VeeDub vs FourRings....

[RedRobin]

....Quite a few Mk5 GTI/Ed30 guys have gone to the Audi S3 as their next car.

Although, like most Audi's, they are apparently a better quality build, they generally tend to look more 'grown-up' and consequently a bit dull unless you modify them. For me it would have to be a S3 Sportback with S-tronic (DSG) version. I must admit that quattro is very attractive, but......What do people here think about the S3 vs GTI/Ed30 ?

I particularly like this one : -

[Hurdy]

I've had the MKI A3 TDI Quattro and the grip was great, the build quality was half a step up from the VW and with a remap it went like the clappers. I've driven the MKII S3 and it is also a lovely car - just a bit too efficient and clinical IMHO and that doesn't equal fun. Don't get me wrong, it is a lovely car and worth the money, it just leaves you a bit cold.

[ben1.8T]

My mates got the old S3 and thats an awesome car his had it chipped and has a panel filter so is about 260bhp I would definatly get the new one 265bhp standard. Ill get one 1 day. 

[luca]

If the s3 and ed30 were the same price it would be the S3 every time. But as a nicely specced s3 (bucket seats, satnav etc) would be close to £30k i would spend my money elsewhere.
If only audi would put a nice 5cyl lump in the s3  

[ben1.8T]

Thats the only problem with Audi's the price. I would wait a while and get a used 1 will save a fortune that way. Although with the market as it is at the moment I reckon you could do some good haggling with a new 1 at the moment. 

[RedRobin]

If the s3 and ed30 were the same price it would be the S3 every time. But as a nicely specced s3 (bucket seats, satnav etc) would be close to £30k i would spend my money elsewhere.
If only audi would put a nice 5cyl lump in the s3  

....Yep, I'd want it factory loaded too, and so the S3 would cost a lot more and still need some aftermarket mods to liven it up.

How about this Audi TT RS 5-cyl engine in a RS3!? : -

http://link.brightcove.com/services/player/bcpid1659866373?bclid=1540979064&bctid=1664437097 <<<< ENJOY THE SOUND OF THIS!!

[Cass]

Agree RR - I perceive the Audi to be better built and a step up from VW. I have owned several of each brand and also consider the Audi to be a more mature car, with the ownership experience indicating a step-up in class.

Having gone that route over recent years though (Audi A4 T Sport, Audi TT, Porsche Boxster), I have found myself returning to the GTI, which I consider to be the best all round affordable car for my needs. I have not seriously gone down the modding route for many years now, instead choosing to put my own cash into upgrading my car to a better model. As we all know, mods, like optional extras are rarely recouped come resale and that's the reason I'm now sticking with my beloved GTI.

I do not personally like the looks of the A3 as a model and feel that it looks too heavy from all angles, particularly the rear 3/4's. I agree it does look better with slightly lower suspension and larger wheels/tyres, but I ain't a big fan. As stated, it is better built and the driving dynamics of the quattro 4WD system are good but you do lose some of the fun of driving a FWD car.

The Mk V GTI is also a mature car IMHO, and given that it has now been around since 2005 and is due to be replaced by the Mk VI next year, it is now affordable to a much larger market and younger ownership, who naturally want to buy it and mod it.

If I was going to change the GTI for an Audi, it would only be for something like an RS4 which has much more visual impact and is a proper tool, but the price differential could be too much for many.

Just my two-penneth

Cass

[RedRobin]

Thats the only problem with Audi's the price. I would wait a while and get a used 1 will save a fortune that way. Although with the market as it is at the moment I reckon you could do some good haggling with a new 1 at the moment. 

....Very true but the problem is that I know exactly what spec I would want: Sportback, S-tronic, red, Recaro buckets, sunroof, Xenons, etc - Fat chance of finding one! And then I'd want to add Milltek, different alloys, suspension, brakes(?), intake.

[RedRobin]

....Hi Cass - I agree! I think that the Mk5 GTI/Ed30 in particular takes a lot of beating as a 'fun' car. The GTI is a great allrounder and is probably more tactile in its feel to drive (at least mine is!). I've been offered a drive in a modded new S3 (manual) by a friend and I'm going to arrange a test drive in a dealer's S-tronic S3 if only to get the worm out of my brain. I had a similar Mk5 R32 worm a while ago.

The other thing too is that the GTI is so iconic and has such a huge following of enthusiasts, although there are of course S3 enthusiasts but it's not quite the same.

[joesgti]

i test drove one on sunday (yesterday) and loved it, to be fair it didnt blow me awayas my gti has simular power but it just fet alot "better"??!! i cant think of another word that decribes it to the gti.

my plans are to start some seriouse saving and get an "almost new" one. they have one in preston audi for 25k with only 600 miles in white, not a bad price if you ask me!!!  

will be getting it in white, black bbs ch 19" and eiback coilovers n remap and its finished, oh and milltek   hopefully by january il have one