10 Fastest Used Audi Models That Are Better Than Buying Brand New!

Most people think buying new is always better, but these 10 used Audi models will destroy brand new cars while costing half the price. Stay till the end to see the fastest Audi cars on the market right now. Number 10. Audi S3, 8V Generation, 2015 to 2020. The 8V S3 is the quintessential entry-level performance Audi that provides a While the new A3 begins at approximately $40,100 and delivers modest performance, a used 8V S3 can be found nationwide for $25,000 to $35,000 and offers a significantly more potent Stock performance delivers 292 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque, enabling a 0-60 sprint in 4.7 to 4.9 seconds. It utilizes a Haldex-based quattro system that, while front-biased, provides excellent traction in all weather conditions. Built on the MQB platform, the 8V S3 weighs roughly 3,400 pounds, making it incredibly nimble and a favorite for city driving or tight backroads. The EA888 engine is legendary in the tuning community. A Stage 1 ECU tune from companies like APR or Unitronic can increase output to approximately 350 horsepower without any hardware changes. Moving to Stage 2 involves a higher flow downpipe and intake, pushing power to nearly 400 horsepower. For those seeking supercar levels of speed, a hybrid turbo swap can result in over 500 horsepower. At 60,000-mile intervals with proper maintenance, the 8V S3 routinely reaches 200,000-plus miles with minimal issues. The combination of proven EA888 reliability, exceptional tuning potential, and significantly lower cost than new makes this the smart enthusiast's choice. Number 9. Audi S5 B8.5 Generation 2013-2017 The B8.5 S5 is a purist's choice because it utilizes a 3-liter supercharged V6 engine, rather than the turbocharged units found in all subsequent generations. This engine is prized for its instantaneous throttle response and linear power delivery, which modern turbochargers often fail to replicate due to lag. In its base form, the S5 produces 333 horsepower and 325 pound-feet of torque. Nationwide used pricing for clean examples ranges from $15,000 to $26,000. Its 0-to-60 time of 4.9 seconds is competitive even by 2025 standards. A brand new 2025 S5 starts at $62,700, making the B8.5 roughly one-third the price while offering a more mechanical driving feel. The B8.5 S5 is the king of the dual-pulley modification. By replacing the supercharger drive pulley with a smaller unit and the crank pulley with a larger one, the supercharger's rotational speed increases, forcing more air into the engine. Combined with an ECU-slash-TCU tune and an E40 ethanol blend, these cars can reach 548 horsepower and 525 pound-feet of torque. This makes it a genuine sleeper that can out-accelerate a stock RS5 from the same era. The supercharged V6 provides a unique character that's been lost in modern turbocharged engines, making the B8.5 S5 a future classic at today's reasonable prices. Number 8. Audi RS5. B9. Generation. 2018-2023. The B9 RS5 marked Audi's shift toward a 2.9-liter twin-turbo V6, which it shares with the Porsche Panamera. This car was designed to be a grand tourer that can handle a track day with ease. It delivers 444 horsepower and 443 pound-feet of torque, with a 0-60 time of 3.8 seconds and a top speed of 174 mph with the Dynamic Package. Used 2019 models are currently averaging around $43,900, offering a massive discount from the 2025 Sportback's $81,195 MSRP. The B9 generation is significantly lighter than the previous V8-powered RS5, and its updated Quattro system features a standard sport rear differential that helps rotate the car through corners, reducing traditional Audi understeer. Software tunes are highly effective on this platform. A Stage 1 tune alone can yield gains of over 100 horsepower. Because the intercoolers are air-to-water units located in the engine's V, cooling is critical for sustained performance. Upgrading the heat exchangers allows for consistent power even in hot summer conditions. The B9 RS5 represents the sweet spot of modern Audi performance. New enough for current technology and safety, but old enough to avoid the premium of buying new. It's a legitimate supercar alternative at a fraction of the cost. Number 7. Audi S6-S7 C7.5 Generation 2016-2018 The C7.5 S6 and S7 are the most recommended used Audis for those who want a V8, but cannot afford a full RS model. These cars feature a detuned version of the