RS3.....worth the premium over the S3?

Status
Not open for further replies.
Daveotto said:
[QUOTE="jassyo06, post: 2591986, member: 75985"[
Yeah The TTS is a very tempting proposition l must admit,but again a good spec one will cost £45k+
Click to expand...

The Manual TTS I had as a weekend loan the other week was brilliant and will be tempted in a couple years time when I don't need four doors any more[/QUOTE]

I think the TTS is a far better car to drive than the RS3.
Drove them back to back when the RS3 was first released, same roads, TTS was much more composed, better seating position, better turn in, better steering feel.
TTS doesn't need a screaming engine or the extra power, it is perfectly balanced and very rewarding.

If you can do without rear seats then go for it. I can't at the moment or I'd be in one right now.

TTS is the best Audi drivers car I have driven, and I've had a go in most.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Pulp84 and Daveotto
Snake Pliskin said:
Hmmm ... I suspect that once the new car arrives you will start "looking" yourself lol.

You'll get the itch :)
Click to expand...

IF I get rid of the S3 it will be to move away from Audi.
Focus RS or new Renaultsport Megane whenever it comes out.
I've always got the itch, like an addiction.

For the time being I'm still enjoying the S3 and when the wifes SQ5 plus arrives that will keep my interest for a good while.
 
  • Like
Reactions: steeve and Snake Pliskin
CraigI said:
The Manual TTS I had as a weekend loan the other week was brilliant and will be tempted in a couple years time when I don't need four doors any more
Click to expand...

I think the TTS is a far better car to drive than the RS3.
Drove them back to back when the RS3 was first released, same roads, TTS was much more composed, better seating position, better turn in, better steering feel.
TTS doesn't need a screaming engine or the extra power, it is perfectly balanced and very rewarding.

If you can do without rear seats then go for it. I can't at the moment or I'd be in one right now.

TTS is the best Audi drivers car I have driven, and I've had a go in most.[/QUOTE]

Wow! I can only say respectfully that I do not share your view; I drove a 3-month old yellow TTS manual (with 4 x rusty brake hubs and brought those to the attention of the sales team, HELLO! 19-inch wheels and rusty brake hubs on a new TT... :sadlike:) at the Birmingham Solihull meet recently and thought it extremely poor and doubted very much the 310bhp and as for the manual box relative to the DSG I thought awful and couldn't wait to get back to our RS3. I also have a 2011 TT DSG roadster for comparison and would not, I repeat would not, accept a straight swap.

Respect and all that but nope, we obviously are not looking at the same driving experience or expectations...
 
  • Like
Reactions: DAYTONA 500 and Snake Pliskin
@45bvtc my TTS loan was Vegas Yellow and about 4 months old and had done about 6000 miles and had obviously been thrashed within an inch of its life. All 4 alloys were badly scuffed and it had numerous rattles and creaks and I had to turn off lane assist as it was malfunctioning. Taking all that into account it was still a joy to drive IMHO, well planted with far better handling than my S3 (not saying S3 handling was bad, just the TTS was better) and permanent 4 wheel drive as opposed to Haldex also improved the experience. Can't really comment on DSG v manual as I just prefer manuals even if I loose some acceleration and launch control.

Would never buy the an ex demo TTS, but can imagine with the faults of the loan car sorted out it would be great car to own.

And as a driving experience from my experience can only been bettered by the R8 I took out on a track day and hopefully bettered by the new R8 plus I will be privileged enough to take out on an Audi trackday in a couple of weeks
 
Last edited:
  • Like
Reactions: 45bvtc
45bvtc said:
I think the TTS is a far better car to drive than the RS3.
Drove them back to back when the RS3 was first released, same roads, TTS was much more composed, better seating position, better turn in, better steering feel.
TTS doesn't need a screaming engine or the extra power, it is perfectly balanced and very rewarding.

If you can do without rear seats then go for it. I can't at the moment or I'd be in one right now.

TTS is the best Audi drivers car I have driven, and I've had a go in most.
Click to expand...

Wow! I can only say respectfully that I do not share your view; I drove a 3-month old yellow TTS manual (with 4 x rusty brake hubs and brought those to the attention of the sales team, HELLO! 19-inch wheels and rusty brake hubs on a new TT... :sadlike:) at the Birmingham Solihull meet recently and thought it extremely poor and doubted very much the 310bhp and as for the manual box relative to the DSG I thought awful and couldn't wait to get back to our RS3. I also have a 2011 TT DSG roadster for comparison and would not, I repeat would not, accept a straight swap.

Respect and all that but nope, we obviously are not looking at the same driving experience or expectations...[/QUOTE]


Same for me when I drive one a few months back too.

