S3 OR RS3

Gazing at the glacier white RS3 in Crewe Audi made me want one. It's a beautiful machine.....and to be honest, I'm not a big fan if the Sportback. I will test drive one soon, just for the crack, and I could probably stretch to one without too much bother. However, I've only had my S for just over 6 months and that's already got me in trouble with the Cheshire constabulary! And I don't drive poorly......I'm not a boy racer by any means. For me, I think the RS is a step too far, and I'm not convinced the extra £10k is worth it. Lots of people are talking themselves out of it on here, and I think that it more about the financial justification more than anything else. For now, my love affair with my S3 continues.
 
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jaypers777 said:
Gazing at the glacier white RS3 in Crewe Audi made me want one. It's a beautiful machine.....and to be honest, I'm not a big fan if the Sportback. I will test drive one soon, just for the crack, and I could probably stretch to one without too much bother. However, I've only had my S for just over 6 months and that's already got me in trouble with the Cheshire constabulary! And I don't drive poorly......I'm not a boy racer by any means. For me, I think the RS is a step too far, and I'm not convinced the extra £10k is worth it. Lots of people are talking themselves out of it on here, and I think that it more about the financial justification more than anything else. For now, my love affair with my S3 continues.
Click to expand...
Pretty smart isnt it, think its been sold already
 
jaypers777 said:
Gazing at the glacier white RS3 in Crewe Audi made me want one. It's a beautiful machine.....and to be honest, I'm not a big fan if the Sportback. I will test drive one soon, just for the crack, and I could probably stretch to one without too much bother. However, I've only had my S for just over 6 months and that's already got me in trouble with the Cheshire constabulary! And I don't drive poorly......I'm not a boy racer by any means. For me, I think the RS is a step too far, and I'm not convinced the extra £10k is worth it. Lots of people are talking themselves out of it on here, and I think that it more about the financial justification more than anything else. For now, my love affair with my S3 continues.
Click to expand...


I agree with every word you say there, less is more when comparing the S3 to the RS3. But as to the looks of the RS3 ... watching that clip, to my eyes the S3 looks a lot better than the RS3!

I was quite certain I'd like the RS3 in white, but now I have seen one, no way. It looked very ordinary. Beautiful? Blimey, maybe I need to go to Specsavers as that’s a word I could never attach to a five door estate! Some of the styling on that RS3 looked almost distasteful. With the chrome styling, it makes the rear of the car look like the exhausts exit from a wheelie bin. I saw one in blue as well, that looked even worse. The only colour I have seen that genuinely made me think it looked half decent was red. Let's face it, it is an A3 estate (sport back if you must), not a sports car. It’s design is based on function, not form. It’s not ugly, but it isn’t beautiful, amazing or whatever other expletives you want to use. The three door S3 looks so much better than the sport back, shame Audi won't make the RS3 in that guise. The four door RS3 will be better I suspect, but park the new RS3 sport back next to say a new TTS and it's like comparing Susan Boyle to a super model...
 
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SilureMark said:
I agree with every word you say there, less is more when comparing the S3 to the RS3. But as to the looks of the RS3 ... watching that clip, to my eyes the S3 looks a lot better than the RS3!

I was quite certain I'd like the RS3 in white, but now I have seen one, no way. It looked very ordinary. Beautiful? Blimey, maybe I need to go to Specsavers as that’s a word I could never attach to a five door estate! Some of the styling on that RS3 looked almost distasteful. With the chrome styling, it makes the rear of the car look like the exhausts exit from a wheelie bin. I saw one in blue as well, that looked even worse. The only colour I have seen that genuinely made me think it looked half decent was red. Let's face it, it is an A3 estate (sport back if you must), not a sports car. It’s design is based on function, not form. It’s not ugly, but it isn’t beautiful, amazing or whatever other expletives you want to use. The three door S3 looks so much better than the sport back, shame Audi won't make the RS3 in that guise. The four door RS3 will be better I suspect, but park the new RS3 sport back next to say a new TTS and it's like comparing Susan Boyle to a super model...
Click to expand...

