Interesting to see that ford claim there revolutionary new haldex type system enables it to make its over 1g in the bends, the top 5 of those above made over 1g in the bends.
RS3 not met expectations
- Thread starter Benash20
- Start date
- Joined
- Feb 16, 2015
- Messages
- 6,006
- Reaction score
- 7,311
- Points
- 113
My wife owns a S3. We went out in the RS3 tonight and she described it as "mental"! Good enough for me 
TX.
TX.
What an interesting thread. I'm amazed at some of the comments (and some of the spelling).
I have an S3 so I'm sorry for posting on the RS3 site. To me I think the RS3 is a stunning car, the performance is so much better than an S3 in every respect or so I thought when I tested one
So for those lucky guys that either have one or have one on order I'm envious. It's your choice to spend what is in most cases hard earned money on the RS3, enjoy your new car.
There's so much available on the market for RS3 money and thank goodness every one is different, so it's not wrong to exercise your prerogative whether your choice is a Perodua or an RS3.
Enjoy, that's the main thing.
I have an S3 so I'm sorry for posting on the RS3 site. To me I think the RS3 is a stunning car, the performance is so much better than an S3 in every respect or so I thought when I tested one
So for those lucky guys that either have one or have one on order I'm envious. It's your choice to spend what is in most cases hard earned money on the RS3, enjoy your new car.
There's so much available on the market for RS3 money and thank goodness every one is different, so it's not wrong to exercise your prerogative whether your choice is a Perodua or an RS3.
Enjoy, that's the main thing.
and still the RS3 over S3 justification continues
I try not to get drawn into these debates as each car is great in its own right and the whole reason for sport / sline / S / RS is to offer a choice of car and spec which appeals to a wider market.
Just posted this in the "RS3 ... worth the premium over S3" in the A3/S3 forum and these are my own personal thoughts on the subject:
If you are asking the question - for me personally - the RS3 is easily worth the premium over the S3.
S3 is a nice car and I have no issue with the S3 at all - I have driven one and it was a very good package in its own right.
(in fact we did consider one for the wife, but have gone with a new TT in the end)
But for me personally, I have had a gen.2 TTS prior to my current S5 and as punchy as the 4 pot is, it does not do it for me in the sound department ... and the S3 having artifical sound is a gripe of mine (even though the S5 has it too).
Stepping into the RS3 on the other hand, strike it up and immediately it puts a smile on your face with the sound it makes.
Just standing/sitting still and blipping the throttle is a smile inducing experience with the RS3 - you know you are sat in something special.
On the move things just get better and better.
The power and performance on tap is just simply exhilerating and more than enough for me.
Launch control is both savage and hugely impressive.
Having experienced the RS3 on track in the hands of a Pro at an Audi Showcase day a few weeks ago, this just sealed the deal for me.
The RS3 round a track, full on for 3 seriously hot laps, was nothing short of astounding.
The grip is phenominal, the pace is border line scary on track, the cornering speed is crazy.
and this was a car which was being taken round lap after lap.
The RS3 was lapping quicker than an R8 (albeit V8) which I had also been taken out in prior to the RS3.
The specification is a step up over the S3 of course.
19" rims are included as standard, as are LED lights, parking sensors and a few other bits and pieces and S Tronic is also standard.
The fact you can specify a sports exhaust is a great addition to this car and for me also adds to the occasion of the RS3.
I have tested two RS3's now - both standard exhaust (which is great in its own right) and the sports exhaust which is fantastic !
The sports exhaust is not boomy at 70mph as you can turn the volume down with the drive select.
But when you do want the added noise its just great and exactly what I want from an RS.
The 5 cylinder engine alone is worth the premium over the S3 - it is a brilliant engine, I am so pleased Audi retained this for the RS3.
If the noise is a problem to you, then you probabaly are better suited to the S3 or another car entirely.
For me the looks are just enough to both make it look more aggrssive than the S3 whilst not making it too OTT, like say a Focus RS.
Audi manage to balance the look of their cars very well IMO (which is probabaly why the RS3 will be my 4th Audi).
But the different grill, wider arches, body kit, alloys & brakes and those amazing twin oval exhausts are just enough to visually distinguish the car.
