Quattro or not?

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audi-33

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Im looking to buy an audi a3 but I'm unsure which model to get? I have around 6000 to spend and am looking at the 1.8T models.

What i would like to no is, Is the 180bhp quattro model much better to the fwd model ? In terms of perfomance in the wet and dry? I would be looking to purchase a revo remap for which ever model i choose to buy but would like to no your opinions on which is the best base to start with.

Thanks :)
 
personally i would say the quattro would be the better option, especially if you are looking for a remap. my cousin has a a4 1.8tqs and holds sooo nicely in any weather. my dad has a cupra 180bhp front wheel dry which is quicker in the dry but in the wet is has difficulty getting traction.
 
I would love and s3 but can't afford the insurance on one !
 
There is for me there is about 1500 difference !
 
How old are you Audi-33?

I'm 21 and have had my S3 just under a year now.

I went from an A3 1.8 Sport, to an A3 1.8T Sport then to the S3. Try some quotes with Elephant.

I'd defo suggest to stick with Quattro - it's so much fun!!
 
Im 19 i have a quote for a 1.8T quattro of 1200 with admiral but an s3 is well over £3000! Is there much difference between a remaped quattro and non-quattro ?
 
I would go for a FWD.....bhp/tonne would be better esp after a remap

Get an AGU engine if possible.

Well that would be for me if I were to choose
 
Also worth considering that the quattro models have different (i.e. better) rear suspension than the front wheel drive versions. The quattro is fully independent (i.e. like a Mk5 Golf, Focus etc). The front wheel drive has a simpler rear suspension setup.
 
I would try to drive both to see what you like and it also depends on costs. It wouldnt be a deal maker/breaker for me though.

I havent driven a 1.8t. but i did drive a 8P fwd 2.0tdi 170bhp and personally thought it was too much power/torque for the 2 front wheels and would spin in 2nd and sometimes 3rd, got on my nerves a bit.
 
Once you have owned the 4WD, and driven it hard, you will notice a MASSIVE difference going back to a FWD, and in my opinion....not a good difference. Thats just my opinion of course! good luck!
 
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personally, I'd spend the money on a FWD 1.8T myself.....

the 1.8TQs isn't overly interesting to drive, as although it's technically quicker than the fwd car, its much more heavy, and doesn't feel anywhere near as lively and exciting to drive, as it simply puts the power down no fuss.

It still handles like a boat to be fair, and has none of the luxuries of the S3 but all of the extra weight!

I'd spend £4k on a decent FWD facelift 1.8T, then spend the rest on sorting out the suspension, brakes and wheels, as well as a remap to give yourself a decent car.

£2000 could easily see you a nice set of wheels, along with an S3 312mm brake setup (works WAY better on the A3 due to less weight) and a decent set of lowered shocks/springs and anti roll bars, as well as new bushes throughout, Add in £300 for a customcode remap, and possibly £200 for a second hand exhaust, and your £6k has got you a car that's quicker in a straight line than a standard S3, handles better, and does far better MPG, as well as still being cheaper to insure :)

If you blow your money on a standard TQs, it'll look lame and boring, handle like a boat, and be fairly slow.
 
you dont see many who have lived with a quattro slating it, yet most A3 owners (who havent had quattro but have merely driven one) seem to think theirs is the best to own? ive owned both and personally think that if you are going beyond the limits of 4wd on normal roads, then you could be seen as reckless. Yes the 2wd is lighter etc etc and far cheaper to keep, therefore easier to modify in certain aspects.... the benefits of chucking the back end out on public roads is a very limited one to do in relative safety...therefore the 2wd for me would be a no go-er

as said before, i had a 1.8T for 6 years, would i go back? not a cat in hells chance,. i would miss the safety of the 4wd system and the less effort it takes to concentrate when your booting it...you dont have to worry about the grip nowhere near as much
 
Personally i'd do some serious looking around as insurance deals can be had if you are willing to do the leg work, S3 all the way mate.

I maybe bias here as i'm on my third S3, but it is the best car i've ever bought, hence me getting my third. I've had plenty of what i call "nice" cars, an M3 Evolution in Estoril Blue (18 months old when i bought it), Subaru Impreza RB5, New bettle (lol - dont ask), 328i Sport, VW Golfs - around 6 of all different types, G60, GTI 16v, GTI 8V, VR6 etc....

All of the above cars are great but they lack the "prestige" about them that the S3 has about it & the Audi brand in general. The fact that it has the Quattro System (a very basic one at that compared to the RS and early Quattro's) does make a difference to the overall feel and drive of the car. I know it's sad but i feel "good" about driving my car. Nostalgic that i have something which isn't 10 a penny. I have seen only 2 other S3's out and about & whilst driving mine.

