Gti Vs A3 Quattro

[fuzzyduck121]

Hi all,

I am struggling to find a thread that covers this so was hoping to start one and get some input

I am a current Golf Gti Mk7 driver and have had several Gtis from Mk2 onwards

Currently in process of changing and have considered an Audi as 4WD would be a benefit

in terms of like for like the new Gti performance V the A3 TFSI Quattro seem to have an identical 0-60 and very similar credentials

I can get an S3 or R for my budget as a very similar level but both are discounted due to their nickability factor, living close to central Manchester they can and do get taken from my road so I want the performance without the eye candy

does any here have direct experience of both?

I realise the Audi will cost more for less spec wise even with the black edition tech pack but does the 4WD make the Quattro a better drive than the Gti and is the performance and speed pick up really as similar as the brochures suggest

thanks in advance PH people

[Pistonheader101]

Just a heads up the a3 will come with less spec as standard.

[fuzzyduck121]

Pistonheader101 said:

Just a heads up the a3 will come with less spec as standard.

Hi Mate

I know the Audi spec is shocking, no heated seats in a 30k black edition is mad, I know I will lose spec or spend more on the Audi but I am keen to know if the Quattro handles better or similar to the Gti and if the Quattro does pick up speed like the Gti. The Audi is 190Bhp V golf 245 I think so I am unsure how this all filters down into reality

[The Cardinal]

It's going back a while, but owned both a 2006 A3 2.0T quattro and - with a few cars including an S3 and R32 in between - a 2008 Golf GTi.

Both were great cars and I was especially fond of the Audi. To be honest, the S3 I had afterwards was an unnecessary upgrade and I should have kept the 2.0T quattro for much longer than the 2 years I had it - because it met my needs so well.

The A3 was remapped to around 250hp and had a very good spec (bought used, in the middle of the financial crash). The Mk5 GTi that eventually followed was also a very nice car and handled with a bit more zing, but was less comfortable and a slight downgrade in my opinion. I guess it depends on your priorities: a plusher but less focused driving machine, or the other way around?

I'm not clear on whether the 190hp engine in the current A3 is just a down-tuned version of the same in the current MK7 GTi? Contrary to what others have said, I also think you might find your money actually went further on an equivalently spec'd A3 than a GTi.

[anonymous-user]

Forget 0-60, all that tells you is that the 4WD Audi has better traction off the line. The Golf is lighter and more powerful as well as being better specced.

Why is 4WD a benefit for you? Genuine question. It adds weight and complexity so unless there’s a compelling reason to have it.....

[fuzzyduck121]

thanks for the comments

I live in a hilly area and sometimes the weather means I am stuffed in the winter

I appreciate comments about the traction which is what I thought, so guessing that means the golf will be nippier in general?

[jam_up]

fuzzyduck121 said:

thanks for the comments

I live in a hilly area and sometimes the weather means I am stuffed in the winter

I appreciate comments about the traction which is what I thought, so guessing that means the golf will be nippier in general?

I’ve not driven the Audi but I’d imagine it’s a fair bit slower once rolling given it’s 50 bhp down and 100 kg heavier. I’d argue getting a proper 4x4 if you live on rough terrain. Otherwise the Golf will be much more entertaining to drive, especially as it has a slip diff too.

[Pistonheader101]

Could be worth keeping the mk7 and getting a set of winter wheels for when it snows/gets cold.

A good set of winter tyres on a front wheel drive car will outperform a 4wd car on all season tyres.

[ZX10R NIN]

What about a Leon Cupra R it has S3 power as good a chassis as the GTI but lacks the 4wd or how about an R32 dependent on your budget.