Audi have then provided some great options in the form of coloured alloys, black or alum packs etc to further compliment the cars looks.
The RS tweaks and optiions give the car a great look and a step above the S for sure.
For sure many of us agree that the RS3 is a great car - the order books alone back that up.
That said I still think the S3 is a superb car in its own right.
We are purely talking here about the RS premium over the S.
Time for re-visit to this again
Rather than re-post my thoughts, they are above and have not changed since posting other than to add .....
I am (STILL) baffled at why some people feel the need to continually 'attempt' to try and play down the RS3 - and I really struggle to understand their logic, drive or motivation - in fact I laugh at it now, especially the persistent one's, some of whom are clearly not happy with thier current cars either. If I donn't like a car, I move on and forget about it, simples
In any case, all I can summise is that their requirements for a car are incredibly specific and their needs for day to day driving differ greatly from mine. I do not analyse a car in terms of how it handles on track - although having experienced the RS3 on track, it impressed the hell outa me
But in all seriousness, I will never take my own car on track, so my criteria for selecting car is totally different, a car I need day to day ...
Instead, I prefer to take a car out on the roads I drive and then consider other factors all of which the RS3 excells IMO.
It pretty much ticks every box for me:
Love the looks
The 2.5 litre engine is wonderful (and 4 pots never sound great, even my TTS sound was a let down)
The noise this car makes (now this is a big draw as this has BIG SMILES FACTOR)
You can tame the noise down when you don't want it (useful)
Quattro 4 wheel drive - great in the wet and snow
5 doors / hatch / ultra practical (hot hatches are ace - the RS3 is scorching hot)
seats 5 people when needed
Put the back seats down when needed
Comfortable and luxurious
Loads of options for personalisation
Its an Audi and I love the brand
Yes it won't have the precision or handling of a Boxster, its not rear wheel driver like a Bimmer, it won't corner as quick as a Golf R on track or so we are told, it may be nose heavy as a result of having that awesome 5 pot engine etc etc ........ but do any of these factors concern me or relate to me ? .... absolutely not LOL
Bring on my RS3 - I'm loving the comments of new owners on here and I can't wait to get my own
+1 Snake ... If I needed a track car I'd buy a Caterham (maybe).. If I want a big barge cruiser I'd buy an A7 BT (had one) If I want a Coupe I'd buy an A/S5 (had one) if I want a cabriolet .. my old A4/A5 cabs were great... As it is now I want an RS3 for the reasons Snake mentions.
RYuill
Registered User
Time for re-visit to this again
Rather than re-post my thoughts, they are above and have not changed since posting other than to add .....
I am (STILL) baffled at why some people feel the need to continually 'attempt' to try and play down the RS3 - and I really struggle to understand their logic, drive or motivation - in fact I laugh at it now, especially the persistent one's, some of whom are clearly not happy with thier current cars either. If I donn't like a car, I move on and forget about it, simples
In any case, all I can summise is that their requirements for a car are incredibly specific and their needs for day to day driving differ greatly from mine. I do not analyse a car in terms of how it handles on track - although having experienced the RS3 on track, it impressed the hell outa me
But in all seriousness, I will never take my own car on track, so my criteria for selecting car is totally different, a car I need day to day ...
Instead, I prefer to take a car out on the roads I drive and then consider other factors all of which the RS3 excells IMO.
It pretty much ticks every box for me:
Love the looks
The 2.5 litre engine is wonderful (and 4 pots never sound great, even my TTS sound was a let down)
The noise this car makes (now this is a big draw as this has BIG SMILES FACTOR)
You can tame the noise down when you don't want it (useful)
Quattro 4 wheel drive - great in the wet and snow
5 doors / hatch / ultra practical (hot hatches are ace - the RS3 is scorching hot)
seats 5 people when needed
Put the back seats down when needed
Comfortable and luxurious
Loads of options for personalisation
Its an Audi and I love the brand
Yes it won't have the precision or handling of a Boxster, its not rear wheel driver like a Bimmer, it won't corner as quick as a Golf R on track or so we are told, it may be nose heavy as a result of having that awesome 5 pot engine etc etc ........ but do any of these factors concern me or relate to me ? .... absolutely not LOL
Bring on my RS3 - I'm loving the comments of new owners on here and I can't wait to get my own
Well said. I to am enjoying reading the reviews of actual owners.
yesterday arrived our RS3 so now we will have an S3 (mine) and the RS3 (bro).
the RS3 is in every aspect better than the S3 but what I want to see and feel is if the added weight in front axle is a drawback for the RS3.
will keep you informed.
