Audi A3 Sport or S Line suspension compared to Golf GTI?

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david25uk

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Hello, has anyone swapped from a MK6 Golf GTI to an A3 Sportback Sport or S Line 1.8 TFSI and can tell me if the S Line has harder suspension please?

I am looking at 2014 S Line cars with the 1.8 petrol with their 15mm drop or the newer facelift Sport models with the 2.0 190 PS engine that have their dynamic comfort suspension with no drop.

Not many of their cars around, so finding a test drive is hard.

Many thanks
 
The MK6 is a non-MQB car. The 8V is an MQB. I doubt they have interchangeable parts.
 
I think he is asking about the actual car not the parts to swap.
I gather he has a GTI and wants to move to a Audi, I could be wrong though.

I had a DSG MK6 1.6 and always felt like it was going to roll, but my A3 8V 2.0 Sport feels really planted to the ground on all turns.
I cannot comment on a GTI unfortunatly
 
dp_motley said:
The MK6 is a non-MQB car. The 8V is an MQB. I doubt they have interchangeable parts.
Click to expand...

Sorry, I am just after a comparison if anyone has driven both cars.

I am looking to move from a MK6GTI to a 2014-ish S Line or Sport.

Half the reviews and posts say the S Line on 18"s is too hard and half say something like "its planted and good"

I can cope with the MK6 which is medium hardness, a little role in the corners and you can definitely feel the road surface. I dont want "crashiness"
 
CanadaA3wales said:
I think he is asking about the actual car not the parts to swap.
I gather he has a GTI and wants to move to a Audi, I could be wrong though.

I had a DSG MK6 1.6 and always felt like it was going to roll, but my A3 8V 2.0 Sport feels really planted to the ground on all turns.
I cannot comment on a GTI unfortunatly
Click to expand...

Does your sport have the 10mm drop or is it a facelift with dynamic comfort please?
 
I've had a fair few sporting hatchbacks (see signature) and driven a lot of VAG products.

The A3, even in Sport or SLine trim, is not in my opinion equal to a Mk5-7 Golf GTI in terms of suspension tune. That said, I find the A3s are generally setup quite well and often a lot more comfortable than reviews would have you believe.
 
Ben H said:
I've had a fair few sporting hatchbacks (see signature) and driven a lot of VAG products.

The A3, even in Sport or SLine trim, is not in my opinion equal to a Mk5-7 Golf GTI in terms of suspension tune. That said, I find the A3s are generally setup quite well and often a lot more comfortable than reviews would have you believe.
Click to expand...

Thanks, I can see you've had a MK5 GTI in the past. How would you compare to your current 8V Sport?
 
Ben H said:
I've had a fair few sporting hatchbacks (see signature) and driven a lot of VAG products.

The A3, even in Sport or SLine trim, is not in my opinion equal to a Mk5-7 Golf GTI in terms of suspension tune. That said, I find the A3s are generally setup quite well and often a lot more comfortable than reviews would have you believe.
Click to expand...

Agreed. My memories of a Mk6 were that is was very firm, more akin to an S3.
 
david25uk said:
Thanks, I can see you've had a MK5 GTI in the past. How would you compare to your current 8V Sport?
Click to expand...

I think my current A3 might be on Comfort (i.e. basic / SE) suspension, looking at the arch gaps and production codes. So, it's very comfortable and a bit soft in overall character. There's a bit of lean, but the handling is quite sharp after the initial roll.

I've been considering some modest lowering springs, although I'm not sure my wife and kids would appreciate it.
 
I have an S-line with the sport suspension, and find the suspension pretty dam soft quite frankly. It's very much like a comfort like barge. The reviews always confused me thats for sure. Sure Audi's have a more executive 'firmer' feel than others, but thats part of the point of owning an Audi?

Still, the S-line suspension isn't great and can wallow in cornerning, never driven a newer GTI, but I suspect the suspension will be set up better. However you are comparing a GTI to an S-Line, really you would need to compare a GTI to an S3 for balance.
 
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Dubjam said:
I have an S-line with the sport suspension, and find the suspension pretty dam soft quite frankly. It's very much like a comfort like barge. The reviews always confused me thats for sure. Sure Audi's have a more executive 'firmer' feel than others, but thats part of the point of owning an Audi?

