Heart says S3, Head says A3 1.4 Help me decide!!!

[warren_S5]

Seems to me that anyone who owns a S3 can say what they like, and I haven't criticised that, but when someone speaks out for a alternative then that is wrong. Isn't that a little biased and not really helpful to the OP?

So I pose you a question; as a 'skin of my teeth' S3 owner, would you consider my post imbalanced?

The fact of the matter is we're pages into giving our own views but the chap who seemingly can't decide will only be able to discern for himself what he wants to do. I think you can only ever drive both cars, go home, reflect and then make a decision. Some will go for power, some will go for what they consider the 'sensible' option, others will buy the 'right' badge to suit their perceived social standing / cul de sac pretentions.

I've never been able to be sold on a car by the choice of others, it's always been a case of grazing through the ownership experiences of others (good & bad) then driving it to see if it floats my boat. There may be some banter along the way, and so be it.

What I'm more concerned about is the fact that we're all these pages into the thread and the OP still doesn't seem to have implied any sense of his preference; ****** tyre kickers ;-)

 

[cuke2u]

So let the chap decide for himself and perhaps without insulting his inteligence...

 

[h5djr]

So let the chap decide....

Everyone can offer their reasons for going for one or the other but it's the buyer who has to make the final choice. Personally I would never buy an S3 because there are too many things that are standard that I don't like or want. But I do like a car with plenty of torque for every day driving and when I driving just for the fun of it.

The 1.4 COD and S3 are almost at opposite ends of what is available. If the OP wants more power/torque than the 1.4 COD perhaps he could also consider the 1.8TFSI or the 2.0TDI in 150 or 184. Perhaps he should have a test drive in some of these other models to see if there is something in the middle ground that he prefers.

 

[warren_S5]

So let the chap decide for himself and perhaps without insulting his inteligence...

Where has his intelligence been insulted. As far as I've read opinions have been given. That's all. Now based on the fact he asked for opinions hopefully he can decide, but Dave has made a very pertinent point, comparisons of cars at either end of the spectrum may not be conducive to the right outcome.

 

[cuke2u]

But that was the op's question wasn't it. However when I made a fair enough comment about the 1.4 PA jumps in feet first. Is this thread for s3 owners only? Up until that point I had ignored all of the S3 posts. I think accusing the op of being a tyre kicker, when he has genuinely come here for help is insulting. It took me 6 months to decide upon my next car...

 

[warren_S5]

I think accusing the op of being a tyre kicker, when he has genuinely come here for help is insulting. It took me 6 months to decide upon my next car...

If you re-read my post and see the wink symbol at the end it's a gentle **** take, but I'll concede that for people of a slightly more sensitive nature / disposition it could be probably mis-read.

 

[veeeight]

 

[warren_S5]

As soon as you get a 'X' vs. 'Y' thread they ALWAYS do!

 

[AllanG]

As for dowdy; you think it looks more dowdy than any other A3 (admittedly image posted is 8P not 8V)???

Sorry Warren, but IMHO this looks like a 'boy racers' car............tasteless!!

 

[PilotAudi]

But that was the op's question wasn't it. However when I made a fair enough comment about the 1.4 PA jumps in feet first. Is this thread for s3 owners only? Up until that point I had ignored all of the S3 posts. I think accusing the op of being a tyre kicker, when he has genuinely come here for help is insulting. It took me 6 months to decide upon my next car...

I agree with Veeight it escalated quickly!!... I don't see why you are getting so upset! Which 'fair' comment are you referring to and what feet are jumping in.

FYI I don't own an S3, in fact until 16 sleeps time we no longer have an Audi... what I do know is we have had dozens of performance and boring VW and Audi Group cars and for us the S3 SB ticks all the boxes this time around.. maybe when I am older and living on a pension I may consider a 1.4 as our only car and very nice it will be too. BUT currently I don't want one and to suggest this thread is for S3 owners only is ridiculous, we should all be free to express our views with humour, tongues in cheak and an occasional wink without getting overly emotional... the Cameroon phrase 'calm down dear springs to mind' ..

Let's try and behave please and recognise some of us love S3's, Privacy Glass, others like PPs and softly sprung barges .. there is no right answer just opinion. (My opinion is always right of course ;-) - My old Dad used to say 'If what I say offends try looking in the mirror'...

 

[warren_S5]

Sorry Warren, but IMHO this looks like a 'boy racers' car............tasteless!!

That's fine Allan, I take no issue with that at all, it is what it is. Appeals to a certain kind of person and I respect that. Horses for courses.

 

[AllanG]

Horses for courses.

Couldn't agree more, Warren...........that's why I like this forum, 'cos at the end of the day, whichever model we choose, for whatever reason, we have all decided that it must be an AUDI!!

 

[PilotAudi]

As soon as you get a 'X' vs. 'Y' thread they ALWAYS do!

It's definitely Y Warren ;-)

 

[steeve]

Do you want a high performance car? Or an economical run around?

It really is your choice.

Its not a question we can answer for you.

 

[cuke2u]

I'll agree with Steeve...

 

[Snake Pliskin]

My power in the S3 was so unusable on public roads that I went out and purchased the relevant mods to give it another 100bhp! S3Alex will have added well over 200bhp more to his by the time he's finished his project. Both are daily drivers.

