S3 or Golf R or even an S1?

80s and early 90s BMWs are cool. I'm biased though, I have a 1990 850i. Has the same 300hp as the new S3 I have on order however it weighs more than the moon, but it has a V12 and therefore is cool. This is badly off topic, shutting up.
 
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Haha, it is a very driver involved car though, great fun to drive :)

And for the money, it's brilliant ! It's probably as close as you can get to the perfect small hot hatch.

 
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When the motoring press get a stonk on for a particular car it's quite hard for anything to muscle in.

At the moment the current faves are P1, Fiesta ST, Golf R, S1, 135i & i3. Gets boring actually.
 
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The Challinor said:
And it's a shame the S3 never gets much attention.
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It's odd isn't it. I had an R for a test drive and it was as a driving experience exactly the same as the S3. I guess these car journo's are finally tuned to the minuscule differences in cars. Thought it sounded different mind - the soundktor thingy most have been tuned differently. I think the aurora around the R is because it's ever so slightly cheaper than an S3 and it's the top of the range Golf.

Current edition of Top Gear mag a good example. S3 can't be there as it's been out over 12 months. S3 Saloon can not be there because the R is out. The S1 is also out now so excludes the S3 even further because it's from the same brand. The 135i M is now too old so 235i gets included BUT it can be included with the new M4 because it's in a different segment.

What they write about the R I can relate too as my S3 brings the same thoughts to mind when I drive it. But the reviews just say the S3 is numb. Drive an R - it's numb too!
 
I'm going to have to drive a Golf R for myself - just to see what differences there are in the driving experience.
 
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veeeight said:
I'm going to have to drive a Golf R for myself - just to see what differences there are in the driving experience.
Click to expand...

Please do and share. I'm not sophisticated enough I guess to "feel" the differences. I couldn't. They drove identically. The differences for me were the cabin and the exterior styling.
 
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veeeight said:
I'm going to have to drive a Golf R for myself - just to see what differences there are in the driving experience.
Click to expand...

I don't like the Golf, it's dull to look at and likely no different to drive than the S3, so not for me.

I sometimes wonder if the Golf gets so much praise in comparison to the S3, which in reality it's no different to, as it's the fastest VW available.
The Golf R is VW's flagship "sports" car.
Audi have so much more to offer in sporty cars than the S3 so it gets lost amongst the brand (S4/RS4/S5/RS5/S6/RS6/S7/RS7/S8/R8 all higher spec and faster cars than the S3).
 
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Pulp84 said:
It's odd isn't it. I had an R for a test drive and it was as a driving experience exactly the same as the S3. I guess these car journo's are finally tuned to the minuscule differences in cars. Thought it sounded different mind - the soundktor thingy most have been tuned differently. I think the aurora around the R is because it's ever so slightly cheaper than an S3 and it's the top of the range Golf.

Current edition of Top Gear mag a good example. S3 can't be there as it's been out over 12 months. S3 Saloon can not be there because the R is out. The S1 is also out now so excludes the S3 even further because it's from the same brand. The 135i M is now too old so 235i gets included BUT it can be included with the new M4 because it's in a different segment.

What they write about the R I can relate too as my S3 brings the same thoughts to mind when I drive it. But the reviews just say the S3 is numb. Drive an R - it's numb too!
Click to expand...

Saloon and convertible should be featured to be fair.
 
CraigI said:
I don't like the Golf, it's dull to look at and likely no different to drive than the S3, so not for me.

I sometimes wonder if the Golf gets so much praise in comparison to the S3, which in reality it's no different to, as it's the faster VW available.
The Golf R is VW's flagship "sports" car.
Audi have so much more to offer in sporty cars than the S3 so it gets lost amongst the brand (S4/RS4/S5/RS5/S6/RS6/S7/RS7/S8/R8 all higher spec and faster cars than the S3).
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This used to be the case but the S3 is actually faster then a few of the cars you mentioned.
 
CraigI said:
I'll give you the S4 perhaps.
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Can't remember which ones but S-Tronic on paper was quicker then a few of them. The new S3 really is amazingly quick. For me it's not just a case of that but it really is the perfect car for me, still youngish (26 soon) so like 3 doors, TT too small as is S1 and prefer handing to a S5. I'm sure as I get older may be a saloon or estate
 
The Challinor said:
Can't remember which ones but S-Tronic on paper was quicker then a few of them. The new S3 really is amazingly quick. For me it's not just a case of that but it really is the perfect car for me, still youngish (26 soon) so like 3 doors, TT too small as is S1 and prefer handing to a S5. I'm sure as I get older may be a saloon or estate
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Exactly my thoughts mate! I'm 25 and 6ft4 and the s3 is a great size for me. Coming from a b7 a4 it actually seems bigger? Obviously the boots not there but I don't want a too practical car! The s3 seemed perfect tk me, very fast, comfortable, looks great and I can get insured for £315! Couldn't be better really! Just want to drive the damn thing now!