Still, the S-line suspension isn't great and can wallow in cornerning, never driven a newer GTI, but I suspect the suspension will be set up better. However you are comparing a GTI to an S-Line, really you would need to compare a GTI to an S3 for balance.
Click to expand...

This is what confuses me, reviews both professional and individual say S Line is way too hard. Then some people say its too soft!

The S3 would be great but I am discounting it for slightly higher costs, running costs and my current GTI has 210PS which is enough.
 
david25uk said:
This is what confuses me, reviews both professional and individual say S Line is way too hard. Then some people say its too soft!

The S3 would be great but I am discounting it for slightly higher costs, running costs and my current GTI has 210PS which is enough.
Click to expand...

Always trust owner reviews more imo, but best just to try them really, if its a big concern for you, then you probably best spending some time travelling to try one or two. You may even find some of the later cars still available as a used car at an Audi dealership.

Personally, I think its reading too much into something, we all get swayed by what other people say especially 'reviewers' who may have just gotten out of Bentley. The S-Line suspension is really not overly firm even with the sport springs.
 
Agreed, I have three Audi garages close to me, will be searching their stock this weekend for any S Line A3s
 
david25uk said:
Agreed, I have three Audi garages close to me, will be searching their stock this weekend for any S Line A3s
Click to expand...

You'll need to check wheel size and tyre, and also if the S-Line has comfort or sport suspension box ticked as variables...
 
dave7268 said:
I moved from a MK7 GTI to a A3 8V Sportback S Line 2.0 quattro (facelift) and I have found the Audi suspension to be much more comfier that the GTI. I have found the A3 to have slightly more body roll at speed in corner. I felt the GTI to be more planted on the twisty up n downs of the Lake District but you felt every pothole and bump.

Cruising wise on a motorway - very little difference though I would say the A3 has the smoother ride.

Overall - both cars handle great and are a joy to drive. In the end it all comes down to personal preference and the only way you can tell for yourself is a test drive.
Click to expand...

Thanks, that is great info, exactly what I am looking for, will PM you if thats OK.

Ah, this forum doesn't seem to support PMs.

Some more questions, what do you think of the performance between the MK7 and 8V facelift, on paper there is only 30PS between them.
 
david25uk said:
What about this one?

https://usedcars.audi.co.uk/usedcar...-front-wheel-drive-blue-1_GBR004571143554.htm

It claims to have "sports suspension" and its has the normal S line 18" wheels?

(its also about 15 miles from me)
Click to expand...

Holy **** thats expensive for a A3. I must have gotten a steal on my 64 plate A3 sport.
I bought my Sportback last year and paid £5500.00, but did need new brakes all around and a new service, but still.

£17,000 for a car that pretty much looks exactly the same as mine inside for that price?

I am really surprised Audi never changed their interior in 3/4 years.

I know its a sline but I would never pay that for a 4 year old car that is not at least 200bhp from standard and a 5dr.

If I could I would have saved more and bought the A3 Quattro which is highly tunable, but after my car accident in my golf I needed to get back on the road after 4 months of not driving.

I live in the middle of nowhere at the beach and relied on my partner to drive me around... She was not happy after the first month LOL
 
CanadaA3wales said:
Holy **** thats expensive for a A3. I must have gotten a steal on my 64 plate A3 sport.
I bought my Sportback last year and paid £5500.00, but did need new brakes all around and a new service, but still.

£17,000 for a car that pretty much looks exactly the same as mine inside for that price?

I am really surprised Audi never changed their interior in 3/4 years.

I know its a sline but I would never pay that for a 4 year old car that is not at least 200bhp from standard and a 5dr.

If I could I would have saved more and bought the A3 Quattro which is highly tunable, but after my car accident in my golf I needed to get back on the road after 4 months of not driving.

I live in the middle of nowhere at the beach and relied on my partner to drive me around... She was not happy after the first month LOL
Click to expand...

Its only for a test drive, I've seen 1.8 Sport models in Audi dealerships from £11,000
 
I was going to say.....
I cant understand how some dealerships charge the prices they do?
This is well over glasses guide price so if your car was written off you would lose so much money.
But some people are stupid and will pay for it just because it came from Audi.

