S3 or Golf R or even an S1?

[Liquidfusion-S3]

Even if the Golf R is a better performer, lets face it... it looks sh*t compared to the S3 both inside and outside.
You buy a car based mainly on it's looks and practicality, and the S3 beats the Golf R in both.

 

[Bristle Hound]

The Audi fanboys need constant reminding that the S3 isn't perfect (bit like the Apple fanboys with their products)

Why tho' V8, that's what I don't understand

Some of us are and have spent a lot of money on S3's and to be constantly reminded how cr@p they are or are going to be is a bit galling TBH mate

We are on an Audi forum and we supposed to cheering the brand on, not constantly it

Lets face it, every car has its short comings, even a Golf R. Nothings perfect

I agree with a lot of other comments on here about driver skills. I think the difference is more down to that than the respective cars inadequacies

Funny how I was always meeting self proclaimed 'good drivers' in my last job ...

They have

Both @geefunk1978 and @Craigl (amongst others) have sold their S3's after a short relationship and gone for something that steers and rides

But not you tho' & you are the biggest detractor of the S3 on ASN!

 

[Martinbanshee]

Thats a bit of a weird detour

Balmedie was one of many runs we had, I've got a couple of nice photos of the 2 cars near the Lecht but not on my iPhone.

 

[Martinbanshee]

Why tho' V8, that's what I don't understand

Some of us are and have spent a lot of money on S3's and to be constantly reminded how cr@p they are or are going to be is a bit galling TBH mate

We are on an Audi forum and we supposed to cheering the brand on, not constantly it

Lets face it, every car has its short comings, even a Golf R. Nothings perfect

I agree with a lot of other comments on here about driver skills. I think the difference is more down to that than the respective cars inadequacies

Funny how I was always meeting self proclaimed 'good drivers' in my last job ...

Yeah, don't worry, the difference is minimal. Out of the 2 I preferred the S3. Different cars for different people.

 

[david7m]

Chill out dudes, they are only cars!
Dave

 

[Martinbanshee]

But this is important, fastest is king haha

 

[j0nny2013]

when can you say your a "good driver" haha I can never understand this. I dont know whether I am a good driver or sh*t! I suppose If I wrap the s3 around a lampost it will answer my question but till then I will just go off the basis that I am good! I agree that some ppl buy a fast car and think they are awesome driver soon to realise there not when its wrote off ! I'm as careful as can be when needs to be as should all with fast cars because its more tempting to take them risks when you think you have the machine to do it!

 

[veeeight]

But not you tho' & you are the biggest detractor of the S3 on ASN!

Nah, just brutally dispassionately objective and truthful.

There are plenty of nice things to say about the S3, but when people start saying that the interior is nice (above anything else) on an "S" car from Audi, you just know that that speaks volumes.

You'll never get any ******** from me in any situation, in or out of ASN, just honesty.

 

[Bristle Hound]

You'll never get any ******** from me in any situation, in or out of ASN, just honesty.

No problem with that at all V8

 

[Martinbanshee]

when can you say your a "good driver" haha I can never understand this. I dont know whether I am a good driver or sh*t! I suppose If I wrap the s3 around a lampost it will answer my question but till then I will just go off the basis that I am good! I agree that some ppl buy a fast car and think they are awesome driver soon to realise there not when its wrote off ! I'm as careful as can be when needs to be as should all with fast cars because its more tempting to take them risks when you think you have the machine to do it!

There's ALWAYS someone better than us but if they're not around make the most of it

Seriously though, I just cruise around 99.9% of the time.

 

[j0nny2013]

There's ALWAYS someone better than us but if they're not around make the most of it

Seriously though, I just cruise around 99.9% of the time.

too true mate

I like to have a play but its mainly on the straights! no point in taking risks for the crack!

