80s and early 90s BMWs are cool. I'm biased though, I have a 1990 850i. Has the same 300hp as the new S3 I have on order however it weighs more than the moon, but it has a V12 and therefore is cool. This is badly off topic, shutting up.
In Autocar, Golf R vs Fiesta ST. Yes, Really
Affordable fun special - Ford Fiesta ST3 Mountune versus VW Golf R | Autocar
= Fiesta ST Wins, on the basis of being more fun
When the motoring press get a stonk on for a particular car it's quite hard for anything to muscle in.
At the moment the current faves are P1, Fiesta ST, Golf R, S1, 135i & i3. Gets boring actually.
And it's a shame the S3 never gets much attention.
I'm going to have to drive a Golf R for myself - just to see what differences there are in the driving experience.
And it's a shame the S3 never gets much attention.
I'm going to have to drive a Golf R for myself - just to see what differences there are in the driving experience.
Perhaps not as good as the other alternatives?
It's odd isn't it. I had an R for a test drive and it was as a driving experience exactly the same as the S3. I guess these car journo's are finally tuned to the minuscule differences in cars. Thought it sounded different mind - the soundktor thingy most have been tuned differently. I think the aurora around the R is because it's ever so slightly cheaper than an S3 and it's the top of the range Golf.
Current edition of Top Gear mag a good example. S3 can't be there as it's been out over 12 months. S3 Saloon can not be there because the R is out. The S1 is also out now so excludes the S3 even further because it's from the same brand. The 135i M is now too old so 235i gets included BUT it can be included with the new M4 because it's in a different segment.
What they write about the R I can relate too as my S3 brings the same thoughts to mind when I drive it. But the reviews just say the S3 is numb. Drive an R - it's numb too!
Clearly not true !
I don't like the Golf, it's dull to look at and likely no different to drive than the S3, so not for me.
I sometimes wonder if the Golf gets so much praise in comparison to the S3, which in reality it's no different to, as it's the faster VW available.
The Golf R is VW's flagship "sports" car.
Audi have so much more to offer in sporty cars than the S3 so it gets lost amongst the brand (S4/RS4/S5/RS5/S6/RS6/S7/RS7/S8/R8 all higher spec and faster cars than the S3).
This used to be the case but the S3 is actually faster then a few of the cars you mentioned.
I admire your purchase loyalty.
I'll give you the S4 perhaps.
I don't like the Golf, it's dull to look at and likely no different to drive than the S3, so not for me.
Can't remember which ones but S-Tronic on paper was quicker then a few of them. The new S3 really is amazingly quick. For me it's not just a case of that but it really is the perfect car for me, still youngish (26 soon) so like 3 doors, TT too small as is S1 and prefer handing to a S5. I'm sure as I get older may be a saloon or estate
It's odd isn't it. I had an R for a test drive and it was as a driving experience exactly the same as the S3. I guess these car journo's are finally tuned to the minuscule differences in cars. Thought it sounded different mind - the soundktor thingy most have been tuned differently. I think the aurora around the R is because it's ever so slightly cheaper than an S3 and it's the top of the range Golf.
Current edition of Top Gear mag a good example. S3 can't be there as it's been out over 12 months. S3 Saloon can not be there because the R is out. The S1 is also out now so excludes the S3 even further because it's from the same brand. The 135i M is now too old so 235i gets included BUT it can be included with the new M4 because it's in a different segment.
What they write about the R I can relate too as my S3 brings the same thoughts to mind when I drive it. But the reviews just say the S3 is numb. Drive an R - it's numb too!
I'll give you the S4 perhaps.
Exactly my thoughts mate! I'm 25 and 6ft4 and the s3 is a great size for me. Coming from a b7 a4 it actually seems bigger? Obviously the boots not there but I don't want a too practical car! The s3 seemed perfect tk me, very fast, comfortable, looks great and I can get insured for £315! Couldn't be better really! Just want to drive the damn thing now!
I've never liked golfs. Obviously a few I the mags get my attention but all in all they are bland, and a bit too safe?
S4 plus...S1, S5, S5 sportback, S5 cabriolet
In fact, you have to be in an RS or in an S6 or better to go faster off the line to 60. Worth a mention.
Did you think it was louder? My brother has the R and seemed to think my exhaust farts were a lot louder than his.
Might need to swap cars for the day to compare
Can't comment on the size vs a b7 but it kind of feels more like a 8L then a 8P in terms of size, the boot is a bit small, few inches smaller each way. Who you insured with? That's very cheap indeed.
When the motoring press get a stonk on for a particular car it's quite hard for anything to muscle in.
At the moment the current faves are P1, Fiesta ST, Golf R, S1, 135i & i3. Gets boring actually.
How about the new super hatch Mercedes A45 AMG? Though there is a lot of debate if it is worth the money. Certainly for that sort of dosh there are a lot of other options.
None of these cars are for me though, as they all have firm suspension
I was being lazy and waiting for someone to post a list, knew it was coming...haha
Thank you, I did say a few as went through them all a while ago whilst getting my head around how quick it is ! S8 is also faster.
My insurance is with swift cover, I couldn't believe it! My wife has a a3 8v 1.4cod and it feels roomy for me to drive, maybe with it being a 3 door over my 4 door b7
How about the new super hatch Mercedes A45 AMG? Though there is a lot of debate if it is worth the money. Certainly for that sort of dosh there are a lot of other options.
None of these cars are for me though, as they all have firm suspension and low mpg.
So it's faster than 2 on paper 0-60 (although not top speed).
But yet, it pales into insignificance as far as the journo's are concerned.
You have to ask why? Personally I don't think it drives all that well; sure it's fast off the line, but with no excitement whatsoever, poor suspension set up, suffering from the Haldex system (S5 drives better due to better AWD system if I'm being honest), don't really like the S Tronic version (takes time to locate a gear down when in auto mode), so it's easily forgettable, which is probably why it doesn't feature in most of these group tests.
I wish I had given the S5 a better chance than I did. You live and learn and on reflection it is (if specced with Dynamic Steering and Diff) a better car than the S3.
Well faster then more then 2 but hey ho ( see above ).
Each person to their own, driven most of the Audi range and I know what I personally like / prefer.
I've heard of a few people going from S5 to S3 for smaller more agile / nimble size but again all down to personal preference.
To be utterly pedantic, only 2 on my list.
The S3 isn't that much more agile than the S5, not much in it.
S3 needs a diff at the front then it would be more agile.
S5 has better kit and looks far better (in Coupe form). I'd advise anyone thinking about a choice between S3/S5 to go S5. For me the rear biased set up in the S5 makes a world of difference.
Anyway, we digress.
I'm going to get a shot of the S1 next week (R8 this week), so will report back and let you know how it compares to the S3.
There is a different more comprehensive list above lol.
Fair enough mate, each to their own. I much prefer the S3 interior, S5 looks dated now and don't like the set back screen. It's horses for courses though. Exterior is more aggressive, I do like S5's just prefer S3's haha !
Again I admire your purchase loyalty.
These are merely my opinions, having owned both.
You will get your S3 soon and mine will have been and gone soon.
Hope you get on better with it than I am/have.
Been and gone, you selling it as soon as you get it and getting a S5?
I wish I had given the S5 a better chance than I did. You live and learn and on reflection it is (if specced with Dynamic Steering and Diff) a better car than the S3.