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Compare the2023 Dodge Charger SRT VS 2022 Audi RS 3

2022 Audi RS 32023 Dodge Charger SRT

Safety

The Charger SRT 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. 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 Charger SRT 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.

Both the Charger SRT 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, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, daytime running lights and rearview cameras.

The Dodge Charger SRT weighs 942 to 945 pounds more than the Audi RS 3. The NHTSA advises that heavier cars are much safer in collisions than their significantly lighter counterparts.

Warranty

Dodge’s powertrain warranty covers the Charger SRT 1 year and 10,000 miles longer than Audi covers the RS 3. Any repair needed on the engine, transmission, axles, joints or driveshafts is fully covered for 5 years or 60,000 miles. Coverage on the RS 3 ends after only 4 years or 50,000 miles.

There are almost 8 times as many Dodge dealers as there are Audi dealers, which makes it much easier should you ever need service under the Charger SRT’s warranty.

Reliability

The Dodge Charger SRT’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 Dodge vehicles are better in initial quality than Audi vehicles. J.D. Power ranks Dodge second in initial quality, above the industry average. With 96 more problems per 100 vehicles, Audi is ranked 31st, below the industry average.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2022 survey of the owners of three-year-old vehicles provides the long-term dependability statistics that show that Dodge vehicles are more reliable than Audi vehicles. J.D. Power ranks Dodge above average in long-term dependability. With 26 more problems per 100 vehicles in the first three years of ownership, Audi is rated below average.

From surveys of all its subscribers, Consumer Reports’ January 2021 Auto Issue reports that Dodge vehicles are more reliable than Audi vehicles. Consumer Reports ranks Dodge 4 places higher in reliability than Audi.

Engine

The Charger SRT’s standard 6.2 supercharged V8 produces 316 more horsepower (717 vs. 401) and 281 lbs.-ft. more torque (650 vs. 369) than the RS 3’s 2.5 turbo 5-cylinder. The Charger SRT Redeye’s standard 6.2 supercharged V8 produces 396 more horsepower (797 vs. 401) and 338 lbs.-ft. more torque (707 vs. 369) than the RS 3’s 2.5 turbo 5-cylinder. The Charger SRT Charger King Daytona’s standard 6.2 supercharged V8 produces 406 more horsepower (807 vs. 401) and 338 lbs.-ft. more torque (707 vs. 369) than the RS 3’s 2.5 turbo 5-cylinder.

Fuel Economy and Range

The Charger SRT has 4 gallons more fuel capacity than the RS 3 (18.5 vs. 14.5 gallons), for longer range between fill-ups.

The Charger SRT has a standard cap-less fueling system. The fuel filler is automatically opened when the fuel nozzle is inserted and automatically closed when it’s removed. This eliminates the need to unscrew and replace the cap and it reduces fuel evaporation, which causes pollution. The RS 3 doesn’t offer a cap-less fueling system.

Transmission

An eight-speed automatic is standard on the Dodge Charger SRT, for better acceleration and lower engine speed on the highway. Only a seven-speed automatic is available for the RS 3.

Brakes and Stopping

For better stopping power the Charger SRT’s brake rotors are larger than those on the RS 3:

Charger SRT

RS 3

RS 3 CCB

Front Rotors

15.7 inches

14.8 inches

15 inches

Rear Rotors

13.8 inches

12.2 inches

12.2 inches

The Charger SRT stops much shorter than the RS 3:

Charger SRT

RS 3

70 to 0 MPH

153 feet

167 feet

Car and Driver

Tires and Wheels

For better traction, the Charger SRT has larger tires than the RS 3 (305/35R20 vs. 265/30R19).

For better ride, handling and brake cooling the Charger SRT has standard 20-inch wheels. Only 19-inch wheels are available on the RS 3.

Suspension and Handling

For a smoother ride and more stable handling, the Charger SRT’s wheelbase is 16.4 inches longer than on the RS 3 (120 inches vs. 103.6 inches).

For better handling and stability, the track (width between the wheels) on the Charger SRT is 2.9 inches wider in the front and 5.3 inches wider in the rear than on the RS 3.

For better maneuverability, the Charger SRT’s turning circle is 1.4 feet tighter than the RS 3’s (39 feet vs. 40.4 feet).

Passenger Space

Because it has more passenger and cargo room, the EPA rates the Charger SRT a Large car, while the RS 3 is rated a Subcompact.

The Charger SRT has 17.7 cubic feet more passenger volume than the RS 3 (104.7 vs. 87).

The Charger SRT has 1.8 inches more front headroom, .6 inches more front legroom, 4.7 inches more front shoulder room, 4.9 inches more rear legroom and 4.9 inches more rear shoulder room than the RS 3.

Cargo Capacity

The Charger SRT has a much larger trunk than the RS 3 (16.5 vs. 8.3 cubic feet).

Servicing Ease

The engine in the Charger SRT is mounted longitudinally (North-South), instead of sideways, as in the RS 3. This makes it easier to service and maintain, because the accessory belts are in front.

Ergonomics

The Charger SRT has a standard remote vehicle starting system, so the vehicle can be started from inside the driver's house. This allows the driver to comfortably warm up the engine before going out to the vehicle. The climate system will also automatically heat or cool the interior. The RS 3 doesn’t offer a remote starting system.

The Charger SRT’s standard easy entry system raises the steering wheel and glides the driver’s seat back, making it easier for the driver to get in and out. The RS 3 doesn’t offer an easy entry system.

The Charger SRT’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 Charger SRT 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.

The Charger SRT’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 Charger SRT and the RS 3 have standard heated front seats. The Charger SRT 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 Charger SRT 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 Charger SRT’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.

Recommendations

The Dodge Charger outsold the Audi A3/S3/RS 3 by over 18 to one during the 2021 model year.