Regards
the RS3 is in every aspect better than the S3 but what I want to see and feel is if the added weight in front axle is a drawback for the RS3.
will keep you informed.
Regards
- Joined
- Apr 6, 2004
- Messages
- 1,469
- Reaction score
- 179
- Points
- 63
I have had 5 x S3's my most current being an 8V. Timing of the last (8P) RS3 made me wait another year and get an early 8V S3.
I mildly tuned it (MTM Cantronic, RS3 Brakes, H&R's) and I can honestly say it was hands down a better drive than the new RS3. I also convinced myself that I wouldn't go down the RS3 route because of the lack of manual and 5-door only.
However, having driven the RS3 - I've ordered it on the following man logic
1. Apply the above mods to the RS and the gap over the S will be maintained. That engine is Audi and true RS heritage!
2. The S will never ever be an RS no matter what grill you stick on it or how much you tune it.
3. The residuals are higher and there will be less RS' on the road c.f. the S3. However the heavy options list (many of which should be built into the base price and reflected in the residual) can rapidly make this car over priced by some margin.
4. I wasn't happy with an S3 when the RS3 was released.
5. Thought about waiting for a new TTRS but it will still be a TT and therefore Ghay!
My biggest dilemma is deciding on colour and spec! .
I mildly tuned it (MTM Cantronic, RS3 Brakes, H&R's) and I can honestly say it was hands down a better drive than the new RS3. I also convinced myself that I wouldn't go down the RS3 route because of the lack of manual and 5-door only.
However, having driven the RS3 - I've ordered it on the following man logic
1. Apply the above mods to the RS and the gap over the S will be maintained. That engine is Audi and true RS heritage!
2. The S will never ever be an RS no matter what grill you stick on it or how much you tune it.
3. The residuals are higher and there will be less RS' on the road c.f. the S3. However the heavy options list (many of which should be built into the base price and reflected in the residual) can rapidly make this car over priced by some margin.
4. I wasn't happy with an S3 when the RS3 was released.
5. Thought about waiting for a new TTRS but it will still be a TT and therefore Ghay!
My biggest dilemma is deciding on colour and spec! .
I find this thread hilarious... considering I own an F30 M3 (tuned), an E60 M5 (tuned with exhaust and underdrive pulley) ... had a stage 1.5 A45... an e92 m3, and a BMW 1m... and I think the RS3 is absolutely awesome...it really gives the sense of occassion of an exotic in a practical mini estate body... that said it has to be specced with the sports exhaust option and Dynamic suspension.
Saying you'd rather have a tuned S3 is just sad...I won't drop to the level of those bagging the RS3, but lets just say I get as much enjoyment and sense of occasion out of my RS3, as I do from my M5...v10 and all...
The whole review Evo did against the Golf R was utter garbage... just go to Fastestlaps.com to see every other track result favours the RS3 by a huge margin... and to say the RS3s brakes don't hold up as well is just stupid, the car was probably just shagged ( it has 8 piston calipers and 370mm front rotors).
Here in Australia, its been getting rave reviews for its amazing versatility, and duality of personality...
http://www.news.com.au/technology/i...r/news-story/9e0107de586942f26676f3b51cbd7402
Saying you'd rather have a tuned S3 is just sad...I won't drop to the level of those bagging the RS3, but lets just say I get as much enjoyment and sense of occasion out of my RS3, as I do from my M5...v10 and all...
The whole review Evo did against the Golf R was utter garbage... just go to Fastestlaps.com to see every other track result favours the RS3 by a huge margin... and to say the RS3s brakes don't hold up as well is just stupid, the car was probably just shagged ( it has 8 piston calipers and 370mm front rotors).
