2016 A45 back to back with an RS3
Discussion
firstly not sure why its called the 2016 car when I've just had it delivered in 2015.
Secondly I had one delivered on Monday, just as an RS3 was collected (after being here for a week).
Thought it was a good comparison to share.
They are both very fast cars but the A45 is a bit quicker, noticeably so, especially past about 40-50 ish. Although the power delivery is much smoother in the RS3. It just seems to give up at 60-70 whereas the Merc just keeps on going.
Gearboxes are both very good but the DSG probably edges it.
Both sound pretty nice (although I'm usually partial to a V8) in a forced induction popping and banging sort of way but the RS3 probably edges that too (I imagine because of the extra cylinder).
These are more my own opinions;
I know they both have FWD based 4WD systems but the RS3 seems more FWD biased, understeers a bit more.
The A45 seems more precise when turning in and accelerating out of corners. I don't know if it's true but I'd guess that the Merc's 4WD is at least marginally more permanent than the RS3.
The seats are comfier in the RS3 but I prefer the interior of the A45, yes it has THAT screen and yes it's a bit plasticy but it's more interesting than the Audi and I probably prefer the onboard systems in the Merc.
Wrote this in a bit of a rush but if anyone wants to know anything then let me know, obviously I've not had them for prolonged periods and I'm not buying one so can't comment on everything but I have had good goes in both.
oh and the efficiency in the A45 seems a lot better (but again, only over the course of a few days/ few hundred miles so far).
Can't really decide which one I prefer the look of, the A45 has the aero kit. Without it it could just be an A180 'AMG' but the spoiler is a bit big and the front looks like it is wearing a Poirot moustache. The RS3 is a little bit different, it's flared, has the ovals on the back and the huge wheels separate it from a standard A3 a bit more.
If I had to pick one, probably the A45 although Mrs Simo preferred the RS3.
Secondly I had one delivered on Monday, just as an RS3 was collected (after being here for a week).
Thought it was a good comparison to share.
They are both very fast cars but the A45 is a bit quicker, noticeably so, especially past about 40-50 ish. Although the power delivery is much smoother in the RS3. It just seems to give up at 60-70 whereas the Merc just keeps on going.
Gearboxes are both very good but the DSG probably edges it.
Both sound pretty nice (although I'm usually partial to a V8) in a forced induction popping and banging sort of way but the RS3 probably edges that too (I imagine because of the extra cylinder).
These are more my own opinions;
I know they both have FWD based 4WD systems but the RS3 seems more FWD biased, understeers a bit more.
The A45 seems more precise when turning in and accelerating out of corners. I don't know if it's true but I'd guess that the Merc's 4WD is at least marginally more permanent than the RS3.
The seats are comfier in the RS3 but I prefer the interior of the A45, yes it has THAT screen and yes it's a bit plasticy but it's more interesting than the Audi and I probably prefer the onboard systems in the Merc.
Wrote this in a bit of a rush but if anyone wants to know anything then let me know, obviously I've not had them for prolonged periods and I'm not buying one so can't comment on everything but I have had good goes in both.
oh and the efficiency in the A45 seems a lot better (but again, only over the course of a few days/ few hundred miles so far).
Can't really decide which one I prefer the look of, the A45 has the aero kit. Without it it could just be an A180 'AMG' but the spoiler is a bit big and the front looks like it is wearing a Poirot moustache. The RS3 is a little bit different, it's flared, has the ovals on the back and the huge wheels separate it from a standard A3 a bit more.
If I had to pick one, probably the A45 although Mrs Simo preferred the RS3.
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