RE: Audi RS3: Review

[Spooge]

Matt Bird said:

The engine makes sure of that, definitely!

Better get my test drive arranged then , anyone seen an options list?

[Gio G]

Whilst they are making comparisons, I think the torque figure puts the RS3 into a different league, compared to the Golf R. Not sure it is worth the premium, only a test drive can make one's made up!

G

[Dave Hedgehog]

Spooge said:

Matt Bird said:

The engine makes sure of that, definitely!

Better get my test drive arranged then , anyone seen an options list?

the configurator is up on audi.de, there is a lot of info on the fan sites

most people will add around 8k in options, plus another 10k if you want buckets, ceramics and exclusive paint

[sutts]

I like it - the proportions, wheel arches and silhouette appear very similar to the B7 RS4, albeit with slightly shorter overhangs. Performance is very close too.

Edited by sutts on Wednesday 15th April 12:16

[Ali_T]

Gio G said:

Whilst they are making comparisons, I think the torque figure puts the RS3 into a different league, compared to the Golf R. Not sure it is worth the premium, only a test drive can make one's made up!

G

I don't see why it's even being compared. Basic price is £10k apart! The only current competitor is the A45 AMG.

[Spooge]

Couldnt see the buckets only the super sports seats - which I have now.

Going to go out on a limb and possibly told to get my coat - but I just don't see the point in ceramic brakes on this...

[Dave Hedgehog]

Ali_T said:

Gio G said:

Whilst they are making comparisons, I think the torque figure puts the RS3 into a different league, compared to the Golf R. Not sure it is worth the premium, only a test drive can make one's made up!

G

I don't see why it's even being compared. Basic price is £10k apart! The only current competitor is the A45 AMG.

the price is a lot closer if the you spec the S3 to incl all the extras incl on the RS3 (LED lights etc), but moves apart if you spec all the RS3 unique extras

[Dave Hedgehog]

Spooge said:

Couldnt see the buckets only the super sports seats - which I have now.

Going to go out on a limb and possibly told to get my coat - but I just don't see the point in ceramic brakes on this...

light weight buckets are coming later on, prob about the same time as the ceramics

[GTEYE]

I wonder how much of the extra power over and above the Golf R would actually be usable on public roads? Probably not that much in reality.

So the extra £10k goes mostly on the 5 cylinder soundtrack and the added "prestige" of the Audi badge, which for some would be enough.

Having sat in a Golf R a few weeks ago, I can't say it was that impressive for a £30k car, so perhaps the Audi is the better buy.

I still think the S3 might be the more logical purchase, but I could certainly understand why the RS3 will be in demand.

[Dave Hedgehog]

GTEYE said:

I wonder how much of the extra power over and above the Golf R would actually be usable on public roads? Probably not that much in reality.

So the extra £10k goes mostly on the 5 cylinder soundtrack and the added "prestige" of the Audi badge, which for some would be enough.

Having sat in a Golf R a few weeks ago, I can't say it was that impressive for a £30k car, so perhaps the Audi is the better buy.

I still think the S3 might be the more logical purchase, but I could certainly understand why the RS3 will be in demand.

in day to day driving having a lot of low down grunt is very usable, IMO the 5 pot is a vastly better daily driver engine than the dead below 4k RS4/5 V8

and its certainly fun sticking it in launch mode at the lights having it fart and splutter

[KarlMac]

JackReacher said:

Is this just the latest car for the upturned collar polo shirt man, who wants to "beat" everything on the road with a smug grin?

You know the type, had an Impreza STI in mid 00's, then moved onto a remapped edition 30 gti, then a mk2 Focus RS, then M135i, Golf R and now this?

I'm sure it's quick and nice to own, but can't see it being satisfying to drive.

This. X1000. You missed one out though :-)

If the STI vs S3 thread is anything to go by we'll be greeted by 11 pages of people trying to categorically prove that this is the fastest (ergo best) car.

Dull, almost as dull as the next three years listening to owners.

[gregf40]

God I hate those wheels. The RS6 wheels are so much nicer...they really let the car down IMO.

[Gandahar]

I'm surprised with the wider 255 tyres up from and the massaged handling it still did not seem that adjustable on the track.

As a day to day proposition it has some really good points though, engine and gearbox for instance.

[Tickle]

Dave Hedgehog said:

Spooge said:

Couldnt see the buckets only the super sports seats - which I have now.

Going to go out on a limb and possibly told to get my coat - but I just don't see the point in ceramic brakes on this...

light weight buckets are coming later on, prob about the same time as the ceramics

Isn't that like a fat chick drinking diet coke?

[malucnojes]

rosino said:

Is it wrong to prefer a m135i with LSD?

6cyl inline turbo noise. Rear wheel drive. Real adjustability under throttle. Surely not as good looking thing but behind the wheel surely more satisfying ? How does it compare ?

Don't get people started on the M135i 'noise'... for what's it worth I love mine!

[GroundEffect]

If the peak power is literally available from 5,500rpm to 6,800rpm then there is no reason to rev beyond 5,500rpm in a single gear -> you would get no more acceleration. The only driver to make you go towards the red line is if the ratio spread means that you drop way down in the next gear, which I doubt with a 7-speeder.

[alock]

GroundEffect said:

If the peak power is literally available from 5,500rpm to 6,800rpm then there is no reason to rev beyond 5,500rpm in a single gear -> you would get no more acceleration. The only driver to make you go towards the red line is if the ratio spread means that you drop way down in the next gear, which I doubt with a 7-speeder.

So instead of staying in 2nd above 5500rpm, you would change to 3rd and be at about 4000rpm generating less power and be in a gear ~50% taller?

[dazzx10r]

What a shame they only build it in the ugly 5 door body.

[GTID]

GroundEffect said:

If the peak power is literally available from 5,500rpm to 6,800rpm then there is no reason to rev beyond 5,500rpm in a single gear -> you would get no more acceleration. The only driver to make you go towards the red line is if the ratio spread means that you drop way down in the next gear, which I doubt with a 7-speeder.

Surely you want to stay within the peak power band for as long as possible rather than change gear?

RE the EA888 engine in the golf, peak power is from 5,500rpm until 6,200rpm. So doesn't rev quite as freely as the RS3 but not far short. I find in mine it's well worth ringing out to near the redline, actually quite surprised by the top end power for a 4pot turbo!

The RS3's direct competitor is surely the A45 AMG though, similar power and price?

[Matt Bird]

Dave Hedgehog said:

Spooge said:

Couldnt see the buckets only the super sports seats - which I have now.

Going to go out on a limb and possibly told to get my coat - but I just don't see the point in ceramic brakes on this...

light weight buckets are coming later on, prob about the same time as the ceramics

Yep, we were told Q4 in the UK for both seats and ceramics. I think the brakes are as much for bragging status as anything else! No issues with the standard discs on road at all.


Matt