RE: Audi RS3 Sportback: Driven
Discussion
whp1983 said:
.... although none of those handle as well as an Alpine which never seems to get mentioned when slagging off other cars?!
Thought a lot disliked it because of the turbo 4-pot and slushbox transmission..... 
It's good we still have a choice about what we can drive and we all have our particular likes/dislikes
I'm wondering if the inert nature of some these cars being down to 4WD and high power outputs? I mean any manufacturer wants to avoid putting a window maker out there so they will lean towards a "safer" chassis dynamic rather than a "exciting" one which for most of the target demographic would be a little too much to handle or on edge. Truth is if they all drove the same we'd mourning the fact that cars have universally become numb.
Think we should just accept that different manufacturers have their own target markets that they want to accomodate. A Bentley will never handle like a Lotus in much the same way an Audi RS3 isn't going to handle like a BMW M2 Competition.
Quite like the look of the RS3 saloon though
Think we should just accept that different manufacturers have their own target markets that they want to accomodate. A Bentley will never handle like a Lotus in much the same way an Audi RS3 isn't going to handle like a BMW M2 Competition.
Quite like the look of the RS3 saloon though
Terminator X said:
SidewaysSi said:
Terminator X said:
SidewaysSi said:
I have driven quite a few Audis, including an RS3 on track. The Golf ain't bad but the Civic and previous Meg are on a different level.
Audi just seem incapable or unwilling to produce a properly decent driver's car (the R8 being best of a bad bunch).
But they know their customers and money talks after all...
As I said, if you like it then go ahead and enjoy. But not a car I would recommend anyone actually pay money for if they like driving.
It isn't a track car so what is the relevance of that? Having owned one for 2.5 years and 44k miles I can tell you it is an amazing road car.Audi just seem incapable or unwilling to produce a properly decent driver's car (the R8 being best of a bad bunch).
But they know their customers and money talks after all...
As I said, if you like it then go ahead and enjoy. But not a car I would recommend anyone actually pay money for if they like driving.
TX.
I thought it was absymal on road. And even worse on track.
Whist I appreciate it is not a track car, it should be able to do the odd track day eg the M2 without falling apart.
Edited by SidewaysSi on Tuesday 21st May 17:26
TX.
T1berious said:
I'm wondering if the inert nature of some these cars being down to 4WD and high power outputs? I mean any manufacturer wants to avoid putting a window maker out there so they will lean towards a "safer" chassis dynamic rather than a "exciting" one which for most of the target demographic would be a little too much to handle or on edge. Truth is if they all drove the same we'd mourning the fact that cars have universally become numb.
Famously Audi got a bit of a kicking from some parts of the media for the original TT edginess whereas Porsche and Ferrari would have “got away with” dynamics like that. Audi, mainstream manufacturer of 4wd security and family cars , was like the good kid at school who gets pulled up and told ‘we expected more of you,of all people”Enthusiasts rather liked the original TT set up and there were people trying to emulate a lot of the original set up with aftermarket parts
Frimley111R said:
Shambler said:
Not everyone drives on the road like a qualifying lap for Monaco. The beauty of a fast Audi S or RS model is its ability to cover ground rapidly with little fuss. On a 300 mile return journey in the Highlands of Scotland during winter there is not much better. There is some utter tosh written in these forums, invariably by people who like to pretend they drive every journey with the back out, praising the handling and feedback out loud as they scare their wife and kids half to death.
I don't think anyone can deny its power, build quality and 4WD grip but none of that is anything to do with handling. A Fiesta has incredible handling but not the other things. Audi know owners care little about handling and so it works for them/their customers BUT, in comparison with a great many performance cars the RS3's handling is benign and lifeless. I'd suggest that on a 300 mile return journey in the Highlands of Scotland during winter you want something that will be entertaining and enjoyable to drive at speeds suitable for the road conditions, which is precisely where a car with lots of power but little driving involvement will fail to shine. If you are forced to trog along at 50mph on the straights due to terrible visibility/ice/snow/hailstorms then do you want to do it in something that's more numb than your jaw after a trip to the dentist or in something that tells you exactly what is happening at all four corners all the time? I'd choose the latter. The fact that Audi sells so many of their machines says that many others disagree with me though.