 

[Hartwell]

Re several of the points made above I think most of us are realistic about the plus and minus points of the cars we own and our own driving abilities. That said I would hope that the very fact that we on this site suggests we have an interest in driving and (hopefully) have slightly above average abilities. As BH said we do not like to hear Audi being bashed all the time, we know the typical Audi traits and the shortcomings. I do not think my S3 handles as well as my previous TT Tdi (a point my wife made without me raising it first) and that is disappointing. However I am never going to be driving it at 10/10th's on public roads so other factors such as comfort (and, yawn, yes the interior) must be factored in too (plus I can buy it as a manual and it has proper analogue dials - unlike the new TT). Motoring magazines reviews invariably miss the point on just the requirement to live with a car in the real world and drive it fast, safely, with average abilities. Not all of us are multi-championship winning Touring Car drivers with the skill to hang the back end out on a BMW without loosing it on a narrow wet road - . <---- Always amused me how wrong this conclusion is.

 

[veeeight]

If I wanted a nice interior, I'd buy an A3 1,2

I wanted an Audi "S" car that drives and handles the 300PS well

I don't think that's too much to ask for. It's always a tad disappointing when you get into a Fiesta ST and think, why can't Audi have done this with the S3

Sure, the S3 8V has come on leaps and bounds compared to the S3 8P, but not far enough to compare with the current competition.

 

[Martinbanshee]

Re several of the points made above I think most of us are realistic about the plus and minus points of the cars we own and our own driving abilities. That said I would hope that the very fact that we on this site suggests we have an interest in driving and (hopefully) have slightly above average abilities. As BH said we do not like to hear Audi being bashed all the time, we know the typical Audi traits and the shortcomings. I do not think my S3 handles as well as my previous TT Tdi (a point my wife made without me raising it first) and that is disappointing. However I am never going to be driving it at 10/10th's on public roads so other factors such as comfort (and, yawn, yes the interior) must be factored in too (plus I can buy it as a manual and it has proper analogue dials - unlike the new TT). Motoring magazines reviews invariably miss the point on just the requirement to live with a car in the real world and drive it fast, safely, with average abilities. Not all of us are multi-championship winning Touring Car drivers with the skill to hang the back end out on a BMW without loosing it on a narrow wet road - . <---- Always amused me how wrong this conclusion is.

Aye, 0.5 sec after a lap with Plato driving with the BMW much closer to ditching than the TT. The average person would total that BMW before the TT. No doubt different in the dry but this isn't California.

 

[Martinbanshee]

If I wanted a nice interior, I'd buy an A3 1,2

I wanted an Audi "S" car that drives and handles the 300PS well

I don't think that's too much to ask for. It's always a tad disappointing when you get into a Fiesta ST and think, why can't Audi have done this with the S3

Sure, the S3 8V has come on leaps and bounds compared to the S3 8P, but not far enough to compare with the current competition.

I don't know, every car is a comprise somewhere whether it's price, speed, comfort, looks, etc. I think the S3 covers most bases pretty well baring in mind Audi will be careful that it doesn't tread on its bigger brothers toes.

 

[buz]

I don't think that's too much to ask for. It's always a tad disappointing when you get into a Fiesta ST and think, why can't Audi have done this with the S3

I'm glad I'm not the only one who thinks this. My girlfriend has a new ST2 and it's an absolute hoot to chuck about. Yes the interior materials aren't as good as Audi and the stereo is a bit fiddly but for driving factor I'd say it easily beats my S3 point to point!

As for the S3 v Golf R, I've test driven both in DSG form plus a manual S3 and both are impressive cars. The Golf feels more poised as you push along and its interior is nice, apart from no standard leather but somehow the S3 felt a bit more special. I'm certainly not a fully fledged race driver but as a blue light trained response car driver I can certainly get a wriggle on and again both cars can easily cope with high speed and more than enough for our everyday usage!

I do like Audi but far from a fanboy as I'm not fully decided on replacing my 8P S3 with an 8V and lets all be honest, there isn't a huge gulf between Audi and VW.

 

[dejongj]

I think I better own up I've been a member here for a while, mainly hung about in the A4 Convertible section. However December 2013 we were looking for a small runabout as my wife found her car a little big at the time. Through side diversions via an Abarth 595, I ordered a Golf R MK7 with DSG and 5 Door in Lapiz blue within an hour of learning about it.