Here in Australia, its been getting rave reviews for its amazing versatility, and duality of personality...
http://www.news.com.au/technology/i...r/news-story/9e0107de586942f26676f3b51cbd7402
- Joined
- Feb 16, 2015
- Messages
- 6,006
- Reaction score
- 7,311
- Points
- 113
Pah, what do you owners know anyway
TX.
Well as a very happy owner, a month now, I still have that stupid grin on my face every time I get out of the car. As all of the other lucky owners have mentioned there are good and bad points depending on your personal preferences, for me the good far outweigh the bad.It has two distinct personalities, sound on I'm a teenager again in my pride and joy and everyone notices the car, it's how can I put this " it's awesome man"
sound off and I have a car that reflects my on going years smooth, sophisticated, a joy to drive what more could you ask for......apologies I haven't got any pics yet as the weather has beaten me for the last month will get a couple up as soon as it stops raining.
It has two distinct personalities, sound on I'm a teenager again in my pride and joy and everyone notices the car, it's how can I put this " it's awesome man"
apologies I haven't got any pics yet as the weather has beaten me for the last month will get a couple up as soon as it stops raining.
Great ! What spec have you gone for?
So, it's not just Audi EVO don't like. Poor old A45 in new face-lift form only gets 4 stars. (That mags love for the Golf R is comical at times).
http://www.evo.co.uk/mercedes/a45-amg
'If you like going really fast then the A45 AMG might be the car for you, but I can’t help thinking that a drivers’ car should be more nuanced than this.' Jethro Bovingdon, contributing editor.
Verdict:
More power, improved ride and tweaked gearbox - but still lacks the character of cheaper rivals
Evo Rating: 4 Stars
Price:£39,995
For Even more blisteringly quick
Against Still not quite as rewarding as some less powerful rivals
Of course, reviews don't mean anything and we should make our own minds up, but their review mirrors my thoughts after a test drive, but again, just my opinion. I thought it was interesting to add here as a balance point - as the A45 is normally held up as the saviour by those down on the RS3/S3.
http://www.evo.co.uk/mercedes/a45-amg
'If you like going really fast then the A45 AMG might be the car for you, but I can’t help thinking that a drivers’ car should be more nuanced than this.' Jethro Bovingdon, contributing editor.
Verdict:
More power, improved ride and tweaked gearbox - but still lacks the character of cheaper rivals
Evo Rating: 4 Stars
Price:£39,995
For Even more blisteringly quick
Against Still not quite as rewarding as some less powerful rivals
Of course, reviews don't mean anything and we should make our own minds up, but their review mirrors my thoughts after a test drive, but again, just my opinion. I thought it was interesting to add here as a balance point - as the A45 is normally held up as the saviour by those down on the RS3/S3.
To be honest, the only reviewer I tend to hold in any esteem is Chris Harris, but even then, these guys are the lowest common denominator type muppets. Steve Sutcliffe ( dont get me wrong, is an amazing driver) use to change his mind like he'd change his underpants...he loved, the A45 initially against the m135i, then bagged it out against essentially the same car, in the m235i... Most of these guys dont really care about the ownership proposition, and have strange obsessions with certain facets, like turn in, neutrality or throttle adjust-ability, so they are willing to forsake 90% of the rest of a given car ( that is inherently better) to satisfy their weirdly misguided fetish. As for the Golf R.. come on, if you get your kicks from one of those, over an RS3, then you're not a proper rev-head...and more than likely time in a v10 exotic will leave you limp in the trousers too.
BillTheButcher
Registered User
- Joined
- Feb 2, 2010
- Messages
- 178
- Reaction score
- 26
- Points
- 28
After reading all the rave reviews of the Mk7 Golf R I was really excited about test driving a DSG last year. It was one of the most disappointing cars I've ever driven.
The performance felt average, the noise was dull and heavily-synthesised; the whole experience left me wondering what all the fuss was about.Fast-forward a year and I started looking at the 8P RS3. Quite a few people told me to try a manual Golf R before making my decision, so I did. It was just as bland as the DSG.
