VeeDub vs FourRings....

[joesgti]

....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.

i think robins getting ready for a change  bet ur not getting the diff now eh 

[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  

....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!!

TTRS should be on the driveway next year if all goes well .
Was thinking of buying an audi s2 and spending £10k ish on it and running 500+bhp total build inc car would give me change from £15k.
And it would sound and go like this
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yo8AeVECXFE

[joesgti]

http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=IzI2uciaNmY&feature=related

check this one out then 

[ben1.8T]

I must say that TTRS looks the daddies think my dad will prob end up getting one of them 

[RedRobin]

i think robins getting ready for a change  bet ur not getting the diff now eh 

....No, I'm still getting the diff (next week). It's not going to make my GTI into one with quattro but it will improve traction.

The new S3 Sportback hasn't been announced with S-tronic yet and won't be in the UK until at least next Summer and then I'd want to wait and see what the GTI-R is like too and wait another 12 months IF I was going to change.

[andrewparker]

http://www.evo.co.uk/carreviews/evocarreviews/203044/audi_s3.html

"There isn’t much involvement, though, through steering feedback or chassis adjustability. The Golf GTI is sometimes criticised for being a bit dull chassis-wise, yet it engages more than the S3."

I haven't driven one but I'm pretty sure I'd have a GTi over one any day. Besides, they're just so much cooler than a grown up Audi

[carl1]

jumped straight out of my ed30 into one,just felt dull.i can't put my finger on it.maybe the four wheel drive,but i had a mk 5 r32 4 wheel drive never put me off that.S3 is seriously overated imo,yes its built slightly better but thats it.Maybe i would have had a different opinion if i came from a 200ps mk 5 gti. It was on my list of possible next cars but not now.plus gti looks so much better.

[Peskarik]

What do people here think about the S3 vs GTI/Ed30 ?

I think it is a waste of money. Performance on par with E30, ok better interior, maybe 4x4 (but how often do you need it really). And that for much more money. I don't get it.

If I trade my E30 it would be for something of different shape, like 335i Coupe.
And if I needed a hatch, than why trade at all?

[Peskarik]

....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.

somebody is pining over another car there, hey? 

Me too, only I have the hots for 335i. 

[RedRobin]

....I've just been out to visit someone - A round trip of 90 miles - And guess what? - I saw two S3 Sportbacks, both red, on the road. The first one coming towards me on open A-road gave me the impression it was just an A4. The second was in a town and I got a longer look - Very disappointing, very ordinary, and reminded me why I discounted the Sportback when I was originally choosing the GTI.

It's a bit like how we fancy females....Something grabs our initial attention instantly - It can be as simple as her eyes or the way her hair is, or that off-the-shoulder soft cashmere, it can be anything, but it arouses us on some level or other. The Mk5 GTI has that style, that extra something which appeals.

carl1 - It's that indefinable factor - I know what you mean

Pesky - Good point about the financials - Captain Sensible!

andrewp - I don't mind growing old just as long as I don't have to grow up!

I've absolutely no doubt that the S3 is a great car and quattro is very valuable, but even though I haven't driven one yet, there are too many people agreeing with each other that it's too 'grown-up'. I'm 61yo but not ready for being quite so grown-up yet!

I'll still have a test drive - it would be rude to say no.