RS3 Saloon or Sportback

What? This statement is utter nonsense.
Why is it? If I had an S3 I'd think 'wish I could have an RS3' if I had an RS4 id think 'I wish I could have an RS6'
And unfortunately it will be the same with the RS3 saloon, can anyone think of absolutely any reason whatsoever why anyone would go for the RS3 saloon rather than a possible upcoming RS4 other than price?
 
Why is it? If I had an S3 I'd think 'wish I could have an RS3' if I had an RS4 id think 'I wish I could have an RS6'
And unfortunately it will be the same with the RS3 saloon, can anyone think of absolutely any reason whatsoever why anyone would go for the RS3 saloon rather than a possible upcoming RS4 other than price?
For the more characterful 5cyl engine, more compact / chuckability?
 
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all true but it still won't stop the carpark gossip, I'm not knocking people for choosing the saloon don't get me wrong, it's just what people will think no matter how they try to justify it, it's the same with the M2 vs M4 and like I said earlier the Cayman/boxter vs 911.
 
all true but it still won't stop the carpark gossip, I'm not knocking people for choosing the saloon don't get me wrong, it's just what people will think no matter how they try to justify it, it's the same with the M2 vs M4 and like I said earlier the Cayman/boxter vs 911.

From your comments you believe only the RS3 Saloon would be likely to have this comparison made?
Do you really think that, and if so do you really think the RS3 Sportback (which would share much more in common with the RS4 than the RS3 saloon will) would be exempt from similar comparison?
If so, both of your thoughts are nonsense.

You buy what suits you first and foremost with a reality check on what you can afford.
If that's a RS3 and not a RS4, or a TTRS instead of a R8, so what, who really cares what anyone thinks as long as you are comfortable and secure with your decision.
I'm rolling in a £25k Renault. I love it and couldn't give a flying **** what anyone says about it.
 
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all true but it still won't stop the carpark gossip, I'm not knocking people for choosing the saloon don't get me wrong, it's just what people will think no matter how they try to justify it, it's the same with the M2 vs M4 and like I said earlier the Cayman/boxter vs 911.

What are your thoughts on buying second hand cars?
For new M2 money you can get a nearly new M4.
For new Cayman / Boxster money you could have a 997 911 Turbo (the best 911 I've driven) in amazing condition.
For new RS3 money you could have a NA V8 RS4, with minimal miles on it in as new condition.
 
From your comments you believe only the RS3 Saloon would be likely to have this comparison made?
Do you really think that, and if so do you really think the RS3 Sportback (which would share much more in common with the RS4 than the RS3 saloon will) would be exempt from similar comparison?
If so, both of your thoughts are nonsense.

You buy what suits you first and foremost with a reality check on what you can afford.
If that's a RS3 and not a RS4, or a TTRS instead of a R8, so what, who really cares what anyone thinks as long as you are comfortable and secure with your decision.
I'm rolling in a £25k Renault. I love it and couldn't give a flying **** what anyone says about it.
Rolling in your Renault, eh? You're so down with the kids Craig. Audi Sport's answer to Snoop Dogg.
 
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From your comments you believe only the RS3 Saloon would be likely to have this comparison made?
Do you really think that, and if so do you really think the RS3 Sportback (which would share much more in common with the RS4 than the RS3 saloon will) would be exempt from similar comparison?
If so, both of your thoughts are nonsense.

You buy what suits you first and foremost with a reality check on what you can afford.
If that's a RS3 and not a RS4, or a TTRS instead of a R8, so what, who really cares what anyone thinks as long as you are comfortable and secure with your decision.
I'm rolling in a £25k Renault. I love it and couldn't give a flying **** what anyone says about it.
I wouldn't say it's nonsense. It's a fair point. I see the point being made. I think the RS3 SB stands out from the rest of the Audi range. It's compact, with an iconic design and that's why some like it. RS3 saloon is more comparable to the RS4 - historically, you see so many RS4 saloons on the road and with a new RS3 saloon in town, that's where the comparisons might arise.
 
I will be buying the manual 3dr RS3............if only. For me the S3/RS3 saloon looks too small to be a saloon and the wheelbase of any SB isn't proportionally right.

As for previous comments the UK market is full of people (not everybody) who get off on buying new cars (words like upgrade spring to mind) hence the whole market move to leasing/pcp. Wiser money might be to buy a lightly used more originally expensive car still under manufacturers warranty e.g. seen the depreciation on very lightly used RS6/M6s recently?

Ironically Craigl might be a bit slower in a straight line however far more entertained going around corners which is surely what we drive fast cars to do? I have spoken to my local Renault dealer (here in France) about the new RS16 which hopefully will be all about the journey rather than the highest speed attained albeit lacking the sound and drama of a 5 pot on full chat.

My S3 was a rushed that'll do for the short term purchase which has now hung around for 2years, mainly as from a reasonably value for money swift car not a lot comes close.
 
