Audi RS3 V Merc A45AMG
Discussion
I test drove both back to back on the same day so I'd like to think I'm qualified to provide some insight.
Firstly to correct the OP the A45 is significantly cheaper, less than £40k really.
My main thought after the test drives was that the RS3 is in a different league in terms of quality, performance and sound. Unfortunately it's also the best part of £50k once you spec it up.
I was very disappointed with the A45 AMG. I expected it to be a pocket rocket, a mini GTR perhaps. However it was slower than I expected, just lacking the punch I thought it would have.
In comparison jumping into the RS3, it felt quicker and more urgent. Just goes to show you that 1 extra cylinder makes all the difference.
To be fair I did drive the pre facelift 355bhp A45, maybe the updated model will be better but I doubt by much.
The interior is where the RS3 really does extend its advantage. It's such a nice place to be with some quality materials and touches. The A45 felt much cheaper and had that horrible tablet looking thing stuck to the dash.
The A45 isn't all bad and perhaps I'm being harsh, in isolation I'm sure it may be different. But compared to the RS3 it was no competition at all.
Both test drives were relatively short on public roads and I didn't have an opportunity to explore their limits. I've heard the RS3 is understeer prime but driving at say 80-90% it's absolutely fine.
Firstly to correct the OP the A45 is significantly cheaper, less than £40k really.
My main thought after the test drives was that the RS3 is in a different league in terms of quality, performance and sound. Unfortunately it's also the best part of £50k once you spec it up.
I was very disappointed with the A45 AMG. I expected it to be a pocket rocket, a mini GTR perhaps. However it was slower than I expected, just lacking the punch I thought it would have.
In comparison jumping into the RS3, it felt quicker and more urgent. Just goes to show you that 1 extra cylinder makes all the difference.
To be fair I did drive the pre facelift 355bhp A45, maybe the updated model will be better but I doubt by much.
The interior is where the RS3 really does extend its advantage. It's such a nice place to be with some quality materials and touches. The A45 felt much cheaper and had that horrible tablet looking thing stuck to the dash.
The A45 isn't all bad and perhaps I'm being harsh, in isolation I'm sure it may be different. But compared to the RS3 it was no competition at all.
Both test drives were relatively short on public roads and I didn't have an opportunity to explore their limits. I've heard the RS3 is understeer prime but driving at say 80-90% it's absolutely fine.
k-ink said:
neil1jnr said:
A45
Neither do it for me but, an RS3 vs Golf R review I watched suggested the R is the far better car and having not particularly thought much of the R anyway it would have to be the Merc...... which I haven't driven.
Do you have a link to that review?Neither do it for me but, an RS3 vs Golf R review I watched suggested the R is the far better car and having not particularly thought much of the R anyway it would have to be the Merc...... which I haven't driven.
Personally I think the golf r looks and sounds sooooo dull compared to the RS3. Yet it is a fine balance, as I like the more understated nature of the RS3. Especially compared to fast Fords, Honda or AMG.
I thought the opposite, I can't think of more underwhelming looking hatch than the RS3, I think the RS should look mental but it just looks bland, dull, A3 tdi s-line-ish in my eyes (very much not an Audi fan). Anyway I don't think the review did the RS3 any favours. I agree on the Golf R sounding dull, the sound actuator makes it sound fake, probably the worst aspect of the car, the RS3 sounds fantastic. VW should have done better, for example I found the symposer in the Fiesta ST to be a great sound.
neil1jnr said:
k-ink said:
Well the RS3 can be taken to 700bhp, so that should be fine for Tescos. If might even last long enough for the return trip.
Most hot hatches could be taken to 700bhp if you wanted to and could afford to.The only two real contenders from an engine perspective that could run 700bhp for more than a few hours are the RS3 and the R32 and that's only when extensively modified.
The R shown below does run that kind of a number however only when fully wound up.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7xxE9QvTN7Y
Edited by MrBarry123 on Tuesday 8th December 15:03
MrBarry123 said:
neil1jnr said:
k-ink said:
Well the RS3 can be taken to 700bhp, so that should be fine for Tescos. If might even last long enough for the return trip.
Most hot hatches could be taken to 700bhp if you wanted to and could afford to.The only two real contenders from an engine perspective that could run 700bhp for more than a few hours are the RS3 and the R32 and that's only when extensively modified.
The R shown below does run that kind of a number however only when fully wound up.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7xxE9QvTN7Y
Edited by MrBarry123 on Tuesday 8th December 15:03
So from what you are saying only an Audi RS3 or Golf R32 can 'run' 700bhp, however you add a link to a Golf R that can run 700bhp...
Regardless, I still can't see why most hatches couldn't be tuned to 700bhp if you have the funds to do so.
topless360 said:
.
Both test drives were relatively short on public roads and I didn't have an opportunity to explore their limits. I've heard the RS3 is understeer prime but driving at say 80-90% it's absolutely fine.
I reckon it only understeers beyond 100% of lat grip. ;-). I doubt very much either cars are drivable at more than 6/10ths on the public road anyway, as traffic, line of sight and licence preservation will always be the limiting factor (and skill obviously).Both test drives were relatively short on public roads and I didn't have an opportunity to explore their limits. I've heard the RS3 is understeer prime but driving at say 80-90% it's absolutely fine.
As for your point on number of cylinders, I totally agree. Try a 6-pot hatch next time, if they still make one :-).
The S3 is a rival to both. It's quite a bit lighter than either and very well set up. I've not driven an RS3 but I will quite soon. The A45 doesn't feel much faster than the S3 IMHO. It's really sweet car, the S3, especially as a saloon in a dull colour and on the smallest wheels. All Audi's (and I've driven bloody LOADS of them before anyone asks) are better on the smallest wheel option. Without exception. Most of the Audi's I deliver are on the big shiny wheel option. It ruins them - you get into a low spec car and it's a blessed relief. There are still some excellent engineers at Audi in set-up terms and you can bet they all have small wheels on their cars. I drove two new A4's the other day. The one on the chav wheels was a bit of a mess truth be told. The smaller wheeled car? Excellent.
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