Old S3 or new 3.2

[Dansmith]

So come on guys im stuck between the 2, both are going for similar money (if anything the 3.2's are cheaper) performance is pretty similar i guess the only down side is petrol! one probily has a heavier drinking problem!

any advice welcome as im fed up at looking at autotrader!

 

[glen_jai]

I test drove the 3.2 some years ago when they just came out, and I've got to say that the V6 is a lovely engine. It's probably not quite as fast as an S3 on the twisties due to its extra weight, but I think the 3.2 is a much nicer drive.

I would personally have the 3.2 over an old S3.

 

[vetch]

Id go for the 3.2 aswell. Such a nice understated car. I can get 28mpg out of S3, doubt I could that in the 3.2 though.

 

[jojo]

The question you have to ask yourself is, do you want an S3 or A3?

 

[paul_b]

So come on guys im stuck between the 2, both are going for similar money (if anything the 3.2's are cheaper) performance is pretty similar i guess the only down side is petrol! one probily has a heavier drinking problem!

any advice welcome as im fed up at looking at autotrader!

I'm facing the same dilemma Dan, I know a remapped older S3 is faster than a 3.2 etc. but there are several other factors to look at, age, looks, miles, noise etc..
The S3 seems to need more done to it in sorting the suspension and brakes, whereas you could probably live with a 3.2 S-line "out of the box", it's brakes for example are superb (massive 345mm discs).

The cheaper 3.2s on the market tend to look very plain (usually non S-line and don't have the Votex kit), and the "Sport" is a bit soggy handling compared to the S-Line but if you got one cheap enough then it leaves money for some Eibach springs, a nice exhaust and some better wheels.
I haven't driven either car for ages so will have a couple of test drives to help decide.

Once you get to £10k then the Golf GTi and Focus ST enter the equation if you're not bothered about them being FWD.

 

[Dansmith]

[/QUOTE]
Once you get to £10k then the Golf GTi and Focus ST enter the equation if you're not bothered about them being FWD.[/QUOTE]

Also looked at the focus ST, its just not the same! I'm driving an older A3 at the mo and love the quality of the car and couldn't go backward! the ford was quick but just felt tinny! I haven't driven the 3.2 in a while so trying to get a test drive today in one! (its at an audi dealer which is an attractive perk) drove the S3 yesterday and I must admit it felt great! but as im in a A3 of the same shape already im wondering if I will get bored quite quickly!

ohhh my head hurts! intersting what ya said about the handling of the sline's i will be looking in to that a little more!

 

[voorhees]

The question you have to ask yourself is, do you want an S3 or A3?

hit the nail on the head.

 

[Olly P]