A car should never be a 100% head decision, it's too emotive a purchase. I don't need all the power I have all of the time, but when I occasionally wind up at Combe, Nurburg, Spa, or wherever a 1.4 CoD with all the options wouldn't be the right tool for that day. It's about understanding what you're REALLY going to use it for and then sticking your neck out or playing it safe. I've never got up on a day I've had an arduous commute and thought I wish I'd bought a smaller engine. However if you're only going to run about locally, and your not someone who just buys the badge (as some do) then the 1.4CoD is a perfectly good car based on those needs.

I don't think its that any one car is better than the other, it's just that one suits one persons needs (and pocket) better than the other.

As for dowdy; you think it looks more dowdy than any other A3 (admittedly image posted is 8P not 8V)???

I actually thought that looked $hit hot mate

 

[veeeight]

Me too.

But then again I'm biased. Mine looks identical, although not as shiny, and not as low

I shall all definitely miss my 8P when the time comes, it has given me many hours of driving pleasure.
And other memories, though we shan't go into that right now

 

[warren_S5]

I actually thought that looked $hit hot mate

That sir is because you know quality when you see it ;-)

I can appreciate for some it's a bit 'rude boy' all in black with it's tinted windows, black edition pack and ridiculous great hoops, but I'd had 5 grey cars on the bounce and wanted something with a bit more fighting spirit for a change. My mid life crisis car; but at least it wasn't orange!

I've never owned a car that polarises opinion so much, people seem to either adore it or plain hate it! For that reason alone I quite enjoy it.

 

[stetheo]

My power in the S3 was so unusable on public roads that I went out and purchased the relevant mods to give it another 100bhp! S3Alex will have added well over 200bhp more to his by the time he's finished his project. Both are daily drivers.

A car should never be a 100% head decision, it's too emotive a purchase. I don't need all the power I have all of the time, but when I occasionally wind up at Combe, Nurburg, Spa, or wherever a 1.4 CoD with all the options wouldn't be the right tool for that day. It's about understanding what you're REALLY going to use it for and then sticking your neck out or playing it safe. I've never got up on a day I've had an arduous commute and thought I wish I'd bought a smaller engine. However if you're only going to run about locally, and your not someone who just buys the badge (as some do) then the 1.4CoD is a perfectly good car based on those needs.

I don't think its that any one car is better than the other, it's just that one suits one persons needs (and pocket) better than the other.

As for dowdy; you think it looks more dowdy than any other A3 (admittedly image posted is 8P not 8V)???

Car looks amazing IMO, I may be slightly bias owning a very similar albeit older version. However, it has made me realise one thing (other than my love for the 8P3)...I need rotors in my life.

 

[PilotAudi]

Love the Rotors but after many years of kerb free motoring Mrs has had a few issues with them and costly to repair!

 

[cuke2u]

So is it a standard S3, or one that has been lowered, with either larger wheels and/or spacers?

 

[warren_S5]

So is it a standard S3, or one that has been lowered, with either larger wheels and/or spacers?

The rotors are from our good friend the RS3 (original equipment >£2k), then lowered ONLY at the front end by 20mm to get rid of the awful reverse rake that all A3's of any flavour run. Other than that what you see on the outside is as the factory intended. I don't tend to do much in cosmetic space, mostly under the hood.

 

[PilotAudi]

Wonder if the 21inch Rotors on my A7 Black Edition would fit??? They would look great!

 

[Snake Pliskin]

Rotors are amazing I must agree too.

They appear on a lot of Audi cars now but I can forgive them as they are such a great looking alloy.

As for A3 vs S3 ... if you can afford it and are already pondering the decision and wondering if you can justify the decision or treat yourself, for me I would for sure say sample an Audi 'S'car in your life.

You can always go back to a more frugal / sensible car next time if you feel you have then gotten it out if your system ... Or you may then find you have the bug for Audi's finest S / RS cars

The specification on S cars tends to make them good value too and you get what you pay for in addition to the enhanced performance, Quattro and styling and S cars do hold thier money well and are much lower volume cars than say the s line's.

 

[Diamond White]

Thanks to every one for their input. Though I'm no nearer making up my mind yet, there were some interesting comments.
Clearly, either one would be an excellent choice in it's own right, and owners of both seem to be fiercely defensive of their choice.
I've never made a decision like this when buying a car before. I bought an XR2 'cause that's what I wanted. Same with the GTi, same with the Mondeo. I bought an Escort because I needed a car quickly. All simple decisions.

Anyway, i've got the message from both sides, and before it descends any further into a slanging match, time to end the thread I feel.

I'll report back when the decision has been made. Cheers.

 

[cuke2u]

Please do, and I, for apologise for one, being part of the nature this thread descended into...

 

[steeve]

It certainly went off topic.....................

 

[veeeight]

Is anyone able to expand on this. Are they the same, if not, what is the difference?

The answer you require is here:
http://www.audi-sport.net/vb/new-a3...ne-suspension-dealer-locator.html#post2086157

 

[Longy]

We went through the exact same scenario.

Head vs heart, in the end the heart won out, we went with the S3 Sedan.

We considered A3 sedan either 1.8 ltr Quattro or 2.0 TDI, S3 or A4, A3 Quattro TDI for it fuel efficiency, and A4 Avant for the extra legroom and headroom, and S3 for the acceleration.

At the end of the day, it was a car for fun, family drives and the one that we test drove and gave us the most enjoyment was the S3, so we placed our order for an S3 Sedan, S-Tronic in Sepang Blue.