Audi RS3 vs AMG A45: 2023 Hyper Hatch Comparison Review (With 0-100km/h)

[@zaamuro8408]

I'd get the Audi just for the 5 pot sound

[@chasingcars]

It’s a nice warble

[@bravofoxable]

RS3 👍👊

[@6ixtynine]

I’d take the A45s purely because it sounds more exciting and manic which is what you want in a hot hatch.

[@chasingcars]

Fair points. And yeah, it's more manic.

[@WildDanHibiki]

Those RS3 engines can be boosted to pretty crazy hp on stock internals so I would take that.

[@nickm133]

Nah gotta change the pistons and rods. The rods look like a stem of a wine glass, weak. Many have been bent. Google it. The A45s has stronger internals coming with forged pistons/crank and closed deck as it needed to running 30psi.

[@eeiko321]

@@nickm133 doesn’t the RS3 have forged internals?

[@speeddemonRS3]

​@@nickm133try saying such nonsense on different channels, and people would laugh you right of KZbin 😂

[@speeddemonRS3]

Motor is extremely durable trust me! I'm an Audi technician!

[@rynomuncher]

Even if the Audi isn't quite as good to drive I'd just have to have the 5 pot!. I know it's not a big thing but the lack of flat bottom wheel in the Audi is a shame also. They do the best flat bottomed wheels imo and for this price we deserve it. I've heard it's due to some safety thing though so, fair enough.

[@chasingcars]

I think it’s the capacitive steering wheel function… only possible with round wheels right now.

[@MrBenHaynes]

I'm glad we've come "full circle". Flat bums are faddish and their time has come to pass.

[@slats1987]

Yeah we get the flat bottom in the UK. So long as you don't tick the driver assistance pack, we don't get the interior design pack though (no red/green colours inside). Mine arrives in couple of weeks

[@Zeratul199]

Completely agree I love flat bottom steering wheels. Got one in my golf R and am excited to have one in the A45s when the refreshed model comes out next year

[@jay_petrol]

Best head to head comparison between these two great hatchbacks. Been driving both extensively and I 100% share your conclusion. Thanks for a fantastic in-depth review.

[@telemaster]

First Curt review I’ve seen on CC - enjoyed 👍

[@chasingcars]

Thanks Sam!

[@MrBenHaynes]

I'll take the four rings on price, suspension suppleness, aural pleasure, a less stressed motor, aesthetics. It's the winner as a daily proposition. The three pronged suppository gets the nod (insertion?) for trackwork.

[@nickm133]

I think this is a really good take on the differences between each car. Great review. Both are great cars, can’t go wrong.

[@chasingcars]

Thanks for watching!

[@Zeratul199]

This is exactly the video I've been looking for as I am looking to buy one of these two in the near future. Only shame is that this doesn't include the slight refresh of the A45S which has just been announced as that would include the newer AMG steering wheel and updated MBUX platform

[@chasingcars]

Glad to be of help.

[@nathandepasquale9571]

AMG for me but both incredible. Good review 👍🏼

[@chasingcars]

Thanks, Nathan!

[@JBOsurf]

I drove them both back to back earlier this month. The Audi is a lovely object, looks cool, fab engine, but it's an engine in search of a chassis. Under hard braking it was not confidence inspiring. The nose got heavy, the back got light and it took a few bites at the wheel to set the line into a corner. When you're really up it (and I was able to do this on empty B roads in the hills) the chassis is left wanting. And you could often be caught in the wrong gear or off boost, or both. The merc on the other hand was sensational. Keyed into the road, strong engine, excellent gearbox, settled on turn in and throughout corner exit. The Interior is nicer. The bucket seats are better and more supportive in cornering than the squidgy seats in the RS3 (they need to make the buckets in the Europe only RS3 Performance available as an option on all RS3s worldwide). There is too much going on with the dash and the options/interface etc in the merc, but on the whole I came away very impressed. For context my weekend car is a 981 GT4, and my daily which I am looking to replace is a Fiesta ST. I felt the ST has a better and more predictable chassis than the RS3 and certainly has better steering feel. I wanted to love the RS3 as I love the way it looks, but it left me disappointed. Your results may differ of course so try them both! My shortlist for a daily - 2023 Civic Type R /// 2020 or later A45s /// 2020-21 Giulia Veloce (or the 2023 update when they announce specs etc) /// 2017 or later Lexus GS-F // 2019-2020 Macan S.