Had the old TTS though so feel like I've been there too as it wasn't that much different.

Did not excite me like the rs3.
 
Daveotto said:
@45bvtc my TTS loan was Vegas Yellow and about 4 months old and had done about 6000 miles and had obviously been thrashed within an inch of its life. All 4 alloys were badly scuffed and it had numerous rattles and creaks and I had to turn off lane assist as it was malfunctioning. Taking all that into account it was still a joy to drive IMHO, well planted with far better handling than my S3 (not saying S3 handling was bad, just the TTS was better) and permanent 4 wheel drive as opposed to Haldex also improved the experience. Can't really comment on DSG v manual as I just prefer manuals even if I loose some acceleration and launch control.

Would never buy the an ex demo TTS, but can imagine with the faults of the loan car sorted out it would be great car to own.

And as a driving experience from my experience can only been bettered by the R8 I took out on a track day and hopefully bettered by the new R8 plus I will be privileged enough to take out on an Audi trackday in a couple of weeks
Click to expand...


New TT also uses a haldex set up
 
45bvtc said:
I think the TTS is a far better car to drive than the RS3.
Drove them back to back when the RS3 was first released, same roads, TTS was much more composed, better seating position, better turn in, better steering feel.
TTS doesn't need a screaming engine or the extra power, it is perfectly balanced and very rewarding.

If you can do without rear seats then go for it. I can't at the moment or I'd be in one right now.

TTS is the best Audi drivers car I have driven, and I've had a go in most.
Click to expand...

Wow! I can only say respectfully that I do not share your view; I drove a 3-month old yellow TTS manual (with 4 x rusty brake hubs and brought those to the attention of the sales team, HELLO! 19-inch wheels and rusty brake hubs on a new TT... :sadlike:) at the Birmingham Solihull meet recently and thought it extremely poor and doubted very much the 310bhp and as for the manual box relative to the DSG I thought awful and couldn't wait to get back to our RS3. I also have a 2011 TT DSG roadster for comparison and would not, I repeat would not, accept a straight swap.

Respect and all that but nope, we obviously are not looking at the same driving experience or expectations...[/QUOTE]

I have absolutely no vested interest, so am giving my honest opinion. Not in the market for any TT or a RS3. Driven both and these are my thoughts.
The only current S/RS car that I haven't driven is a V10 R8 (although that will be remedied soon, hopefully better than the V8 which was hugely disappointing), and the new TTS handles better than the rest. The one I drove was auto, so can't comment on the manual gear box.

Depends what you want from a car - some want a screaming engine and straight line grunt that would rip Tarmac packaged up in a hatchback - others want poise, feedback, turn in, cornering ability, wrapped in a great cockpit that positions the driver perfectly to feel at one with the car.
Some of the better cars I've driven have been vastly down on power and noise compared to their rivals, but they exhilerate through the act of driving. That's what I tend to look for, others don't.
 
Daveotto said:
@45bvtc And as a driving experience from my experience can only been bettered by the R8 I took out on a track day and hopefully bettered by the new R8 plus I will be privileged enough to take out on an Audi trackday in a couple of weeks
Click to expand...

Enjoy the track day in the R8 V10 Plus Dave and pray for rain, so much more fun:
x1000499_zpsmzkcdlua.jpg


But once you've done with the R8 go try an RS7 as it's a right-bl**dy animal:

P1000975_zpsiepmxrw2.jpg
 
  • Like
Reactions: DAYTONA 500, Snake Pliskin, Simon L and 2 others
Rob2k68 said:
You'll have to wait Si DB11 coming first !
Click to expand...
Hi Rob and Simon to be honest l think that DB10 looked slightly odd,no front grill/vents really it reminds of a pre prototype car made of clay l know 10 only for the film,no doubt looks great in the moooovie
 
  • Like
Reactions: Simon L and Rob2k68
jassyo06 said:
Hi Rob and Simon to be honest l think that DB10 looked slightly odd,no front grill/vents really it reminds of a pre prototype car made of clay l know 10 only for the film,no doubt looks great in the moooovie
Click to expand...

Saw it on a bond Spectre preview show last weekend the front is suppose to look like a shark apparently. It has the trademark Aston grille below the front feature line and a group of drilled holes on the bonnet in place of a vent. Probably change a fair bit before hitting production. Looking forward to seeing the film in a week or two when we can get a sitter.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Simon L
Rob2k68 said:
Saw it on a bond Spectre preview show last weekend the front is suppose to look like a shark apparently. It has the trademark Aston grille below the front feature line and a group of drilled holes on the bonnet in place of a vent. Probably change a fair bit before hitting production. Looking forward to seeing the film in a week or two when we can get a sitter.
Click to expand...

