RS3 v A45s v M2 comp v Golf R

Riko0073 · Feb 8, 2020

The race everyone was waiting for!

To be fair the RS3 did a great job, 2nd drag race was very close, always tough for the M2 in the wet but that A45s is very impressive, surprised me in the rolling race.

Spoiler...RS3 won the brake test though!! Haha

Tartaris · Feb 8, 2020

I'm sorry, but carwow sucks. As soon as I saw it was a video from those guys, I switched off.

FBF01 · Feb 8, 2020

Interesting race. Just shows you how rapid that M2 is, or rather what a superior gearbox is has. Love to see stage 1 RS3 V stage 1 A45s....as can’t imagine the Merc will tune that will. Never know. Having seen a video of it on the dyno, it sounds nothing short of embarrassing, worst noise from a 2 litre going.

Riko0073 · Feb 8, 2020

Tartaris said:
I'm sorry, but carwow sucks. As soon as I saw it was a video from those guys, I switched off.

Thought it was a fun test, just showing how fast that A45s is and the issues with RWD in the wet (which we all knew) but can’t argue against that rolling race.

RS3 still an amazing motor and for me the best daily and hyper hatch...looks classy, sounds good, interior is no fuss and quality and still with the 5 cylinder engine.

Sure the new RS3 will see it back on top.

GW1 · Feb 8, 2020

I think the RS3 5 pot sounds fantastic but even against the pre opf RS3 it struggles in the top end stakes.

Riko0073 · Feb 8, 2020

GW1 said:
I think the RS3 5 pot sounds fantastic but even against the pre opf RS3 it struggles in the top end stakes.

Yep I think the CarWow test with pre/post WLTP RS3’s showed that at top speed it does die off a bit but you won’t see me doing 120mph+ to notice any difference.

Terminator x · Feb 8, 2020

Just here eating my popcorn

TX.

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Evil Derboy · Feb 8, 2020

Not convinced on the exterior looks of the AMG but by far and away the most capable and has the best interior. The M2 looks the best from the outside.

I know this is an Audi forum so no doubt I’ll get roasted but the RS3 is really showing it’s age against these cars now. Even the Golf looks more modern.

Riko0073 · Feb 8, 2020

terminator x said:
Just here eating my popcorn

TX.

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Haha...MUST RESIST!

Riko0073 · Feb 8, 2020

Evil Derboy said:
Not convinced on the exterior looks of the AMG but by far and away the most capable and has the best interior. The M2 looks the best from the outside.

I know this is an Audi forum so no doubt I’ll get roasted but the RS3 is really showing it’s age against these cars now. Even the Golf looks more modern.

Just bought the missus an A200 AMG Premium, yes the interior is quite Wow but overly fussy and I actually prefer getting back in the RS3 where it’s just right and elegant simplicity.

Not a fan of the M2 especially with that wing he’s bolted on!

But yes the RS3 has had its day, still an awesome car but no doubt the new one will put it back on top.

FBF01 · Feb 8, 2020

Riko0073 said:
Just bought the missus an A200 AMG Premium, yes the interior is quite Wow but overly fussy and I actually prefer getting back in the RS3 where it’s just right and elegant simplicity.

Not a fan of the M2 especially with that wing he’s bolted on!

But yes the RS3 has had its day, still an awesome car but no doubt the new one will put it back on top.

Exactly. Wait till the RS3 come 2021

D0C · Feb 8, 2020

RS3 now five years old. And there’s still not much in it. A45 looks OK and by all accounts the new Merc interior that’s being rolled out across the range is apparently class leading. But...the 4cyl engine sounds pretty ropey if you ask me.

@T-1000 you seriously reckon you could trade down to that sound?!

Slowracer · Feb 8, 2020

Much closer result in this video, however I still think there will be some upsets for the a45 camp once we see some independent testing.

The a45 looks to be a nice allround package (except for sound) but my biggest reservation would be the power delivery of the small highly tuned motor. Unless you're driving flat out, in traffic it wouldn't be a quick car. The torque delivery sucks. One of the things I like about turbo cars is the mid range punch when turbo is spooled.

8YARWY · Feb 8, 2020

D0C said:
RS3 now five years old. And there’s still not much in it. A45 looks OK and by all accounts the new Merc interior that’s being rolled out across the range is apparently class leading. But...the 4cyl engine sounds pretty ropey if you ask me.

@T-1000 you seriously reckon you could trade down to that sound?!