I've never liked golfs. Obviously a few I the mags get my attention but all in all they are bland, and a bit too safe?
 
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Pulp84 said:
It's odd isn't it. I had an R for a test drive and it was as a driving experience exactly the same as the S3. I guess these car journo's are finally tuned to the minuscule differences in cars. Thought it sounded different mind - the soundktor thingy most have been tuned differently. I think the aurora around the R is because it's ever so slightly cheaper than an S3 and it's the top of the range Golf.

Current edition of Top Gear mag a good example. S3 can't be there as it's been out over 12 months. S3 Saloon can not be there because the R is out. The S1 is also out now so excludes the S3 even further because it's from the same brand. The 135i M is now too old so 235i gets included BUT it can be included with the new M4 because it's in a different segment.

What they write about the R I can relate too as my S3 brings the same thoughts to mind when I drive it. But the reviews just say the S3 is numb. Drive an R - it's numb too!
Click to expand...

Did you think it was louder? My brother has the R and seemed to think my exhaust farts were a lot louder than his.

Might need to swap cars for the day to compare :)
 
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CraigI said:
I'll give you the S4 perhaps.
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S4 plus...S1, S5, S5 sportback, S5 cabriolet ;)

In fact, you have to be in an RS or in an S6 or better to go faster off the line to 60. Worth a mention.
 
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Jez-dtm said:
Exactly my thoughts mate! I'm 25 and 6ft4 and the s3 is a great size for me. Coming from a b7 a4 it actually seems bigger? Obviously the boots not there but I don't want a too practical car! The s3 seemed perfect tk me, very fast, comfortable, looks great and I can get insured for £315! Couldn't be better really! Just want to drive the damn thing now!

I've never liked golfs. Obviously a few I the mags get my attention but all in all they are bland, and a bit too safe?
Click to expand...

Can't comment on the size vs a b7 but it kind of feels more like a 8L then a 8P in terms of size, the boot is a bit small, few inches smaller each way. Who you insured with? That's very cheap indeed.
 
Joetidman said:
S4 plus...S1, S5, S5 sportback, S5 cabriolet ;)

In fact, you have to be in an RS or in an S6 or better to go faster off the line to 60. Worth a mention.
Click to expand...

I was being lazy and waiting for someone to post a list, knew it was coming...haha

Thank you, I did say a few as went through them all a while ago whilst getting my head around how quick it is ! S8 is also faster.
 
RYuill said:
Did you think it was louder? My brother has the R and seemed to think my exhaust farts were a lot louder than his.

Might need to swap cars for the day to compare :)
Click to expand...

Yes - hence my comments on the soundktor thing under the windscreen. Def more pronounced in the S3.

Regarding comments on Top Gear not using the S3 cab or saloon - the S1 is super new and these mags wouldn't not use two similar cars for the same brand for a big shootout (unless different segment).
 
The Challinor said:
Can't comment on the size vs a b7 but it kind of feels more like a 8L then a 8P in terms of size, the boot is a bit small, few inches smaller each way. Who you insured with? That's very cheap indeed.
Click to expand...

My insurance is with swift cover, I couldn't believe it! My wife has a a3 8v 1.4cod and it feels roomy for me to drive, maybe with it being a 3 door over my 4 door b7
 
Pulp84 said:
When the motoring press get a stonk on for a particular car it's quite hard for anything to muscle in.

At the moment the current faves are P1, Fiesta ST, Golf R, S1, 135i & i3. Gets boring actually.
Click to expand...

How about the new super hatch Mercedes A45 AMG? Though there is a lot of debate if it is worth the money. Certainly for that sort of dosh there are a lot of other options.

None of these cars are for me though, as they all have firm suspension and low mpg.
 
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Daz Auto said:
How about the new super hatch Mercedes A45 AMG? Though there is a lot of debate if it is worth the money. Certainly for that sort of dosh there are a lot of other options.

None of these cars are for me though, as they all have firm suspension
Click to expand...

Old now in car mag / special feature terms the A45. Every car in Top Gear shoot out was launched in 2014 or deliveries started 2014 I think.
 
The Challinor said:
I was being lazy and waiting for someone to post a list, knew it was coming...haha

Thank you, I did say a few as went through them all a while ago whilst getting my head around how quick it is ! S8 is also faster.
Click to expand...

So it's faster than 2 on paper 0-60 (although not top speed).

But yet, it pales into insignificance as far as the journo's are concerned.
You have to ask why? Personally I don't think it drives all that well; sure it's fast off the line, but with no excitement whatsoever, poor suspension set up, suffering from the Haldex system (S5 drives better due to better AWD system if I'm being honest), don't really like the S Tronic version (takes time to locate a gear down when in auto mode), so it's easily forgettable, which is probably why it doesn't feature in most of these group tests.

I wish I had given the S5 a better chance than I did. You live and learn and on reflection it is (if specced with Dynamic Steering and Diff) a better car than the S3.
 
