Compare the2024 Audi RS 3VS 2024 Cadillac CT4-V

The RS 3’s pre-crash front seatbelts will tighten automatically in the event the vehicle detects an impending crash, improving protection against injury significantly. The CT4-V doesn’t offer pre-crash pretensioners.

For enhanced safety, the front seat shoulder belts of the Audi RS 3 are height-adjustable to accommodate a wide variety of driver and passenger heights. A better fit can prevent injuries and the increased comfort also encourages passengers to buckle up. The Cadillac CT4-V doesn’t offer height-adjustable seat belts.

The RS 3 has a standard Secondary Collision Brake Assist, which automatically applies the brakes in the event of a crash to help prevent secondary collisions and prevent further injuries. The CT4-V doesn’t offer a post collision braking system: in the event of a collision that triggers the airbags, more collisions are possible without the protection of airbags that may have already deployed.

To provide maximum traction and stability on all roads, All-Wheel Drive is standard on the RS 3. But it costs extra on the CT4-V.

Both the RS 3 and CT4-V offer rear cross-traffic warning, but the RS 3 with Rear Cross-Traffic Assist also has Automatic Brake Activation (automatically applies the brakes) to better prevent a collision when backing near traffic. The CT4-V’s Rear Cross Traffic Alert doesn’t automatically brake.

Both the RS 3 and the CT4-V have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, driver and front passenger knee airbags, side-impact head airbags, front seatbelt pretensioners, 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 blind spot warning systems.

The RS 3’s corrosion warranty is 6 years longer than the CT4-V’s (12 vs. 6 years).

The RS 3’s 2.5 turbo 5-cylinder produces 76 more horsepower (401 vs. 325) than the CT4-V’s standard 2.7 turbo 4-cylinder.

As tested in Car and Driver the Audi RS 3 is faster than the Cadillac CT4-V turbo 4 cyl. (automatics tested):

In a Car and Driver race course test, the Audi RS 3 was clocked 2.1 seconds faster than the Cadillac CT4-V Blackwing (172.5 sec. vs. 174.6 sec.).

The RS 3 has a standard locking fuel door which locks and unlocks with the power locks. The fuel filler door is not lockable on the CT4-V. A locking fuel door helps prevent fuel theft and vandalism, such as sugar in the tank.

The RS 3 offers a standard sequential manual gearbox (SMG). With no clutch pedal to worry about and a fully automatic mode, an SMG is much more efficient than a conventional automatic but just as easy to drive. The CT4-V doesn’t offer an SMG.

For better stopping power the RS 3’s standard front brake rotors are larger than those on the CT4-V:

For better traction, the RS 3 has larger tires than the CT4-V (F:265/30R19 & R:245/35R19 vs. 235/40R18). The RS 3’s front tires are larger than the largest tires available on the CT4-V (265/30R19 vs. 255/35R18).

The RS 3’s 265/30R19 front and 245/35R19 rear tires provide better handling because they have a lower 30 series front and 35 series rear profile (height to width ratio) that provides a stiffer sidewall than the CT4-V’s standard 40 series tires. The RS 3’s tires are lower profile than the CT4-V’s optional 35 series tires.

For better ride, handling and brake cooling the RS 3 has standard 19-inch wheels. Smaller 18-inch wheels are standard on the CT4-V.

For better handling and stability, the track (width between the wheels) on the RS 3 is 2.3 inches wider in the front than the average track on the CT4-V.

The RS 3 handles at .94 G’s, while the CT4-V pulls only .93 G’s of cornering force in a Car and Driver skidpad test.

The RS 3 is 8.4 inches shorter than the CT4-V, making the RS 3 easier to handle, maneuver and park in tight spaces.

A low lift-over trunk design makes loading and unloading the RS 3 easier. The RS 3’s trunk lift-over height is 26.7 inches, while the CT4-V’s liftover is 30 inches.

To make loading and unloading groceries and cargo easier when your hands are full, the RS 3’s power trunk can be opened or closed just by kicking your foot under the back bumper, leaving your hands completely free. The CT4-V doesn’t offer a power or hands-free opening trunk.

The RS 3’s front and rear power windows all open or close with one touch of the switches, making it more convenient at drive-up windows and toll booths, or when talking with someone outside of the car. The CT4-V’s rear power window switches have to be held the entire time to close them fully.

If the windows are left open on the RS 3 the driver can close them all at the outside door handle or from a distance using the remote. On a hot day the driver can lower the windows from a distance using the keyless remote. The driver of the CT4-V can only close the windows from inside the vehicle, with the ignition on.

Heated windshield washer nozzles are standard on the RS 3 to prevent washer fluid and nozzles from freezing and help continue to keep the windshield clear in sub-freezing temperatures. The CT4-V doesn’t offer heated windshield washer nozzles.

In poor weather, headlights can lose their effectiveness as grime builds up on their lenses. This can reduce visibility without the driver realizing. The RS 3 has standard headlight washers to keep headlight output high. The CT4-V doesn’t offer headlight washers.

The RS 3’s Park Assist can parallel park or back into a parking spot by itself, with the driver only controlling speed with the brake pedal. The CT4-V doesn’t offer an automated parking system.

The RS 3 will cost the buyer less in the long run because of its superior resale value. The IntelliChoice estimates that the RS 3 will retain 51.36% of its original price after five years, while the CT4-V only retains 50.44% to 50.46%.

The Audi A3/S3/RS 3 outsold the Cadillac CT4 by 49% during 2023.