Can't decide between Audi S3 and TT Quattro S-Tronic 230

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donovan2123

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Taking practicality out of the picture I can't make my mind up between a 2013-2014 Audi S3 or similar aged TT Quattro S-Tronic 230.

Both have there pros and cons, I prefer the interior of the TT and would look for one with matrix lights etc. However then there is the s3 which has more power. Again I could tune the TT and if I eventually want more I could then stick a is38 on.

Has anyone made the switch either way and what were the reasons and opinions.

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Only the current Mk3 TT can be had with matrix headlights is this the one your referring to?
 
Yes between Mk3 TT Quattro S-Tronic 230Bhp or the 8V S3 pre face-lift.

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donovan2123 said:
Yes between Mk3 TT Quattro S-Tronic 230Bhp or the 8V S3 pre face-lift.

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If practically isnt in the equation l would go with the TT because it's a far superior handling car than the pre face lift car mate it's also a bit lighter, l am sure a engine tweak would bring it up to near enough 297 bhp like in the S3, early cars will have more chances of having the matrix candles and technology package with the virtual Cockpit a must in the TT, the boot in the TT is huge so your only going to compromise on rear passenger room
 
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I’m going to throw a curve ball to this. Have you considered a mk1 TTrs. Fantastic engine very tuneable if that’s your thing ok the tech is old but could be updated if that’s your thing. Did I mention that great engine it as :tearsofjoy::sunglasses:
 
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I'm making the switch from a MK3 230 TT Quattro and potentially going into a new S3 (still working on a deal). The only reason I'm making the switch is because I have a baby on the way so we need the better practicality.

Otherwise I'd be keeping the TT, in my opinion the MK3 looks stunning inside and out.
 
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DW81 said:
I’m going to throw a curve ball to this. Have you considered a mk1 TTrs. Fantastic engine very tuneable if that’s your thing ok the tech is old but could be updated if that’s your thing. Did I mention that great engine it as :tearsofjoy::sunglasses:
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Have owned the mk1 ttrs already and did think about having another one but it's just to dated inside and handles like **** tbh. Oh and when things start to go wrong it can get very expensive, brake disks for front are 600£ and only can be bought from audi or aftermarket which are more expensive. So mk1 ttrs defo out

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donovan2123 said:
Taking practicality out of the picture I can't make my mind up between a 2013-2014 Audi S3 or similar aged TT Quattro S-Tronic 230.

Both have there pros and cons, I prefer the interior of the TT and would look for one with matrix lights etc. However then there is the s3 which has more power. Again I could tune the TT and if I eventually want more I could then stick a is38 on.

Has anyone made the switch either way and what were the reasons and opinions.

Sent from my HTC 10 using Tapatalk
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If it’s MK3 TT then get the TT, that model didn’t come out until 2015 though I think.

VC comes as standard on the TT but you need tech pack for nav etc.

I came from the 184tdi ultra TT and loved it but needed to scratch the S3 itch. Even in diesel FWD form the TT was a better handling car than the S3 and the interior is fantastic.
 
TYb said:
If it’s MK3 TT then get the TT, that model didn’t come out until 2015 though I think.

VC comes as standard on the TT but you need tech pack for nav etc.

I came from the 184tdi ultra TT and loved it but needed to scratch the S3 itch. Even in diesel FWD form the TT was a better handling car than the S3 and the interior is fantastic.
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Ye looking at 2014(64)/2015(15) model

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donovan2123 said:
Ye looking at 2014(64)/2015(15) model

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I personally would go TT, the 0-62 times aren’t hugely different, you get the upshift farts on the 230 s tronic.

Looks wise the TT wins all day long
 
TT all day long, my mate has a 230bhp TT and in the real world there isn't much difference between it and the S3.

If I could get away with 2 seats I would happily trade my S3 saloon for a TT all day long, even the non "S" TT feels much more special to sit in and drive than the S3.
 
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A friend of mine has an absolute banger of a TT available for sale, fully loaded including the super sports seats in alcantara 65 reg, Daytona grey, 27500 miles. He wants £22k for it!
 
Dazs87 said:
A friend of mine has an absolute banger of a TT available for sale, fully loaded including the super sports seats in alcantara 65 reg, Daytona grey, 27500 miles. He wants £22k for it!
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Is it an s line? If so more details please via pm including full spec and some photos

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I had the 1.8 tfsi and it was a better handling car than my current S3. Nicer place to Ben inside too. If I had the 2.0 Quattro S Tronic I wouldn’t have switched to the S3. The 230bhp is plenty enough and sounds good too whether on lower or higher revs. Plenty of farts too. The TT is a better looker too. Just make sure you get one with upgraded sound as the standard system was shocking.