[@chasingcars]

Perceptive comments. Thanks.

[@bubblesthechimp97]

I've taken the new RS3 on a track and agree with some of this stuff, but not all. Using the paddle shifters can solve some of the issues you describe (turbo lag is real bad if not in the correct gear). I'll disagree on the brakes. I felt quite confident in the brakes at 130 mph. Wholeheartedly agree about the seats. I was getting thrown around way to much.

[@JBOsurf]

@@bubblesthechimp97 To clarify I didn't mean to suggest the brakes were not strong (braking force and modulation was good), but rather the movement of the chassis under hard braking was not confidence inspiring. The chassis seemed unsettled. No such issues with the A45s.

[@ct4928]

Thank you jbo sir

[@JBOsurf]

@@chasingcars Hi CC team. Can you advise the date the embargo lifts on the Civic Type R? No details, just the date. Thanks!

[@phatt180]

Great video, I’m so torn which way to go after driving both. I felt the Merc was more responsive over the Audi and the interior felt nicer. Also the trans in the Audi felt a bit indecisive and didn’t know which gear to be in. I want the Audi but I feel like the Merc is the better choice..

[@gregmurnin4532]

I haven't driven the RS3 but I got the A45s a week ago.......what a car!!! Small, nimble, surprisingly roomy and versatile......I just love it! Can't wait to break the engine in!

[@andrewcaltabiano5780]

As a audi man I'd take the RS3 easier too live with everyday

[@chasingcars]

They do have an allure.

[@audimidtowntoronto_]

Loving the Kylami Green!

[@chasingcars]

Great colour for the RS3!

[@audimidtowntoronto_]

@@chasingcars sure is!

[@erhanuzdilli9788]

The other day my son bought home a cla45 from work,i took it for drive i was gobsmacked it had so much power i was shocked....he told me it was tuned 370 plus kw. The following week he had an Audi RS6 2022 model i took it for a drive it was not all there, but he told me its freaky on the long run after about 160kls it pulls very very hard. But that cla45 was an animal, my focus rs has 257kw it is no where near that tuned cla45 this was extremely fast for that 2lt engine...mind blowing machine

[@MrBenHaynes]

How long before "mind blown" becomes "engine blown"?

[@speeddemonRS3]

Engine is under a lot of boost, and will not hold up well in the long run imo!!

[@smule27]

Really good job on this comparison video

[@chasingcars]

Thanks, Sam!

[@ct4928]

And the 5pot will easier get pumped to 500 plus 😮 game over

[@nickm133]

Irrelevant for most people as they want to keep their warranty. And surely driving enjoyment/engagement is more important than adding hp they don’t need. It seems the motoring journalists think the Merc is more fun and engaging to drive.

[@ct4928]

Lol you’re right, didn’t watch it yet hahah

[@mislead1070]

Same can ve done with the a45s as well my friend

[@speeddemonRS3]

​@@mislead10705 pot has waaay higher tuning capability are you joking?

[@mislead1070]

@@speeddemonRS3 I didn't said wayyyy higheerrrrr, i simply meant it can be pumped as well

[@ct4928]

What a review! 😊 thank you sir

[@chasingcars]

My pleasure!

[@guillermomeza8373]

Este video se debería llamar, como echar perder un video con dos autos hermosos!

[@EastWood2004]

I remember this guy in cars guide channel. Anyway I am glad to see him in chasing car channel!

[@chasingcars]

Thanks!

[@seinsmeld13]

Unfortunately the RS3 is longer sold here in Canada as a result I replaced my 2019 RS3 with a 2923 BMW M2.

[@squealingtyres]

Both great cars

[@chasingcars]

True, this is a really awesome set of hatches

[@trevorcooper1138]

List price for the RS3 91k yet I get told 140k from Audi dealer in Parramatta.Are they ripping me off?

