The E-Tron boasts a dual-motor setup that generates 646 horsepower (481 kilowatts) and 612 pound-feet (830 Nm) of torque, making it the most powerful of the trio. However, it is also the heaviest at 5,169 pounds (2,345 kilograms). The RS3, on the other hand, is the lightest and least powerful, with a turbocharged 2.5-liter inline-five engine producing 400 hp (298 kW) and 368 lb-ft (500 Nm) of torque. The power for the 3,461-lb (1,570-kg) wagon is transmitted through a seven-speed gearbox to the Haldex all-wheel-drive system.
The RS6 Avant is powered by Audi's twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V8 engine, which produces 600 hp (447 kW) and 590 pound-feet (800 Nm) of torque. This power is sent to the wagon's Quattro all-wheel-drive system through an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. The RS6 weighs 4,574 lbs (2,075 kg).
The E-Tron took the lead at the start of the race, easily making it to the finish line, even getting some air over the first crest. The RS3 and RS6 struggled in comparison, with the RS3 slipping as it left the starting line, which put it at a disadvantage against the RS6, which came in second place. The RS3 took third place.
The rest of the video focuses on testing the cars' all-wheel-drive systems. The E-Tron again excelled, easily navigating the steepest parts of the indoor ski slope. Its all-wheel-drive system, which has a power unit on each axle, helps with traction.
The RS3 and RS6 did not fare as well. They completed two-thirds of the final challenge, but both failed to ascend the steepest and most challenging part of the course. Their tires spun as they struggled to get traction, unable to put the power to the ground effectively.
While this video is not a scientific study, it appears to show that the E-Tron's all-wheel-drive system is superior to the Quattro system in the RS6, which in turn outperformed the Haldex system in the RS3. It seems that EVs with an electric motor at each axle or wheel change the traction game.