s m said:
Famously Audi got a bit of a kicking from some parts of the media for the original TT edginess whereas Porsche and Ferrari would have “got away with” dynamics like that. Audi, mainstream manufacturer of 4wd security and family cars , was like the good kid at school who gets pulled up and told ‘we expected more of you,of all people”
Enthusiasts rather liked the original TT set up and there were people trying to emulate a lot of the original set up with aftermarket parts
You mean the sudden lift off oversteer that caused numerous accidents and was accredited with half a dozen deaths in the States? I don't think any manufacturer would "get away" with that in the last 50 odd yearsEnthusiasts rather liked the original TT set up and there were people trying to emulate a lot of the original set up with aftermarket parts
I'm not sure about the "distance killer" subheading, especially in this country. Nothing against these cars but try to get anywhere near their limits or use their performance for sustained periods on the road and you're looking at lots of points. Does the writer know something I don't on how to avoid being caught or is he just incredibly lucky?
Fast Bug said:
You mean the sudden lift off oversteer that caused numerous accidents and was accredited with half a dozen deaths in the States? I don't think any manufacturer would "get away" with that in the last 50 odd years
I think Audi had more ab an aerodynamic misjudgement than a purposefully chosen playfulness in the car.I remember about that time I was at Croft one day getting some instruction for my ARDS and some Audi mechanics turned up with a customer's TT. They'd agreed the instructor would take it out for couple of high speed laps, as the customer was insisting the car was a death trap.
It did its couple of laps, came back with smoking brakes and clutch, with a racing driver who gave the most detailed assessment you've ever heard; "s'alright".
janesmith1950 said:
think Audi had more ab an aerodynamic misjudgement than a purposefully chosen playfulness in the car.
I remember about that time I was at Croft one day getting some instruction for my ARDS and [b]some Audi mechanics turned up with a customer's TT. They'd agreed the instructor would take it out for couple of high speed laps, as the customer was insisting the car was a death trap.
It did its couple of laps, came back with smoking brakes and clutch, with a racing driver who gave the most detailed assessment you've ever heard; "s'alright".[/b]
That, that right there.I remember about that time I was at Croft one day getting some instruction for my ARDS and [b]some Audi mechanics turned up with a customer's TT. They'd agreed the instructor would take it out for couple of high speed laps, as the customer was insisting the car was a death trap.
It did its couple of laps, came back with smoking brakes and clutch, with a racing driver who gave the most detailed assessment you've ever heard; "s'alright".[/b]
A racing driver, someone who's ability to commit a wealth of experience into a few hot laps and come back with "s'alright". A man who's day job is to thrash a car around a track and be competitive didn't bemoan it's lack of feel etc.
Alas he wouldn't spark much debate on the inter webs or make much in roads in motor journalism but bloody hell I wish he did!
This is better than that, discuss
Kind of reminds me of this.....
2Btoo said:
I'd suggest that on a 300 mile return journey in the Highlands of Scotland during winter you want something that will be entertaining and enjoyable to drive at speeds suitable for the road conditions, which is precisely where a car with lots of power but little driving involvement will fail to shine.
In those conditions I'd definitely take an AWD over something involving with 2wd. (on similar tyres)Fast Bug said:
s m said:
Famously Audi got a bit of a kicking from some parts of the media for the original TT edginess whereas Porsche and Ferrari would have “got away with” dynamics like that. Audi, mainstream manufacturer of 4wd security and family cars , was like the good kid at school who gets pulled up and told ‘we expected more of you,of all people”
Enthusiasts rather liked the original TT set up and there were people trying to emulate a lot of the original set up with aftermarket parts
You mean the sudden lift off oversteer that caused numerous accidents and was accredited with half a dozen deaths in the States? I don't think any manufacturer would "get away" with that in the last 50 odd yearsEnthusiasts rather liked the original TT set up and there were people trying to emulate a lot of the original set up with aftermarket parts
s m said:
Fast Bug said:
s m said:
Famously Audi got a bit of a kicking from some parts of the media for the original TT edginess whereas Porsche and Ferrari would have “got away with” dynamics like that. Audi, mainstream manufacturer of 4wd security and family cars , was like the good kid at school who gets pulled up and told ‘we expected more of you,of all people”
Enthusiasts rather liked the original TT set up and there were people trying to emulate a lot of the original set up with aftermarket parts
You mean the sudden lift off oversteer that caused numerous accidents and was accredited with half a dozen deaths in the States? I don't think any manufacturer would "get away" with that in the last 50 odd yearsEnthusiasts rather liked the original TT set up and there were people trying to emulate a lot of the original set up with aftermarket parts
s m said:
How did Porsche gain the "Widowmaker" moniker with the 911?