Sitter lol hadn't had the need for one of them 20 years lol
I will more than likely waittill it's bluray release in March being a home cinema anorak, Bond films have product placement more than most,bar star wars
 
  • Like
Reactions: Simon L and Rob2k68
I'm with you on the home cinema too J.............love our bluray nights in front of the Panny Plasma 55" :)

Yeah, I can see where the shark bit comes in!

I still reckon it's an awesome looking machine but to each their own ;)


Aston-Martin-DB105.jpg
 
  • Like
Reactions: RGBARGEE and Rob2k68
I think we are all going a little off topic here guys

& yes I know, I'm guilty too lol
 
Off topic????

Never heard of that on ASN!! ;)
 
  • Like
Reactions: Jassyo06, Rob2k68, mfl and 2 others
Saw my first RS3 on the Devon expressway yesterday on my way down to Plymouth.

Casually sat in the slow lane doing 50mph. Daytona with silver pack.

Had to look twice (it really doesn't stand out) but I did like it in that colour and it seemed to accentuate the wheel arches better.

Got the option of an extended RS3 test drive later in November. Might take it up as I think I need longer in the RS3 just to prove either way it's not for me.

Ill echo the comments on the TTS - it's a fabulous machine and I would get one in a heartbeat as I love the styling and handling but it's just a bit too small :(
 
  • Like
Reactions: 45bvtc and Jassyo06
I've seen that one around Plymouth. Thought about Daytona again (had it on A7QBTBE) but reckon it's a bit John Major dull on a small car. I had a 5 hour test drive/loan and made my mind up I wanted one after 10 minutes smiling from ear to ear and it just got better.. so Yes in answer to the OP but think wife's 1.4COD Sline at half the price is even better value!
 
  • Like
Reactions: Simon L
RGBARGEE said:
I've seen that one around Plymouth. Thought about Daytona again (had it on A7QBTBE) but reckon it's a bit John Major dull on a small car. I had a 5 hour test drive/loan and made my mind up I wanted one after 10 minutes smiling from ear to ear and it just got better.. so Yes in answer to the OP but think wife's 1.4COD Sline at half the price is even better value!
Click to expand...

John Major dull.......................yer avin a laff surely??!! lol


RSDG1.jpg
 
  • Like
Reactions: Jassyo06, RGBARGEE, 45bvtc and 1 other person
There ain't a lot of good deals/discounts on either the TTS/RS3..at the moment....but 12/13% on either in a year's time yes
Simon L said:
I'm with you on the home cinema too J.............love our bluray nights in front of the Panny Plasma 55" :)

Yeah, I can see where the shark bit comes in!

I still reckon it's an awesome looking machine but to each their own ;)


Aston-Martin-DB105.jpg
Click to expand...

Sure the one l saw on a shmee video on YouTube didn't have a grill?????
 
That Daytona does look good under artificial lighting and it's a lovely colour.. just not my choice on an RS3.. looks dull.. I had planned Daytona on my S3 but not available until mid 2014.. but in the flesh I'm not so sure, whereas A7 BE looks superb in Daytona. I do feel sorry for folks who made a mistake and ordered Dakota Grey now that is boring on anything...
 
  • Like
Reactions: Simon L
RGBARGEE said:
That Daytona does look good under artificial lighting and it's a lovely colour.. just not my choice on an RS3.. looks dull.. I had planned Daytona on my S3 but not available until mid 2014.. but in the flesh I'm not so sure, whereas A7 BE looks superb in Daytona. I do feel sorry for folks who made a mistake and ordered Dakota Grey now that is boring on anything...
Click to expand...

Hi mate a few posts back l mentioned the SS seats thing.you said you only have the standard seats...well me and my son jumped into the RS3...I said immediately "These super sport seats aint worth the money" my son instantly replied "YIP".....lol.They offer no additional support...the RS3 corners that flat...you dont need them..l stand corrected
 
That's got to be one of my biggest gripes with the S3 the crap seats (Either version) I assume you can get some better ones with the RS3
 
Simonb1975 said:
That's got to be one of my biggest gripes with the S3 the **** seats (Either version) I assume you can get some better ones with the RS3
Click to expand...

Nope SuoerSport Seats are the limit for the RS3 at the moment...look stunning in Lunar but bring nothing in support terms
 
Thought they might have thrown some bucket seats in the options list !
 
veeeight said:
The "best" seats ...... But not in the RS3!

FXTFs7Q.jpg
Click to expand...

