Audi RS3 Sportback vs Audi A8 50 TDI quattro

Comparison winners

4 metrics
0-100 winner Audi RS3 Sportback 3.7 s Runner-up: 5.6 s
Power winner Audi RS3 Sportback 407 hp Runner-up: 286 hp
Cargo winner Audi A8 50 TDI quattro 505 L Runner-up: 282 L
Price winner Audi RS3 Sportback $65,500 Runner-up: $89,900

How the specs compare

This comparison sets the 2026 Audi RS3 Sportback against the 2024 Audi A8 50 TDI quattro. Both belong to the sedan class, so their dimensions, performance and utility figures address a broadly similar type of car. One uses a petrol powertrain and the other a diesel system, so range and consumption figures need to be read in that context.

Performance, power and 0-100 km/h

2026 Audi RS3 Sportback has the quicker recorded 0-100 km/h time at 3.7 seconds, compared with 5.6 seconds for 2024 Audi A8 50 TDI quattro. 2026 Audi RS3 Sportback has the higher listed output at 407 hp; 2024 Audi A8 50 TDI quattro is rated at 286 hp, a difference of 121 hp. The torque figures follow 2024 Audi A8 50 TDI quattro at 600 Nm and 2026 Audi RS3 Sportback at 500 Nm. These figures describe straight-line potential only; they do not establish braking performance, ride quality, steering response or durability under repeated hard use.

Range, battery, charging and efficiency

Range and energy-use figures are either not shared by both cars or not directly comparable across these powertrain types.

Dimensions, cargo space and towing

2024 Audi A8 50 TDI quattro provides the larger quoted cargo volume: 505 litres versus 282 litres, a difference of 223 litres. 2024 Audi A8 50 TDI quattro is 813 mm longer overall. Exterior size is not a benefit by itself: a longer body may create useful room, but cargo shape, rear-seat space and ease of parking still require a physical inspection.

Price and overall assessment

2026 Audi RS3 Sportback has the lower listed starting price at $65,500, compared with $89,900 for 2024 Audi A8 50 TDI quattro. 2026 Audi RS3 Sportback leads in more of the shared headline fields, but that is not a universal verdict: a buyer should weight price, performance, range and utility rather than simply count category wins. The assessment is based on the specifications shown here; it is not presented as a two-car road test.

Prepared by CarsbySpec from the structured specifications displayed on this page. Missing values are not estimated, and component figures are not treated as directly comparable system figures. Read the methodology.

Specification Audi RS3 Sportback2026 Audi A8 50 TDI quattro2024
Performance
0-100 km/h3.7 s5.6 s
Top Speed300 km/h250 km/h
Power407 hp286 hp
Torque500 Nm600 Nm
Range & Efficiency
Fuel Tank50 L73 L
Efficiency9.1 L/100km6.8 L/100km
CO2 Emissions208 g/km179 g/km
Size & Capacity
Length4,381 mm5,194 mm
Ground Clearance128 mm120 mm
Cargo282 L505 L
Curb Weight1,575 kg2,080 kg
Seats55
Turning Circle10.9 m12.4 m
Starting MSRP$65,500$89,900

Audi RS3 Sportback vs Audi A8 50 TDI quattro questions answered

Which is faster, the 2026 Audi RS3 Sportback or the 2024 Audi A8 50 TDI quattro?

2026 Audi RS3 Sportback is quicker from 0-100 km/h at 3.7 seconds, versus 5.6 seconds for 2024 Audi A8 50 TDI quattro.

Which has the higher top speed, the 2026 Audi RS3 Sportback or the 2024 Audi A8 50 TDI quattro?

2026 Audi RS3 Sportback has the higher listed top speed at 300 km/h (186 mph), compared with 250 km/h (155 mph).

Which has more horsepower, the 2026 Audi RS3 Sportback or the 2024 Audi A8 50 TDI quattro?

2026 Audi RS3 Sportback has more power at 407 hp, a 121 hp advantage over 2024 Audi A8 50 TDI quattro.

Which has more cargo or boot space, the 2026 Audi RS3 Sportback or the 2024 Audi A8 50 TDI quattro?

2024 Audi A8 50 TDI quattro has more listed cargo space at 505 litres (17.8 cu ft), versus 282 litres (10.0 cu ft).

Which is heavier, the 2026 Audi RS3 Sportback or the 2024 Audi A8 50 TDI quattro?

2024 Audi A8 50 TDI quattro is heavier at 2,080 kg (4,586 lb), while 2026 Audi RS3 Sportback is listed at 1,575 kg (3,472 lb).

Which is cheaper, the 2026 Audi RS3 Sportback or the 2024 Audi A8 50 TDI quattro?

2026 Audi RS3 Sportback has the lower recorded starting MSRP at $65,500 USD, compared with $89,900 USD for 2024 Audi A8 50 TDI quattro. Regional pricing and equipment can differ.

Which is better, the 2026 Audi RS3 Sportback or the 2024 Audi A8 50 TDI quattro?

2026 Audi RS3 Sportback leads in more of the shared headline fields, but that is not a universal verdict: a buyer should weight price, performance, range and utility rather than simply count category wins. This comparison is based on recorded specifications rather than a road test, so the right choice depends on the buyer's priorities.