2025 Audi S3 vs 2026 Acura Integra
Comparison Overview
The 2025 Audi S3 launches an aggressive, turbocharged assault with 328 hp and standard Quattro all-wheel drive, offering blistering agility for the driving purist, albeit at a premium starting MSRP of $48,700. Contrast this with the vibrant 2026 Acura Integra, which champions practicality with a cavernous 24.3 cu ft of cargo space in its hatchback body, appealing to those seeking versatile daily transport. Performance disparity is significant: the S3 boasts 128 more horsepower (328 hp vs. 200 hp) and demands premium fuel. While the Audi serves up thrilling acceleration and utilizes a 7-speed automated manual, the Integra returns superior efficiency, netting 32 combined MPG compared to the S3's 26 MPG. Furthermore, the Integra saves buyers a substantial $15,300 upfront, proving that accessible fun can still be exhilarating.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2026 Acura Integra
The 2026 Acura Integra wins for commuters due to its superior fuel economy of 32 combined MPG and lower ownership barrier.
2026 Acura Integra
The Integra dominates family hauling with nearly three times the cargo capacity, offering 24.3 cu ft versus the S3's 8.3 cu ft.
2025 Audi S3
The 2025 Audi S3 is the clear enthusiast choice, delivering a potent 328 hp and standard all-wheel drive for dynamic handling.
2026 Acura Integra
The Integra offers outstanding value by undercutting the S3's price by $15,300 while providing better efficiency.
Choose the Audi S3 if...
- You demand high performance, evidenced by its 328 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque.
- All-weather stability and crisp shifting from the 7-speed automated manual are priorities.
- You prefer a smaller, more nimble sedan footprint, measuring 177.4 inches in length.
Choose the Acura Integra if...
- Maximum utility is required, utilizing the Integra’s massive 24.3 cu ft hatchback cargo hold.
- You want to save $15,300 upfront compared to the Audi's $48,700 MSRP.
- You prioritize fuel savings, realizing a 6 MPG combined advantage (32 MPG vs 26 MPG).
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Audi S3 | Acura Integra |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 177.4" | 185.8" |
| Width | 71.5" | 72.0" |
| Height | 55.7" | 55.5" |
| Wheelbase | 103.6" | 107.7" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Audi | Acura |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | — | ✓ |
| Rear Solid Disc Brakes | — | ✓ |
| Headlight Delay-Off | — | ✓ |
| Front Height Adjustable Headrests | — | ✓ |
| Rear Integrated Headrests | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Audi | Acura |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 2.0 L | 1.5 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 4 | inline 4 |
| Base Engine Type | gas | gas |
| Horsepower | 328 hp | 200 hp @ 6000 rpm |
| Torque | 295 lb-ft | 192 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 | Acura |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | 7-speed automated manual | continuously variable-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain Type | all wheel drive | front wheel drive |
| Center Differential Type | Limited Slip | — |
Fuel
| Feature | Audi | Acura |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | premium unleaded (required) | premium unleaded (recommended) |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 23/31 MPG | 29/37 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 26 MPG | 32 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 333.5/449.5 mi. | 359.6/458.8 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 14.5 gal. | 12.4 gal. |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Audi | Acura |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | — | ✓ |
| Wireless Charging Pad | — | ✓ |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | — | ✓ |
| Overhead Console with Storage | — | ✓ |
| Single Zone Climate Control | — | ✓ |
| Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Audi | Acura |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 10.1 in | 9.0 in |
| AM/FM Stereo | ✓ | ✓ |
| Speaker System | 6 | 8 |
| Android Auto (Wireless) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Apple CarPlay (Wireless) | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB Port | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB Port with External Media Control | ✓ | ✓ |
Power Feature
| Feature | Audi | Acura |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 4 | 2 |
| Moonroof Type | 1st Row Power Glass Extended | 1st Row Power Glass |
| Remote Keyless Entry | ✓ | — |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Keyless Entry | — | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Audi | Acura |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 36.8 in. | 37.6 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 41.2 in. | 42.3 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 54.8 in. | 57.0 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 | — |
| 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 | — | 54.3 in. |
| Seat Material: Leatherette | — | ✓ |
| Front Seat Type: Bucket | — | ✓ |
| Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments | — | 4-way |
Rearseats
| Feature | Audi | Acura |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 36.6 in. | 36.4 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 35.2 in. | 37.4 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 53.0 in. | 56.0 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | ✓ |
| Folding Rear Seat Feature | ✓ | — |
| Pass-Thru Center Armrest | ✓ | — |
| Rear Hip Room | — | 48.9 in. |
| Folding Center Armrest | — | ✓ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Audi | Acura |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Material | Alloy | — |
| Wheel Diameter | 18 in | — |
| Tire Size | 225/40R18 | ✓ |
| Run Flat Tires | ✓ | — |
| Painted Alloy Wheels | — | ✓ |
| Polished Alloy Wheels | — | ✓ |
| Wheel Size | — | 17 x 7.0 in |
| Tire Type | — | All Season |
Suspension
| Feature | Audi | Acura |
|---|---|---|
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
Warranty
| Feature | Audi | Acura |
|---|---|---|
| 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. | 5 yr./ unlimited mi. |
| Roadside Assistance | 4 yr./ unlimited mi. | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. |
| Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance | — | 1 yr./ 12000 mi. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2025 Audi S3 and 2026 Acura Integra.
How does the cargo flexibility compare between the two models?
The 2026 Acura Integra is the undisputed cargo champion, offering a practical 24.3 cu ft in its hatchback layout. Conversely, the 2025 Audi S3 sedan is highly restricted with only 8.3 cu ft available in the trunk.
Is the premium fuel requirement in the Audi S3 worth the extra performance?
The S3 mandates premium unleaded to achieve its impressive 328 hp, a significant 128 hp advantage over the Integra’s 200 hp. If performance thrill is paramount, the higher running cost is a necessary trade-off.
Which car is better for high-mileage commuting?
For drivers covering long distances, the Acura Integra is the economical winner, achieving 37 highway MPG compared to the S3’s 31 highway MPG. This 6 MPG difference accumulates rapidly over time.
How do the driving dynamics differ based on drivetrain?
The Audi S3 utilizes Quattro all-wheel drive, suggesting superior grip and handling limits in poor conditions or spirited driving. The Integra relies on a front-wheel-drive setup, which is generally adequate but less performance-oriented.
What is the primary financial justification for choosing the Integra over the S3?
The most striking financial difference is the $15,300 MSRP gap, making the Integra significantly more accessible at $33,400 compared to the S3's $48,700 entry price.
Which transmission setup is generally preferred by performance drivers?
Enthusiasts often lean toward the Audi S3's 7-speed automated manual for its direct, rapid gear changes. The Integra uses a continuously variable automatic transmission, which prioritizes smooth, efficient power delivery.
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