So that makes it a rare car, i love having something which is rare (to a certain degree).

You are young....at 19 that will go against you when attempting to get a Sports orientated car. I had my M3 at 21 - £4000 insurance Quote made me think twice about buying it, in the end my Dad was policy holder and i was named. Still around a £1000 to insure but it was worth it at the time. Remember that it's not all about speed, rather its what a car says about its owner! Any A3 variant will be a very good start for what might be your first car, i had a ford escort lol! :)

My advice would be to test drive all three models. Once you've driven the S3 you'll understand what i mean. There are ways and means around everthing (legally of course) just do your leg work chappy and you'll be suprised at what you come up with.

G
 
absolutely loved my quattro - bought it when i was 21, wanted a s3 but they were about 3k more to buy 2 years ago, so settle for mine @ 11k. insurance was £650 with 2 yrs ncb ....the car is amazing in all weathers, very planted, very safe, and then confidence grows, superb grip, adored it. not to mention rarer, never saw another petrol quattro in all my travels around britain! no question about it, deffo the quattro, especially if you're remapping it....FWD would be skittish as hell

(or S3 if you can afford it)
 
Depends what you want to do with it really i guess?

I wouldnt bother with the A3 1.8TQS, I'd Narrow it down to either the A3 1.8TS FWD or the S3.

If i could have afforded an S3 at the time i would have gone for that, still might get one in the future though.

Get yourself a FWD 1.8TS Try getting a facelift with the K03S and with a few mods you'll be laughing when you pass an S3 :)

That said though the S3 is a much nicer place to be in,

Im 19 too i pay 900 For insurance on my own name with 1NCB.

Jason
 
JJBS3 said:
Once you have owned the 4WD, and driven it hard, you will notice a MASSIVE difference going back to a FWD, and in my opinion....not a good difference. Thats just my opinion of course! good luck!
Click to expand...

Think I'll agree with this. :)

I'll admit outright, I haven't driven the 1.8T Quattro. I do however own an S3, and at the moment still, a 1.6 A3. Not a 1.8T or even a 1.8, but I notice sooo much of a difference. I find the S3 puts the power down no questions asked, I've never wheel spun it, even being a little too enthusiastic.

My S3 is in the garage just now, and I wheel-spun the 1.6 this morning just trying to get out at a busy roundabout. Kind of embaressing as I'm not a chav. :(

I can honestly say after owning and driving both, the S3 wins hands down (as it should!). If you can get the insurance for the S3, go for it. They shouldn't be too expensive to buy at the moment but as everyone knows, insurance is the killer.

I've also driven a 1.9TDI A3, the non-Quattro version and it's an awesome car. Quick, very quick. Quicker than the S3 unless from stand-still. It doesn't grip nearly half as well though, and thats with the ESP too! On a slippy/icy/wet/dirty/no-grip road, the Quattro will out-perform everything. It may be heavier, but I honestly wouldn't think it would make as much difference due to the benefits I've seen.

EDIT: Remember the Quattro is a Haldex part-time system in the A3/S3. Saves fuel and a little wear and tear. Only a very slight feel in the drive of the car allows you to feel the 4WD and even then I find thats only when driving REALLY hard. :)


My next want is the S4, I'd love to drive one, so maybe a year or two down the line, and if circumstances allow I'll swap for an S4. :D
 
I have the 1.8TQS and would never consider going for a fwd version. Fact I live in edinburgh with hilly cobbled streets is probably a big factor. Fantastic knowing I can get out of junctions quickly which just wouldn't happen in a fwd.
Of course if you get the quattro a3, you'll only start wishing you'd gone after an s3!
 
Shug1874 said:
Of course if you get the quattro a3, you'll only start wishing you'd gone after an s3!
Click to expand...

Defo.

I started with the 1.8 sport, upped to a 1.8T Sport and finally through to the S3. It's nice to have 'the top model'. Driving the 1.8T was fun yeah, but I always knew there was so much more to be had with the S3.

Plus, as A3_Turbo said, it's a lovely place to be.
 
Wow thanks for all the reply's guys !

From what you have been saying im wanting an S3 more and more, im going to have to shop around a few insurance companies and see if i can get a decent-ish quote!

Is there anyone on here at 19 with an S3?

If i cant find insurance on the S3 i have had my eye on an 1.8T a 2003 model that has only done 26,000 miles! Would this model be a facelift version ?

