compared to the BRZ’s $33,210. Performance heavily favors the S3, delivering 328 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque, significantly outpacing the BRZ’s 228 hp and 184 lb-ft. This power translates into a higher fuel economy rating for the Audi, achieving 26 combined MPG versus the BRZ’s 22 combined MPG, despite both requiring premium fuel. While the S3 is larger, measuring 177.4 inches long, the BRZ offers a compact 167.9-inch footprint. Furthermore, the S3 provides slightly more utility with 8.3 cu ft of cargo space against the BRZ’s 6.3 cu ft, cementing the S3 as the practical, powerful premium option, whereas the BRZ offers lightweight, RWD enthusiast focus.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Audi S3
The Audi S3 offers a higher combined MPG rating of 26 and a more conventional sedan body for daily usability.
2025 Audi S3
The S3 is the only viable option here, offering four doors and marginally superior cargo capacity at 8.3 cu ft compared to the BRZ's two-seat coupe configuration.
2025 Subaru BRZ
The Subaru BRZ’s dedicated rear-wheel drive layout and 6-speed manual transmission appeal more directly to driving purists than the S3’s AWD and automated manual.
2025 Subaru BRZ
The Subaru BRZ provides a significant $15,490 lower entry price while still requiring premium fuel and offering performance credentials.
Choose the Audi S3 if...
- Your budget comfortably accommodates the higher $48,700 MSRP for premium features.
- You require the superior output of 328 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque for rapid acceleration.
- All-wheel drive and the four-door sedan format are non-negotiable for daily commuting.
Choose the Subaru BRZ if...
- Prioritizing driving engagement is key, evidenced by the RWD setup and standard 6-speed manual.
- You seek the lowest cost of entry in this comparison, starting at just $33,210.
- A smaller vehicle footprint (167.9 inches long) and less weight are desired for agility.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Audi S3 | Subaru BRZ |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 177.4" | 167.9" |
| Width | 71.5" | 69.9" |
| Height | 55.7" | 51.6" |
| Wheelbase | 103.6" | 101.4" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Audi | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | — |
| Rear Height Adjustable Headrests | ✓ | — |
| Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt | ✓ | — |
| Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Engine Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Headlight Delay-Off | — | ✓ |
| Self-Leveling Headlights | — | ✓ |
| Front Height Adjustable Headrests | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Audi | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 2.0 L | 2.4 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 4 | flat 4 |
| Base Engine Type | gas | gas |
| Horsepower | 328 hp | 228 hp @ 7000 rpm |
| Torque | 295 lb-ft | 184 lb-ft @ 3700 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 | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | 7-speed automated manual | 6-speed manual |
| Drivetrain Type | all wheel drive | rear wheel drive |
| Center Differential Type | Limited Slip | — |
| Rear Differential Type | — | Limited Slip |
Fuel
| Feature | Audi | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | premium unleaded (required) | premium unleaded (required) |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 23/31 MPG | 20/27 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 26 MPG | 22 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 333.5/449.5 mi. | 264.0/356.4 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 14.5 gal. | 13.2 gal. |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Audi | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | — | ✓ |
| Driver Vanity Mirror | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Audi | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 10.1 in | 8.0 in |
| AM/FM Stereo | ✓ | ✓ |
| Speaker System | 6 | 6 |
| Android Auto (Wireless) | ✓ | — |
| Apple CarPlay (Wireless) | ✓ | — |
| USB Port | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB Port with External Media Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Android Auto (Wired) | — | ✓ |
| Apple CarPlay (Wired) | — | ✓ |
| Auxiliary Audio Input | — | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio | — | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio Trial Length | — | 4 months |
Power Feature
| Feature | Audi | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 4 | 2 |
| Moonroof Type | 1st Row Power Glass Extended | — |
| Remote Keyless Entry | ✓ | — |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Keyless Entry | — | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Audi | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 36.8 in. | 37.0 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 41.2 in. | 41.5 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 54.8 in. | 53.6 in. |
| Seat Material: Leather/Sueded Microfiber | ✓ | — |
| Front Seat Type: Sport | ✓ | — |
| Driver Seat Power Adjustments | 8-way | — |
| Driver Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Lumbar Support | Power | — |
| Passenger Seat Power Adjustments | 8-way | — |
| Passenger Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | — |
| Passenger Seat Lumbar Support | Power | — |
| Driver Seat Heating | Multi-level | Multi-level |
| Passenger Seat Heating | Multi-level | Multi-level |
| Front Hip Room | — | 52.4 in. |
| Seat Material: Cloth | — | ✓ |
| Front Seat Type: Bucket | — | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Manual Adjustments | — | 6-way |
| Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments | — | 4-way |
Rearseats
| Feature | Audi | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 36.6 in. | 33.5 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 35.2 in. | 29.9 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 53.0 in. | 51.7 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | — |
| Folding Rear Seat Feature | ✓ | — |
| Pass-Thru Center Armrest | ✓ | — |
| Rear Hip Room | — | 45.2 in. |
| Folding Rear Seatback | — | ✓ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Audi | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Material | Alloy | — |
| Wheel Diameter | 18 in | — |
| Tire Size | 225/40R18 | 215/45R |
| Run Flat Tires | ✓ | — |
| Wheel Finish | — | Painted Alloy |
| Wheel Size | — | 17 x 7.5 in |
| Tire Type | — | Performance |
Suspension
| Feature | Audi | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
Warranty
| Feature | Audi | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Warranty | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. |
| Drivetrain Warranty | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. |
| Corrosion/Rust Warranty | 12 yr./ unlimited mi. | 5 yr./ unlimited mi. |
| Roadside Assistance | 4 yr./ unlimited mi. | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2025 Audi S3 and 2025 Subaru BRZ.
What is the primary drivetrain difference between the 2025 Audi S3 and the 2025 Subaru BRZ?
The Audi S3 employs an all-wheel drive system paired with a 7-speed automated manual transmission, emphasizing traction and swift gear changes. Conversely, the Subaru BRZ features a pure rear-wheel drive setup matched exclusively with a 6-speed manual transmission, focusing on traditional sports car dynamics.
How significant is the power discrepancy between these two models?
The Audi S3 holds a substantial advantage, producing 328 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque. The Subaru BRZ generates considerably less power, rated at 228 hp and 184 lb-ft of torque, resulting in a 100 hp gap.
Do both cars require the same type of fuel, and how does efficiency compare?
Both vehicles mandate premium unleaded fuel. The Audi S3 is more efficient for its power level, achieving 26 combined MPG (23 city/31 highway), whereas the BRZ returns 22 combined MPG (20 city/27 highway).
Which vehicle is better suited for carrying passengers and cargo?
The Audi S3 is superior for utility, being a four-door sedan with 8.3 cubic feet of cargo capacity. The Subaru BRZ is a strict two-seat coupe offering only 6.3 cubic feet of cargo volume.
What is the exact price difference between the base MSRPs?
There is a $15,490 difference in starting price; the 2025 Audi S3 is listed at $48,700, while the 2025 Subaru BRZ begins at $33,210.
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