I bought the TT as cheap as possible and only got heated seats and parking sensors. Didn’t make the same mistake with the S3 and specced everything I felt I needed to be an upgrade from the TT.
 
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donovan2123 said:
Is it an s line? If so more details please via pm including full spec and some photos

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Hey mate, yeah it is. I think I’m being thick I can’t see how to PM you?!
 
donovan2123 said:
Have owned the mk1 ttrs already and did think about having another one but it's just to dated inside and handles like **** tbh. Oh and when things start to go wrong it can get very expensive, brake disks for front are 600£ and only can be bought from audi or aftermarket which are more expensive. So mk1 ttrs defo out

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Fair do’s mate, strange that you didn’t like the handling found my TTS fantastic on that side but lacked the drama noise effortless power and torque from the 5 pot. The TTrs plus had as you know abit more power wingback recaro buckets and manual gearbox. Anyway good luck in what ever you choose mate.

The interior on the mk3 TT is sublime so a massive thumps up from me on that.
 
DW81 said:
Fair do’s mate, strange that you didn’t like the handling found my TTS fantastic on that side but lacked the drama noise effortless power and torque from the 5 pot. The TTrs plus had as you know abit more power wingback recaro buckets and manual gearbox. Anyway good luck in what ever you choose mate.

The interior on the mk3 TT is sublime so a massive thumps up from me on that.
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Yeah handling was poor as were brakes. I think because the tts has magnetic ride it probably did handle slightly better. The only thing going for the mk1 ttrs was the noise. Also buckets were optional extra and are fairly rare.


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I've just done the deal on the S3, so I'll be saying goodbye to my TT in approx 12 weeks time.

My TT isn't massively specced:
  • Super Sport Seats - look great, but not very comfy and there are known quality issues with side trim coming apart (make sure you check these). Never tried the standard seats though.
  • Heated seats - used them once and then never again. The TT's cabin gets warm very quickly.
  • Tech Pack - I couldn't have a car now that doesn't have a digital dash and the sat nav, it makes it a lot easier to navigate.
  • Rear parking sensors - essential as visibility is limited
  • Advanced sound system - it's not bad, but I don't listen to a lot of music when driving - I prefer to heard the exhaust :D
I seriously can't imagine needing any other equipment. If I specced one again I would probably just change the colour, I've seen a few nice ones in Ara blue.

As I said before, I'd keep the TT if I didn't need something more practical for a baby. However, when it was just me and the wife it was more than enough - fold the back seats down and it's huge. We've had everything in the back, even our bikes if we take the front wheel off.

Only other negatives of my TT:
  • Door windows freezing in winter - a number of occasions I've not been able to open the door until it's thawed.
  • Rattles - I have numerous interior rattles which the dealer has never been able to fix.
  • Super sport seats trim - as mentioned it's a known issue, mine have been replaced twice.
  • Hairdresser comments.
230PS might not sound a lot, but the TT is very light compared to the S3 and in my opinion it's a very agile car. I did the Route 500 in Scotland last year and it was a blast, the TT took everything the Scottish highlands threw at it.

Hope that helps!
 
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Have to say really surprised being a A3/S3 forum how nearly everyone has said go for mk3 TT S-line 230bhp Quattro S-Tronic over S3 300bhp

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donovan2123 said:
Have to say really surprised being a A3/S3 forum how nearly everyone has said go for mk3 TT S-line 230bhp Quattro S-Tronic over S3 300bhp

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Best thing to do is get a test in both. The TT is the latest generation whilst the 8V is coming to the end of its life.

Having had the mk3 TT and the latest S3 I’d be quite happy going back to a TT, especially the 230, the tdi was great and the 230 will be even better.

It’s a shame the TTS is silly money.

As others have said If getting the TT make sure it has B&O, standard sound is terrible in it, so tinny.
 
Agree on B&o the BOSE in my TTS sounded much better. S3 for practicality TT for the driving experience.
 
donovan2123 said:
Have to say really surprised being a A3/S3 forum how nearly everyone has said go for mk3 TT S-line 230bhp Quattro S-Tronic over S3 300bhp

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Like @TYb kinda said once you have driven both cars you'll come to the same conclusion on the driving experience even the diesel roadster drives better than my brand new S3 saloon, the TT is probably the only Audi l have driven with some feel to the road surface through the steering it's pretty good, things l didn't like about the TT, it's a ****** to get in and out of especially if your trying to avoid the seat side bolster syndrome ..... A must in any Audi....secondly the dashboard it's a bit too clever for its own good with just the VC binnacle l like the pop up centre dash screen too much ....... Like in the A3 it's pretty unique,also the TT should be a very good used car buy as they are overpriced when new, colours to go for are Floret Silver or Daytona grey, it looks its best in these colours
 
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donovan2123 said:
Have to say really surprised being a A3/S3 forum how nearly everyone has said go for mk3 TT S-line 230bhp Quattro S-Tronic over S3 300bhp

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You stated in the original post to take practicality out of it lol. The TT just edges it if you take practicality out of it. If I had to choose between the two now I probs would still go for the S3. Personally I am really enjoying it, engine makes it feel really special too.
 