Lastly how do i go about declaring my remap ? All of the internet based forms don't have a remap on? Would i need to call up and tell them? How much can i expect to see my premium boost by?

Sorry for all the questions im just really excited about getting myself my 1st proper car and im hopefully getting it this weekend !
 
1animal1 said:
you dont see many who have lived with a quattro slating it, yet most A3 owners (who havent had quattro but have merely driven one) seem to think theirs is the best to own?
Click to expand...

I fear that comment was directed at me :D

I'm not slating the quattro system at all Tim, I think it's brilliant.

I'm simply giving my advice on what I'd buy out of the FWD 1.8T and the TQS. I think if you can't afford the S3, you may as well just go with the fwd, as it's more exciting to drive. The S3 in standard form isn't exactly super speedy, and the 180bhp quattro is even less so! You could almost say it's a little dull. It does everything in such a 'no fuss' way that's it's just not that interesting to drive.

The TQS seems to me that it's all the extra weight of the S3, with not enough power to make it fun, and nowhere near as nice a place to be... Also, considering how close the prices were of the TQS and the S3 from launch, it's no wonder they're rare cars, they were a rip off!

If you live in the scottish hills and want a smart and comfy car that's not dog slow, and will get you up an icey hill, then maybe the TQS is for you, otherwise, I see no place for it.

I love the haldex system in the S3, and think it works wonderfully, I'm not bitter at all that I own a FWD car. I was SO close to buying an absolute red S3 in late 2007, but decided against it, knowing I'd never be happy with a standard S3, and that I could get more enjoyment from a few mods on my A3, so I kept it.

I'm time, when I'm working again, I will be buying myself an S3 without question, but only when I can afford to spend money on it making it handle and pull like it should.

Back to Audi-33's original question:

I'd get yourself a facelift 1.8T fwd (2001 onwards) and spend a few K on it making it a stunner, or shop around for insurance and buy yourself an S3. £6k will see a fairly good S3 these days, and I'm sure you will be able to get a half decent quote.
 
The S3 is all about correct balance. It has "enough" power, and as a production car which is about balance with comfort & speed i think it pulls it off perfectly. Not mentioning the way it looks. It's further road presence over that of a normal A3.

Don't forget it was designed back before 2000 and 210Hp with 4WD was considered a damn good technology with plenty of power. It's heavy cause it's safe and has lots of features. It's not meant to be a type r!

If you want power & relatively no features buy a type r!
 
Personally i'd be happy with an S3 with a Decent map and Decent handling, Im only 19 myself (20 in a few weeks) Main reason i still dont have an S3 is due to insurance i just wont pay that sort of money again on inurance,

Let me know what sort of quotes you get on an S3 :)

Jason
 
Having driven both, yes the 2wd is more exciting to drive but most of the "excitment " is getting it to pull off. The Quattro is so much better to drive despite the weight it just grips and goes. I would spend the cash on a 1.8TQS for now and upgrade in a few years o the S3i cannot imagine an S3 being exactly insurance friendly @19
 
Byzan A4 said:
i cannot imagine an S3 being exactly insurance friendly @19
Click to expand...


Nope, I very much doubt you'd get anything under £3,000, if most will insure you at all. I'm 21, have 3 yrs ncb, no accidents (of my fault + witnessess to back up), and I live in an ok-ish area, and my insurance is still £1,200. Lot of money even at that! My insurance started just slightly before I was 21 though so it could be at a 20 yr old's price. I got that quote solely because the economy was going downhill and I pushed for a good quote.
 
Not looking good ! When i add mods of exhaust, air filter, lowered suspension and alloys my premium shoots up from 1100 to over 2500 !!! :confused:
 
Prawn said:
I fear that comment was directed at me :D

I'm not slating the quattro system at all Tim, I think it's brilliant.

I'm simply giving my advice on what I'd buy out of the FWD 1.8T and the TQS. I think if you can't afford the S3, you may as well just go with the fwd, as it's more exciting to drive. The S3 in standard form isn't exactly super speedy, and the 180bhp quattro is even less so! You could almost say it's a little dull. It does everything in such a 'no fuss' way that's it's just not that interesting to drive.

The TQS seems to me that it's all the extra weight of the S3, with not enough power to make it fun, and nowhere near as nice a place to be... Also, considering how close the prices were of the TQS and the S3 from launch, it's no wonder they're rare cars, they were a rip off!

If you live in the scottish hills and want a smart and comfy car that's not dog slow, and will get you up an icey hill, then maybe the TQS is for you, otherwise, I see no place for it.