OH NO Its Sunday night again which for me is boring Downton Abbey night , best get ready for the hot chocolate and JD .:hubbahubba:
 
  • Like
Reactions: Marshy, Daveotto, Simon L and 1 other person
So, had the RS3 out today... what I liked:
  • Mag ride - not too crashy at all (on Dynamic), much more how I'd like a car to feel - the one thing I really wish I'd spec'd on the S3
  • Steering was lighter than my S3 (both in Dynamic, naturally) and felt more natural than S3
  • Super-sports seats - definitely more support on sides than standard seats - however, overall I prefer alcantara
  • Less turbo lag - always a good thing
  • It's quicker - but they're both stupidly quick
What I wasn't so keen on:
  • S-Tronic - still prefer the old manual! I know the auto is better than I am but it removes that interactive element, the driving
  • Nardo Grey - think it's a bit of a Marmite colour and not a fan
  • Lunar silver seats - another Marmite option...
  • Not having ACC - it's one of those things, once you're used to it, you miss it (I know it's an option)

All-in-all, not much in it. For me, it's certainly not worth swapping but I tend to keep cars a long time anyway - this is only my 3rd :)

If I was replacing my previous car now, would I get the RS3 over the S3? Possibly but an S3 with mag ride would be a very close second, plus you'll get more discount on an S3, so who knows...!
 
  • Like
Reactions: 45bvtc, Bristle Hound, DAYTONA 500 and 2 others
0B1001001 said:
So, had the RS3 out today... what I liked:
  • Mag ride - not too crashy at all (on Dynamic), much more how I'd like a car to feel - the one thing I really wish I'd spec'd on the S3
  • Steering was lighter than my S3 (both in Dynamic, naturally) and felt more natural than S3
  • Super-sports seats - definitely more support on sides than standard seats - however, overall I prefer alcantara
  • Less turbo lag - always a good thing
  • It's quicker - but they're both stupidly quick
What I wasn't so keen on:
  • S-Tronic - still prefer the old manual! I know the auto is better than I am but it removes that interactive element, the driving
  • Nardo Grey - think it's a bit of a Marmite colour and not a fan
  • Lunar silver seats - another Marmite option...
  • Not having ACC - it's one of those things, once you're used to it, you miss it (I know it's an option)

All-in-all, not much in it. For me, it's certainly not worth swapping but I tend to keep cars a long time anyway - this is only my 3rd :)

If I was replacing my previous car now, would I get the RS3 over the S3? Possibly but an S3 with mag ride would be a very close second, plus you'll get more discount on an S3, so who knows...!
Click to expand...

Strange l thought the RS3' steering to be more direct but still felt numb on turn in,magride went from very firm to hard yeah l prefer that aswell super sports seat's offer nothing over standard seats,turbo/gearbox lag non existent,the RS3 is horrendously more quicker than a S3.and l mean a lot
The S-tronic 7 speed gearbox still jumps up to 5th at 40 mph but the upshift/downshifting are more immediate,Nardo grey needs a full time professional detail to keep it looking good,it's a demonstrator so it's going to look neglected,besides yeah not a fan,lunar silver really brightens up a very dull black/grey interior,the RS3 l drove was not a patch on my S3's interior.
Yeah your opinion on the RS3 is totally opposite but that's what forums are for.
I know for a fact once the waiting lists diminish l will get at least a 11/12%discount lf l chose to have one
 
  • Like
Reactions: Simon L and DAYTONA 500
I bought my S3 for road use, likewise the RS order.
I have found the standard seats to be very supportive and comfortable. Were I to want to drive on a track I would not be buying an RS3....zzzzzzzz
 
  • Like
Reactions: Snake Pliskin and 45bvtc
EddieS3 said:
You know this is not the 8V Rs3 lol?
Click to expand...

.......illustrative purposes Eddie.....come on, keep up!

......err, well actually no I hadn't noticed tbh! lol
 
  • Like
Reactions: Jassyo06 and Rob2k68
EddieS3 said:
You know this is not the 8V Rs3 lol?
Click to expand...

I noticed and maybe that's why I 'Like' it... Oh dear... Keyboard attack, #839 and heading toward 4-figures...:nogarors4:
 
  • Like
Reactions: Simon L
With my 3 year promise in mind maybe I'll buy a Daytona RS3 next year, slap my private plates on it and the wife will be none the wiser ??

(Please don't flame me meant in jest!)
 
  • Like
Reactions: 45bvtc and Simon L
Status
Not open for further replies.

Similar threads

B
Which options are worth the premium?
Replies
85
Views
7K
night_owl
N
W
Worrying over the colour
Replies
55
Views
6K
Jassyo06
Jassyo06
bigtasty
The wait is over!
Replies
23
Views
2K
RichardT
RichardT
S
The wait is over :-)
Replies
12
Views
1K
RedTurtle
RedTurtle
A
is it worth swaping the S3
Replies
19
Views
2K
HertS3
HertS3
Top
Back