I had the TT 230 for the day and I have to say I was quite underwhelmed. I didn't think the power delivery was that nice and found the interior rather boring and cramped.

If you have to choose between them, the S3 is probably a better option. Saying that, I never had the pogo stick feel in the TT like I do in the S3.
 
I think the TT interior is fantastic, miles ahead of the S3 which frankly doesn't feel in any way special without the supersport seats. In fact without them it just feels like a bog standard A3.
 
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Chris4410 said:
I think the TT interior is fantastic, miles ahead of the S3 which frankly doesn't feel in any way special without the supersport seats. In fact without them it just feels like a bog standard A3.
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I am going to stick my head on the block here..... And say something like you've already touched on, that my cars interior blows the TT/S even right oot the water just because of how l optioned it and l have driven every TT model there is, Audi cars are pretty bleak inside across the whole car line up
 
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Chris4410 said:
I think the TT interior is fantastic, miles ahead of the S3 which frankly doesn't feel in any way special without the supersport seats. In fact without them it just feels like a bog standard A3.
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Agreed, TT interior materials feel better quality, simple details like the brush interior lights rather than buttons.

Perhaps A3 will catch up in the next iteration, TT does cost that little bit more though.
 
jassyo06 said:
I am going to stick my head on the block here..... And say something like you've already touched on, that my cars interior blows the TT/S even right oot the water just because of how l optioned it and l have driven every TT model there is, Audi cars are pretty bleak inside across the whole car line up
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Guess it’s all personal preference, I liked the simplistic interior of the TT, S3 is very nice still.
 
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jassyo06 said:
I am going to stick my head on the block here..... And say something like you've already touched on, that my cars interior blows the TT/S even right oot the water just because of how l optioned it and l have driven every TT model there is, Audi cars are pretty bleak inside across the whole car line up
Click to expand...

Personal taste again, I spec'd my S3 with the options to make it as good as it could be internally however no amount of spec'ing up is going to improve the driving position in the S3 above the TT. I hate the feeling of sitting "on" the seat and this is how you feel in the S3, sitting nice and low as you do in a TT cannot be achieved in the S3 no matter what seats and options you have.
 
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jassyo06 said:
I am going to stick my head on the block here..... And say something like you've already touched on, that my cars interior blows the TT/S even right oot the water just because of how l optioned it and l have driven every TT model there is, Audi cars are pretty bleak inside across the whole car line up
Click to expand...
Pics or it never happened
 
Chris4410 said:
Personal taste again, I spec'd my S3 with the options to make it as good as it could be internally however no amount of spec'ing up is going to improve the driving position in the S3 above the TT. I hate the feeling of sitting "on" the seat and this is how you feel in the S3, sitting nice and low as you do in a TT cannot be achieved in the S3 no matter what seats and options you have.
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I think that's due to it being a completely different car though. S3 is not a roadster, it is a fast family hatch, and is positioned in the market as such.

Most BMW's are quite low and have that nice feeling too, but they can be awful on the back and terrible at night when you're being dazzled left right and centre.
 
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4K said:
Pics or it never happened
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DSC 0058
DSC 0059
DSC 0061
 
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You can not beat a black and red interior really gives it that sporty look. Nice one jassey :sunglasses:
 
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SPIKE_S1 said:
Very nice.... is this your RS? If so, more pics please!
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Abit dirty as I was up in Shropshire that weekend fishing so had to drive across some interesting terrain :tearsofjoy:
 
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jassyo06 said:
Awesome interior your RS3 has mate lol Although l think the alcantara on the door cards adds a subtle contrast more than the plastic does lol
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Thank you mate. You know what I’ve never really given the alcantara a proper look but I see what you mean. When I was looking all I wanted was SSS, dynamic pack, B&O. Colour was negotiable to a degree and wasn’t overly fussed about the alu or black pack. Will be getting new wheels for the spring-autumn and the silver rotors will be for winter use with my Sottozero’s I’m currently on. But I do like othe colours with certain colour packs though.

Sorry got abit carried away and seemed to have hyjacked the s3 section. I forget where I am half the time lads:tearsofjoy:
 
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