Audi S3 Vs. Golf R32

oHUTCHYo

oHUTCHYo

oHUTCHYo

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Apologies for the childish Vs. title :D

Just arrived back home after viewing a variety of Impreza RB320s, Impreza JDM, BMW M3, Evo 8/9. Been a damn busy day but well worth the travel and petrol cost to come to a conclusion...

...the cars I thought I would like, I dont. The Evo/Sccobs are all rough as hell and all poor examples. The RB320 were nice, but £16K? No way. The M3? best of the bunch so far, but the RWD is scaring me.

However...

Golf R32 (MK5) Versus Audi S3 (circa 2007). Talk to me?

So far, I've realised how well equipped they are and solid compared to the Jap stuff, which I know is common knowledge, but to that extent it really did shock me.

I also love the sound of the R32.

Tell me more, which is best, how are the drivetrain systems? Which FEELS the fastest, will I get knocked in to the back of my seat the same as I woud in an Evo/Scoob?
 
The S3 will feel faster because of the turbo, but you dont have the buttery smooth torque curve of the V6.

If you want a real kick back in the seat, R32 probably won't do it. I still love mine though :D
 
Neither are a patch on the M3 and I really don't get the RWD fear, learn throttle control and it's not a problem. Four wheel drive and front wheel drive seems to mean most drivers see their right leg as an on/off switch, which makes me disappoint. :(
 
So, would you guys still suggest the E46 M3 as a contender?

I love the sound of the R32, though, it's simply a Golf.
The S3 looks very well equipped, though looks mundane.
The M3 sounds nice, is realtively well equipped and is nice on the eye.

Gah - the fun of looking for a car is now draining from me.
 
G4ORCE said:
So, would you guys still suggest the E46 M3 as a contender?

I love the sound of the R32, though, it's simply a Golf.
The S3 looks very well equipped, though looks mundane.
The M3 sounds nice, is realtively well equipped and is nice on the eye.

Gah - the fun of looking for a car is now draining from me.
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Depends if you want a nippy hatch or a fast saloon.
 
S3 over the R32 - but potentially a Golf GTI as a cheaper yet nearly as good alternative?

Both are newer than an M3 and cheaper to run.
 
I really, really like that shape of s3. The engine is great, it handles tidily, looks decent inside and is well put together.

The m3 is in another league (imo), what's to be scared of with rwd? Treat it with respect in the wet, make sure you are smooth with all inputs and any corrections and you're laughing. Could do a lot worse than take the car somewhere to get circuit training, you'll learn its limits and how far you really can push it before trouble beckons. Sounds like you just need a bit of confidence
 
[TW]Fox;21494675 said:
S3 over the R32 - but potentially a Golf GTI as a cheaper yet nearly as good alternative?

Both are newer than an M3 and cheaper to run.
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The GTi is a much better buy than the R32 in my book.
 
Having driven the R32, S3 and GTI numerous times I'd pick the GTI every time. R32 and S3 are, dare I say it, boring and they're pretty thirsty too. Point to point they're quick, very quick, but you won't have a smile on your face while you're doing it. Also consider a 2007/8 130i - not too thirsty, fun, bombproof reliability and the engine noise is the pick of the bunch. It's RWD which may put you off, but it's very easy to drive.
 
If you can get over the looks the 130i is a simply tremendous hot hatch for the money and very often overlooked.

Don't discount a 125i Coupe, either. They must be getting cheap now?
 
celliott said:
The S3 will feel faster because of the turbo, but you dont have the buttery smooth torque curve of the V6.

If you want a real kick back in the seat, R32 probably won't do it. I still love mine though :D
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I'd have to disagree with this, when I went in an R32 it felt so much faster than my S3, granted it is Mk1 S3. I guess its preference on power delivery at the end of the day in standard form.

The S3 with a remap will be much faster than an R32 though.
 
Xez said:
I'd have to disagree with this, when I went in an R32 it felt so much faster than my S3, granted it is Mk1 S3.
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What use is that then? The Mk2 S3 is considerably more powerful and therefore the fact your S3 felt slower than an R32 has absolutely nil bearing on the newer S3 v R32 comparison. The 8P S3 has more power and is quicker than the R32!
 
[TW]Fox;21495268 said:
What use is that then? The Mk2 S3 is considerably more powerful and therefore the fact your S3 felt slower than an R32 has absolutely nil bearing on the newer S3 v R32 comparison. The 8P S3 has more power and is quicker than the R32!
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Did I say the R32 was faster than the 8P S3? No I simply said it felt faster, my Mk1 isn't standard and is just as fast as the newer 8P.
 
I think that it should be Audi S3 vs Golf GTI (edition 30 or pirelli). But in that case the S3 would be quattro, with a bigger turbo(?) so will be faster. Like both in terms of looks.

It's your preference OP. I am guessing you are test driving them tomorrow? :)
 
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