Any real difference between S3 and MkIV R32 MPG?

[hootz]

Sorry for this boring topic which I know is frequently asked, and I don't want to start up a whole S3vR32 debate. I am looking at getting an S3 but seem to be tempted by an R32. Now, both cars have same 0-60, S3 is more tuneable, but reviews suggest that the R32 handles better. One thing that isn't clear is actual, realistic MPGs for the two cars. In other threads I have heard of people getting 26-27mpg from their S3, and in similar threads people claim to be getting 25mpg out of an R32?????

Is there really such a small difference between the two? Or are these numbers quoted from a granny-like R32 driver and a spirited S3 driver?

Surely there must be a greater difference? If not then I may have to opt for an .:R!!!

I thought figures were more like 20mpg for the R and 27ish for the S3 with normal driving, with blasts of right footed action.


Any help would be great!

 

[hootz]

Im looking at an 8L S3 btw

 

[sportquattro]

R32 will always use more fuel than an S3, you should average 30+ form an S3 i get 32 Average which includes a 70mile round trip daily commute

 

[s3dave]

The r32 handles like a pig on the twisties

 

[jojo]

The r32 handles like a pig on the twisties

R32 handles better than an S3 out the box both being standard Dave. Even though the R32 had a heavy V6 up front, it came with more agressive ARBs(which is why us S3 owners use them) and Bilstein shocks as standard. But once tuned up, an S3 will leave an R32, it will just pull away like, not disappear into the distance! R32 should still have the legs on an S3 for topspeed!

MPG wise, S3 is superior for long distance cruising, but pushing it, I think both are similar if both being driven hard!

 

[finesse]

As above, get an S3 & stick an R32 arb + after market dampers & springs

 

[Syvo]

r32 sounds better fuel wise s3 should be better on long runs around town the r32 as my m8 has one so i know this much.

s3 ftw r32 on has the noise over an s3 in my opinion

 

[dannyh]

a friend has an R32, its a nice car but lacks loost lol

He sees 18mpg no matter where he drives, also he has spent around 2k on engine mods and has only seen about 25bhp gain, if you spend 2k on an s3 you will see a lot more than 25bhp lol

but the Rdog does have invisible somthing about it that makes you go wow!!!

anyway as i love boost it would be S3 with me all day.

but the R323 is a good car

 

[Dan-Jnr]

R32 for the noise
S3 for the boost

Both very similar cars in my opinion.

 

[dannyh]

The R32 is V. quick from a standing start but on the motoway a turbo car will pull from it

 

[sportstractor]

Saw an r32 yesterday... Looking seriously dated now IMO, would't even consider one tbh. My decision was between LCR or S3 when I was buying... Glad I went down the Audi route though

 

[MUSH]

The r32 munches fuel end of... The s3 if driven conservatively will do well.


THe s3 has a cabin thats ten times better than an r32 aswell. Fair one the r32 konig seats are nice, but deep down its just a mk4 golf! The s3 is subtle enough to be cool whilst retaining a Special feeling.

 

[Kave]

Those Konigs may look nice, but all these tomb stone style buckets are horrible for any distance, you S3 lot are spoilt with some of the most comfortable seating put in any passenger car. There is all the adjustment one could ever want, lumbar, thigh, height, and a head rest you can actually rest your head on. Love the electric heated s3 recaros.

MPG you will be lucky to break 20 in the 3.2 v6, maybe pushing 25 on a run. S3 as everyone says you can get "reasonable" figures of 30+ from it.

Naturally aspirated low end grunt is a very different experience to a boosted 4pot.

The r32 is a special engine with a reputable cult followed lineage of VAG developed narrow angle v6's, the 1.8t is a characterless mass produced banger in comparison; But that doesnt mean much when you see and hear that soulful gorguous sonourous sex pot of an engine fall away in your rear view mirror. That said a boosted r32 is on another level.

Looks wise, agree with what has already been said the MK4 golf has dated much more than the A3, mostly because the A3 is more subtle and plain looking. Think the S3 looks much better in every way.

but deep down its just a mk4 golf!

So is an s3?

Either car is as special as each other. But the S3 is a better package, and nicer place to be inside, which in my opinion is the most important factor, as thats where you spend your time.