[@andyh5666]

My sister is bringing home that exact A45s spec and colour around Jan/Feb sometime. I was considering buying that same RS3 in the green (but in sedan format) just for a bit of family/sibling germanic rivalry - so it was great to see these two, in that spec head to head. I've decided against the RS3 (just too much car for me and I won't be able to enjoy it at the limits although it would be very nice). Looking forward to having a drive in my sisters A45s when it arrives.

[@MrBenHaynes]

Get an S3, it's all anyone really needs and would be easier to live with. Don't concern yourself with Sis and her angry little wasp.

[@EastWood2004]

I thought you need to wait 18 months if you order an rs3 now.

[@speeddemonRS3]

I've drove the new S3 and RS3, and there is absolutely no comparison whatsoever! RS3 is worth every penny more than the S3 because of sound of course, performance, and looks! RS3 will hold its value a lot better as well!

[@akent46]

Where is this road you test on? Stay within the double lines too mate 😉

[@gazz501]

Inside rear wheel lift at 1.36

[@levymalesa4649]

I think the AMG looks sportier from the outside than the rs3

[@chasingcars]

Definitely with the optional aero

[@henrytang2203]

The AMG is a nicer overall sports car, as it shifts noticeably faster than the RS. I don't really care about the engine sound and 0-100 being a tiny smidge less.

[@eeiko321]

I feel the RS3 would be a better car after being woken up by a tune.. assuming it having a larger displacement (2.5L) and an additional cylinder… it be more responsive to stage 2 tunes than the A45 would. 🤔

[@darrenbodfish4591]

Mercedes everytime ❤❤

[@gbalmain]

I'm really not liking the current cut down reviews, this deserved alot more detail. Yes this is my own very subjective opinion, I standby it nonetheless.

[@chasingcars]

I hope you still found 11 minutes of commentary by one of Australia’s most perceptive road testers useful, though.

[@gbalmain]

@@chasingcars Well, he's okay but I'm the type of person who will spend hours on car makers configerator pages, so I am a tad pedantic and petty, pay me no mind.

[@a23thm77]

Green one for sure

[@haviiithelegogunner907]

The Audi has better 0-100, 100-200 times, better braking, way higher topspeed than the mercedes and has faster times on nearly every track there is in this world. Strange conclusio.

[@MrTebza17]

AMG all day everyday for me 🤑🤑

[@chasingcars]

Fair enough!

[@eu8y]

RS3

[@chasingcars]

Up the five cylinder!

[@RichLion]

RS3, has the ball bag when you need it, and can drive you to the office without looking like a chav.

[@andyh5666]

First. Nice comparo

[@chasingcars]

Thanks Andy.

[@fzr1000981]

$65k with technology package, no markup. Prefer tango red

[@johnhaigh8178]

I’d like to know where they hit 100kmph on the road sometimes over when they hit 100kmph

[@Alby911]

Gotta love the aussie luxury car tax that still exist to protect nonexistant locally manufactured cars

[@chasingcars]

Grrr

[@mikado1202]

Those list price only can buy a s3 drive away😅

[@Jays22b]

Luv me a45, been oem and so fast is great, My 400kw subaru will be taken of road soon. sad face.

[@c.s2001]

There you go. Pick one. Yellow or Green.

[@chasingcars]

Lemon or lime.

[@c.s2001]

@@chasingcars Come on Guys, nobody wants to pick a “Lemon”

[@madrx2]

it's a shame the new rs3 sounds like garbage when compared to the previous generations!

[@Ali-yj6pl]

Some opportunists asking up to 150k for Rs3 on Carsales ! LOL

[@eu8y]

That’s mad lol

[@lindsay9697]

I’ll take a c63 for that price 😂

[@chasingcars]

Wow!

[@Ali-yj6pl]

@@lindsay9697 I'm a big Audi fan but gotta be stupid to pay that much ! Yep C63 is fire!

[@plakic]

None of those cars are selling. There are multiple rs3’s on fb marketplace and car sales, and they’ve been there for months.

[@gokuljosh1186]

I'm shocked everytime price is announced in your videos, then i realise that the price is in Australian dollars. 🥲

[@chasingcars]

😂