Which sounds better to you?
Every so often, the auto journalism gods will throw me a unique opportunity for an unplanned test. That’s precisely what happened this week, thanks to the kind folks over at Audi for sending me the new 2022 RS 3 while I was already driving their R8 V10 Spyder RWD. Pairing a small sedan with a convertible supercar may seem strange on paper, but not once you hear them. Powering the R8 is a 5.2-liter V10 out of the Lamborghini Huracan.
The RS 3, on the other hand, counts on a 2.5-liter inline-five cylinder engine. That’s almost half the displacement and cylinder count as its supercar sibling. However, because a V10 is essentially just two I5s connected to a common crankshaft, they deliver power similarly and, more importantly, have a very similar engine note. This is why Audi’s five-cylinder cars are often referred to as “mini V10s.” The new RS 3 is no different. Make sure to check out the video embedded above to see a real-world comparison of the two.
As I write this, I’ve just finished my first canyon run in Audi’s latest hot sedan, and initial impressions are great. Hoping out of the R8 and into the RS 3 does not feel like a downgrade in the slightest. This RS 3 punches way above its weight class. I’ll put in a few more hundred miles and follow up with a full written review and video for our YouTube channel so make sure you subscribe!
