There are a plethora of fun little cars gearheads lust over, just take the Toyota GR Corolla and Honda Civic Type R for example. Both of these cars aren't excruciatingly expensive, but they're far from a bargain. Don't fear, there is light at the end of the tunnel, and it's called the Audi RS3.
The Audi RS3 is one of the most versatile little performance cars money can buy. Today we're going to look at the RS3 on a broad spectrum, not only limiting ourselves to one generation. The first-generation RS3 (the 8P) made its debut in 2011, the second-generation (the 8V) in 2015, and the third-generation RS3 (the 8Y) in 2020. So, let's have a look at why the Audi RS3 is so loved, why you need to buy one, and why you need to act fast.
10 The Audi RS3 's Engine
Since the very first Audi RS3 took its first breath, it has utilized the same powertrain: A 2.5-liter turbocharged inline-five. The 8P RS3 produced 335 hp and 332 lb-ft of torque, whereas the 8V put out between 362 hp and 395 hp, as well as up to 354 lb-ft of torque, and the newest 8Y makes 400 hp on the dot and 369 lb-ft of torque.
Unfortunately, the sound these miniature V10's made decreased in volume over the generations, but they still sound like nothing else on the road.
9 The Audi RS3's Gearbox
We have to address the elephant in the room... no Audi RS3 has ever come standard with a manual transmission. However, the automatic transmissions they came with are lightning fast.
All RS3s feature the same 7-speed dual-clutch transmission Audi calls the "S-Tronic" gearbox. As with all performance cars, there is a manual setting for the gearbox that allows you to be as involved as possible.
8 The Audi RS3's All-Wheel-Drive System
Since the release of the Sport Quattro, Audi has made it their personal mission to equip every single one of their cars with Quattro all-wheel-drive. Even their supercar, the Audi R8, received the Quattro treatment. Oh, there is one thing we forgot to mention, Audi's all-wheel-drive system is superior to all others the market has to offer.
Thanks to some clever technology, the Audi RS3's all-wheel-drive system benefits it in rough weather conditions, and on the track. These little performance cars pack one hell of a punch, and if you happen to go for the latest RS3, you'll be able to send the majority of the power to the rear wheels and turn your sensible hatch into a drift missile.
7 The Audi RS3 Is A True Pocket Rocket
Okay, so let's get to talking numbers, performance numbers that is. The first-gen Audi RS3 was already a vigilant machine that could reach 60 mph from a standstill in just 4.6 seconds. The next two generations took things up a notch though.
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The second-gen RS3 could do 0-60 mph in 3.8 seconds, and the third-generation RS3 could do the same in a mere 3.2 seconds. That's quicker than the next-generation Ford Mustang GT.
6 The Audi RS3 Is An All-In-One Performance Car
Just think about it for a moment, what can't the Audi RS3 do? It's all-wheel-drive, so it'll be viable in any weather condition, it's more than capable enough of embarrassing people at traffic stops, and it has space for five people inside.
The only car that might rival the likes of the RS3 is another one built by Audi, the restless RS6 Avant. Then again, if we're talking money, you can buy yourself a few RS3s and have a lesser dent in your wallet than if you were to buy an RS6.
5 The Audi RS3 Is A Sleeper
The Audi RS3 is far from looking ugly, or even boring as a matter of fact. But in all honesty, if you weren't a gearhead and just saw this black Audi drive past you on the street, you wouldn't think much of it... that is until you try and race him.
Remember that even the slowest RS3 does 0-60 mph in under 5 seconds, and even b today's standards, that's an impressive figure. There really is something surreal about outrunning much more expensive, more extravagant cars in your Audi hatchback.
4 Used Audi RS3 Prices
The first-generation Audi RS3 was never sold in the States, but that doesn't mean that there aren't other affordable RS3 models available. For some reason, RS3 models aren't very prone to deprecation... Take for example this 2018 Audi RS3 listed on CarGurus. Despite it having 80,000 miles on the clock and being 4 years old, it only dropped around $10,000 in value.
That said, the second-gen RS3 still remains an unbeatable performance bargain that usually sells for $50,000. You do have to take into consideration that these cars were driven like proper maniacs more often than not, so do choose wisely.
3 The Audi RS3 Weighted Up Against Its Rivals
There aren't a ton of cars that rival the Audi RS3 performance-wise that fall into the same price segment. Take for instance the fun, reliable BMW M2. These Beemers usually sell for under $50,000, but then again, it sacrifices a sense of practicality and is slower than the RS3 in almost every instance.
The Volkswagen Golf R is another worthy rival to the Audi RS3. Although they are both from the same family (the Volkswagen Group) and feature similar all-wheel-drive systems, the two inhabit different powertrains. If money is your only concern, we'd understand why you'd opt out for a Golf R, after all, they are approximately $15,000 cheaper than the RS3. Why the vast price difference? It's on the inside that matters...
2 The Interior Of The Audi RS3
Audi is world-renowned for their Quattro all-wheel-drive system, but also for its impeccable cabins. All RS3 models – even the first-generation – have a well-crafted cockpit that's built out of the most luxurious materials and feature top-notch technology.
This is the main reason why enthusiasts rather buy RS3s over other hot hatches, like the Golf R.
1 The Audi RS3's Customization Choices
Just Mercedes-Benz has their friends and Brabus, Audi has some friends at ABT Sportsline. This company specializes in transforming Audis into even wilder beings. They work on SUVs like the RSQ8, but also work their magic on the RS3 and allow it to produce 500 hp.
But let's say you're more of a DIY man, you like to do things yourself instead of installing a pre-prepared packet. Well, as chance might have it, the RS3's inline-five is highly tunable. Don't believe us? Have a look at this video illustrating Iroz Motorsports' 1300-hp Audi RS3 drag car that achieved a 7-second quarter-mile time.