Haldex upgrade R32 / changed to S3
Discussion
Anyone done this on their MK5?
Other considerations I'm having is a S3 sport back, interior build quality looks so much better.
Sadly no sport back S3 DSGs local to me at the mo.
APS have advised fit ARBs to the R32 is a better upgrade as to get best out of Haldex you have to drive like a loon, which I don't
Other considerations I'm having is a S3 sport back, interior build quality looks so much better.
Sadly no sport back S3 DSGs local to me at the mo.
APS have advised fit ARBs to the R32 is a better upgrade as to get best out of Haldex you have to drive like a loon, which I don't
Hi Mikey,
You'll remember from earlier conversations that I went from a 2010 S3 Sportback with the S-Tronic 'box to my 2008 R32, via a company car in between. My notes on the S3 are in my "Garage" profile, which are probably more fair as they'll be contemporary to the 2011-2013 period I had it.
You may well be happier in an S3, particularly with the DSG. However, on reflection, I prefer the R32 and its character.
The S3 was the second of my two A3 Sportbacks and although the interior was nice and certainly made a big first impression, I didn't personally find it better overall in the long term than my leather-clad Golf. There are some better quality materials to the touch, but I find the ergonomics and visibility better in the Golf.
The combination of the K04 turbo'd 2.0, haldex Gen4 and DSG is ruthlessly effective and very quick. I had mine remapped and think that my now supercharged R32 would only be quicker once you had a good run along a straight bit of road in, say, 4th gear (where overall power rather than delivery would make itself known).
It's worth mentioning that the Haldex Gen2 in my old A3 2.0T quattro and R32 felt / feels slower to react than the Gen4 in the post-58 plate S3, although you'd only notice this if you drove the newer version after the other. Perhaps the Haldex upgrade would help.
The R32 really highlights what the S3 lacked to me, though: namely the everyday / everyman touch, an even greater sense of occasion and a more playful nature. The S3 farts where the R32 growls; you'd really miss that haunting VR6 noise - and the handling of the Golf is much more adjustable compared to the DSG-equipped S3.
Personally, I'd keep the R32 and upgrade the front brake pads as a first priority (made a surprising difference for not much money - they would work on the S3 too) and consider the suspension over a Haldex upgrade first. The Bilstein B14s I now run have really elevated the R32's handling, without losing its natural composure or compromising comfort (although I do run them at around stock ride height). Together with some refreshed bushes and mounts, they've really perked-up my near 7-year-old & 58k miler.
You'll remember from earlier conversations that I went from a 2010 S3 Sportback with the S-Tronic 'box to my 2008 R32, via a company car in between. My notes on the S3 are in my "Garage" profile, which are probably more fair as they'll be contemporary to the 2011-2013 period I had it.
You may well be happier in an S3, particularly with the DSG. However, on reflection, I prefer the R32 and its character.
The S3 was the second of my two A3 Sportbacks and although the interior was nice and certainly made a big first impression, I didn't personally find it better overall in the long term than my leather-clad Golf. There are some better quality materials to the touch, but I find the ergonomics and visibility better in the Golf.
The combination of the K04 turbo'd 2.0, haldex Gen4 and DSG is ruthlessly effective and very quick. I had mine remapped and think that my now supercharged R32 would only be quicker once you had a good run along a straight bit of road in, say, 4th gear (where overall power rather than delivery would make itself known).
It's worth mentioning that the Haldex Gen2 in my old A3 2.0T quattro and R32 felt / feels slower to react than the Gen4 in the post-58 plate S3, although you'd only notice this if you drove the newer version after the other. Perhaps the Haldex upgrade would help.
The R32 really highlights what the S3 lacked to me, though: namely the everyday / everyman touch, an even greater sense of occasion and a more playful nature. The S3 farts where the R32 growls; you'd really miss that haunting VR6 noise - and the handling of the Golf is much more adjustable compared to the DSG-equipped S3.
Personally, I'd keep the R32 and upgrade the front brake pads as a first priority (made a surprising difference for not much money - they would work on the S3 too) and consider the suspension over a Haldex upgrade first. The Bilstein B14s I now run have really elevated the R32's handling, without losing its natural composure or compromising comfort (although I do run them at around stock ride height). Together with some refreshed bushes and mounts, they've really perked-up my near 7-year-old & 58k miler.
Hi,
Interesting re your comment for the S3 interior and comments. I think I need to locate one, have a feel and drive. You are correct about the 3.2 V6 lump compared to the 2L 4 pot. I also forgot that the sportback was the later Haldex revision.
All food for thought and as ever great info from yourself.
My only other thoughts is do nothing for now and save for a Audi S4 B8 Avant, which again will be a different beast. Compared to my BMW I just think the R32 cabin isn't the greatest quality wise, but then should a top of the range BMW 123d be compared with a MK5 re cabin and build quality as isn't the logical rival there the Audi A3 range.
Interesting re your comment for the S3 interior and comments. I think I need to locate one, have a feel and drive. You are correct about the 3.2 V6 lump compared to the 2L 4 pot. I also forgot that the sportback was the later Haldex revision.
All food for thought and as ever great info from yourself.
My only other thoughts is do nothing for now and save for a Audi S4 B8 Avant, which again will be a different beast. Compared to my BMW I just think the R32 cabin isn't the greatest quality wise, but then should a top of the range BMW 123d be compared with a MK5 re cabin and build quality as isn't the logical rival there the Audi A3 range.
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