Compare two new cars by price, estimated monthly payment, fuel economy, and other specifications. Data comes from the CarPayCheck.com catalog and uses your selected financing terms.
| S3 | Jetta | |
|---|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Audi | Volkswagen |
| Starting price | — | — |
| Monthly payment | — | — |
| Fuel type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Fuel economy | 26.0 mpg | 33.5 mpg |
| CO₂ emissions | 346 g/mi | 266 g/mi–270 g/mi |
| Annual maintenance cost | — | — |
Common-issue data is not available yet.
The 1.4 TSI and 1.5 TSI engines in 2019-2023 Jettas are prone to coolant leaks from the plastic water pump and thermostat housing, often failing between 15,000 and 50,000 miles. Symptoms include a sweet coolant smell, low coolant warnings, and eventual overheating if ignored. Repair costs typically range from $350 to $800 at an independent shop, or $700 to $1,200 at a dealer.
Yes, the Aisin 8-speed automatic transmission in 2019-2021 Jettas has documented harsh or erratic shifting, including jerky downshifts, hard 1-2 shifts, and a clunk when stopping. These issues are often addressed with a transmission control module software update or adaptation reset, costing $150 to $300. In more severe cases, valve body replacement can cost $1,500 to $2,500.
The MIB2/MIB3 infotainment systems in 2019-2024 Jettas can suffer from black screens, unresponsive touchscreens, and backup camera failures, with 2022-2023 models being especially affected. Symptoms include the screen going black, CarPlay disconnecting, and the reverse camera showing a black image. A software update may cost $0 to $150, while replacing the infotainment unit can cost $600 to $1,500.
Yes, Jettas with the power sunroof are prone to clogged or kinked drain tubes, causing water to leak into the headliner, footwell, or under the dash. This can lead to musty odors and, in severe cases, water damage to the transmission control module or wiring under the passenger seat. Cleaning the drains costs about $100 to $250, but water damage repairs can reach $1,000 to $2,000.
Many 2019-2022 Jettas suffer from parasitic battery drain, often caused by a module that fails to go to sleep, especially on keyless-entry models. The car may not start after sitting for three to five days, and jump-starting only temporarily helps. Diagnosis costs $200 to $400, and a new AGM battery costs $250 to $400, though the underlying software or module issue may also need a $150 to $300 update.
Some 2019-2023 Jettas develop a creak or clunk from the front lower control arm bushings, especially after 30,000 miles in cold or salty climates. The soft bushings can tear, causing uneven tire wear, though the noise is more of an annoyance than an immediate safety risk. Replacing a front lower control arm costs $300 to $500 per side at an independent shop, or $500 to $700 at a dealer.
Audi S3 and Volkswagen Jetta suit different driving needs. The main differences below cover price, monthly payment, fuel economy, and running costs.
Both models use Gasoline. Fuel economy is S3 — 26.0 mpg; Jetta — 33.5 mpg. Jetta uses less energy in everyday driving.
The final choice is about more than numbers: annual distance, city or highway use, and the space your household needs all matter. Use the CarPayCheck.com calculator to apply your financing terms and evaluate both cars in your situation.
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