I love the haldex system in the S3, and think it works wonderfully, I'm not bitter at all that I own a FWD car. I was SO close to buying an absolute red S3 in late 2007, but decided against it, knowing I'd never be happy with a standard S3, and that I could get more enjoyment from a few mods on my A3, so I kept it.

I'm time, when I'm working again, I will be buying myself an S3 without question, but only when I can afford to spend money on it making it handle and pull like it should.

Back to Audi-33's original question:

I'd get yourself a facelift 1.8T fwd (2001 onwards) and spend a few K on it making it a stunner, or shop around for insurance and buy yourself an S3. £6k will see a fairly good S3 these days, and I'm sure you will be able to get a half decent quote.
Click to expand...


:lmfao:haha na mate, you jigged my mind into saying something that id thought in general for a long time now.....

As you know i owned a standard 1.8T and from my experiance of that I can say without any uncertainty that i would never go back unless i wanted to build a track car.... yes its more interesting to drive but it lacks the prestige behind the S3 plus all the toys which do make a massive difference as a daily driver to work and back, the safety aspect is also a biggy, we dont live in a country with 5-6-7-8-9months of sunshine, we dont even get 5!!, the quattro system is much more useable here and provides almost effortless concentration when compared to a front wheel drive car (even a 1.6 as seen above)

have to disagree that they were over priced originally though, yes they were expensive but a classic signal that a vehicle is over priced is its 'residuals' which i am virtually certain that the S3 would fair better than most in its class for obvious reasons...yes you would have lost more over time but as a percentage of vehicle value, it wasnt as much as the best selling hatch in history...the Focus as an example or many others i care not to have mentioned...the recent downfall has been down to various other factors, facts are that the car held its own all up until the economical problems
 
audi-33 said:
Not looking good ! When i add mods of exhaust, air filter, lowered suspension and alloys my premium shoots up from 1100 to over 2500 !!! :confused:
Click to expand...

the beauty of the S3 is that it doesnt need mods (apart from remap) to be good to drive.... unless your tracking it

upgrading the air filter will give you nothing in bhp as its already a great design for the power it delivers

exhaust will not get you any extra bhp as it offers hardly any restrictions for the KO4

only thing id suggest is a remap after a few monrths of ownership, even some have done without this!!
 
audi-33 said:
Not looking good ! When i add mods of exhaust, air filter, lowered suspension and alloys my premium shoots up from 1100 to over 2500 !!! :confused:
Click to expand...

Hi mate,

If i was in your shoes i would buy a 1.8t non quattro 'cos their much cheaper to buy these days and can be just as much fun!
I've driven a 150bhp A3 1.8t and thought it was great plus with the money you save you can eventually do the mods like mapping etc.

I think this is the most sensible option for you right now until you get a few more years under your belt...
 
At your age, and mine, and probably even some of the older folks on here, I wouldn't bother modding a car. Insurance gets ridiculous, and if the company then find out ANYTHING has been changed without you saying it's going to void everything. Keep the car standard, maybe a remap for now, and build up a no claims. I'd get used to the car first though.

Once you have 4 years protected no claims, mod away. You'll be protected then so I think you'd benefit much much more.

Besides, a lot of these mods are pointless, like Tim's said. Nice, yeah, but doing it now will just make people think CHAV and will make you skint in your pocket. Save your money for when things go wrong with your car. They WILL due to the age of the car, and it costs a lot of money if anything is serious.
 
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1animal1 said:
:lmfao:
have to disagree that they were over priced originally though, yes they were expensive but a classic signal that a vehicle is over priced is its 'residuals' which i am virtually certain that the S3 would fair better than most in its class for obvious reasons...
Click to expand...

You missed my point dear chap! The S3 wasn't overpriced at all, I think it was perfectly reasonable!

the TQS however, was only about £2k less than the S3, and WAY more than the FWD version I seem to recall. Most of the money without any of the luxuries!

I think that's why the TQS is such a rare car, as for very little extra cash new, you could buy an S3.
 
ahh sorry doood:footy:

me not reading posts properly whilst im at work..... i wasnt aware of the A3Q prices.....
 
I've owned both a FWD and a quattro A3, the quattro is MUCH better. Far more fun to drive wet or dry and (once tuned) keeps me smiling all the way. :icon_thumright:
 
Prawn said:
the TQS however, was only about £2k less than the S3, and WAY more than the FWD version I seem to recall. Most of the money without any of the luxuries!

I think that's why the TQS is such a rare car, as for very little extra cash new, you could buy an S3.
Click to expand...

What other luxuries are there on the S3 that my TQS dosn't have other than the heated recaro front seats ??? is there some scope for upgrades ???
 
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