Supposed to be on a test drive tomorrow, weather permitting

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Slowracer · Feb 8, 2020

T-1000 said:
Supposed to be on a test drive tomorrow, weather permitting

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Looking forward to your impressions

Riko0073 · Feb 8, 2020

Slowracer said:
Much closer result in this video, however I still think there will be some upsets for the a45 camp once we see some independent testing.

The a45 looks to be a nice allround package (except for sound) but my biggest reservation would be the power delivery of the small highly tuned motor. Unless you're driving flat out, in traffic it wouldn't be a quick car. The torque delivery sucks. One of the things I like about turbo cars is the mid range punch when turbo is spooled.

I thought the RS3 would have faired better in the rolling test TBH and edge the Merc!

Riko0073 · Feb 9, 2020

D0C said:
RS3 now five years old. And there’s still not much in it. A45 looks OK and by all accounts the new Merc interior that’s being rolled out across the range is apparently class leading. But...the 4cyl engine sounds pretty ropey if you ask me.

@T-1000 you seriously reckon you could trade down to that sound?!

It’s an impressive interior even in the lower engine models, my wife’s A200 Premium does make the RS3 look dated now but as my previous post mentions, the A class interior is too fussy and distracting for me, the simplicity of the RS3 is just a lovely place to be, everything where you need it and all well screwed together...a bit more ambient lighting would bring it up to date and no doubt the new interior will tick all the boxes and still looks more classier than the A class.

Slowracer · Feb 9, 2020

Riko0073 said:
I thought the RS3 would have faired better in the rolling test TBH and edge the Merc!

That does confirm it has more HP I believe as it comes into play at the higher speeds. From a dyno run I saw on you tube it appears to be underrated by about 15hp, so definitely an impressive top end.

DW81 · Feb 9, 2020

I wonder how the PFL or FL with it’s more aggressive launch would fair against these new gpf cars :whistle2:

Riko0073 · Feb 9, 2020

DW81 said:
I wonder how the PFL or FL with it’s more aggressive launch would fair against these new gpf cars

Indeed, hopefully they’ll be an independent test at some point but based on the previous CarWow test the OPF model does make up some ground after launch so the 1/4 mile result probably the same outcome.

8YARWY · Feb 9, 2020

Slowracer said:
Looking forward to your impressions

Well the weather is 100% crap here today so it’s not a day for even going out the door I’m afraid

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D0C · Feb 9, 2020

T-1000 said:
Well the weather is 100% **** here today so it’s not a day for even going out the door I’m afraid

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I don’t know about that. With the wind as it is today, point the car in the right direction and the car would’ve flown with a following wind!

When you do eventually have your drive in one, it will be very interesting to hear your thoughts.

Terminator x · Feb 9, 2020

Slowracer said:
Much closer result in this video, however I still think there will be some upsets for the a45 camp once we see some independent testing.

The a45 looks to be a nice allround package (except for sound) but my biggest reservation would be the power delivery of the small highly tuned motor. Unless you're driving flat out, in traffic it wouldn't be a quick car. The torque delivery sucks. One of the things I like about turbo cars is the mid range punch when turbo is spooled.

Same engine tuned to 500 going in the C63 when they lose the V8!

TX.

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8YARWY · Feb 9, 2020

Weather eased off after dinner so we decided to go have a nosey.

A grey A45s was in the showroom, however test drives are being limited they said, so I’m down for the 1st one later next week, only 3 or so miles though because they want to keep miles down on their demo.......not ideal at all really

1st impressions
Engine start up theatre and idling noise, no where near the RS3 (of any PFL/FL/FL OPF)

Exterior

Very nice and I actually prefer it without the Aero pack

Interior

Stunning dashboard / seats etc

Not keen on the stalk business for Reverse etc would prefer something like the Audi offerings now (not the upcoming ‘Switch’ one either)

Very comfy seats and they really suit the car.
The boot looks longer from the lip to the back of the seats than the RS3.

Twin AMG black pipes look great

So my impressions of this Merc are great interior, exterior but the engine

sounds like most other 4 pots you’d come across and at either 51k or 56k probably could be a big issue

You need to pay 56k to get adaptive dampers / pano roof / electric memory seats / Upgraded Burmester audio and some of the assistance systems.

The mmi / nav screen is touch but can still be controlled from the touch pad/buttons.

Let’s hope the test drive is mind blowing

Rest assured it is running in this video clip.