David, I wish I could have waited as I would have gotten a A3 Quattro, I think you should look into that.
You could probably get that think to a S3 or even RS3 engine performance with some upgrades if your into that type of thing.
 
CanadaA3wales said:
I was going to say.....
I cant understand how some dealerships charge the prices they do?
This is well over glasses guide price so if your car was written off you would lose so much money.
But some people are stupid and will pay for it just because it came from Audi.

David, I wish I could have waited as I would have gotten a A3 Quattro, I think you should look into that.
You could probably get that think to a S3 or even RS3 engine performance with some upgrades if your into that type of thing.
Click to expand...

If a Quattro appears in my price range I will definitely look it
 
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My A3 8vf quattro S line with sports suspension was in the dealers ((again) to get the sticking handbrake looked at (again but still not fixed) and they gave me a golf gti for a few days. The golf was an awesome vehicle. Fast , quiet and the suspension and handling was amazing. Far superior all round. I am fitting a Bilstein B12 Sportline kit and Eibach anti roll bars to my A3 very soon. I hope it then handles a bit more like the golf.
 
Last edited:
[QUOTE"Fatbloke, post: 3613414, member: 123896"]My A3 8vf quattro S line with sports suspension was in the dealers ((again) to get the sticking handbrake looked at (again but still not fixed) and they gave me a golf gti for a few days. The golf was an awesome vehicle. Fast , quiet and the suspension and handling was amazing. Far superior all round. I am fitting a Bilstein B12 Sportline kit and Eibach anti roll bars to my A3 very soon. I hope it then handles a bit more like the golf.[/QUOTE]

Crikey!

What year is your 8v please and what model was the Golf, Mk6 or Mk7?

Thanks
 
david25uk said:
[QUOTE"Fatbloke, post: 3613414, member: 123896"]My A3 8vf quattro S line with sports suspension was in the dealers ((again) to get the sticking handbrake looked at (again but still not fixed) and they gave me a golf gti for a few days. The golf was an awesome vehicle. Fast , quiet and the suspension and handling was amazing. Far superior all round. I am fitting a Bilstein B12 Sportline kit and Eibach anti roll bars to my A3 very soon. I hope it then handles a bit more like the golf.
Click to expand...

Crikey!

What year is your 8v please and what model was the Golf, Mk6 or Mk7?

Thanks[/QUOTE]

Mine is a late 2016. Not sure of the gti year but it was not too old maybe a 2017/2018.
 
Fatbloke said:
Crikey!

What year is your 8v please and what model was the Golf, Mk6 or Mk7?

Thanks


Mine is a late 2016. Not sure of the gti year but it was not too old maybe a 2017/2018.
Click to expand...

Thanks, so that a pre-facelift A3 against a MK7 GTI.

I am less motivated for the test drive now, but will still contact my local dealer and try that car above.
 
david25uk said:
Thanks, so that a pre-facelift A3 against a MK7 GTI.

I am less motivated for the test drive now, but will still contact my local dealer and try that car above.
Click to expand...

Probably best to stop listening to opinions of others, yours is the one that counts :) take the test drive and then you'll know!
 
Why are you thinking of going from a GTI to a A3 anyway, seems a bit of a downgrade?
The GTI would hold its value more than a A3 as well.
 
david25uk said:
Thanks, so that a pre-facelift A3 against a MK7 GTI.

I am less motivated for the test drive now, but will still contact my local dealer and try that car above.
Click to expand...

Mine is the FL. Its not bad to drive at all, but rolls a bit in the corners. I just really liked the gti. As others have said, test drive different cars to help make your mind up.
 
CanadaA3wales said:
Why are you thinking of going from a GTI to a A3 anyway, seems a bit of a downgrade?
The GTI would hold its value more than a A3 as well.
Click to expand...

I am in a looking around mode;

  • The dealer that sold me the GTI, keeps sending special offer emails and said your nine year old car is worth £8000, visit us for a great trade-in
  • Dont like the look of the brand new A3 outside or inside
  • Dont think the MK7 GTI seats are very good
  • I am driving MUCH less, so dont really need GTI performance
  • But at the same time I dont want a super soft or super hard ride, the GTI setup is good for me
 
The A3 is a much nicer place to be than a Golf, and as you sit in the car when you drive it makes sense
 
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