CAR WARS! Audi's All-New S3 Squares Off With Mercedes-Benz's All-New A45 AMG — WHICH German Would YOU Go Home With?

While Audi has offered the S3 abroad for some time now, it may be making its way Stateside. As we've seen Audi grow its brand in the U.S. with autos like the Q7, Q5 and a slew of S-line cars, maybe its time to bring out the baby of the pack. We know when we saw the first photos of the all-new S3 that we were taken aback by that sharp looking interior and the prospect of 300 horsepower in this small vehicle.

There is one problem though. Perhaps, two.

1) The Mercedes-Benz A45 AMG exists, and...

2) If there's going to be an RS3 in the works, it won't be out anytime soon.

Now the A45 is really the strong man in this competition. With more power and – arguably – a better interior, it certainly has a lot going for itself. Oh, and the upside Audi had for years with an all-wheel drivetrain is no longer feasible.


So, we have to ask: What's it going to be? The S3 or A45 AMG?


Audi S3 Photo Gallery

















































2014 Mercedes-Benz A45 AMG Photo Gallery

Autopinion - 2/22/2013 10:44:15 PM

0 Boost

the beautifully, classically designed one, not the one that looks like it came out of a Korean studio.

mclaren428 - 2/23/2013 12:03:19 AM

+4 Boost

Your right the Audi does look like a KIA.

The Mercedes looks the part and makes 60 more ponies from the same size engine.

pepito66 - 2/23/2013 12:23:44 AM

+1 Boost

Remember that Kia is using now the ex designer from Audi and now they named director designer at Kia , that's why Kia is taking design and clue from Audi. Not Audi from Kia.

pepito66 - 2/23/2013 12:24:32 AM

+3 Boost

Both are great but I would take the Mercedes for sure.

cidflekken - 2/23/2013 12:43:48 AM

+3 Boost

Even if it were at a significant premium, I'd choose the A45. Better exterior styling. Better interior styling (barely). More power. It might not have the cargo space, but that's not why I'm buying it.

irishmike - 2/23/2013 1:02:24 AM

+1 Boost

I like 'em both right now. I would choose the better driving experience and while I like good acceleration, the feel of the steering and the harmony between a great manual clutch/transmission would be of higher importance.

JRobUSC - 2/23/2013 10:38:28 AM

+3 Boost

I don't think either car is available with a manual.

Phantom4 - 2/23/2013 10:46:11 AM

+2 Boost

I particularly like the interior and rear design on the a45, and the engine is awesome, definitely my choice. The s3 looks nice even if the grill looks like it came of a Ram truck, but overall looks like any other Audi, a I don't like that the dash Is a big sheet of hard plastic.

scenicbyway12 - 2/23/2013 12:37:38 PM

+1 Boost

M135I

MercedesSL - 2/23/2013 9:40:51 PM

+2 Boost

Mercedes A45.

skytop - 2/24/2013 12:35:59 PM

+2 Boost

Looks just like the 2001 Audi A4 avant (wagon).

Getting pretty bad when German cars start looking like the Korean cars that copied the German cars.