Maybe 'beautiful' was the wrong word, but I certainly thought the one I saw looked really smart. Here it is..........
IMG 0805
 
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^ Looks ordinary and benign to me ;)

Not. Flared. Enough. For. A. RS. Car.
 
3dr version and a bit of a discount and id be seriously tempted...
 
s3_trev said:
Some really interesting points in here and I pretty much agree with all of them. I dont think the RS3 is worth the money. Every time I compare these two cars I keep thinking back on the comparison between the R-32 and the S3. The only reason (IMO) you would ever go with the R-32 was the noise of the 6cl. Sounded amazing. Same with the Golf VR6 a few years before that. And same with the RS3 IMO. It has more power out of the stable but look at the power gains that can be had just remapping a S3 8V to stage 1! The amount of dosh that you could pour into an 8V, rather than wasting it on an upgrade to RS3, would leave your 8V a serious piece of equipment! In fact I would actually hold my own S3 8P in a higher regard than a new RS3 but I have invested heavily into my car to get it to that point, never mind the lengths Alex and a few 8P owners on here have went to. Can you imagine the extra money I would have to put down if I was trading it in for an RS3 hahaha, I think id need to be sitting down for that one LOL.

But one of the biggest reasons I wouldnt even consider the RS3 is Audi's ignorance. If you dont like sportback and you dont like auto then tough luck son. Really hate that. I really hope they loose sales when this bad boy becomes available...

Td.jpg


Now THAT right there is a proper hot hatch!! Even if it hasnt got the 4 rings, that styling and those 3 sexy doors, none of this family wagon milarky!
Click to expand...

And of course you have driven one of these "Things" oh thats got 3 doors so its better.....but its got 400 bhp so they say,save this stuff for the Pub.
 
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jassyo06 said:
And of course you have driven one of these "Things" oh thats got 3 doors so its better.....but its got 400 bhp so they say,save this stuff for the Pub.
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Sorry dude I only speak English. If you could rewrite your comment, putting some effort into it while you're at it, then I would be happy to discuss my thoughts with you. Thanks.
 
s3_trev said:
Sorry dude I only speak English. If you could rewrite your comment, putting some effort into it while you're at it, then I would be happy to discuss my thoughts with you. Thanks.
Click to expand...


Why post a photo of a car you have not driven
 
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jassyo06 said:
Why post a photo of a car you have not driven
Click to expand...
Why not? I dont need to drive it to know that it comes with 3 doors and will have a more powerful engine than the RS3. It also looks amazing compared to the people carrier Audi are selling. Have you driven the RS3?
 
s3_trev said:
Why not? I dont need to drive it to know that it comes with 3 doors and will have a more powerful engine than the RS3. It also looks amazing compared to the people carrier Audi are selling. Have you driven the RS3?
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Sorry mate but I completely disagree.

I'm not a big fan of the RS3 but that R400 looks ****** horrendous!! ;) (plus it doesn't have 4 rings which automatically makes it cr4p)

(just my thoughts) :)
 
No worries bud! I think that Golf 400 has what the RS is missing. It just looks really special IMO.

Anyway I have totally derailed this thread with my VW banter! Back to Audi.
 
Too much badge snobbery in here :p

(Nothing new though ;) )
 
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Can never have enough badge snobbery V8 ;)

Besides, this is my first Audi so gotta big it up a bit :)
 
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Speaking of special.. I really hope they make this as the saloon version RS3 :)

3893.jpg

......
If they do I will be like...
shut-up-and-take-my-money.jpg
 
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AndyB-S3 said:
Speaking of special.. I really hope they make this as the saloon version RS3 :)

3893.jpg

......
If they do I will be like...
shut-up-and-take-my-money.jpg
Click to expand...