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But that's what I'm saying the RS3 sportback doesn't really have an 'ooh could have bought that' within the Audi range because it genuinely is a small compact practical hatch, I personally would have the RS3 over say a 3 -4 year old RS4 which is miles bigger.
people will play the 'it's smaller and more nimble' card like they do with the M2 vs M4 until they are told the M2 is no narrower, taller, only 20cm shorter and weighs near enough the same as the M4 lol I bet the RS3 saloon will be the same vs the RS4.
Which brings me back to my point that the only real reason to go for the 'lesser' model is cost, it's the same with the S3 vs RS3, they make excuses about why they went for the S3 instead of RS3 but if the RS3 and S3 where the same price how many S3's would be on the road?
It's a sad consumer jealousy world but unfortunately it's the world we live in, it might not bother some people to park their RS3 saloon next to a new upcoming RS4 saloon but it would bother me and I bet I'm not alone
 
When I got my S3 saloon last year, the old S4 was coming to the end of it's run and was about the same price. I chose the S3 mainly because it was much lighter than the S4. I'd be lying if I didn't say lower running costs were also a factor, but that wasn't first and foremost. The S3 is still 200kg lighter than the new S4. I would assume this will be similar for the RS3/4. That's 200kg less to accelerate, 200kg less to slow down and 200kg less to get round corners. For the RS4 to be as quick as the RS3 it will need a bigger engine, which means more weight over the front wheels. I also prefer the look of the S3 over the S4, so when the time comes, I'll be looking at the RS3 Saloon. If the RS4 was the same price, I'd still choose the RS3. Besides, I honestly couldn't care less what anyone else thinks about my car, as long as it's what I want! And I want something small, light and fast! (with 4 doors);)
 
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But that's what I'm saying the RS3 sportback doesn't really have an 'ooh could have bought that' within the Audi range because it genuinely is a small compact practical hatch, I personally would have the RS3 over say a 3 -4 year old RS4 which is miles bigger.
people will play the 'it's smaller and more nimble' card like they do with the M2 vs M4 until they are told the M2 is no narrower, taller, only 20cm shorter and weighs near enough the same as the M4 lol I bet the RS3 saloon will be the same vs the RS4.
Which brings me back to my point that the only real reason to go for the 'lesser' model is cost, it's the same with the S3 vs RS3, they make excuses about why they went for the S3 instead of RS3 but if the RS3 and S3 where the same price how many S3's would be on the road?
It's a sad consumer jealousy world but unfortunately it's the world we live in, it might not bother some people to park their RS3 saloon next to a new upcoming RS4 saloon but it would bother me and I bet I'm not alone

Previous RS3 Sportback v Previous RS4 Avant v RS6.
Will there be a new RS4 Avant? Will you allow that to be compared to your incoming RS3?
Smaller and more nimble, no more so than S1 in the Audi range.

This is nonsense, as I expected.
You'll fit in well with your beliefs around here.
 
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But you cant compare an RS3 with an RS4 or RS6 or even S1 because people would choose the RS3 over those because they don't want an estate car or saloon or small compact car, that's my point the RS3 saloon is a saloon as will be the new RS4 saloon so they are directly comparable, and Audi won't make the RS4 and price it higher than the RS3 saloon then make it slower round a track or strip or offer it less desirable options, which brings me back to my original point that peolle will know the choice to buy an RS3 saloon over an RS4 was mainly cost related.

The bottom line is if you can happily park next to the new RS4 in your RS3 saloon and not feel a single bit of jealousy then fair play to you, I couldn't and others might not like to admit it but I bet I'm not alone in that.
 
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But that's what I'm saying the RS3 sportback doesn't really have an 'ooh could have bought that' within the Audi range because it genuinely is a small compact practical hatch, I personally would have the RS3 over say a 3 -4 year old RS4 which is miles bigger.
people will play the 'it's smaller and more nimble' card like they do with the M2 vs M4 until they are told the M2 is no narrower, taller, only 20cm shorter and weighs near enough the same as the M4 lol I bet the RS3 saloon will be the same vs the RS4.
Which brings me back to my point that the only real reason to go for the 'lesser' model is cost, it's the same with the S3 vs RS3, they make excuses about why they went for the S3 instead of RS3 but if the RS3 and S3 where the same price how many S3's would be on the road?
It's a sad consumer jealousy world but unfortunately it's the world we live in, it might not bother some people to park their RS3 saloon next to a new upcoming RS4 saloon but it would bother me and I bet I'm not alone
True that. RS4 saloon will no doubt be more desirable than the RS3 saloon. Just try to ignore the various black clouds that hang around on here, your post makes sense IMO.:kissingsmiling:
 