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D0C · Feb 9, 2020

I had a quick go on the Mercedes Configurator. I also wouldn’t have the aero pack, but I’d want the black wheels. However, it didn’t seem to want to let me have the black wheel unless I ticked the Plus model which has aero pack... I could be wrong.

Riko0073 · Feb 9, 2020

D0C said:
I had a quick go on the Mercedes Configurator. I also wouldn’t have the aero pack, but I’d want the black wheels. However, it didn’t seem to want to let me have the black wheel unless I ticked the Plus model which has aero pack... I could be wrong.

Yeah I much prefer the understated non aero pack car but you’re right you can’t select other options like the black wheels, seems even more options only limited to the Plus model from @T-1000 experience and I wouldn’t be spending £56k on it!!

Just got back home from a nice meal out and drove the wife’s A200, I have to admit the interior does look great (especially in the dark with that ambient lighting) and even the seats in that look great and very comfortable but I’m still of the opinion it’s overly fussy...but at least you do have the option of touch screen, a large pad in the centre console and small thumb pads on the steering wheel to operate the split MMI. I love the rotary dial in the Audi’s but these seem to be phased out now and I’m not liking just touch screen.

I’d love to keep the RS3 for many years, maybe stage 1 after 2 years as it’s just an awesome car but will see if I get that same old 2 year itch I have with previous cars!

8YARWY · Feb 9, 2020

D0C said:
I had a quick go on the Mercedes Configurator. I also wouldn’t have the aero pack, but I’d want the black wheels. However, it didn’t seem to want to let me have the black wheel unless I ticked the Plus model which has aero pack... I could be wrong.

Yes the lightweight black wheels are only available on the plus model.

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D0C · Feb 9, 2020

T-1000 said:
Yes the lightweight black wheels are only available on the plus model.

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That alone would be a deal breaker for me. The standard wheels look a bit naff to my eyes.

Slowracer · Feb 10, 2020

terminator x said:
Same engine tuned to 500 going in the C63 when they lose the V8!

TX.

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Yes but with mild hybrid. The 2L engine would be a dog off the lights with the weight of a C63. It needs the electric boost until the turbo is In The power zone.

If I was buying the a45s then I'd wait till they release the mild hybrid model.

Slowracer · Feb 10, 2020

[QUOTE="T-1000,

Stunning dashboard / seats etc

Not keen on the stalk business for Reverse etc would prefer something like the Audi offerings now (not the upcoming ‘Switch’ one either)

Very comfy seats and they really suit the car.
Let’s hope the test drive is mind blowing

Rest assured it is running in this video clip.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk[/QUOTE]

The Recaro seats are great in the a45. Multiple electronic adjustments to make them hug you through corners.

That was one of my big disappointments coming from an 2016 a45 to RS3, the sports seats In the rs3 were pathetic in comparison.

wuta3 · Feb 10, 2020

I'd trade a bit of sideways fun or an over worked 2.0L Merc for a 5cyl rumble on the way to work every time

8YARWY · Feb 10, 2020

D0C said:
That alone would be a deal breaker for me. The standard wheels look a bit naff to my eyes.

The thing is D0C wheels can always be changed.
However I need to make sure I could live with that Merc 4 pot

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msdmjb · Feb 10, 2020

Maybe just me but i wouldn't change to an A class.........think the outside looks like a Focus and the screens on the inside aren't as nice as VC, 4 pot is a deal breaker to me (rumour is ALL AMGs going forwards will be 4s). Vast majority of people would scare themselves with oversteer, pointless and just a gimmick on these cars imo.

As for performance, does it really matter, RS3 or A45 are still more than fast enough.

royalsteve68 · Feb 10, 2020

Yes but the a45 sounded crap, looks crap and as for the price over £56k, hahahahaha for a 2 litre turbo with very little tuning potential, what a joke.

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5pot4banger · Feb 11, 2020

royalsteve68 said:
Yes but the a45 sounded ****, looks **** and as for the price over £56k, hahahahaha for a 2 litre turbo with very little tuning potential, what a joke.

I for one could never downgrade to an a45 from an rs3 but the more I've heard about the c63 using the same engine as the a45s but running over 500bhp+ makes me think with just bolt ons you should be able to achieve decent power in the a45s? Dosen't solve the fact it sounds horrid but I think it could make good power off a tune. Might have to be pushing insane boost though which would kill reliability.

Also I don't understand this hype over the interior. It looks tragic.. elongated ipad stuck onto the dash. What ever happened to having a nice simple design and lines which flow throughout the cabin. The VC in the rs3 is miles ahead of merc imo. Way more integrated..

