Audi S3 vs Aston Martin Vanquish
What's the difference?

Audi S3

$73,980 - $98,888

2025 price

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Aston Martin Vanquish

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2026 price

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Aston Martin Vanquish

Mercedes-Benz A-Class

Mercedes-Benz A35

Mercedes-Benz A45

Mercedes-Benz AMG GT

Mercedes-Benz C-Class

Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class

Mercedes-Benz CLA250

Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class

Mercedes-Benz E-Class

Mercedes-Benz E53

Mercedes-Benz EQS

Mercedes-Benz S-Class

Mercedes-Benz SL-Class

Summary

2025 Audi S3

2026 Aston Martin Vanquish

By Emily Agar

By Stephen Ottley

Safety Rating

Engine Type

Turbo 4, 2.0L

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Fuel Type

Premium Unleaded Petrol

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Fuel Efficiency

7.9L/100km (combined)

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Seating

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Likes

Athletic and sporty in all the right places
Improved engine outputs
Gorgeous cabin space

Imposing presence
Immense power
Plush interior

Dislikes

Tiny back seat
Missing some premium features
Lots of road noise

Somewhat thirsty
Too fast for the road
Average warranty coverage

2025 Audi S3 Summary

In a world where car upgrades often feel like saying, “Can I upsize that?”, it’s refreshing to hop into the updated Audi S3 Sportback.

The flagship RS 3 may still be the holy grail of hot hatch dreams, but with boosted engine outputs and upgraded tech, the S3 is stepping up.

Is the S3 Sportback the smarter pick over pricier rivals? It delivers serious performance and polish without stretching into RS 3 territory. With fierce competition in the segment, let’s see what this contender brings to the table.

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2026 Aston Martin Vanquish Summary

What makes the Aston Martin Vanquish a luxury car? Everything.

Its over-the-top performance and opulence makes its very existence the definition of a luxury car. Nobody on the planet has any need for this car, you only buy the Vanquish because you want it - and that makes it one of the most luxurious vehicles on sale today.

Its very existence is tied directly to what’s under the bonnet, the last V12 remaining in Aston Martin’s showroom, and the fact that some customers can simply not bring themselves to drive anything without 12 cylinders.

So, what’s it like driving the apex of luxury? Read on to find out…

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Deep dive comparison

2025 Audi S3 2026 Aston Martin Vanquish

Verdict

The updated Audi S3 Sportback is a fun-sized dynamo with impressive outputs and athletic road manners. It’s missing a few premium features, but its compact size paired with a gutsy engine makes it a compelling option for drivers who don’t want to compromise on performance (just space).

Verdict

The definition of luxury is having something you want, rather than something you need. And the Vanquish is definitely something you don’t need, but will desperately want once you’ve experienced it. It’s opulence on wheels, the kind of car you buy mostly because you can. Because owning a V8-powered Aston Martin wouldn’t cut it in your circle of friends. Or because you just want the very best things in life, cost be damned.

Audi S3 vs Aston Martin Vanquish What's the difference?

Summary

Deep dive comparison

Verdict

Verdict

Audi S3 vs Aston Martin Vanquish
What's the difference?