Compare the2023 Dodge ChallengerVS 2023 Audi RS 3

Both the Challenger and the RS 3 have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, side-impact head airbags, front seatbelt pretensioners, four-wheel antilock brakes, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, daytime running lights, rearview cameras, available all wheel drive, collision warning systems, blind spot warning systems, rear parking sensors and rear cross-path warning.

Dodge’s powertrain warranty covers the Challenger 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 Challenger’s warranty.

To reliably power the ignition and other systems and to recharge the battery, the Challenger has a standard 160-amp alternator (180-amp - Challenger optional and 220 392/Hellcat). The RS 3’s 140-amp alternator isn’t as powerful.

To reliably start during all conditions and help handle large electrical loads, the Challenger has a standard 730-amp battery. The RS 3’s 320-amp battery isn’t as powerful.

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.

The Challenger R/T automatic’s standard 5.7 V8 produces 31 lbs.-ft. more torque (400 vs. 369) than the RS 3’s 2.5 turbo 5-cylinder. The Challenger R/T manual’s standard 5.7 V8 produces 41 lbs.-ft. more torque (410 vs. 369) than the RS 3’s 2.5 turbo 5-cylinder. The Challenger R/T Scat Pack’s standard 6.4 V8 produces 84 more horsepower (485 vs. 401) and 106 lbs.-ft. more torque (475 vs. 369) than the RS 3’s 2.5 turbo 5-cylinder. The Challenger SRT Demon 170’s standard 6.2 supercharged V8 produces 624 more horsepower (1025 vs. 401) and 576 lbs.-ft. more torque (945 vs. 369) than the RS 3’s 2.5 turbo 5-cylinder.

An engine control system that can shut down some of the engine’s cylinders helps improve the Challenger 5.7/6.4 V8 Auto’s fuel efficiency. The RS 3 doesn’t offer a system that can shut down part of the engine.

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

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

For better stopping power the Challenger Hellcat/Redeye’s brake rotors are larger than those on the RS 3:

The Challenger stops much shorter than the RS 3:

For better traction, the Challenger SRT Super Stock’s tires are larger than the largest tires available on the RS 3 (315/40R18 vs. 265/30R19).

For better ride, handling and brake cooling the Challenger offers optional 20-inch wheels. The RS 3’s largest wheels are only 19-inches.

The Challenger has a standard space-saver spare (not available on R/T Scat Pack/Hellcat/Super Stock) 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.

The Challenger has standard front and rear gas-charged shocks for better control over choppy roads. The RS 3’s suspension doesn’t offer gas-charged shocks.

For a smoother ride and more stable handling, the Challenger’s wheelbase is 12.4 inches longer than on the RS 3 (116 inches vs. 103.6 inches).

For better handling and stability, the average track (width between the wheels) on the Challenger is 1.6 inches wider in the front and 4.4 inches wider in the rear than the track on the RS 3.

The SRT Hellcat Redeye handles at .98 G’s, while the RS 3 pulls only .94 G’s of cornering force in a Car and Driver skidpad test.

For better maneuverability, the Challenger SXT/GT/R/T’s turning circle is 3 feet tighter than the RS 3’s (37.4 feet vs. 40.4 feet). The Challenger Supercharged/Widebody’s turning circle is 1.7 feet tighter than the RS 3’s (38.7 feet vs. 40.4 feet).

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

The Challenger has 6.7 cubic feet more passenger volume than the RS 3 (93.7 vs. 87).

The Challenger has 2.8 inches more front headroom, .8 inches more front legroom, 3.7 inches more front shoulder room, 1 inch more rear headroom and .9 inches more rear shoulder room than the RS 3.

The Challenger has a 1000 lbs. towing capacity. The RS 3 has no towing capacity.

The engine in the Challenger 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.

The Challenger Automatic offers a 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 Challenger’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.

The Challenger’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.

Optional air-conditioned seats in the Challenger 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 Challenger’s optional 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 Challenger is available in both rear-wheel drive and all-wheel drive configurations. The RS 3 doesn’t offer a two-wheel drive configuration.

The Dodge Challenger outsold the Audi A3/S3/RS 3 by almost six to one during 2022.