Ozmosis
Registered User
- Joined
- Aug 9, 2015
- Messages
- 773
- Reaction score
- 1,295
- Points
- 93
I cannot see that the Golf R is a bad car at all here. I still have my Scirocco R, which is inferior to the Mk7 Golf R, but is still a very quick fine handling thing.
However, the RS3 is in a different league when driven back to back. It just feels so much... More.....!
However, the RS3 is in a different league when driven back to back. It just feels so much... More.....!
I also hated the Golf R, horrible gloss black interior that after a few weeks of cleaning will be full of unavoidable swirl marks, and the noise in sport mode!! Jesus I thought I was driving a 458 not a golf.
BillTheButcher
Registered User
- Joined
- Feb 2, 2010
- Messages
- 178
- Reaction score
- 26
- Points
- 28
No, the 8P. I had a budget of about £30k. I needed something quick and practical (the car I was changing from was a Lotus Exige S). The 8P was on-budget and ticked all the boxes.
Should be avoidable with a microfiber cloth , any swirls would be delt with the finest compound .
I'd love a car to sound like a 458 .
I looked at 8P RS3 but decided as 8V S3 was imminent bought a well spec one new in 2014. Great car but now looking forward to 8V RS3.
The Golf R really isn't in the same class as Audi, the interior in particular is not to my liking, low set inferior Nav system and tacky trim as mentioned above. Not a bad car but not for me.
The Golf R really isn't in the same class as Audi, the interior in particular is not to my liking, low set inferior Nav system and tacky trim as mentioned above. Not a bad car but not for me.
No, the 8P. I had a budget of about £30k. I needed something quick and practical (the car I was changing from was a Lotus Exige S). The 8P was on-budget and ticked all the boxes.
And now BillTheButcher; how close are you to feeling the same as me that the 8P RS3 has road manners similar to a Lotus? I still get to see mine but no way would I go back..
BillTheButcher
Registered User
- Joined
- Feb 2, 2010
- Messages
- 178
- Reaction score
- 26
- Points
- 28
I can't say that I've noticed any similarities yet. I've done very limited miles in the RS3 so far though. Maybe the road manners you mention will become more evident over time.
One massive improvement over the Lotus is the noise. I'd like my RS3 to make a bit more of it but what there is already is hugely more appealing than the Lotus. The Exige was very loud, and it sounded particularly violent as it approached the redline, but it wasn't a pleasant noise to listen to.
I love the burble of the 5-pot.
Secondary catalytic converter by-pass pipes make a huge difference to the 'noise'; Milltek or Scorpion and much the same - and I've fitted both to a number of cars so whichever ain't an issue. Had to re-fit the secondary Catalytic converters to pass an Audi dealer MOT last year but these were OFF and the by-pass pipes re-fitted as soon as I'd got BLUEY home; and the secondary cats safely stored away...
BillTheButcher
Registered User
- Joined
- Feb 2, 2010
- Messages
- 178
- Reaction score
- 26
- Points
- 28
The Golf R is a great car but its the engine in the rs3 sets it apart. Which is why I am in a rs3 rather than a cla45. A 4 pot will always be a 4 pot and will always sound like one. Alot of reviewers will base their end decision on cost and the Golf R is quite a bit cheaper. Making it alot more common.
The RS3 is Blue Chips, the Golf R is Pink sheets....anyone who has seen Wolf of Wall Street will know what im talking about
I need all my fingers, all my toes and then some to count the amount of friends that have picked up a golf R in the last 12 months.
Wonder what VW will do when all these cars come off lease. Residuals will take a hammering!
The RS3 is Blue Chips, the Golf R is Pink sheets....anyone who has seen Wolf of Wall Street will know what im talking about
I need all my fingers, all my toes and then some to count the amount of friends that have picked up a golf R in the last 12 months.
Wonder what VW will do when all these cars come off lease. Residuals will take a hammering!
Yes. ALL cars are supposed to comply with its Type Approval Specification and in the case of the Audi RS3 that includes 1-primary and 2-secondary cats. Any Audi dealer knows will count 3-cats, obviously; but an independent dealer, especially one that can't count, may not notice or be aware...
And I'd not be telling...And the CO difference: with secondary cats BLUEY's CO was 0.01% and 0.02% without (the pass limit 0.20%) and that's a PASS!