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When I got my S3 saloon last year, the old S4 was coming to the end of it's run and was about the same price. I chose the S3 mainly because it was much lighter than the S4. I'd be lying if I didn't say lower running costs were also a factor, but that wasn't first and foremost. The S3 is still 200kg lighter than the new S4. I would assume this will be similar for the RS3/4. That's 200kg less to accelerate, 200kg less to slow down and 200kg less to get round corners. For the RS4 to be as quick as the RS3 it will need a bigger engine, which means more weight over the front wheels. I also prefer the look of the S3 over the S4, so when the time comes, I'll be looking at the RS3 Saloon. If the RS4 was the same price, I'd still choose the RS3. Besides, I honestly couldn't care less what anyone else thinks about my car, as long as it's what I want! And I want something small, light and fast! (with 4 doors);)
Come on, that's taking it to the extreme. RS3 saloon and RS4 saloon - both at the same price?! And you would choose the RS3?:tearsofjoy:
 
The RS3 hatch is over 1500kgs the saloon will probably weigh more so say 1550kg, manufactures are shaving weight (M4/E92 M3) I can't see the RS4 being nearly 1800kgs!! That wouldn't ft in with a rivalry with the M4 at all.
The new RS4 won't have that heavy V8 lump anymore either.
 
But you cant compare an RS3 with an RS4 or RS6 or even S1 because people would choose the RS3 over those because they don't want an estate car or saloon or small compact car, that's my point the RS3 saloon is a saloon as will be the new RS4 saloon so they are directly comparable, and Audi won't make the RS4 and price it higher than the RS3 saloon then make it slower round a track or strip or offer it less desirable options, which brings me back to my original point that peolle will know the choice to buy an RS3 saloon over an RS4 was mainly cost related.

The bottom line is if you can happily park next to the new RS4 in your RS3 saloon and not feel a single bit of jealousy then fair play to you, I couldn't and others might not like to admit it but I bet I'm not alone in that.

I think you actually believe what you are saying to be true, so that's good. I love pre-purchase justification. It's full of attempts to persuade yourself you've done the right thing, even if it involved irrational thinking.
You'll get the support of one or two likeminded individuals on here and I can guess who they might be.
You are correct, price no object the RS3 is the only option worth having in the whole range.
 
Err No............I put a £2k deposit on the saloon with 3% discount secured in writing.


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Tumbleweed.....lots of jealous people on here who think they are more superior to people who don't yet own one 'tearsofjoy' jassy06


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I think you actually believe what you are saying to be true, so that's good. I love pre-purchase justification. It's full of attempts to persuade yourself you've done the right thing, even if it involved irrational thinking.
You'll get the support of one or two likeminded individuals on here and I can guess who they might be.
You are correct, price no object the RS3 is the only option worth having in the whole range.
Leave him alone Craig, you big bad Renault bully... with your pre-purchase justification, irrational thinking... not everyone thinks like you!
If he wants an RS3 saloon then so be it.
At least he's in the right place...
 
Never said it was gospel but that's how quite a few people think believe wether you believe it or you don't is up to you.
And like I say lots of people would be happy with their a song RS3 saloon and it is amazing even if they find themselves parked up next to the new RS4, I would be chuffed with the RS3 saloon but id still be a little jealous thats just how I am.
If money was no object Would I still have the RS3 still? yes because the Mrs doesn't like big cars and to me the RS3 is the best hatch out at the moment, will I fee a little jealous when the new facelift comes out and my 'old' RS3 is sat next to it? Yep
 
The RS3 hatch is over 1500kgs the saloon will probably weigh more so say 1550kg, manufactures are shaving weight (M4/E92 M3) I can't see the RS4 being nearly 1800kgs!! That wouldn't ft in with a rivalry with the M4 at all.
The new RS4 won't have that heavy V8 lump anymore either.

The S3 saloon is only 5kg heavier than the S3 SB, so the RS3 saloon would tip the scales at 1525kg. Don't forget the new aluminium engine though, which is 25kg lighter than before, so I reckon the RS3 saloon will be about 1500kg. S4 is 1630kg, so RS4 will likely be heading towards 1700kg.

Come on, that's taking it to the extreme. RS3 saloon and RS4 saloon - both at the same price?! And you would choose the RS3?:tearsofjoy:

Can't say for definate because the RS4 doesn't exist yet, but I don't like the look of the S4 and it's too heavy for my taste. So unless the RS4 looks something special and they get the weight below 1600kg, I won't be interested in it. Would I be jealous parked next to an RS4 in an RS3? Not in the slightest. Would other people feel the need to judge me? I don't care.
 
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Even with the lighter engine id say for certain the RS3 saloon will be heavier than the S3 saloon, just look at the RS3 vs S3. Bigger brakes, bigger wheels as standard, things like larger intercoolers and different exhausts all add up.
 