To the OP, that was just a dickhead you've met. Not all of us are like that, just like not all Audi drivers are ***** unless referred to by TopGear. I'm both (and Mercedes) so what does that make me? Anyway it is all so juvenile....

I've now done about 11K miles in my Golf R and are loving it. I never saw the S3 as any different to be honest. For me, I just preferred the deal on the Golf, and I really truly can not stand the interior of the S3. I think it is looks horrible. For me, perfection would have been an S3 Saloon with Golf Mk7 interior (or at least dashboard).

I've never driven an S3 as regardless how good I just couldn't imagine inside it. But I've learned a lot about it, especially its performance through Craig. Likewise I've been running for the last 4K on a DTUK FSR box with Pedalbox as well. It is awesome.

I much rather we all just respect each other for our choices and got along nicely just like we seem to do with the A45 boys. Ultimately these are all great machines, and as a buyer/leaser/borrower/whatever it is a great time for hyper hatches.

Cheers,

JP

 

[veeeight]

^ Ha. Team Orange finally fessed up

 

[dejongj]

^ Ha. Team Orange finally fessed up

LOL I guess I have to fess up on the other side of owning an Audi Convertible as well It is old but I still love that car and my children begged me to keep it as well...

 

[Dazzeroo]

Not wanting to get shot down or seem controversial or anything........... but.

How many people on here are actually fully trained and experienced race car drivers and know how to handle a car on its limits? Perhaps all these common issues are because people assume that they are a better driver because they've bought a more powerful/expensive car. Overconfidence on the roads is a killer.

I'm far from being a great driver but i ordered an S3 because i like them, not because i like trying to die on my way to work. I'm far from being a badge snob as i nearly ordered a Leon Cupra as i liked my last one so much.

These views are probably mine and mine alone

Si.

I'm with you, plus; when is it ever safe to drive a road car such as an S3 to its limits on a public road? Particularly around Aberdeen!

 

[mfl]

. For me, I just preferred the deal on the Golf, and I really truly can not stand the interior of the S3. I think it is looks horrible. For me, perfection would have been an S3 Saloon with Golf Mk7 interior (or at least dashboard).

JP

I have to admit, this first time I have heard anyone say they thought the Golf R interior was nicer than the S3 but certainly everyone has different tastes.

I actually thought the interior of the GTI mk6 was better quality and looked better than the mk7 GTI & R, but like everyone else thats my opinion

 

[dejongj]

Exactly it is all personal and we all have different tastes. I think the Mk7 is in a different league to the very dated Mk6. I just have such a dislike for media screens high up and sticking out of the dashboard. I prefer them integrated. It is the same why I don't like the a45 interior. But hey it is great there is so much choice.

 

[elpaulio]

The two things that put me off the Golf were the shiny black plastic on the dash and steering wheel and the touch screen display. I just didn't like them and as such went for the S3 as I think it's a nicer place to sit.
It is all down to personal preference and everyone has things they like or dislike that the next person disagrees with..otherwise we'd all be driving around in the same car

 

[steeve]

We have our money and we make a definite choice on what we spend it.
I seriously considered the Golf amongst other cars. I'm retired and I buy my cars outright with my savings so it's important to me that I feel I've not only made the right choice (for me) but that I'm happy with my choice and have no regrets.

What we have to get into focus here is that we all have opinions and we should be respected for our opinions. There's a few that feel we have made the wrong choice by buying an S3.

Me? If I was in the same situation as I was in May of this year when looking for another new car I would buy exactly the same. No doubt what so ever. I'm more than happy with it, I like the interior, I'm happy with the handling, the interior space, the apparent quality the ride and performance and just love it's appearance too.

So am I bothered that some say the Golf might be better in some aspects? No absolutely not and I'm a little confused at the pain some seem to be feeling. There are better cars out there than the Golf or S3, when I was looking was I looking for whichever car might be quickest round a track?
No I wanted a car that ticked as many of MY boxes as possible and do you know what? The S3 does that for now.