RS7's 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8, making them incredibly robust and highly tunable. Factory output is 450 horsepower and 406 pound-feet of torque, resulting in a 0-to-60 time of 4.4 seconds. Nationwide used pricing for these models is currently $24,000 to $38,000. A brand new 2025 S6 or S7 starts at $75,900 and $85,700 respectively. Yet they have moved away from the V8 in many markets in favor of a 2.9-liter V6. The used C7.5 gives you the V8 sound and torque that is no longer available in the The C7.54-liter twin-turbo V8 is a tuner's dream. A Stage 1 tune from Unitronic or APR increases power to over 500 horsepower, immediately exceeding the power of a brand new S6. For those who want more, swapping in the turbochargers from a factory RS7 can push power to over 700 horsepower. Combined with a TCU tune to increase the dual-clutch transmission's clamping pressure, these cars become 10-second quarter-mile monsters. The C7.5 represents the last of the naturally aspirated V8 sound character before everything went hybrid. Number 6 Audi RS Q8 Early C8 Generation 2020-2023 The RS Q8 is Audi's most powerful SUV, sharing its mechanical DNA with the Lamborghini Urus. It is the ultimate expression of practical speed. It produces 591 horsepower and 590 pound-feet of torque from its 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8, with a 0-to-60 time of 3.4 seconds. While a brand-new 2025 RS Q8 performance starts at $137,495, a used 2021 model can be found for $75,000 to $95,000. Despite its size, the RS Q8 features all-wheel steering and an active anti-roll bar system that uses electric motors to keep the SUV level during hard cornering. The EA825 engine in the RS Q8 is capable of unbelievable power with small modifications. A Stage 1 tune on an E40 fuel blend can net as much as 265 horsepower and 265 pound-feet of torque over stock. With aftermarket downpipes and a Stage 2 reflash, over 800 horsepower is achievable, making this SUV faster than almost any stock supercar. The RS Q8 represents the pinnacle of performance SUV engineering. It's a vehicle that can tow a trailer, carry five passengers in luxury, and still run 11 second-quarter miles with basic modifications. 5. Audi RS3 8V Facelift For many Audi enthusiasts, the 2017-2020 RS3 is the holy grail of the compact lineup. This was the first generation to receive the aluminum-block 2.5-liter five-cylinder engine, which significantly improved the car's weight distribution and sound profile. It produces 400 horsepower and 354 pound-feet of torque, sprinting from 0 to 60 in 3.8 seconds. Nationwide used pricing remains strong, typically ranging from $45,000 to $60,000. The brand-new 2025-2026 RS3 costs over $65,000 and, while it handles slightly better due to a rear torque splitter, it is often considered more muted due to stricter noise regulations and particulate filters. The DAZA is arguably the most tunable engine Audi has ever built. A simple Stage 1 map can push power past 450 horsepower, and with hybrid turbos and fueling, these cars regularly produce 600 to 700 horsepower on stock engine internals. Built-motor versions are currently pushing over 1,000 horsepower in competitive drag racing. The 8VD-AZA model is louder, more raw, and easier to tune to massive power levels than the newer generation. It represents the peak of five-cylinder engineering before emissions regulations neutered the experience. Number 4 Audi TTRS 8S Generation 2018-2022 The TTRS is the pocket rocket of the Audi range. It uses the same DAZA engine as the RS3, but in a chassis that is shorter, lower, and roughly 200 pounds lighter. It produces 394 horsepower and 354 pound-feet of torque. Because of its lighter weight and superior aerodynamics, its 0-to-60 time is a blistering 3.3 to 3.6 seconds, beating many full-size supercars. Nationwide used prices range from $50,000 to $65,000. The TTRS features a low center of gravity and a very aggressive quattro tune, making it the most agile and fun-to-drive car in Audi's compact lineup. Identical to the RS3, the TTRS responds exceptionally well to ECU and TCU tuning. Because it is lighter, every extra horsepower is felt more intensely. A Stage 2 TTRS with an E85 fuel blend is capable of running a quarter-mile in the low 10s, a feat that would require a brand-new car costing three times as much. The TTRS represents the ultimate expression of Audi's five-cylinder philosophy in the most focused chassis