The S3 saloon is only 5kg heavier than the S3 SB, so the RS3 saloon would tip the scales at 1525kg. Don't forget the new aluminium engine though, which is 25kg lighter than before, so I reckon the RS3 saloon will be about 1500kg. S4 is 1630kg, so RS4 will likely be heading towards 1700kg.



Can't say for definate because the RS4 doesn't exist yet, but I don't like the look of the S4 and it's too heavy for my taste. So unless the RS4 looks something special and they get the weight below 1600kg, I won't be interested in it. Would I be jealous parked next to an RS4 in an RS3? Not in the slightest. Would other people feel the need to judge me? I don't care.
I wouldn't be jealous either, my neighbour has a real nice RS5 and it's definitely mutual respect from either of us. RS3, RS4 or RS5... they are all very nice cars. But in the case of RS3 v RS4 for the same price, forget about the 100kg difference, one is certainly more desirable than the other...
 
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What are your thoughts on buying second hand cars?
For new M2 money you can get a nearly new M4.
For new Cayman / Boxster money you could have a 997 911 Turbo (the best 911 I've driven) in amazing condition.
For new RS3 money you could have a NA V8 RS4, with minimal miles on it in as new condition.

For new RS3 money with a few select options you can have a used C7.5 RS6/7 with more standard equipment than similar extras on your new RS3, no contest.
 
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But they arnt like for like cars, what if you didn't want a large estate car or large car altogether? Not to mention the fact the RS7 is the ugliest car in the RS range lol
 
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Neither in that regard are the Saloon or Sportback, it's an irrelevant argument because as you point out everyone's choice is different.

I must have missed the report / survey where it was documented as fact the RS7 is ugliest, care to share and post on here?


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That's matter of opinion on the rs7 most think it's stunning in the right colour combo now the rs5 for me doesn't do it esp in cab form. I love a b8 rs4 and nearly went for a nearly new one over the rs3 but decided I wanted new and didn't want to pay the price of the final edition rs4 esp when they weren't to my liking.

Glad I went rs3 in te end it's great fun and noise and a nice little car for the back roads too.
 
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But they arnt like for like cars, what if you didn't want a large estate car or large car altogether? Not to mention the fact the RS7 is the ugliest car in the RS range lol
I'm with you on the RS7, ugly looking rear end on it IMO. Not my cup of tea. Not keen on the RS5 either. RS3, RS4 or RS6 though, now we are talking...
 
I'm undecided on the RS7's looks, but regardless, it's great Audi is making cars like this. Now if it could just launch cars when it promises...*cough, TTRS...
 
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Should have clarified, it's the hideous rear end on the RS7 way too slopey it's one of them cars that almost looks like it could drive from either end lol
Shame because the ****** is so fast the rear end is what most people will only see
 
Should have clarified, it's the hideous rear end on the RS7 way too slopey it's one of them cars that almost looks like it could drive from either end lol
Shame because the ****** is so fast the rear end is what most people will only see
It looks like it's reversing really fast...
 
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Should have clarified, it's the hideous rear end on the RS7 way too slopey it's one of them cars that almost looks like it could drive from either end lol
Shame because the ****** is so fast the rear end is what most people will only see

So you mean the A7 as a whole then, not just that one particular model?

For me, RS3 is perfect for my needs. The RS6 is something special but even if I could go for one I would not, just too darned big.

P.G your car is sweet and the best colour ;-)

But everyone has their own choices and reasoning, so why all the hate???
 
I'm not hating, I just think the RS3 saloon will be great but the RS4 will be better for not much more money.
 
Not much more money? I am sure spec for spec the difference will be the price of an A1!
 
Yea I think new rs4 will be 60-70k with some options on it.
 
the TTRS is what? 52k? Can't see the RS3 saloon being much cheaper especially when the M2 with DCT and no other options is high 40's. The RS4 being a higher model will probably get some spec the RS3 won't and so to get them on par you'll be over 50k on the RS3 saloon EASILY, and as said above if the RS4 saloon is in line with the M4 then there will be barely 10k in it really, then there's residuals to think about so who knows what the difference will actually equate to in PCP monthly terms
 
Yeah sorry, forgot that 10-20k is not much money!

Anyway, if the RS3 is a 50k car, the RS6 is a 90k car then I would guess the RS4 would be between the two, with the RS5 just a bit more (ala TT to RS3).

I also still don't get this PCP where you pay for a car.forever without actually owning it...
 
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The SB will not be launched at the same time as the saloon. Does not make business sense. Admittedly it was released at the same time in S3 form, but RS models are more of a niche market. They will sell the saloon first before even thinking of the SB. To be fair, by the time the saloon is out, the new A3 will be on the horizon so I very much doubt if you'll see one at all to be fair. Why release a SB as well as a saloon? Saloons will sell to the people that want a saloon and also to the people that don't want a saloon but missed the boat when the SB was available and want an RS. Fact.
 

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