 

[Martinbanshee]

^what he said^

 

[Bristle Hound]

We have our money and we make a definite choice on what we spend it.
I seriously considered the Golf amongst other cars. I'm retired and I buy my cars outright with my savings so it's important to me that I feel I've not only made the right choice (for me) but that I'm happy with my choice and have no regrets.

What we have to get into focus here is that we all have opinions and we should be respected for our opinions. There's a few that feel we have made the wrong choice by buying an S3.

Me? If I was in the same situation as I was in May of this year when looking for another new car I would buy exactly the same. No doubt what so ever. I'm more than happy with it, I like the interior, I'm happy with the handling, the interior space, the apparent quality the ride and performance and just love it's appearance too.

So am I bothered that some say the Golf might be better in some aspects? No absolutely not and I'm a little confused at the pain some seem to be feeling. There are better cars out there than the Golf or S3, when I was looking was I looking for whichever car might be quickest round a track?
No I wanted a car that ticked as many of MY boxes as possible and do you know what? The S3 does that for now.

Agreed Steve

 

[Nawaid]

We have our money and we make a definite choice on what we spend it.
I seriously considered the Golf amongst other cars. I'm retired and I buy my cars outright with my savings so it's important to me that I feel I've not only made the right choice (for me) but that I'm happy with my choice and have no regrets.

What we have to get into focus here is that we all have opinions and we should be respected for our opinions. There's a few that feel we have made the wrong choice by buying an S3.

Me? If I was in the same situation as I was in May of this year when looking for another new car I would buy exactly the same. No doubt what so ever. I'm more than happy with it, I like the interior, I'm happy with the handling, the interior space, the apparent quality the ride and performance and just love it's appearance too.

So am I bothered that some say the Golf might be better in some aspects? No absolutely not and I'm a little confused at the pain some seem to be feeling. There are better cars out there than the Golf or S3, when I was looking was I looking for whichever car might be quickest round a track?
No I wanted a car that ticked as many of MY boxes as possible and do you know what? The S3 does that for now.

Yup we'll said.

 

[Leegaryhall]

I got a brand new S3 Hatch in May, list price was over £36k and paid £33.5k.
Whilst I was looking and after I had committed to buy I was gob smacked that I was paying over £30k for an A3 hatch back and thought it was a bit steep, but when you look at the cost of other Audis, BMWs etc it is actually great value. My local dealer had a 1.8 sline fully loaded and that was in the show room for nearly £35k...for a 1.8 !!!!!
And you look at the price of the new Audi TTS, that starts at £40k and is basically the same as the S3 in a different shell.

If I was buying again now I would probably go for the S3 saloon.

 

[veeeight]

In other news, the Audi TT has just won Top Gear Magazine Coupe of the year


And


Top Gear Magazine Top 5 Hot Hatches
http://www.topgear.com/uk/car-news/top-gear-top-five-hot-hatches-2014-11-27

 

[Dazzeroo]

P.S. I very nearly bought the R and have owned an R32 in the past...the local stealer offered me a great trade in on my M135i...

 

[Bristle Hound]

 

[Sandra]

Keep thread on topic please gents and stop winding each other up.

 

[Sandra]

Right, enough is enough. Any more winding up going on in this thread and i will close it completely and issue a few warnings.

 

[coddy85]

In other news, the Audi TT has just won Top Gear Magazine Coupe of the year


And


Top Gear Magazine Top 5 Hot Hatches
http://www.topgear.com/uk/car-news/top-gear-top-five-hot-hatches-2014-11-27

It's a bit rude that the VW and Seat make that list. Especially when the S3 is rather similar. By all accounts the Fiesta ST is better than the Focus ST or is that classed as a supermini?

 

[veeeight]

Oh god yes, the Fiesta ST is a peach, bigger grin factor than the Focus!