 

[colicabcadam]

i doubt anyone will believe me, but i've had 510 miles out of a tank on my s3 !

 

[Inertiauk]

i doubt anyone will believe me, but i've had 510 miles out of a tank on my s3 !

I never saw stretch of road go down hill for 210 miles, where did you find it ?

 

[camscockle20vT]

Saw an r32 yesterday... Looking seriously dated now IMO, would't even consider one tbh. My decision was between LCR or S3 when I was buying... Glad I went down the Audi route though

Why was this dude? Iv always loved the s3 aswel but just think the cupra r was better value for money in todays 2nd hand market.


And to the r32 or s3 id say s3 any day, got the looks and potential over the r32. And a vw is a poor mans audi lol sounds like a vw just better

Oh and i agree with kave on the s3 recaros, its better than first class to new york with british air ways... Or what i think first class would feel like lol, i know its definetly better than easyjet to prague lol

 

[camscockle20vT]

i doubt anyone will believe me, but i've had 510 miles out of a tank on my s3 !

Lol is this the new hybrid conversion?

 

[colicabcadam]

I never saw stretch of road go down hill for 210 miles, where did you find it ?

Lol is this the new hybrid conversion?

what a lot of people do not understand with these cars is the weight of them, they hate stopping and starting it takes a lot of petrol to get 1.6 ton moving, on a run where you are averaging 50/60 mph it's possible to get 500+ miles out of a tank, in 6th gear doing 40-60mph you're not even using boost!

i actually have a pic of my car saying 405 range with 95 miles on the clock (i reset after every fill up sometimes)

 

[camscockle20vT]

what a lot of people do not understand with these cars is the weight of them, they hate stopping and starting it takes a lot of petrol to get 1.6 ton moving, on a run where you are averaging 50/60 mph it's possible to get 500+ miles out of a tank, in 6th gear doing 40-60mph you're not even using boost!

i actually have a pic of my car saying 405 range with 95 miles on the clock (i reset after every fill up sometimes)

Yeh i get your point and im mot calling you a liar but its funny to think an audi driver, let alone a s3 driver could have the self control to drive like a hurst for that long lol buy a scootay and give the s3 to me and ill get that mpg down to 3miles to the gallon

 

[colicabcadam]

Yeh i get your point and im mot calling you a liar but its funny to think an audi driver, let alone a s3 driver could have the self control to drive like a hurst for that long lol buy a scootay and give the s3 to me and ill get that mpg down to 3miles to the gallon

it was hard, i just wanted to find out, have you ever looked at the mpg rate at 150 mph - 6.2mpg lolol

 

[sportstractor]

Why was this dude? Iv always loved the s3 aswel but just think the cupra r was better value for money in todays 2nd hand market.

I tried a couple lcr's and they performed well, but didn't like the seats, interior and the fact you can't get a AWD one in the uk.

I think Quattro was half the reason I went for the s3, it's unbelievable the difference it makes. Il never forget getting up hills in the snow while everyone else in a standard hatch stuck was looking with a confused look on their faces

 

[MUSH]

Looks wise, agree with what has already been said the MK4 golf has dated much more than the A3, mostly because the A3 is more subtle and plain looking. Think the S3 looks much better in every way.

So is an s3?

Obv structurally theyre the same mk4 chassis but aesthetically the r32 is a bit wet. The outside is plain mk4 golf with body extensions (i actually prefer the look of the anniversary) but the cabin again is plain with only a few little brushed ali parts to brighten it up. My opinion of course but the s3 wins every time. Esp with the grey leather, as apose to the black, feels like your stepping into something "different" every time.


I actually like the 20v lump aswell, plus it too comes from a very defined vag lineage of fast revving multivalve technology engines. Admittadly in standard form it needs a bit of a shove (via mods/remap) but it is still good bang for buck. The v6 wouldnt make my list as i prefer to drive my car, not fill up all the time. (loud pedal use relative...lol)

 

[alijames]

i doubt anyone will believe me, but i've had 510 miles out of a tank on my s3 !

I got 495 miles out of mine just the other week. A 65-70mph cruise to the Lake District and back will do that. Regularly see the range at fill-up around the 450-500 mile mark. Once saw 550, but did not manage to achieve that, thanks to some twisty bits!!

Cheers,