2014 Audi S3 or MK7 Golf R?

[callywally18]

Hi all,

Looking for a bit of help, looking for a new car and have decided to go down the hot hatch route, having been given a company car allowance of £350 with no restrictions on the car, and i can put any extra towards it myself.

I have narrowed it down to the new Audi S3 & the new VW Golf R. ( I think )

The Golf R costing about 300-400 a month
The Audi costing about the same price.

Any advice on which of these is the better car would be greatly appreciated (if any)!

Looking to arrange a test drive for both of these when i get some time off work!!

Thanks in advance!

[simo1863]

I've had a brief blast in both and preferred the Golf R. I'm trialling an S3 for a week early April for another opinion. PM me if you're still looking then and are ever in the Manchester/Cheshire area and I'll take you for a spin.

Must say though, the M135i drives better than both but if you're a 'cosmetic' type then I can understand you not considering it. Good car though, probably better than both of the aforementioned.

[hoegaardenruls]

This being Pistonheads, everyone will hate you if you buy the Audi

Same chassis, so it will probably come down to how you feel about both cars, what equipment you consider must haves, and so on..but I don't think you'll go far wrong with either. The S3 looks a bit more understated than the R, despite those exhausts.

[LovesSweetExile]

Drive both. Get the one you prefer.

[Cupramax]

LovesSweetExile said:

Drive both. Get the one you prefer.

This, they are so similar underneath it will be down to what you prefer.

[callywally18]

simo1863 said:

I've had a brief blast in both and preferred the Golf R. I'm trialling an S3 for a week early April for another opinion. PM me if you're still looking then and are ever in the Manchester/Cheshire area and I'll take you for a spin.

Must say though, the M135i drives better than both but if you're a 'cosmetic' type then I can understand you not considering it. Good car though, probably better than both of the aforementioned.

Any particular reason for you preferring the golf r? And i might just take you up on your offer! I live on the wirral so i will message you closer to the time if thats ok.

With regards to the BMW i have looked at it, but i currently drive an alfa Alfa Spider, which is all looks and no drive, so im looking for something with both and although the BMW is amazing i just dont think id ever be happy with how it looked!

Thanks

[simo1863]

callywally18 said:

Any particular reason for you preferring the golf r? And i might just take you up on your offer! I live on the wirral so i will message you closer to the time if thats ok.

With regards to the BMW i have looked at it, but i currently drive an alfa Alfa Spider, which is all looks and no drive, so im looking for something with both and although the BMW is amazing i just dont think id ever be happy with how it looked!

Thanks

There really isn't much between them but to me the R seemed a lot more 'special' than a standard Golf as opposed to the A3 against the S3 (felt more like a trim upgrade)in terms of performance, handling and even looks.

I really think the smaller Audis are starting to get a tag of a fashion accessory too. They are so chintzy and cool I think a lot of genuine PHs struggle to take them seriously, whereas the Golf pulls no punches. Its understated but smart.

The S3 is due in 7th April and is here for a week so let me know. I work in Alderley Edge but live South Cheshire.

[Dave Hedgehog]

as you say drive them both and get the one you like

the R golf is the top model, but the S is not as the 2.5 RS will be (eventually)

personally i find the golfs interior very low rent in comparison to the A3s

[callywally18]

Dave Hedgehog said:

as you say drive them both and get the one you like

the R golf is the top model, but the S is not as the 2.5 RS will be (eventually)

personally i find the golfs interior very low rent in comparison to the A3s

Thats another thing in favour of the golf, i know i would never pull up at the lights next to a higher model golf, where as the audi one day i could pull up next to an rs3 which could put a dampner on my day!

[LovesSweetExile]

callywally18 said:

Thats another thing in favour of the golf, i know i would never pull up at the lights next to a higher model golf, where as the audi one day i could pull up next to an rs3 which could put a dampner on my day!

I don't think I'll ever understand this mentality. Why not just be happy with what you've got?

[hondansx]

Because some people are more competitive than others.

Mine is an older R, but i test drove a same age S3 and the R was noticeably sportier to drive. I remember flicking back through an Evo magazine and the R, despite being identical on paper, was given a better review than the S3.

Not saying i know the answer, but i'd take a guess the R is more overtly sporting. I'd guess this just by comparing the looks of both cars.

[Jim909]

M235i ?

[callywally18]

Jim909 said:

M235i ?

theyre at the higher end of the budget about 390 upwards, must admit though i havent really thought about them.

Hmmm...

[Dave Hedgehog]

callywally18 said:

Jim909 said:

M235i ?

theyre at the higher end of the budget about 390 upwards, must admit though i havent really thought about them.

Hmmm...

in estoril blue

[callywally18]

Dave Hedgehog said:

callywally18 said:

Jim909 said:

M235i ?

theyre at the higher end of the budget about 390 upwards, must admit though i havent really thought about them.

Hmmm...

in estoril blue

still unsure of the styling of it though i must say, just doesnt seem right in my eyes the proportions of it, i think the golf r is a much better looking car.

[nickfrog]

Jim909 said:

M235i ?

No. That won't work.

" i know i would never pull up at the lights next to a higher model golf, where as the M235i one day i could pull up next to an M2 which could put a dampner on my day!"

[Timbola]

OP wants a hot hatch.

M235i is not a hatch.

[Betty Cumberdale]

The R will be more enjoyable to drive (noticeably through the corners) and if it is anything like the GTI better damped with more weight and feeling through the wheel than the new S3.

However, the S3 will offer a marginally nicer interior. Go with the Golf.

[va1o]

Both are exceptionally talented cars and cost a similar amount. Only thing to separate them is equipment, Audi gets Leather and prep for Nav standard whereas the Golf goes without but gains stuff like the Optical Parking System and Adaptive Cruise Control.

[Faxo]

How about an S3 Saloon?

PDId this today