The seats do look great though. AMG have always outdone Audi in that respect. So have BMW.. I can't understand why Audi won't option proper Recaro's like they did on the older rs4 and tt rs...

123Quattro · Feb 11, 2020

the A45 may be quick, but man it sure is ugly

The missus had a new A class on loan while hers was in the shop and I had a chance to drive it. It feels much bigger than the A3 Audi chassis. Interior materials are maybe slightly nicer, but the twin screens are just distracting, gaudy colours and touch screen and track pad are awkward and not at all intuitive to use. It was silky smooth to drive, but I suspect that's not the case in AMG trim.

With speed being it's only advantage, I'll take the slower, better looking RS3 any day.

Sad the C63 might end up with that motor. Again the big lovely sounding V8 was its top feature. Without it its just an impractical coupe and not a German muscle car. Sad times we live in lads.

Slowracer · Feb 11, 2020

royalsteve68 said:
Yes but the a45 sounded ****, looks **** and as for the price over £56k, hahahahaha for a 2 litre turbo with very little tuning potential, what a joke.

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I believe Litchfield are already offering upgrades. They have a basic tune circa 480hp and a turbo upgrade for 600hp. There is a post in the forum here with some info.

jebusRS · Feb 11, 2020

5pot4banger said:
I for one could never downgrade to an a45 from an rs3 but the more I've heard about the c63 using the same engine as the a45s but running over 500bhp+ makes me think with just bolt ons you should be able to achieve decent power in the a45s? Dosen't solve the fact it sounds horrid but I think it could make good power off a tune. Might have to be pushing insane boost though which would kill reliability.

Also I don't understand this hype over the interior. It looks tragic.. elongated ipad stuck onto the dash. What ever happened to having a nice simple design and lines which flow throughout the cabin. The VC in the rs3 is miles ahead of merc imo. Way more integrated..

The seats do look great though. AMG have always outdone Audi in that respect. So have BMW.. I can't understand why Audi won't option proper Recaro's like they did on the older rs4 and tt rs...

Im with you on this, when i was looking at my next car the merc was a possibility my main spec requirements were AWD and under 5 secs to 60mph. Once i started looking at mercs the pitiful noise put me off and i personally thought the interior was honking, it doesnt look classy at all, it looks like it was designed by a 12 year old and really doesnt look like the interior of a 50k car. So the RS3 jumped to the front of the que and im glad it did

Riko0073 · Feb 11, 2020

123Quattro said:
the A45 may be quick, but man it sure is ugly

The missus had a new A class on loan while hers was in the shop and I had a chance to drive it. It feels much bigger than the A3 Audi chassis. Interior materials are maybe slightly nicer, but the twin screens are just distracting, gaudy colours and touch screen and track pad are awkward and not at all intuitive to use. It was silky smooth to drive, but I suspect that's not the case in AMG trim.

With speed being it's only advantage, I'll take the slower, better looking RS3 any day.

Sad the C63 might end up with that motor. Again the big lovely sounding V8 was its top feature. Without it its just an impractical coupe and not a German muscle car. Sad times we live in lads.

Agree with the ride quality as in my wife’s A200 the ride is super smooth, however I’m sure in the A34/45s it will be much more liken to the RS3 with a harder set-up. The wife’s car is a nice effortless and relaxing drive but then I can’t wait to get back into the RS3 for the speed, noise and an interior that is perfectly designed.

Snake Pliskin · Feb 11, 2020

I'm seriously interested in the A45s too .. so much so I may pop into a Dealer this weekend and have a look.

I did this twice before albeit with the old A Class 45.

2013 .. went to Merc, sat in the car, no interest from Dealer, wasn't that impressed with the interior.
Went back to Audi down the road and bought an S5

2016 .. went to Merc to see the facelift, sat in car, no interest from Dealer, but still wasn't sold anyway.
Went back to Audi and bought my current RS3 lol.

This time though, the new A Class looks seriously impressive inside and out so I am very interested.
It could all fall apart again when I sit in one, but I am more confident this time.
The 4 pot does not bother me that much as I am looking at this car as a complete package.
I've enjoyed the theatre and noise of the RS3 but the A45 appears to have a decent-ish sound.
I'm not sure I can wait till god knows when next year for the new RS3.
I've also been with Audi since 2008 so am I due a change ?
Or is it better the devil you know :blink:

RS3 v A45s v M2 comp v Golf R

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