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Audi S3 holds its value better — 61% five-year retention against 61% for the Mercedes-Benz A-Class. Resale value and cost of ownership, head to head.
On five-year value retention the Audi S3 comes out ahead, holding about 61% of its value versus 61% for the Mercedes-Benz A-Class. Over the first five years the Audi S3 loses roughly $18,865 while the Mercedes-Benz A-Class loses about $13,207 — a gap near $-5658.
First-year drop is the biggest factor: the Audi S3 sheds about 13% in year one versus 6% for the Mercedes-Benz A-Class. If you buy used, the steeper early drop is what the original owner absorbs.