2023 Audi RS 3 v Mercedes-AMG A 45 S Comparison | Which German giant-killer is the best hot hatch?

[@GregMurnin]

Both great cars undoubtedly. I got the a45s 3 months ago and it's by far the easiest car I've ever driven. Can't go wrong with either car by the sound of things.

[@dh-ro6gh]

How does "best" hot hatch = cheaper to buy and service? It should be whichever one is the better at being a hot hatch.

[@germanengineering204]

RS3 is a better overall package, and better long term value to an owner! That was the conclusion of this review, and most others!

[@dh-ro6gh]

@@germanengineering204 Its fine if you think it's the better package, but I would rather own the AMG. I rather be excited by sitting inside it and driving dynamics are more exciting. Since when was a VAG product long term ownership better than a Mercedes? In what way?

[@germanengineering204]

@@dh-ro6gh Resale value is the main reason! I like the Benz a lot as well considered buying one!👍

[@Thisonegoestoeleven666]

@@dh-ro6gh Resale value and interior quality are two of the many reasons that come to mind. Merc quality has been dropping like a stone. How many rattles would you like for your 100k sir?

[@billshoe22191]

I had much more fun with the A45 S on the track compared to the new RS3 but I can see the argument for it. Both great cars. The front bumper or lack there of on the Audi is a deal breaker to me though

[@Joobkl]

Great review. I ended up getting S3 sportback. Value for money. Enough performance and great daily

[@zIBaXiiIz]

Poor

[@Thisonegoestoeleven666]

@@zIBaXiiIz Smart. The RS3 and A45s pricing is for DHs only and depreciate is going to sting. You can't use that performance on Aussie roads.

[@Thisonegoestoeleven666]

Good move. The pricing is taking the pi$$ now.

[@luciussander8217]

You can display two dials in RS individual. That's the display I have mine in.

[@davew5167]

Excellent review. I've driven both, and they are both great cars. I bought the A45S because to me, it felt up on its toes and alive, very much like a real sports car. The RS3 felt less special, maybe more livable and better for every day driving, but who buys a car like either of these for everyday driving?!!!

[@oggyoggy1299]

Most people buy these for everyday driving.

[@luciussander8217]

I imagine everyone buys these cars as dailies! I owner, not drove, owned the Merc for almost 3 years and now have the RS3. My view is the exact opposite of yours. LOL. You can keep the hard seats and hairdryer of an engine.

[@davew5167]

@@luciussander8217 That's funny. You missed the bit that I own my A45S. You also confirmed my point that the RS3 is more comfortable. Incredible insight! As for the engine note, I've put a full akrapovic system on the A45 and it sounds amazing. Screams at the redline. Would be great if that was a factory solution though.

[@Thisonegoestoeleven666]

Most people mate. What % of time do you spend on track? 2% tops?

[@steverobbo55]

Great Video 👍👍

[@GizmoGTI]

i got the a45s, love it! audi looks like a german helmet, amg looks the biz

[@RichLion]

Once the ECU is unlocked on the 8Y, it will be a low 10sec car with a flash, e85, downpipe.

[@Jays22b]

e85 , now we talking. Got me stuffed why it was never allowed oem

[@scottiewardle]

You didnt mention the gear shift change on the a45s is far superior and responsive than the rs3. Especially downshifting on command.

[@luciussander8217]

I owned the Merc for nearly 3 years and recently got the RS3 with RS pack and full carbon trim, after an 18 month wait I would add. The Merc, whilst being a great car, comes second in this contest. It was uncomfortable on longer journeys, sounded like a hair dryer and was a bit in your face for my liking. Whilst I liked the interior, my wife hated it. The Merc developed rattles as well and they were not easy to sort out. The biggest thing though is handling, the RS3 is way better and sounds better. Tech in the RS3 is better and you CAN display two dials in the virtual dash. The RS3 looks better too, albeit that's always going to be subjective I guess. I'm much happier with the Audi than the Merc and crucially it feels special, unlike the Merc. Only gripes with the RS3... the B&O is crap, it really is. OK, some of the plastics are cheap, but it is hard to spot them. Last thing, the drive modes are very glitchy - seems there are software issues, but a fix is coming. Nearly 2 years after the car was launched, come on Audi...

[@brendan6093]

If I was to consider either of these 2 cars but slightly more budget friendly what year model would you suggest if I'm not to fussed about tech and having more km's?

[@darrenbodfish4591]

I would always go Mercedes AMG, beautiful cars ❤

[@knight2425]

Wait for the Hyundai fanboys to come on and tell us their Hyundai is better than both these cars

[@hi9580]

More hp and handling for the money

[@knight2425]

@@hi9580 from the Hyundai?

[@Model1822]

Hyundai 😂😂😂

[@SR-fi8ef]

🫨

[@upbeatmantis86]

I30n is better 👊👊👊

[@brunopais9494]

RS3! No doubt al all!👌

[@jeffstryker1454]

I think I like the Mercedes better and that interior is nice.

[@Jays22b]

audi r3 having different wheel sizes, Nah bad move, My amg a45 i rotate the tyre's easy. i got 2 spare tyre's already I can use on front or rear. In a country town, try having a blow out and replacing the tyre!!, I leave old tyre's at parent's in country localions . Audi , I'de have to leave 2 spare tyre's to differnet sizes.

[@jagayong9333]

You must mean you’re 180cm tall, not 180km tall (4:50)

[@CrystalNinja07]

He clearly said centimeters

[@fale892]

Spotto

[@GlenKimpton]

Hahaha you mean spotto spotto

[@g.m3399]

Toyota Corolla GR / Yaris GR # 1

[@dh-ro6gh]

Number 1 for what? Corolla interior and 1 less cylinder? Sorry, if I can spend the money on an A45S or RS3 hatch, I'm not picking a Corolla.

[@luciussander8217]

Girl's cars

[@nickloborec1416]

@@luciussander8217 Couldn't agree more. My wife loves her rs3

[@mvnorsel6354]

Totally wasted on me I'm a slow driver. Still no harm to watch.

[@x58evo2puma7]

I just got myself amg a45s and I don’t like the way the rs3 looked and the interior looks ugly and the stupid steering wheel and the price of the Audi not worth the money so I went for amg better choice ❤

[@skids4791]

Audis interior is bland and boring as you can’t get the coloured stitching in the UK. The info system looks awful and old where as the Merc looks stunning inside. I looked at both and pic the. A45 up in 5 weeks. For me, easily the better car.

[@luciussander8217]

Good luck with that. I recently sold my A45S+ and now have my carbon sporback RS3, my God, WAY BETTER and then some!

[@skids4791]

@@luciussander8217 I’m sure the drive of the RS3 is incredible but I want more and I feel you get that in a Merc at the moment. Enjoy you car mate.

[@angy97]

A45 big dial vents looks exaggerated and ugly, like RS3 dash

[@rustygates3367]

How did you get to the conclusion that the RS3 was better? You just boiled it all down to price... wtf? and the build/interior of the AMG is certainly better. Carwow did the better comparison...