....as the Churchill dog says, ohhhhhhhhhh yes ;)

Why the f*ck haven't Audi make it happen?
 
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veeeight said:
Yup.

Pay £45k for what is essentially an A3

(Audi Marketing is brilliant, gotta give them that)

:lmfao:
Click to expand...

As much as I love the Audi brand if i had £50K for a fully specced RS3 I would pass it by for a Porsche Macan S
 
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Drove the RS3 today and, whereas it is better than the S3, it's not worth the premium over one.
I would never consider going from a S3 to one as it's not enough of an improvement in the areas the S3 needs to be improved upon.
 
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Interesting @CraigI - care to elaborate, from what I've read on here you appear to have a similar view to cars in terms of noise, handling, ownership as I do ..

I know I've gone for an S4, but the RS3 was an option, so would be good to hear what you thought ..
 
TheFiftheElement said:
Interesting @CraigI - care to elaborate, from what I've read on here you appear to have a similar view to cars in terms of noise, handling, ownership as I do ..

I know I've gone for an S4, but the RS3 was an option, so would be good to hear what you thought ..
Click to expand...

I've put my review on the RS3 forum.
 
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So it seems the Golf R is pretty much the best car on the entire planet now lol
 
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Just seen the Auto Express video of the Type R being ever so slightly quicker around a track than the RS3 and the M3.

Embarrassing frankly for an RS car. Even more so for an M car.....
 
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To be fair I think that was setup to play to the strengths of the Type R. You could probably recreate that video and have a totally different outcome. On another track with more straights for example. And I know which cabin I would rather be sitting in as well, but I am aware that's not really relevant here.
 
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If you want a sportback and have the means, this is a no brainier. RS3 for sure, regardless of what anybody here tells you.
 
pat15312 said:
If you want a sportback and have the means, this is a no brainier. RS3 for sure, regardless of what anybody here tells you.
Click to expand...

+1 - my usual rule is always get the model in the range with the most powerful motor, as its usually the pick of the bunch. My only excuse this time is that the RS3 wasn't available (and also I can't afford it)
 
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SilureMark said:
I agree with every word you say there, less is more when comparing the S3 to the RS3. But as to the looks of the RS3 ... watching that clip, to my eyes the S3 looks a lot better than the RS3!

I was quite certain I'd like the RS3 in white, but now I have seen one, no way. It looked very ordinary. Beautiful? Blimey, maybe I need to go to Specsavers as that’s a word I could never attach to a five door estate! Some of the styling on that RS3 looked almost distasteful. With the chrome styling, it makes the rear of the car look like the exhausts exit from a wheelie bin. I saw one in blue as well, that looked even worse. The only colour I have seen that genuinely made me think it looked half decent was red. Let's face it, it is an A3 estate (sport back if you must), not a sports car. It’s design is based on function, not form. It’s not ugly, but it isn’t beautiful, amazing or whatever other expletives you want to use. The three door S3 looks so much better than the sport back, shame Audi won't make the RS3 in that guise. The four door RS3 will be better I suspect, but park the new RS3 sport back next to say a new TTS and it's like comparing Susan Boyle to a super model...
Click to expand...

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder........................
 
So....pushed half the way home tonight by a new Type-R. Black, with red accents and a stupidily big rear spoiler.

Some conclusions.
  • On that road and in my hands, the S3 was quicker in a straight line. Coming out of Swindon towards Marlborough is some lovely straight roads. Coming off a slowish roundabout on to a straight road the traction on the S3 is pretty amazing IMO. Type-R struggled a bit. Think straight line speed is flattered by S-tronic however. The Type-R was lurching during gear changes to the point I thought his front splitter was scraping on the Tarmac!
  • The Type-R appears to have a much wider track than the S3 and it corners flat. The S3's weak point. However, if your brave with your steering inputs (plenty of steering angle) and stab the breaks I find for whatever reason the S3 will get round a tight bend quick(ish). Understeer is there but it's not chronic. Obviously the Type-r was up my chuff at this point!
  • Who needs an RS3?
Many Honda workers live near me so I see lots in the road. All Honda UK plates so guess staff cars. Don't think many are in owners hands yet.

