Audi RS Q3 8U or Audi RS3 8Y? Both use the 2.5 five-cylinder. Here's how far each one goes, using the makers' and tuners' own figures from our two guides.
Short verdict
On Stage 1 software the Audi RS Q3 8U gains about 29% and the Audi RS3 8Y about 11%, so the Audi RS Q3 8U gets more from its first tune. The first Stage 1 price each guide lists is $527 for the Audi RS Q3 8U and $1,200 for the Audi RS3 8Y, about $6 and $27 per horsepower (check the guide: some include parts). For a big build the Audi RS3 8Y has the higher ceiling: 650–800+ hp at Stage 4, against 610–707 PS for the Audi RS Q3 8U.
At a glance
| Audi RS Q3 8U | Audi RS3 8Y | |
|---|---|---|
| Years | 2013–2018 | 2021– (Sportback and Saloon) |
| Engine | 2.5 TFSI five-cylinder (CTSA, CZGA, CZGB) | 2.5 TFSI five-cylinder (EA855 evo) |
| Stock power | 310 PS / 420 Nm; facelift 340 PS / 450 Nm; performance 367 PS / 465 Nm | 401 hp / 369 lb-ft (US) |
Power by stage
| Audi RS Q3 8U | Audi RS3 8Y | |
|---|---|---|
| Stock | 310–367 PS | 401 hp |
| Stage 1 | 401–435 PS / hp | 446–561 hp |
| Stage 2 | 450–472 PS | 467–565 hp |
| Stage 3 | 500–550 PS | 585–613 hp |
| Stage 4 | 610–707 PS | 650–800+ hp |
Figures are the tuners' own claims from each guide, on the fuel each tuner states.
Typical parts cost
| Audi RS Q3 8U | Audi RS3 8Y | |
|---|---|---|
| Stage 1 | APR $526.95, BAR-TEK €817.10 before VAT or HPerformance €999 with TÜV; HPerformance's gearbox tune €300 more. | APR $1,200 plus a $1,000 unlock; Unitronic's unlock alone $560 (software through dealers); plug-in modules €479–€609 (RaceChip), $679 (JB4) and $1,499–$1,949 (MTM); HGP €5,800 and ABT Power S €6,090 including VAT. |
| Stage 2 | Wagner EVO 2 intercooler $1,199 before VAT; Milltek downpipe with a racing cat €1,512.56 before VAT (BAR-TEK); HPerformance Stage 2 €8,499–9,499 fitted. | APR $1,300 plus the unlock; HGP €8,500 plus €1,000 fitting; ABT Power R €9,151 including VAT. |
| Stage 3 | TTE500 upgrade of your turbo £2,710.82; HPerformance Stage 3 €13,699–14,749 with TÜV. | HGP turbo kits €13,500–€15,500 plus €1,500 fitting; the TTE600 turbo alone €1,791 before VAT. |
List prices from the guides, before shipping, import tax and fitting. "—" means that guide has no cost line for the stage.
Where each one ends up
At Stage 4 the Audi RS Q3 8U reaches 610–707 PS and the Audi RS3 8Y 650–800+ hp.
Read the full guides
- The Audi RS Q3 8U guide
- The Audi RS3 8Y guide
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