2025 Audi S3 vs 2025 Volvo S60
Comparison Overview
Deciding between German sportiness and Swedish sensibility often boils down to your budget versus your need for thrill. The 2025 Audi S3 lands at a higher MSRP of $48,700, demanding a $6,100 premium over the 2025 Volvo S60's $42,600 starting point. This extra cost buys significant performance; the S3 boasts 328 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque compared to the S60's 247 hp. However, the S60 offers clear efficiency gains, achieving 30 MPG combined versus the S3’s 26 MPG combined, and it only requires premium fuel as a recommendation, not a strict requirement. While the S3 is marginally smaller, the S60 provides notably more utility with 11.6 cu ft of cargo space compared to the S3’s tighter 8.3 cu ft, making the choice a balancing act between sheer driving excitement and long-term running costs.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Volvo S60
The Volvo S60 is the better commuter due to its superior 30 MPG combined fuel economy and slightly less demanding fuel requirement.
2025 Volvo S60
Families will appreciate the S60's larger 11.6 cu ft cargo capacity, providing more room for gear than the S3's 8.3 cu ft.
2025 Audi S3
The Audi S3 clearly wins for enthusiasts with its substantial 328 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque output.
2025 Volvo S60
The Volvo S60 provides a much better overall value proposition, saving $6,100 upfront while offering better fuel economy.
Choose the Audi S3 if...
- You prioritize maximum acceleration, leveraging the Audi S3's 328 hp engine.
- You prefer the guaranteed traction provided by the standard all-wheel drive system.
- You prefer a compact footprint, as the S3 is over an inch shorter in length (177.4 inches) than the S60.
Choose the Volvo S60 if...
- You want to save $6,100 on the initial purchase price, as the S60 starts at $42,600.
- You want to visit the gas station less often, given the S60’s 36 MPG highway rating.
- You need more usable space, highlighted by the S60 offering 11.6 cu ft of trunk space versus 8.3 cu ft.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Audi S3 | Volvo S60 |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 177.4" | 188.1" |
| Width | 71.5" | 72.8" |
| Height | 55.7" | 56.6" |
| Wheelbase | 103.6" | 113.1" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Audi | Volvo |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | 3 |
| 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 | — | ✓ |
| Adaptive Headlights | — | ✓ |
| Cornering Lights | — | ✓ |
| Front Fog Lights | — | ✓ |
| Rear Folding Headrests | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Audi | Volvo |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 2.0 L | 2.0 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 4 | inline 4 |
| Base Engine Type | gas | mild hybrid |
| Horsepower | 328 hp | 247 hp @ 5400 rpm |
| Torque | 295 lb-ft | 258 lb-ft @ 1800 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 | Volvo |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | 7-speed automated manual | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Drivetrain Type | all wheel drive | front wheel drive |
| Center Differential Type | Limited Slip | — |
Fuel
| Feature | Audi | Volvo |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | premium unleaded (required) | premium unleaded (recommended) |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 23/31 MPG | 27/36 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 26 MPG | 30 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 333.5/449.5 mi. | 429.3/572.4 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 14.5 gal. | 15.9 gal. |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Audi | Volvo |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | — | ✓ |
| Universal Remote Transmitter | — | ✓ |
| Leatherette Steering Wheel | — | ✓ |
| Dual Zone Climate Control | — | ✓ |
| Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Audi | Volvo |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 10.1 in | 9.0 in |
| AM/FM Stereo | ✓ | ✓ |
| Speaker System | 6 | 10 |
| Android Auto (Wireless) | ✓ | — |
| Apple CarPlay (Wireless) | ✓ | — |
| USB Port | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB Port with External Media Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Stereo Power | — | 220W |
| Android Auto (Wired) | — | ✓ |
| Apple CarPlay (Wired) | — | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio | — | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio Trial Period | — | 3 months |
Power Feature
| Feature | Audi | Volvo |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 4 | 4 |
| Moonroof Type | 1st Row Power Glass Extended | 1st Row Power Glass |
| Remote Keyless Entry | ✓ | — |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Keyless Entry | — | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Audi | Volvo |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 36.8 in. | 37.4 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 41.2 in. | 42.3 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 54.8 in. | 56.1 in. |
| Seat Material: Leather/Sueded Microfiber | ✓ | — |
| Front Seat Type: Sport | ✓ | — |
| Driver Seat Power Adjustments | 8-way | 8-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 | Power |
| Driver Seat Heating | Multi-level | — |
| Passenger Seat Heating | Multi-level | — |
| Front Hip Room | — | 55.3 in. |
| Seat Material: Leatherette | — | ✓ |
| Front Seat Type: Bucket | — | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Memory Settings | — | 2 |
Rearseats
| Feature | Audi | Volvo |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 36.6 in. | 37.2 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 35.2 in. | 35.2 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 53.0 in. | 54.5 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | — |
| Folding Rear Seat Feature | ✓ | ✓ |
| Pass-Thru Center Armrest | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Hip Room | — | 53.4 in. |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Audi | Volvo |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Material | Alloy | — |
| Wheel Diameter | 18 in | — |
| Tire Size | 225/40R18 | 235/45R18 |
| Run Flat Tires | ✓ | — |
| Wheel Finish | — | Painted Alloy |
| Wheel Size | — | 18 x 8.0 in |
| Tire Type | — | All Season |
| Spare Tire Type | — | Temporary |
| Spare Tire Location | — | Inside Mounted |
Suspension
| Feature | Audi | Volvo |
|---|---|---|
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
Warranty
| Feature | Audi | Volvo |
|---|---|---|
| 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./ 30000 mi. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2025 Audi S3 and 2025 Volvo S60.
Which car has better performance specs between the S3 and S60?
The 2025 Audi S3 is the more powerful option, putting down 328 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque, compared to the Volvo S60's 247 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque.
Is the premium fuel requirement a major concern for the Audi S3?
Yes, the S3 explicitly requires premium unleaded fuel for its higher-output engine, while the S60 only recommends it, which affects long-term running costs.
How much more spacious is the Volvo S60 compared to the Audi S3?
The S60 is notably more practical for cargo, offering 11.6 cubic feet of storage space compared to the S3’s smaller 8.3 cubic feet. Additionally, the S60 is about 10.7 inches longer overall.
Is the Audi S3's all-wheel drive worth the extra cost over the S60's FWD?
The S3 includes all-wheel drive (AWD) standard, which is ideal for poor weather traction, whereas the S60 uses a front-wheel drive (FWD) setup, impacting capability in severe conditions.
What is the MPG difference between the two sedans?
The Volvo S60 wins on efficiency with a combined 30 MPG rating (27 city/36 highway), creating a 4 MPG combined difference over the Audi S3's 26 MPG combined rating (23 city/31 highway).
How do the transmissions compare in the 2025 models?
The Audi S3 utilizes a quicker-shifting 7-speed automated manual transmission, while the Volvo S60 employs a more traditional 8-speed shiftable automatic.
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