Car Comparison
Audi RS4 vs BMW M3: Performance, Price, Efficiency and Cost
Compare recorded performance, listed price, efficiency and calculated energy-cost scenarios on one dedicated page.
Quick Verdict
The Audi RS4 vs BMW M3 decision should be read by category, not as one universal winner. The better choice depends on how you weight performance, price, running cost and practicality.
2024 Audi RS4 vs 2024 BMW M3: which is better for your priorities?
The 2024 Audi RS4 vs 2024 BMW M3 comparison is built for drivers who want a direct side-by-side view before making a shortlist. If you are asking which is better between 2024 Audi RS4 and 2024 BMW M3, this page brings the most important numbers together in one place, including horsepower, 0-100 km/h performance, top speed, engine details, price, and fuel consumption. Some matchups look obvious at first glance, but the better choice often changes once you compare acceleration, high-speed performance, and day-to-day costs in the same view. That makes it easier to separate headline speed from real-world value without jumping between multiple tabs.
On power, 2024 BMW M3 leads the matchup with 530 hp against 450 hp. For 0-100 km/h, 2024 BMW M3 is quicker at 3.6 seconds versus 3.7 seconds. At the top end, 2024 Audi RS4 reaches 300 km/h, compared with 250 km/h. 2024 Audi RS4 uses 2.9 TFSI 450CV quattro Tipt, while 2024 BMW M3 comes with Competition 3.0 M xDrive M Steptronic.
Price can shift the answer depending on your budget: 2024 Audi RS4 is listed at $96,500, while 2024 BMW M3 comes in at $99,900. If running costs matter, 2024 BMW M3 looks more efficient on paper at 10.5 L/100km versus 12.5 L/100km. The full comparison table adds more context beyond the headline figures, so you can judge where the performance gap is meaningful and where the differences are smaller than expected. Use the detailed table below to decide whether 2024 Audi RS4 or 2024 BMW M3 is the better fit for your priorities, whether that means speed, character, efficiency, or overall value.
Power: 450 hp vs 530 hp
0-100 km/h: 3.7 s vs 3.6 s
Top speed: 300 km/h vs 250 km/h
VS
Performance Comparison
For performance, compare power, 0-100 km/h acceleration and top speed together. Audi RS4 records 450 hp, 3.7 seconds to 100 km/h and 300 km/h, while BMW M3 records 530 hp, 3.6 seconds and 250 km/h.
Price and Value
Price changes the answer because a quicker car is not always the better buy. Audi RS4 is listed at $96,500, while BMW M3 is listed at $99,900. Use the price gap together with performance and equipment to judge real value.
Fuel Economy
Fuel economy is part of the long-term cost picture. Audi RS4 is rated at 12.5 L/100km, while BMW M3 is rated at 10.5 L/100km. For high-mileage drivers, even a small efficiency difference can matter.
Priority verdict
Category winners for this matchup
Best Performance
2024 BMW M3
Highest weighted performance score from power, acceleration, and top speed (67/100).
Best Value
2024 Audi RS4
Best mix of price, performance, and efficiency (57/100).
2024 Audi RS4
Pros
- Higher top speed
- Lower price
Cons
- Less power
- Slower off the line
- Higher fuel consumption
2024 BMW M3
Pros
- More power
- Quicker 0-100 km/h
- Better efficiency
Cons
- Lower top speed
- Higher price
Buyer guide
Which One Should You Buy?
You prioritize a lower listed price, a higher top speed, and all-wheel-drive traction.
You prioritize stronger horsepower, quicker 0-100 km/h acceleration, and better recorded efficiency.
Power
450 hp vs 530 hp
0-100 km/h
3.7 s vs 3.6 s
Top Speed
300 km/h vs 250 km/h
YouTube
2024 Audi RS4 vs 2024 BMW M3
Open YouTube search results for head-to-head runs of this matchup.
Technical data
2024 Audi RS4 vs 2024 BMW M3 specification table
Use this table to compare the recorded figures side by side. Highlighted values mark the stronger measurable result where a direct comparison is possible.
| Metric | 2024 Audi RS4 | 2024 BMW M3 | Source / standard |
|---|---|---|---|
| Power | 450 hp | 530 hp | 2024 Audi RS4: unverified record; 2024 BMW M3: BMW official specifications. |
| 0-100 km/h | 3.7 s | 3.6 s | 2024 Audi RS4: unverified record; 2024 BMW M3: BMW official specifications. |
| Top Speed | 300 km/h | 250 km/h | 2024 Audi RS4: unverified record; 2024 BMW M3: BMW official specifications. |
| Engine | 2.9 TFSI 450CV quattro Tipt | Competition 3.0 M xDrive M Steptronic | 2024 Audi RS4: unverified record; 2024 BMW M3: BMW official specifications. |
| Length | 465 cm est. | 479.4 cm | Recorded dimensions when available; estimated values are marked est. |
| Width | 184 cm est. | 190.3 cm | Recorded dimensions when available; estimated values are marked est. |
| Weight | 1670 kg est. | 1805 kg | Recorded dimensions when available; estimated values are marked est. |
| Price | $96,500 | $99,900 | Listed market value; market context appears in the transparency panel. |
| Consumption | 12.5 L/100km | 10.5 L/100km | Manufacturer, EPA, WLTP, or public economy figure when available. |
Data may vary by trim, market, tires, battery, transmission, model year and testing method. Confirm exact specifications with the manufacturer or seller before making a purchase decision.
Original calculation
CarQuantix five-year energy and performance-value scenario
15,000 km/year; $1.25 per litre or $0.18 per kWh; unchanged consumption and energy price. Insurance, tax, servicing, tires, finance and depreciation are excluded.
2024 Audi RS4 annual energy$2344
2024 BMW M3 annual energy$1969
2024 Audi RS4 five-year energy$11719
2024 BMW M3 five-year energy$9844
2024 Audi RS4 performance-value index46.63
2024 BMW M3 performance-value index53.05
Formula: Energy cost = distance / 100 × recorded consumption × assumed unit price. Value index = hp / listed price × 10,000. These are comparable scenarios based on recorded inputs, not ownership promises or resale forecasts.
Data transparency
CarQuantix is an independently developed vehicle research platform. Data is collected from manufacturer and public automotive sources and manually reviewed before publication when source data is available.
Reviewed by
Kerim Orazov — Founder & Automotive Data Analyst
Last updated
2026-07-08
Market used
US
Test standard
Manufacturer specification
Source policy
Manufacturer and public automotive sources; manually reviewed before publication when source data is available.
Report incorrect data
Include the model year, trim, market, the field that looks wrong, and the source you are using.
Update history
- 2026-07-08: Comparison transparency metadata refreshed.
- 2026-07-08: Added source notes, market context, test-standard notes, and correction workflow.
Sources and data notes
Specifications and figures are compiled from manufacturer information, public vehicle databases, safety organizations, fuel economy references and editorial review. Exact values can vary by trim, market, tire, battery, transmission and model year.
FAQ
Which is better, Audi RS4 or BMW M3?
The Audi RS4 vs BMW M3 decision should be read by category, not as one universal winner. The better choice depends on how you weight performance, price, running cost and practicality.
Which is faster, Audi RS4 or BMW M3?
Compare horsepower, 0-100 km/h and top speed together. Audi RS4 has 450 hp and a 300 km/h top speed, while BMW M3 has 530 hp and a 250 km/h top speed.
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