New daily - MK7.5 Golf R or 8V PFL/FL S3?
Discussion
Want to replace my daily drive 8P S3 with a newer model. I was going to go stage 2, but see more value in doing this with the newer generation as the gains are more noticeable and the options for mods are much wider, plus get all the features of the newer car.
I know the Golf is a better drive overall, but much prefer the interior of the 8V over the MK7.5. Neither are outright drivers cars, but would like the ability have fun when the need arises. Exterior wise, I think they both look good to me. The S3 looks a bit posher, but the Golf still looks fine.
I like that I could get an estate/wagon with the Golf, whereas with the S3, it would have to be the hatch; as the sedan lacks the lugging capacity that I require.
The infotainment system is important to me.
I'm not considering a MK7 as we didn't get many of the desirable options (such as Dynaudio) until the 7.5 over here in Australia, but am considering both pre and post facelift S3's as many of the pre facelift ones came optioned with the quilted leather and B&O, which is what I want.
Here are the main questions I have:
- How much better is the B&O system in S3 compared to the Dynaudio setup in the R?
- Is the DQ381 in the facelift models worth it over the DQ250?
- How much better is the MMI system in the FL S3 compared to the PFL version? Is it a similar jump from MIB1 to 2.5 in the Golf?
- Should I avoid the sunroof completely?
I know the Golf is a better drive overall, but much prefer the interior of the 8V over the MK7.5. Neither are outright drivers cars, but would like the ability have fun when the need arises. Exterior wise, I think they both look good to me. The S3 looks a bit posher, but the Golf still looks fine.
I like that I could get an estate/wagon with the Golf, whereas with the S3, it would have to be the hatch; as the sedan lacks the lugging capacity that I require.
The infotainment system is important to me.
I'm not considering a MK7 as we didn't get many of the desirable options (such as Dynaudio) until the 7.5 over here in Australia, but am considering both pre and post facelift S3's as many of the pre facelift ones came optioned with the quilted leather and B&O, which is what I want.
Here are the main questions I have:
- How much better is the B&O system in S3 compared to the Dynaudio setup in the R?
- Is the DQ381 in the facelift models worth it over the DQ250?
- How much better is the MMI system in the FL S3 compared to the PFL version? Is it a similar jump from MIB1 to 2.5 in the Golf?
- Should I avoid the sunroof completely?
Hi,
I can’t comment too much on the S3 as I haven’t driven one but have seen a few video comparisons of the two along with comments on here before and the Golf is the better drive…even if indeed the S3 does look a bit posher. I do however have a Mk7 R and my wife a 7.5R so have had a crack at answering your questions!
Here are the main questions I have:
- How much better is the B&O system in S3 compared to the Dynaudio setup in the R?
I had the B&O system in my SQ5 which I returned recently. My wife has the Dynaudio in her R. I don’t think there’s all that much in it. I think the B&O might have the edge but only a little so would recommend trying both out. It also depends to a degree on how you like your sound setup. My SQ5 replacement has Burmester and I find that better than the B&O so down to the individual here I think.
- Is the DQ381 in the facelift models worth it over the DQ250?
Yes! We have both gearboxes and the 381 is vastly superior to the 250 so that is an absolute must.
- How much better is the MMI system in the FL S3 compared to the PFL version? Is it a similar jump from MIB1 to 2.5 in the Golf? Cant comment on the S3 but the 2.5 in the Golf is much better than its predecessor.
- Should I avoid the sunroof completely?
No I dont think so. Both of our R’s have the pan roofs. Had my 7R for 6 years and never had a problem with it.
I can’t comment too much on the S3 as I haven’t driven one but have seen a few video comparisons of the two along with comments on here before and the Golf is the better drive…even if indeed the S3 does look a bit posher. I do however have a Mk7 R and my wife a 7.5R so have had a crack at answering your questions!
Here are the main questions I have:
- How much better is the B&O system in S3 compared to the Dynaudio setup in the R?
I had the B&O system in my SQ5 which I returned recently. My wife has the Dynaudio in her R. I don’t think there’s all that much in it. I think the B&O might have the edge but only a little so would recommend trying both out. It also depends to a degree on how you like your sound setup. My SQ5 replacement has Burmester and I find that better than the B&O so down to the individual here I think.
- Is the DQ381 in the facelift models worth it over the DQ250?
Yes! We have both gearboxes and the 381 is vastly superior to the 250 so that is an absolute must.
- How much better is the MMI system in the FL S3 compared to the PFL version? Is it a similar jump from MIB1 to 2.5 in the Golf? Cant comment on the S3 but the 2.5 in the Golf is much better than its predecessor.
- Should I avoid the sunroof completely?
No I dont think so. Both of our R’s have the pan roofs. Had my 7R for 6 years and never had a problem with it.
AddyT. said:
Hi,
- Is the DQ381 in the facelift models worth it over the DQ250?
Yes! We have both gearboxes and the 381 is vastly superior to the 250 so that is an absolute must.
Hello, what is the main differences please between your two Golfs?- Is the DQ381 in the facelift models worth it over the DQ250?
Yes! We have both gearboxes and the 381 is vastly superior to the 250 so that is an absolute must.
I looking at 7.0 and 7.5 cars at the moment.
Edited by the-photographer on Sunday 14th September 15:24
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