s3 or impreza wrx

[Gtcomet]

Hi, I'm looking towards replacing my e46 316 for something a bit bigger. Looking to spend about 3k ish so am looking at the bugeye imprezas (wrx non sti) or the 8L s3. Insurance is much the same for both and I wont be using it much so fuel consumption is not so much an issue. I'm after a bit of educated advice really so my question is, which one would you guys recommend? Thanks in advance

[anonymous-user]

Both are good cars but are very different! What are your main priorities?

[Gtcomet]

I like the build quality of the Audi and probably prefer the looks. However, I've always loved imprezas, mainly for the noise and reputation really. I'm not a fast driver as such and not into modifying or anything like that so it would be more for show than go. I enjoy cleaning and working on my cars as much as driving them to be honest. Running costs aren't much of an issue as I don't do many miles.

[gaz1234]

Get the 8liter s3

[ModernAndy]

IMO the Impreza is the better car for driving hard but the S3 will be a million times easier to live with if you aren't the sort of person who likes to wring your car's neck on every drive.

[s p a c e m a n]

IMO I would go for the S3 just for the reliability. Scooby is more likely to be ragged about, have a bean can for an exhaust and the bottom end knocking itself to bits. Scooby is a proper 4wd rather than the audi haldex, but I would just get a haldex controller too and have someone remap it.

[ModernAndy]

The S3 is also slightly more powerful in whatever tune iirc. The Scooby is only 208hp I think unless you go for a prodrive, etc. model. Quick 0-60 though...

[V8RX7]

Drivers get the Impreza

People who want a nice car get the Audi.
If you aren't driving fast why bother with the S3 just get an A3.

[jjones]

i have had an rb5 ~260 bhp and an audi tt 227 (similar to an s3). if you can put up with the image i would take the impreza every time. tt was nicely built but suffered from a few sensor issues and was pretty soulless, impreza was just great (other than the image problem).

[pad58]

If you can find either that hasn't been hammered, for 3k ,good luck with that.

[robsav]

impreza every time...over all turbo incarnations I think, in my opinion of course, it's one of the best mass made cars ever. even a bog standard wrx gets under your skin. 90% of them will have been ragged, of course they will, that's what they were made for, just find one with a good history and that's had some big jobs done. I had a PPP WRX and two spec B legacies and subarus just get in your blood, go for it!

[robsav]

I'm confused as to why you'd go for either if you never like driving a bit fast though!