GTI to S3

[TomB]

I very almost bought a 123d, but I was put off when 2 BMW techs and a BMW partsman of 20 years mentioned that they're full of E30 parts.

You could see that as good as the parts will be cheap, but I see it as lazy development.

Back to the original topic, didn't Jonnyc go Ed30 > S3 > Ed30?  There must've been something about the GTI that the S3 lacks.

[AlanD]

TBH Id rather an S3 than a GTI but the extra you pay for the S3 is just unjustifiable.

[RedRobin]

Back to the original topic, didn't Jonnyc go Ed30 > S3 > Ed30?  There must've been something about the GTI that the S3 lacks.

....I think that Jonny went GTI > S3 > Ed30, but I'm not 100% sure. He has said to me that he finds the Ed30 a much more involving and enjoyable drive than the S3 [Not his exact words].

Having recently spent 5 days doing nothing but driving the latest S4, I reckon the S3 needs something like a supercharged V6 to make it more exciting!

Linky : - S4 Audi supercharged V6 2009 - Review....

[adw555]

So getting out of the S3 after the test drive into my GTI .....the S3 has more lag until about 3000 rpm, but then you get a bigger kick in the back...and it's a bit nicer inside. The GTI seats are more supportive though and you do lose the auto wipers, lights and dimming mirror.

not sure what to do...it's a pre-reg 08 with 90 miles on it...so saving about 6k on a new one (there has been a minor facelift which changed the front headlights slightly)...

...for almost the same money a 2008 135i with 10-12k miles comes into the equation!

..then again I could just change the cambelt on the GTI and keep it for another year! ;-)

[R32UK]

135i anyday!! 

[Peskarik]

I am waiting for RS3.
I like the sound of that turbo-five! 
Plus the field for tuning is boundless 

[CDJ55]

135i anyday!! 

Now your talking!I found both my GTi and ED30 a much more involving drive than the S3 and i am fairly sure so will the R20 Golf when it arrives next year..

[kevinz925]

Apart from the trivial difference of performance between the two, GTI and S3 bear different images. I think that's the main reason that stopped me switching from GTI to S3. Audi cars are mature and sophisticated yet boring and putting a S3 badge on it isn't going to change the story much. GTI looks dynamic and offensive. At my current age, I would go for GTI with no hesitation. It is also 5k cheaper - just think about how you could use these money on your GTI to make it distinct !

Vincent 

[RedRobin]

At my current age, I would go for GTI with no hesitation. It is also 5k cheaper - just think about how you could use these money on your GTI to make it distinct !

Vincent 

....I felt exactly the same at 58yo! But I think I've spent more than 5k on her!