Jez-dtm said:
My insurance is with swift cover, I couldn't believe it! My wife has a a3 8v 1.4cod and it feels roomy for me to drive, maybe with it being a 3 door over my 4 door b7
Click to expand...

Not got mine yet so can't fully comment. In also with Swift but was about £500 odd, due for renewal text month, will be 26 with 9 years no claims. Be nice see mine come down then.
 
Daz Auto said:
How about the new super hatch Mercedes A45 AMG? Though there is a lot of debate if it is worth the money. Certainly for that sort of dosh there are a lot of other options.

None of these cars are for me though, as they all have firm suspension and low mpg.
Click to expand...

I looked at one for the fun of it, felt very cramped inside and wasn't a fan of the interior to be honest, especially the after thought screen.
 
CraigI said:
So it's faster than 2 on paper 0-60 (although not top speed).

But yet, it pales into insignificance as far as the journo's are concerned.
You have to ask why? Personally I don't think it drives all that well; sure it's fast off the line, but with no excitement whatsoever, poor suspension set up, suffering from the Haldex system (S5 drives better due to better AWD system if I'm being honest), don't really like the S Tronic version (takes time to locate a gear down when in auto mode), so it's easily forgettable, which is probably why it doesn't feature in most of these group tests.

I wish I had given the S5 a better chance than I did. You live and learn and on reflection it is (if specced with Dynamic Steering and Diff) a better car than the S3.
Click to expand...

Well faster then more then 2 but hey ho ( see above ).

Each person to their own, driven most of the Audi range and I know what I personally like / prefer.

I've heard of a few people going from S5 to S3 for smaller more agile / nimble size but again all down to personal preference.
 
The Challinor said:
Well faster then more then 2 but hey ho ( see above ).

Each person to their own, driven most of the Audi range and I know what I personally like / prefer.

I've heard of a few people going from S5 to S3 for smaller more agile / nimble size but again all down to personal preference.
Click to expand...

To be utterly pedantic, only 2 on my list.

The S3 isn't that much more agile than the S5, not much in it.
S3 needs a diff at the front then it would be more agile.
S5 has better kit and looks far better (in Coupe form). I'd advise anyone thinking about a choice between S3/S5 to go S5. For me the rear biased set up in the S5 makes a world of difference.

Anyway, we digress.
I'm going to get a shot of the S1 next week (R8 this week), so will report back and let you know how it compares to the S3.
 
CraigI said:
To be utterly pedantic, only 2 on my list.

The S3 isn't that much more agile than the S5, not much in it.
S3 needs a diff at the front then it would be more agile.
S5 has better kit and looks far better (in Coupe form). I'd advise anyone thinking about a choice between S3/S5 to go S5. For me the rear biased set up in the S5 makes a world of difference.

Anyway, we digress.
I'm going to get a shot of the S1 next week (R8 this week), so will report back and let you know how it compares to the S3.
Click to expand...

There is a different more comprehensive list above lol.

Fair enough mate, each to their own. I much prefer the S3 interior, S5 looks dated now and don't like the set back screen. It's horses for courses though. Exterior is more aggressive, I do like S5's just prefer S3's haha !
 
The Challinor said:
There is a different more comprehensive list above lol.

Fair enough mate, each to their own. I much prefer the S3 interior, S5 looks dated now and don't like the set back screen. It's horses for courses though. Exterior is more aggressive, I do like S5's just prefer S3's haha !
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Again I admire your purchase loyalty.

These are merely my opinions, having owned both.
You will get your S3 soon and mine will have been and gone soon.
Hope you get on better with it than I am/have.
 
You not kept up?

He's had his S3, discovered it didn't live up to expectations, and is on his way into an RS6 :)
 
CraigI said:
I wish I had given the S5 a better chance than I did. You live and learn and on reflection it is (if specced with Dynamic Steering and Diff) a better car than the S3.
Click to expand...

With all the kit the S5 is a reasonably good car, but where I feel the S5 seems to lack are two main areas:

1) mid range overtaking capability
2) dimwitted S-Tronic box

Despite all the recent revisions and facelifts (the B8.5 facelift was far more than a 'cosmetic facelift') whilst the majority of the first gen gremlins have been ironed out of the chassis it still feels a bit of a GT car against the S3. That said my S3 was very 'point and shoot', and I think I'm used to a modified car feel. On the day I was one of the few who seemed to prefer the overall experience of the S5 coupe 8.5T to the S3 8V, but it still needs some minor tweaks to get the most from the car.

The S5 sounds lovely, hides its weight and girth superbly, is well balanced, is very quick off the line (4.9s to 62mph - brochure), and I personally think apart from the MMI is a better place to sit. However it desperately needs the sports diff / AMI complement to make it anywhere near comparative. I think on the day the looks probably stole it for me on coupe form (I'm not a sport back fan), but after 6 weeks of ownership and with the newness love a distant memory it still needs work (sway bars / DSG map / remap...)
 
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