they make. It's a true driver's car that prioritizes engagement over luxury. Number 3. Audi RS6 Avant Slash RS7 Sportback Early C8 2021-2023 The modern RS6 and RS7 are the flagship performers of the current era. While the 2025 Performance trim offers 621 horsepower, used 2021 models can be acquired for $85,000 to $110,000, providing nearly identical real-world speed at a significant discount. The early C8 models produce 591 horsepower and 590 pound-feet of torque, enabling a 0-to-60 time of 3-to-3.3 seconds. Both cars feature rear-wheel steering and adaptive air suspension, allowing them to shrink around the driver on a twisty road while remaining comfortable for daily errands. The EA825 engine in these cars is a monster. A Stage 1 tune alone can push power to 700 horsepower, and Stage 2 builds with high-flow downpipes routinely exceed 800 horsepower. For those who want the absolute maximum, hybrid turbos can produce over 930 horsepower and 700 pound-feet of torque. The RS6 Avant is particularly special as one of the few high-performance wagons available in the American market. These represent the pinnacle of Audi's current engineering capabilities, at a significant discount to new pricing. They're modern enough for current technology, but old enough to avoid the new car premium. Number 2. Audi S8 Plus Slash S8L D4 and D5 Generations 2016-2021 The Audi S8 is the definition of a luxury missile. Whether you choose the older D4.5 S8 Plus or the newer D5 S8L, you are getting a car that accelerates like a supercar while offering the comfort of a private jet. The 2020 S8L produces 563 horsepower and 590 pound-feet of torque, with a recorded 0-60 time as low as 3.2 seconds. The older S8 Plus produced 605 horsepower and could hit 60 mph in 3.7 seconds. Nationwide pricing for the D4.5 models is remarkably low, often between $30,000 and $45,000, while the D5 models have depreciated to $43,000 to $65,000. A brand-new 2025 S8 starts at $126,600. Buying a used 2020 model for under $60,000 gives you the same engine, same chassis, and nearly all the same luxury features for less than half the price. The S8 uses the same 4.0 TV8 as the RS models. A simple, stage-one chip-tune on a used S8 can skyrocket the output to approximately 750 horsepower, making it one of the fastest sedans on the road regardless of price. The S8 represents the ultimate sleeper, a luxury sedan that can embarrass supercars while flying completely under the radar. 1. Audi R8 V10 Performance Gen 2, Facelift, 2020-2023 The Audi R8 is the king of this list. It is the fastest, quickest, and most legendary Audi ever produced. Since it was officially discontinued in 2024, the only way to own this naturally aspirated supercar is to buy it used. The R8 V10 Performance features a 5.2-liter V10 engine delivering 602 horsepower. It catapults from 0 to 60 in just 2.6 to 2.8 seconds and has a top-recorded speed of 205 miles per hour. Unlike every other car on this list, the R8 is mid-engined, providing a level of balance, steering feel, and agility that is fundamentally superior to any front-engine Audi. While prices have remained high due to the car's discontinuation, nationwide listings for the Gen 2 Facelift range from $160,000 to $220,000 depending on mileage and year. The R8 is the platform of choice for twin-turbo builds, companies like AMS Performance or Underground Racing can add twin turbochargers to the V10, resulting in power levels ranging from 800 to up to 2,000 horsepower. Even in stock form, it is the pinnacle of Audi engineering and the fastest production Audi you can buy. The R8 represents the end of an era, the last naturally aspirated supercar from Audi. It's not just better than buying new, it's the only way to own automotive history. These 10 used Audi models prove that performance arbitrage is real. From the tunable S3 to the legendary R8, each offers capabilities that exceed brand-new alternatives while costing significantly less. The key is understanding that depreciation creates opportunities for smart buyers who prioritize performance over showroom novelty. These cars represent the sweet spot where German engineering meets financial intelligence, proven platforms with massive potential at prices that make sense. Don't let the new car premium blind you to these exceptional values that deliver more speed, more character, and more satisfaction than anything you can buy new today. 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