I actually had fun in th S3 tonight ! :)
 
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Uprated suspension and ARBs will sort that cornering problem right out for you Pulp. What BHP is the new type-r anyway?
 
I had a metalic red one on the same bit of road as you on Wednesday; Off the M4, South to Marlborough and through to Andover. It joined me up the hill as you come around the roundabout; 1600hrs, so traffc not to bad. I managed to make some distance on it up the hill, but it was clear it was quick. I was in Sports, dynamic, manual mode. I think my midrange acceleration was quicker, but with some oncoming traffic, it hung on like a good'un.

As you exit Marlborough, into Savanake Forest, there is a tight sweeping left hander up hill, which converts to a righthander at the top. It has also got a passing lane, so It really is fun to blat up it and test the limits. It was dry, warm and my tyres were warm from coming back from Bristol - so I put my foot down - and kept it down. I probably gained about 200 yards on the Type R by the time I got to the top of the hill, but he was quickly up my chuff as I slowed for traffic.

Conclusions: Similar to Pulp84. The S3 wins on outright acceleration; the AWD through a uphil,left/right hander was enough, with speed, to continue to give me the edge. I suspect the Type R will pi$$ off a lot of ST drivers really quickly, and will give an S3 a reasonable run for the money. I'm often on that road so it will be interesting to see if I find more Type-R's ready to pounch when the RS3 arrives!!
 
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s3_trev said:
Uprated suspension and ARBs will sort that cornering problem right out for you Pulp. What BHP is the new type-r anyway?
Click to expand...
Just over 300 bhp I believe. Not convinced it was putting all that to the road very well....
 
Last edited:
Nimbus265 said:
I had a metalic red one on the same bit of road as you on Wednesday; Off the M4, South to Marlborough and through to Andover. It joined me up the hill as you come around the roundabout; 1600hrs, so traffc not to bad. I managed to make some distance on it up the hill, but it was clear it was quick. I was in Sports, dynamic, manual mode. I think my midrange acceleration was quicker, but with some oncoming traffic, it hung on like a good'un.

As you exit Marlborough, into Savanake Forest, there is a tight sweeping left hander up hill, which converts to a righthander at the top. It has also got a passing lane, so It really is fun to blat up it and test the limits. It was dry, warm and my tyres were warm from coming back from Bristol - so I put my foot down - and kept it down. I probably gained about 200 yards on the Type R by the time I got to the top of the hill, but he was quickly up my chuff as I slowed for traffic.

Conclusions: Similar to Pulp84. The S3 wins on outright acceleration; the AWD through a uphil,left/right hander was enough, with speed, to continue to give me the edge. I suspect the Type R will pi$$ off a lot of ST drivers really quickly, and will give an S3 a reasonable run for the money. I'm often on that road so it will be interesting to see if I find more Type-R's ready to pounch when the RS3 arrives!!
Click to expand...
Know the roads well. They flatter the S3 as they are straight and you can see up the road well enough to plan manovers.

Type-R with some kind of DSG would keep up with an S3. I was surprised how much of a gap the S3 pulled to be honest. I didn't think it would be that clear cut.
 
"There's always a bigger fish" as they say, the new Type R is the "Newish/bigger Fish" and the next "EVEN" Bigger Fish" will be the Focus RS 320 bhp AWD,Then the next one will be......?lf only we could afford to keep up?
 
The best fish are the ones with a proper mechanical trick diff in the front axle. ;)

AMG A45 :D
 
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veeeight said:
The best fish are the ones with a proper mechanical trick diff in the front axle. ;)

AMG A45 :D
Click to expand...

But as Big Arnie said in the film "Predator" " Hey "AMG 45" Your "ONE Ugly Mutha *****" of car.....lol............
 
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