Compare the2024 Acura TLXVS 2024 Audi S3

For enhanced safety, the front and rear seat shoulder belts of the Acura TLX have pretensioners to tighten the seatbelts and eliminate dangerous slack in the event of a collision and force limiters to limit the pressure the belts will exert on the passengers. The Audi S3 doesn’t offer pretensioners for its rear seat belts.

The TLX Type S has a standard Surround View Camera System to allow the driver to see objects all around the vehicle on a screen. The S3 only offers a rear monitor and front and rear parking sensors that beep or flash a light. That doesn’t help with obstacles to the sides.

The TLX has a standard blind spot warning system that 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 S3’s blind spot costs extra.

To help make backing out of a parking space safer, the TLX has standard Rear Cross Traffic Monitor, helping the driver avoid collisions. Audi charges extra for Rear Cross-Traffic Assist on the S3.

The TLX’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 S3 doesn’t offer a driver alert monitor.

Both the TLX and the S3 have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, driver and front passenger knee airbags, side-impact head airbags, height adjustable front shoulder belts, four-wheel antilock brakes, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, crash mitigating brakes, daytime running lights, lane departure warning systems, rearview cameras and available all wheel drive.

Acura’s powertrain warranty covers the TLX 2 years and 20,000 miles longer than Audi covers the S3. Any repair needed on the engine, transmission, axles, joints or driveshafts is fully covered for 6 years or 70,000 miles. Coverage on the S3 ends after only 4 years or 50,000 miles.

Acura pays for scheduled maintenance on the TLX for 2 years and 24,000 miles. Acura will pay for oil changes, tire rotations, air filter replacements, cabin filter replacement, brake fluid replacement, inspections, and any other required maintenance. Audi only pays for the first scheduled maintenance visit on the S3.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2023 Initial Quality Study of new car owners surveyed provide the statistics that show that Acura vehicles are better in initial quality than Audi vehicles. With 14 fewer problems per 100 vehicles, JD Power ranks Acura higher than Audi.

From surveys of all its subscribers, Consumer Reports’ January 2024 Auto Issue reports that Acura vehicles are more reliable than Audi vehicles. Consumer Reports ranks Acura fourth in overall reliability. Audi is ranked 19th.

The TLX Type S’ standard 3.0 turbo V6 produces 49 more horsepower (355 vs. 306) and 59 lbs.-ft. more torque (354 vs. 295) than the S3’s 2.0 turbo 4-cylinder.

An engine control system that can shut down some of the engine’s cylinders helps improve the TLX Type S’ fuel efficiency. The S3 doesn’t offer a system that can shut down part of the engine.

The TLX has 1.4 gallons more fuel capacity than the S3 (15.9 vs. 14.5 gallons), for longer range between fill-ups.

The TLX 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 S3 doesn’t offer a cap-less fueling system.

A 10-speed automatic is standard on the Acura TLX, for better acceleration and lower engine speed on the highway. Only a seven-speed automatic is available for the S3.

For better stopping power the TLX Type S’ brake rotors are larger than those on the S3:

For better traction, the TLX has larger tires than the S3 (255/35R20 vs. 225/40R18). The TLX Type S’ tires are larger than the largest tires available on the S3 (255/35R20 vs. 235/35R19).

For better ride, handling and brake cooling the TLX has standard 19-inch wheels. Smaller 18-inch wheels are standard on the S3. The TLX Type S’ 20-inch wheels are larger than the 19-inch wheels optional on the S3.

The TLX has a standard easy tire fill system. When inflating the tires, the vehicle’s integrated tire pressure sensors keep track of the pressure as the tires fill and tell the driver when the tires are inflated to the proper pressure. The S3 doesn’t offer vehicle monitored tire inflation.

For a smoother ride and more stable handling, the TLX’s wheelbase is 9.4 inches longer than on the S3 (113 inches vs. 103.6 inches).

For better handling and stability, the track (width between the wheels) on the TLX is 3.2 inches wider in the front and 4.8 inches wider in the rear than on the S3.

The TLX uses computer-generated active noise cancellation to help remove annoying noise and vibration from the passenger compartment, especially at low frequencies. The S3 doesn’t offer active noise cancellation.

Because it has more passenger and cargo room, the EPA rates the TLX a Compact car, while the S3 is rated a Subcompact.

The TLX has 7.4 cubic feet more passenger volume than the S3 (93.4 vs. 86).

The TLX has .4 inches more front headroom, 1.3 inches more front legroom, 3.4 inches more front shoulder room and 2 inches more rear shoulder room than the S3.

The TLX has a much larger trunk than the S3 (13.5 vs. 8.3 cubic feet).

With its sedan body style, valet key, locking rear seatbacks and remote trunk release lockout, the TLX offers cargo security. The S3’s non-lockable folding seat and non-lockable remote release defeat cargo security.

J.D. Power and Associates surveys of service recipients show that Acura service is better than Audi. J.D. Power ranks Acura 6th in service department satisfaction (above the industry average). With a 6% lower rating, Audi is ranked 8th.

The TLX’s standard easy entry system glides the driver’s seat back, making it easier for the driver to get in and out. The S3 doesn’t offer an easy entry system.

Standard air-conditioned seats in the TLX A-Spec/Type S keep the driver and front passenger comfortable and take the sting out of hot seats in Summer. The S3 doesn’t offer air-conditioned seats.

On extremely cold winter days, the TLX’s optional heated steering wheel provides comfort, allowing the driver to steer safely and comfortably before the car heater warms up. The S3 doesn’t offer a heated steering wheel.

To quickly and conveniently keep personal devices charged without cables tangling and wearing out, the Acura TLX has a standard wireless phone charging system (Qi) in the center console. Wireless charging costs extra on the S3.

The TLX is available in both front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive configurations. The S3 doesn’t offer a two-wheel drive configuration.

Insurance will cost less for the TLX owner. The Complete Car Cost Guide estimates that insurance for the TLX will cost $2090 to $6275 less than the S3 over a five-year period.

Consumer Reports® recommends the Acura TLX, based on reliability, safety and performance.

J.D. Power and Associates rated the TLX second among midsize premium cars in owner reported satisfaction. This includes how well the vehicle performs and satisfies its owner’s expectations. The S3 isn’t in the top three.

The Acura TLX outsold the Audi A3/S3/RS 3 by 18% during 2022.