What would you go for..?

TriedandTested

TriedandTested

TriedandTested

Soldato
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11 Jul 2004
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Neptune
Audi S3. Golf R32. Other?

I really can't decide. Is the S3 worth that extra cash? I prefer the subtle looks of the Audi but they have similar specs.

Is the GTi and A3 S-Line worth considering and saving a few quid?

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urm? i presume you mean the latest new shapes? If so, I would have the S3 as it ticks every box :)

If it's mk4 R32 vs the older S3, then I would have the Mk4 golf R32 anyday :D
 
Id take the Audi, in some lary colour with some added aero kit.

But then, ive driven none of the options, so my view is based on a bystanders opinion only.
 
Personally I'd go for the S3 over the R32. It has a better interior, more power, more kit, and huge tuning potential. Then again, that V6 does sound awesome...

The GTI is in many respects better than the R32, and can be easily tuned to S3 levels of power. However, start tuning the S3 and you're looking at 300BHP+. I'd ignore the A3 if you're looking for a hot hatch, it's nice enough but not as sharp to drive as the others.

Are you looking to buy new or used? If used, the A3/GTI can be had for the half the price of the R32/S3.
 
The R32 does not feel anywhere near a £25k car. It's the only one of the two I've driven, I liked it, but I'd feel like I had been robbed had I parted with £25k to own it.

On that basis, S3.

But given that this budget buys anything from a good SL500 to an M3 to an RS6 to an Exige to... well, think of a car, any car, and this amount of money buys one, I dont think I'd buy any of them.

Hatchbacks have their place. It is not, however, in this price segment.
 
IF it has to be one of these cars, the S3 the tunning possiblities are growning like mad for this engine.
 
Some interesting replies, thanks. I'm sure it's been asked before but I couldn't find anything using the search.

Booner! said:
urm? i presume you mean the latest new shapes? If so, I would have the S3 as it ticks every box :)

If it's mk4 R32 vs the older S3, then I would have the Mk4 golf R32 anyday :D
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Yes, I'm looking at the latest models.

[TW]Fox;12555345 said:
But given that this budget buys anything from a good SL500 to an M3 to an RS6 to an Exige to... well, think of a car, any car, and this amount of money buys one, I dont think I'd buy any of them.
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Any suggestions (other than those you've said)? I'm looking at cars around the size of the S3/R32 but also want some good performance.

Alex UK said:
The GTI is in many respects better than the R32
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Can you elaborate?
 
TriedandTested said:
Any suggestions (other than those you've said)? I'm looking at cars around the size of the S3/R32 but also want some good performance.
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If you want a car of this size I'd just spend a whole heap less cash. It's too big a budget for a little hatch, really. You can get a 130i (God, I dont want to sound like a BMW pimp but its the first that springs to mind) for under £15k these days.

Can you elaborate?
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The GTI is a more nimble, better handling car. I drove both back to back and dissapointing engine note and turbo lag aside it was better.
 
Saw an S3 today and in white.................god it looked lush........is white really the new Black?


How much is a Z4M Coupe..........you'd have to buy used of course!!!
 
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I wouldn't buy any of them..

There's so much more you get with £25k other than a 'cool' little hatchback.

It's that bad that for less than 30% more you could be driving around in a (996)2002/3 911 turbo!!! I've seen them pop up for as little at £30k now!!!

Do you really want to waste 25k on a hatchback...
 
New or used?
It seems that used A3s with the R32 engine are cheaper than the equivalent Golfs.
 
When it comes to cars you really need to book a 2 or 3 hour test drive in each and make your mind up, if you want the best handling hot hatch made today you should also book a test drive in a Megane R26 F1 however it may not be the best all round car.

Everyone will tell you why THEY don't like or what other cars THEY would buy however as is life we are all different have different takes on what they look for in a car build quailty/handling etc or how much value one is worth to them some people don't mind forking out 27k on a S3 some do.

Of the 3 I would probaly take the S3 although the 135i is good and very quick just looks bad although this is subjective, however you are right into Cayman S land just look at the one Rotty got for a snipe under 30k.

For around 20k the Scirocco is very good I had one for the afternoon and didn't want to give it back the magnetic dampers and wider track make it noticably better handling than a Mk5 Golf GTI and at the push of a button a better ride also.
 
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I'd go for the S3, or if you want to save some cash the GTI Edition 30 over the R32 (both in white or black)
 
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