Its odd five-cylinder engine is one of the RS3's most distinctive features. Due to its unusual number of cylinders, it has a distinctive thrumming noise that was especially appealing in the previous model. The new RS3 still uses a 2.5-liter turbocharged engine, but it now has 401 horsepower. The engine is mated to a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox that downshifts purposefully with light throttle inputs but acts more subtly under severe braking. An all-wheel-drive system with torque vectoring and a drift mode is included as standard. Unfortunately, it takes commitment and can be challenging to maintain to get the RS3's tail to kick out. The sportiest 3 sports improved brakes, a firmer suspension setup, and a special set of rims on stickier performance rubbers in comparison to the more composed A3 and S3. The RS3 passed the quarter-mile mark in just 11.8 seconds at 117 mph and recorded a blisteringly fast 3.3-second run to 60 mph.
Model
|
2022 Audi RS3
|
2022 BMW M240i xDrive
|
2022 Mercedes-AMG CLA45
|
2022 Kia Stinger GT2
|
MSRP
|
$59,995
|
$49,545
|
$56,950
|
$54,835
|
Powertrain
|
2.5L turbocharged inline-5
|
3.0L turbocharged inline-6
|
2.0L turbocharged inline-4
|
3.3L twin-turbo V6
|
Drivetrain
|
AWD
|
AWD
|
AWD
|
AWD
|
Transmission
|
7-speed dual-clutch automatic
|
8-speed automatic
|
8-speed automatic
|
8-speed automatic
|
Power (Hp)
|
401 hp @ 6500 rpm
|
382 hp @ 5800 rpm
|
382 hp @ 6500 rpm
|
368 hp @ 6000 rpm
|
Torque (lb.-ft)
|
369 lb-ft @ 3500 rpm
|
369 lb-ft @ 1800 rpm
|
354 lb-ft @ 4750 rpm
|
376 lb-ft @ 1300 rpm
|
0-60 MPH (seconds)
|
3.3 seconds
|
3.8 seconds
|
3.7 seconds
|
4.7 seconds
|
Quarter-mile (seconds)
|
11.8 seconds
|
12.1 seconds
|
12.4 seconds
|
12.9 seconds
|
Top Speed (MPH)
|
180 mph
|
155 mph
|
155 mph
|
155 mph
|
Though 2022 does not have an M2 from BMW, which would have been a more aggressive rival to the RS3, the M240i puts out surprisingly great performance figures for a much more affordable price but the additional power on the Audi makes it the quickest to 60. The Mercedes makes the same power as the BMW but is quicker by just a fraction of a second despite having a smaller 4-cylinder engine. Every car here feels drastically different to drive as they all carry different engine configurations and even though the Kia holds a twin-turbo V6, it takes almost 1.5 seconds more than the Audi to hit 60 mph from a standstill.
2022 Audi RS3 Ride and Handling
Driving the Audi RS3 is similar to operating a heavily modified Volkswagen Golf R. Given that both vehicles are built on Volkswagen's MQB platform, feature dual-clutch gearboxes, and have all-wheel drives that can distribute more torque to the rear axle, this shouldn't be too surprising. Having said that, the distinctive engine gives the RS3 a unique personality. The five-pot pays homage to Audi's racing past and has a seductive roar that is more reminiscent of a V10. When using launch control, the RS3 is only slightly slower to 60 mph than an RS6 or RS7. The 7-speed DCT allows the engine to crank before engaging its clutch packs, launching the vehicle with deliberate force into second gear. The five-pot engine then quickly shifts to the next gear after pulling strongly to its redline.
2022 Audi RS3 Braking Performance
The RS3 is prepared for track duty with its standard six-piston brakes and the choice of semi-slick Pirelli P Zero Trofeo R tires. Also available are carbon ceramic brakes that come as a part of the Dynamic Plus Package. Regardless of whether you add on the package or not, the RS3 comes ready to make the track its home as it has all the necessary stopping power. The 2022 Audi RS3 can come to a complete stop from 60mph in just 104 ft.
Model
|
2022 Audi RS3
|
2022 BMW M240i xDrive
|
2022 Mercedes-AMG CLA45
|
2022 Kia Stinger GT2
|
Brake Rotors (front) (in.)
|
14.8
|
14.5
|
13.8
|
13.8
|
Brake Rotors (rear) (in.)
|
12.2
|
13.3
|
13.0
|
13.4
|
Curb Weight (lbs)
|
3,649
|
3,871
|
3,660
|
4,023
|
60-0 (ft.)
|
104
|
124
|
118
|
124
|
Although the rivals pull off stopping within just 125 feet, they are nowhere near achieving the sub 105 geet stopping distance of the Audi. The Audi features the largest front brakes in the group but they are the opposite on the rear end and yet, the car manages to stop in the shortest possible distance. This also has to do with the weight as the RS3 happens to be the lightest option here with the Mercedes closely following, both in terms of weight as well as braking distance. Both the BMW and Kia take 124 feet to completely stop but the Kia feels slightly unstable while braking as the car is heavier.