Audi S3 Vs. Golf R32
- Thread starter oHUTCHYo
- Start date
this.
its R32 running gear in an a3 shell. and a damn site cheaper than an s3 or r32 for some bonkers reason.
old man has one and they are fantastic especially with dsg
Soldato
Im not sure it shares the suspension parts with the R32 though, so may not be as good a drive.
s3 is well up on power in comparison to the golf gti (over 50 horses ) and a second and a bit quicker 0-60 even the hot golf gtis only make 230.
the 3.2 lump is a much better comparison to the S3 only 10 bhp down on the S3 but bear in mind the s3 is only a remap away from stretching that even further
the 3.2 lump is a much better comparison to the S3 only 10 bhp down on the S3 but bear in mind the s3 is only a remap away from stretching that even further
mechanically similar. although i do believe shocks and spring rates differ to the R32. having driven both back to back i can safely say there is no difference to be found in the real world other than the r32 sounding a tad rortier due to different exhaust setup.
solution buy a 3.2 a3 fit a decent stainless exhaust and enjoy the aural pleasures that follow
Soldato
My bro in law has the A3 3.2 with DSG, and I have got to say it is very good. The gearbox is fantastic. The steering felt a bit light and numb but it was very easy to drive quickly
Caporegime
Couple of ways id look at the a3 suspension situation. if you really want sharp handling then you should probably be replacing the struts after 50-60,000 or so. if the a3 has interchangeable parts then you could just drop r32 parts in at that point. from what I've seen though most standard audis have decent firm setups anyway.
if it were me id look again at the m3 or at least consider the three fiddy z. don't let rwd scare you.
if it were me id look again at the m3 or at least consider the three fiddy z. don't let rwd scare you.
Had a 2007 S3, it's a better car than the R32 IMO (I currently own a Passat R36, so not biased particularly either way). The S3, although still front-biased, has a lot better balance than the R32, which feels quite nose heavy, it's also a little less thirsty and a little faster (although not by much on either count).
In terms of driving experience, the S3 feels faster, as the torque profile is very different, although it has a high boost threshold as the turbo doesn't really come in much below 3k, but when it does you know about it. The R32 is deceptively quick in that it doesn't feel like it's accelerating fast as the torque is just one big wall.
The big thing (if you're looking at 2007 cars and not later S3s, and if it matters to you) is that the R32 is available with the DSG automatic, and the S3 isn't until you get a few more years (think it was 2009 for 2010 model year).
I'd also highly recommend looking at the M3 or even the 130i as alternatives, at least to drive them to discount them. Both are better handling cars and more fun in the dry, but won't cover ground as fast as either the S3 or R32 in damp/wet conditions.
In terms of driving experience, the S3 feels faster, as the torque profile is very different, although it has a high boost threshold as the turbo doesn't really come in much below 3k, but when it does you know about it. The R32 is deceptively quick in that it doesn't feel like it's accelerating fast as the torque is just one big wall.
The big thing (if you're looking at 2007 cars and not later S3s, and if it matters to you) is that the R32 is available with the DSG automatic, and the S3 isn't until you get a few more years (think it was 2009 for 2010 model year).
I'd also highly recommend looking at the M3 or even the 130i as alternatives, at least to drive them to discount them. Both are better handling cars and more fun in the dry, but won't cover ground as fast as either the S3 or R32 in damp/wet conditions.
Soldato
I'd be inclined to agree with this... as long as it has the toys in it as well... very rapid car for the money... at the end of the day the R32 has never IMHO been as fast as it should be... engines too heavy and the Golf is very bloated and has been for years... bullet proof though and will keep it's value.[TW]Fox;21495025 said:
Simply take a R32 out, an S3 (which to me is one dull car!) and a 130i out... and simply see which feels "right"... you'll know straight away... I've not driven an S3 have to admit or a R32 (drive normal GTi and a 125i I think it was)... and have to say I prefered the beemer myself...
RX8? An option? Nissan 350/370z?
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Permabanned
Audi A3 3.2 Quattro.
Looks a bit like the S3, is essentially an R32 underneath.
Problem solved.
Looks a bit like the S3, is essentially an R32 underneath.
Problem solved.
![[TW]Fox](/data/man-of-honor/2009.png){kind=avatar}
This, to be honest. They are comedy cheap compared to the R32.
Permabanned
[TW]Fox;21508865 said:
You realise the Universe is probably going to implode as a result of us being in accord, right?
Soldato
[TW]Fox;21509009 said:Typical MikeHiow, the A3 is crap.
Crisis averted
made me lol.
Caporegime
Unusually cordial here tonight, we new someone to post about their newly financed diesel corsa soft top to restore order!
Theres some really good advice on here, especially as I really recognise some valid points after now driving both the S3 and R32. My feelings;
S3 - Had a test drive courtesy of an official Audi dealer. Certainly has some legs, but honestly felt boring, detached and lacked any audible delights.
R32 - Had a test drive in my brother-in-law's. This was a DSG. It felt fast for its weight, but the V6 just sounded so lovely that I could honestly sacrifice some performance.
The only obstacle now is really getting over the understated look of the R32 - an Evo 8/9 or Impreza STi Hawkeye still remains a contender, though thta would be a question of sacrificing comfort for more performance. I need to look inwards and decide what I want at 30 years old and my current phase in life.
S3 - Had a test drive courtesy of an official Audi dealer. Certainly has some legs, but honestly felt boring, detached and lacked any audible delights.
R32 - Had a test drive in my brother-in-law's. This was a DSG. It felt fast for its weight, but the V6 just sounded so lovely that I could honestly sacrifice some performance.
The only obstacle now is really getting over the understated look of the R32 - an Evo 8/9 or Impreza STi Hawkeye still remains a contender, though thta would be a question of sacrificing comfort for more performance. I need to look inwards and decide what I want at 30 years old and my current phase in life.
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Caporegime
Or an A3 3.2 V6 like has been suggested? Audi looks with the V6 noise. Cheap too because they arent as popular with the kiddies like the R32.