M140i, Audi S3, Focus RS or Golf R?
Discussion
Looking to upgrade in the next couple of months and have narrowed in down to these four based on practicality and price. Wondering which you would choose and why as I'm having a hard time deciding!
I'm into the M140i as I loved the M135i, but not super keen on its looks. Rear wheel drive is nice, but so is AWD.
The Audi S3 again doesn't look fantastic but I like the interior and the Quattro system.
The Ford Focus RS isn't super practical as a daily driver, but I love the look. But should I trade off comfort for 0-60 in 4.6 seconds and a drift button
.
The Golf R seems like an incredibly capable car, and surprisingly has the lowest insurance cost of them all, but it doesn't seem to click with me.
Have you guys got any experiences with any/preferences?
It will be used a daily driver to and from work (30 mile round trip). Probably also take it to the Nurburgring a couple of times a year and give it a good blast down some country roads most weekends. All of them are relatively similar in price/insurance/mpg...
What do ya think?
I'm into the M140i as I loved the M135i, but not super keen on its looks. Rear wheel drive is nice, but so is AWD.
The Audi S3 again doesn't look fantastic but I like the interior and the Quattro system.
The Ford Focus RS isn't super practical as a daily driver, but I love the look. But should I trade off comfort for 0-60 in 4.6 seconds and a drift button

The Golf R seems like an incredibly capable car, and surprisingly has the lowest insurance cost of them all, but it doesn't seem to click with me.
Have you guys got any experiences with any/preferences?
It will be used a daily driver to and from work (30 mile round trip). Probably also take it to the Nurburgring a couple of times a year and give it a good blast down some country roads most weekends. All of them are relatively similar in price/insurance/mpg...
What do ya think?
Having driven none, but lusted after all to some degree, the fella down the road has a primer-grey Focus RS and it looks absolutely stonking. My friend just leased an S3 and seems over the moon with that, and my other friend has a 135i and loves that, too.
So, in summary, my post literally offers no help at all! Good luck!
So, in summary, my post literally offers no help at all! Good luck!
I've got a Golf R Estate and have been in an M135i.
For daily driving the Golf R is awesome, but I wouldn't choose one as a "fun" car.
I haven't tried one, but I would guess that the Focus would be more fun, so I'd test drive one and then decide between that and the Golf or BMW. I don't like Audis...
For daily driving the Golf R is awesome, but I wouldn't choose one as a "fun" car.
I haven't tried one, but I would guess that the Focus would be more fun, so I'd test drive one and then decide between that and the Golf or BMW. I don't like Audis...
If you want an automatic then it has to be an m140i, if all are going to be manual (given that's the only option for the rs) then it would be rs,m140,golf,s3 in that order. I've driven the m135i and the s3 and I would not want the, yes it's quick and has lots of grip but that's about it for me.
i have owned an R (mk7, 2014) and currently have an S3 (310 facelift 2016)
out of the two of them the golf is a better car. the S3 sounds better but that is about it.
the R --is-- fun, but its only that when pushed hard, so potential to get into a lot of trouble very quickly that said i would prefer the 140 (haven't driven it but on paper would imagine) if fun is top of the agenda.
if you want all round usability with the promise of 'some' fun - go for the Golf. Great car.
out of the two of them the golf is a better car. the S3 sounds better but that is about it.
the R --is-- fun, but its only that when pushed hard, so potential to get into a lot of trouble very quickly that said i would prefer the 140 (haven't driven it but on paper would imagine) if fun is top of the agenda.
if you want all round usability with the promise of 'some' fun - go for the Golf. Great car.
We've got an S3 and an M135i. As a daily driver to and from work, I'd take the Audi as a nicer place to be, quick, comfortable, and feels better quality. Engine sounds rubbish though. If I wanted to go out for a hoon, the M135i/M140i with RWD and that engine would be the choice. Cant comment on the others as haven't driven them.
I went through a similar choice recently, was looking to replace my Golf GTD and the contenders where either the R, S3 or M135i.
I dismissed the Golf as although it seems the best all rounder on paper it would've just been too similar to what I had before. I then very nearly bought an S3 but realised it's just a more expensive version of the Golf with less equipment. So the BMW won. Very happy with the M135i as it's great fun to drive with an awesome soundtrack (especially with the M Performance exhaust).
I quite like the way it looks, mine is an Alpine White 3dr with the Shadow Line finish and M-Performance grille. I wasn't so keen on the 5dr.
Also keep an eye on the specs as the standard equipment is a bit lacking in some areas. I've got Pro Nav, HK Audio and Adaptive dampers on mine which really complete the car. But a lot of smaller things which are standard on the others also need adding on, e.g. Cruise, PDC, Heated seats and folding mirrors. Oh and the obligatory ZF8 Auto 'box is also necessary, don't think I'd want any of these cars with a Manual.
I dismissed the Golf as although it seems the best all rounder on paper it would've just been too similar to what I had before. I then very nearly bought an S3 but realised it's just a more expensive version of the Golf with less equipment. So the BMW won. Very happy with the M135i as it's great fun to drive with an awesome soundtrack (especially with the M Performance exhaust).
I quite like the way it looks, mine is an Alpine White 3dr with the Shadow Line finish and M-Performance grille. I wasn't so keen on the 5dr.
Also keep an eye on the specs as the standard equipment is a bit lacking in some areas. I've got Pro Nav, HK Audio and Adaptive dampers on mine which really complete the car. But a lot of smaller things which are standard on the others also need adding on, e.g. Cruise, PDC, Heated seats and folding mirrors. Oh and the obligatory ZF8 Auto 'box is also necessary, don't think I'd want any of these cars with a Manual.
BigLion said:
I wouldn't go near any ford - real shower of **** re build quality.
The M140i is a special car...but I can't help but be drawn to a Golf R, unless you really want RWD.
Depends, I could say the same about VAG from my experience and I've owned my share of Fords and VAGs. That and I've done some huge mileages in Fords which would put a question mark on that statement of a sThe M140i is a special car...but I can't help but be drawn to a Golf R, unless you really want RWD.

Me? It would be between the M140 and the RS. I suspect the RS might usurp it. The smart money would be the RS IMHO ; just look at the values historically and the RS is seen to be the true successor to the Escort Cosworth which never really bottomed out low.
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