S3 vs Golf R wheel alignment/handling

[cam87]

I have read different reviews on both these cars and as we know they favour the gold like they always have done. I started thinking how much of an impact wheel alignment would make to the s3 in order to give it a bit of what the Golf R has?
I can only assume since the Audi is more for grown ups the techs decided to make the alignment a bit more boring.
I used to own a EP3 Type R and had a fast road set up (FRSU) done on it and it made the world of difference with only minor degree changes to toe in/out and a few degrees of camber.

 

[Forbzeeee]

I think this is an interesting question. I remember playing with settings on cars years ago but not so much recently. Did your FRSU affect tyre wear?

 

[Jassyo06]

l remember this stuff from Civinfo.... FRS...l owned a FN2 at the time.......a few members got this done, but the car didnt really need it.

 

[cam87]

I think this is an interesting question. I remember playing with settings on cars years ago but not so much recently. Did your FRSU affect tyre wear?

Erm from what I remember the old ep3s (2001-2003) had rear tyre wear issues which was due to cambers arms. Owners replaced these for adjustable rear camber arms to eradicate this, then the frsu came along.
I believe it was need and my car was a 2006 model.
As for ware after it was done this was all down to how aggressive the set up was. With 2 degrees negative camber my tyres were fine over the 5k miles I did with it done.

 

[cam87]

l remember this stuff from Civinfo.... FRS...l owned a FN2 at the time.......a few members got this done, but the car didnt really need it.

see above mate

 

[veeeight]

To make your S3 handle more like a Golf R, you need to, err, start out with a Golf R.

MQB only fixes the dimension and major componentry between the front axle and pedal box - everything else is different:

The Golf R is lighter than the S3 (beware accounting for fuel and driver when comparing unladen weights - Audi don't include the weight of driver, so you have to compare Apples with Apples). See the actual weights below.

The Golf R is quicker than the S3 0-62 (given the same body style and transmission)

The Golf track is wider than the S3 both at the front and at the rear

The 5dr Golf wheelbase is slightly shorter than the S3 SB

The Golf R will have different springs, dampers, steering rack, wishbones, geometry, etc.


So whilst a quick fiddle with geometry including camber may make the S3 behave differently - fundamentally, you will see bigger improvements in handling by changing the components mentioned above.

The different steering rack helps account for the better turn-in feel on the Golf R


http://www.audi-sport.net/xf/threads/s3-vs-golf-r.218259/

http://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/PDF/?uri=CELEX:31995L0048&from=EN

 

[cam87]

Very informative thank you

 

[Jon-SST]

With a quick search i found about 9 different coilover kits for the S3 8V on gnj, dpm etc. I assume the kits with "electronic dampers" are for mag ride cars ?

 

[jaypers777]

Don't get this. Want a Golf R,buy a Golf R. Want an S3, buy an S3. They are not the same. For me, the R is more 'yobbish' than the Audi, and I don't mean that in a derogatory way. The S3 is more your thinking mans hot hatch (or saloon). Why try and make it something it's not?!

 

[veeeight]

Because it would be nice to make the S3 handle and steer at least as well as a Golf R ...........

(for those that want a car that performs in areas other than a straight line )

 

[jaypers777]

Would Audi not have done this? They must have spent millions. Can't be that easy!

 

[veeeight]

http://www.audi-sport.net/xf/threads/s3-a3-ride-handling-honest-opinions.240977/

 

[Bristle Hound]

To make your S3 handle more like a Golf R, you need to, err, start out with a Golf R.

MQB only fixes the dimension and major componentry between the front axle and pedal box - everything else is different:

The Golf R is lighter than the S3 (beware accounting for fuel and driver when comparing unladen weights - Audi don't include the weight of driver, so you have to compare Apples with Apples). See the actual weights below.

The Golf R is quicker than the S3 0-62 (given the same body style and transmission)

The Golf track is wider than the S3 both at the front and at the rear

The 5dr Golf wheelbase is slightly shorter than the S3 SB

The Golf R will have different springs, dampers, steering rack, wishbones, geometry, etc.


So whilst a quick fiddle with geometry including camber may make the S3 behave differently - fundamentally, you will see bigger improvements in handling by changing the components mentioned above.

The different steering rack helps account for the better turn-in feel on the Golf R


http://www.audi-sport.net/xf/threads/s3-vs-golf-r.218259/

http://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/PDF/?uri=CELEX:31995L0048&from=EN

Statements backed up with hard evidence

Nice one V8

 

[Nimbus265]

One day somebody will compare all of the cars, configured to the same standard ie all manual or all auto....

 

[paulk]

I found the bigger lighter alloys have improved handling and reduced bounce , a much much better car to drive now