Compare the2023 Volkswagen Golf RVS 2022 Audi RS 3

Over 200 people are killed each year when backed over by motor vehicles. The Golf R has standard Maneuver Braking that uses rear sensors to monitor and automatically apply the brakes to prevent a rear collision. The RS 3 doesn’t offer backup collision prevention brakes.

The Golf R has a standard blind spot warning system which uses sensors to alert the driver to objects in the vehicle’s blind spots where the side view mirrors don’t reveal them and moves the vehicle back into its lane. A system to reveal vehicles in the RS 3’s blind spot costs extra.

To help make backing out of a parking space safer, the Golf R has a standard rear cross-path warning system, which uses sensors in the rear bumper to alert the driver to vehicles approaching from the side, helping the driver avoid collisions. Rear cross-path warning costs extra on the RS 3.

The Golf R’s driver alert monitor detects an inattentive driver then sounds a warning and suggests a break. According to the NHTSA, drivers who fall asleep cause about 100,000 crashes and 1500 deaths a year. The RS 3 doesn’t offer a driver alert monitor.

Both the Golf R and the RS 3 have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, side-impact head airbags, front seatbelt pretensioners, height adjustable front shoulder belts, four-wheel antilock brakes, all wheel drive, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, crash mitigating brakes, post-collision automatic braking systems, daytime running lights, lane departure warning systems and rearview cameras.

For its top level performance in IIHS driver and passenger-side small overlap frontal, moderate overlap frontal, side impact, roof strength and head restraint tests, its standard vehicle-to-vehicle front crash prevention system, its standard vehicle-to-pedestrian front crash prevention system, and its standard headlight’s “Acceptable” rating, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety grants the Golf R its highest rating: “Top Safety Pick Plus” for 2022, a rating granted to only 92 vehicles tested by the IIHS. The RS 3 has not been tested, yet.

Volkswagen pays for scheduled maintenance on the Golf R for 2 years and 20,000 miles. Volkswagen will pay for oil changes, lubrication and any other required maintenance. Audi only pays for the first scheduled maintenance visit on the RS 3.

There are over 2 times as many Volkswagen dealers as there are Audi dealers, which makes it much easier should you ever need service under the Golf R’s warranty.

The Volkswagen Golf R’s engines use a cast iron block for durability, while the RS 3’s engine uses an aluminum block. Aluminum engine blocks are much more prone to warp and crack at high temperatures than cast iron.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2022 Initial Quality Study of new car owners surveyed provide the statistics that show that Volkswagen vehicles are better in initial quality than Audi vehicles. With 9 fewer problems per 100 vehicles, JD Power ranks Volkswagen higher than Audi.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2022 survey of the owners of three-year-old vehicles provides the long-term dependability statistics that show that Volkswagen vehicles are more reliable than Audi With 15 fewer problems per 100 vehicles in the first three years of ownership, J.D. Power ranks Volkswagen higher than Audi.

On the EPA test cycle the Golf R DSG gets better fuel mileage than the RS 3 (23 city/30 hwy vs. 20 city/29 hwy).

In heavy traffic or at stoplights the Golf R Automatic’s engine automatically turns off when the vehicle is stopped, saving fuel and reducing pollution. The engine is automatically restarted when the driver gets ready to move again. If the conditions warrant or the driver wishes, the system can be manually disabled at any time for the duration of a trip. The RS 3 doesn’t offer an automatic engine start/stop system.

To lower fuel costs and make buying fuel easier, the Volkswagen Golf R uses regular unleaded gasoline (premium recommended for maximum performance). The RS 3 requires premium, which can cost 20 to 55 cents more per gallon.

The Golf R has a standard space-saver spare tire so you can replace a flat tire and drive to have the flat repaired or replaced. A spare tire isn’t available on the RS 3; it requires you to depend on roadside assistance and your vehicle will have to be towed.

For better maneuverability, the Golf R’s turning circle is 1.1 feet tighter than the RS 3’s (39.3 feet vs. 40.4 feet).

The Volkswagen Golf R may be more efficient, handle and accelerate better because it weighs about 150 to 250 pounds less than the Audi RS 3.

The Golf R is 9.9 inches shorter than the RS 3, making the Golf R easier to handle, maneuver and park in tight spaces.

Because it has more passenger and cargo room, the EPA rates the Golf R a Compact car, while the RS 3 is rated a Subcompact.

The Golf R has 4.9 cubic feet more passenger volume than the RS 3 (91.9 vs. 87).

The Golf R has 1.7 inches more front headroom, 1.1 inches more front shoulder room, 1.5 inches more rear headroom and .9 inches more rear shoulder room than the RS 3.

The Golf R’s optional easy entry system glides the driver’s seat back when the door is unlocked or the ignition is switched off, making it easier for the driver to get in and out. The RS 3 doesn’t offer an easy entry system.

The Golf R’s instruments include an oil pressure gauge and a temperature gauge - which could save your engine! Often ‘idiot lights’ don’t warn you until damage has been done. The RS 3 does not have an oil pressure gauge.

Heated windshield washer nozzles are standard on the Golf R to prevent washer fluid and nozzles from freezing and help continue to keep the windshield clear in sub-freezing temperatures. The RS 3 doesn’t offer heated windshield washer nozzles.

To improve rear visibility by keeping the rear window clear, the Golf R has a standard rear wiper. The RS 3 doesn’t offer a rear wiper.

To help drivers see further while navigating curves, the Golf R has standard adaptive headlights to illuminate around corners automatically by reading vehicle speed and steering wheel angle. The RS 3 doesn’t offer cornering lights.

The Golf R’s sun-visors swivel front-to-side to block glare from the side windows. The RS 3’s visors are fixed into the windshield header.

Both the Golf R and the RS 3 have standard heated front seats. The Golf R also has standard heated rear seats to keep those passengers extremely comfortable in the winter. Heated rear seats aren’t available in the RS 3.

Standard air-conditioned seats in the Golf R keep the driver and front passenger comfortable and take the sting out of hot seats in Summer. The RS 3 doesn’t offer air-conditioned seats.

On extremely cold winter days, the Golf R’s standard heated steering wheel provides comfort, allowing the driver to steer safely and comfortably before the car heater warms up. The RS 3 doesn’t offer a heated steering wheel.

The Golf R was chosen as one of Car and Driver’s “Top Ten” for 15 of the last 16 years. The RS 3 has never been a Car and Driver “Top Ten” pick.

Motor Trend selected the Golf R as their 2015 Car of the Year. The RS 3 has never been chosen.

The Golf R was chosen as one of Automobile Magazine’s “All Stars” for 5 of the last 15 years. The RS 3 has never been an “All Star.”

The Volkswagen Golf/GTI outsold the Audi A3/S3/RS 3 by almost three to one during the 2021 model year.