 

[cilurnum]

The Fiesta ST is a surprisingly great car to drive. You always hear reviews of the Focus's front-end but the Fiesta is a really enjoyable little car. The Focus I last drove many years ago had the best manual gearbox I'd ever had in a car. You engaged the gear with just a bit of throttle and it caught the revs absolutely beautifully. Totally effortless. The thing that's put me off Fords in recent years is the decline in build quality. I had a mate of mine with no end of suspension squeaking and door seal problems with his Fiesta.

The A3/S3 are really Autobahn cars, and you can feel it. They feel like tanks in the way they drive and right through to the feel of the gearbox. I've started nicknaming mine the panzer. I strongly suspect it will drive much better once I've got rid of these ****** Contis.

There were solid reasons why even after having driven a Golf (and I think the interior soundproofing is actually better in the Golf than the Audi even with the comfort pack) but I can't enumerate them all here. It was about compromises, the fact that the Golf is a naff looking car for something that isn't really that cheap and it really wasn't cheap at all when I specced the options. Throw in a bigger discount for the Audi that brings it down to the Golf price range and there you have it.

Oh, and tartan cloth interiors? Really?!

 

[dejongj]

Tartan cloth really? You didn't test drive a Golf R then

 

[Nawaid]

The Fiesta ST is a surprisingly great car to drive. You always hear reviews of the Focus's front-end but the Fiesta is a really enjoyable little car. The Focus I last drove many years ago had the best manual gearbox I'd ever had in a car. You engaged the gear with just a bit of throttle and it caught the revs absolutely beautifully. Totally effortless. The thing that's put me off Fords in recent years is the decline in build quality. I had a mate of mine with no end of suspension squeaking and door seal problems with his Fiesta.

The A3/S3 are really Autobahn cars, and you can feel it. They feel like tanks in the way they drive and right through to the feel of the gearbox. I've started nicknaming mine the panzer. I strongly suspect it will drive much better once I've got rid of these ****** Contis.

There were solid reasons why even after having driven a Golf (and I think the interior soundproofing is actually better in the Golf than the Audi even with the comfort pack) but I can't enumerate them all here. It was about compromises, the fact that the Golf is a naff looking car for something that isn't really that cheap and it really wasn't cheap at all when I specced the options. Throw in a bigger discount for the Audi that brings it down to the Golf price range and there you have it.

Oh, and tartan cloth interiors? Really?!

Same here, when I priced up a similar Golf R, it was not far off the price of my discounted S3 + the Saloon IMHO looks very nice. One thing I learned yesterday is that Audi designed the 8V as a saloon and then went bought out the SB and HB form from it. The last A3 convertible looks rubbish but the new A3 convertible looks very nice.

 

[dejongj]

Same here, when I priced up a similar Golf R, it was not far off the price of my discounted S3 + the Saloon IMHO looks very nice. One thing I learned yesterday is that Audi designed the 8V as a saloon and then went bought out the SB and HB form from it. The last A3 convertible looks rubbish but the new A3 convertible looks very nice.

Personal preferences and standard equipment aside, an accurate financial comparison would mean comparing discounted prices against discounted prices. I don't know what the discounts were for the S3, 12%'ish was easily achievable on the Golf R.

 

[cilurnum]

Yes I did test drive a R, along with the A3, Golf GT and the A3 and in the end had to bite my tongue and go with a bit more practicality rather than fun.

The same rules that apply to the Golf/A3 apply to the Golf R/S3 across the board. Do I really need to upgrade to whole other model to get a decent cloth interior (just not a big fan of leather in summer or winter)? It's one of those design decisions that just makes you scratch your head. The Golf just isn't as cheap as you might think but, hands down, it is a better car to drive than the A3/S3 - from new certainly. However, once I get some new tyres on and let it loosen up over ten or twenty thousands miles (it feels like a tank next to the Golf) then I think it will improve greatly. General driving responsiveness is an area Audi need to improve on but it depends on what their design goals are. If the A3/S3 chassis is a car designed for Autobahn running then that's how it's going to drive.