I guess the difference, and perhaps it's a subtle one, is that the 911 was bought by people who knew about it's rear-engine layout - and there was an expectation that it could catch you out if driven at the limit - whereas the TT was marketed (especially in Quattro guise) for your average driver who is not expecting lift-off oversteer.fido said:
s m said:
How did Porsche gain the "Widowmaker" moniker with the 911?
I guess the difference, and perhaps it's a subtle one, is that the 911 was bought by people who knew about it's rear-engine layout - and there was an expectation that it could catch you out if driven at the limit - whereas the TT was marketed (especially in Quattro guise) for your average driver who is not expecting lift-off oversteer.As for the RS3 I'd bloody love one personally as a daily. I have my bike if I want thrills and fear rolled into one!
As a point raised by many though regarding the RS3, I've driven and owned several VAG performance products over the years...... vRSs, Cupras, FRs and there is certainly a generic feel to them all. Not the last word in anything relating to dynamics and fun but very capable as all rounders. I'd imagine the RS3 to be similar just on another level in terms of outright performance. Doesn't make it a failure or a bad car.
For perspective, despite being a diesel, 15 years old and having covered 162K now, I find my E46 M Sport coupe more fun than many things I've had over the years because of it's basic and inherent 'rightness'.
fido said:
s m said:
How did Porsche gain the "Widowmaker" moniker with the 911?
I guess the difference, and perhaps it's a subtle one, is that the 911 was bought by people who knew about it's rear-engine layout - and there was an expectation that it could catch you out if driven at the limit - whereas the TT was marketed (especially in Quattro guise) for your average driver who is not expecting lift-off oversteer.I had the previous gen TTS... as Cerb said, lovely place to be, looked great IMO but a snooze fest on a fun road. Had 3 days on in Wales, including the Evo Triangle. It was fast not fun or actually involving. Drove the TT RS on an Audi RS day on public roads. To me it was just a faster version of what I already had. No denying the engine sounded fabulous but that was about it for me. I wanted to like them but they just left me cold.
My mate has a S3 Sportback and finds the same thing, all very efficient and effective but just along for the ride.
I totally get why people like Audis like the RS3 and the TT RS but they are not what I want from a car I want for myself.
These sound fantastic, and go great, and yes... I do think they look good (although I'd prefer a 3 door version) but I actually think they look slightly dated now compared to the new A1 which is very nice I must say.
Guy up the road to my mum has an RS3 saloon in white, and I must say I prefer the saloon (and it definitely suits the 4 doors better imo)
Guy up the road to my mum has an RS3 saloon in white, and I must say I prefer the saloon (and it definitely suits the 4 doors better imo)
Terminator X said:
It absolutely does not understeer on a dry road. Hoon it in to a roundabout on a wet day and perhaps so but so will 99% of cars.
TX.
you do have to drive it quite quickly, which most owners don't TX.
using the brakes to simulate diff's / control the front end is also meh, but most owners dont notice this either
CraigV6 said:
Other than the engine, this doesn’t have anything at all of interest to me.
Audi have, over the last couple of years, really lost their way, this is a further example of that.
Ever noticed how many of them are on the roads? Rather a lot, which is strange as they’ve “really lost their way”.Audi have, over the last couple of years, really lost their way, this is a further example of that.
Full disclosure, we’ve got an S5 and an RS3 on the drive. Both make me smile every time I drive them but the RS3 makes me (and pretty much every passenger) grin like an idiot.
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