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Mercedes-Benz A-Class vs Audi RS3

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Mercedes-Benz A-Class
Mercedes-Benz A-Class

$59,999 - $117,990

2023 price

Audi RS3
Audi RS3

2023 price

Summary

2023 Mercedes-Benz A-Class
2023 Audi RS3
Safety Rating

Engine Type

Fuel Type
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Fuel Efficiency
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Seating
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Dislikes
  • Engine lacks drama expected from AMG
  • Ride feels unresolved
  • Big price jump over old model

  • How much power is too much?
  • Front seats a bit flat at speed
  • Sportback looks a bit derivative
2023 Mercedes-Benz A-Class Summary

Think of a Mercedes-AMG and the first words that spring to mind are probably not - understated, efficient and restrained. And yet those are probably the best words to describe the all-new C 43.

Of course, before we go any further it’s important to note that the C 43, even in its previous six-cylinder guise, was never meant to be as wild, raucous or powerful as the C63 flagship - that’s simply not its role in the AMG line-up.

But even so, this new model is a dive into fresh territory for the brand and puts a very different spin on the AMG sports sedan as we know it.

This is a four-cylinder model, complete with a Formula One-derived electric turbocharger, so it lacks the sound and fury you expect from something carrying the ‘AMG’ badge - but that doesn’t mean it’s a bad car, as we’ll explain.

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2023 Audi RS3 Summary

After teasing us with the S3, all-wheel-drive version of its A3 sedan and hatch (Sportback in Audi-speak), Audi has finally given us the full-fat, RS3 variant of the same car. Any time you see an `R’ and an `S’ on the badge of an Audi, you know it’s the full nine yards in terms of all-wheel-drive grip and engine performance. And the RS3 is no different.

The power is enormous, the grip prodigious and the attitude is way tougher than any other A3 variant. It’s also well equipped, safe and nicely put together. But is that extra `R’ worth the added price of admission? And is this more Audi A-Series than you really need?

The other question is, given that the S3 is such a resolved package with its own shot of high-performance, do the numbers stack up for the RS3 version? How much is too much?

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Deep dive comparison

2023 Mercedes-Benz A-Class 2023 Audi RS3

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