S3 vs. "fast" A3 Diesel?
Discussion
Firstly I've not even got beyond looking at brochures yet as I have a few thoughts in my head, the A3/S3 being just one of them but...
I currently have a 2006 Boxster, love the car, but when you get that itch to change it's hard not to scratch it.
I do around 40 miles a day, mainly A-Roads but of course when the weather/mood permits I'll randomly drive somewhere for a hoon.
Whilst I don't believe you can buy a brand new car and then moan over a few MPG in fuel economy, I am getting increasingly aware of fuel costs and general running costs, and it seems that with the A3 you can get a 2.0 TDI with most of the cosmetic toys and crazy fuel economy (64mpg combined vs. 28mpg) or there's the S3.
Different beasts in performance terms I know, but has anyone lived with both and what are the "real world" differences?
Bizarre as it may sound I'm not sure I need the S3 performance but I do like that Solar Orange.
I currently have a 2006 Boxster, love the car, but when you get that itch to change it's hard not to scratch it.
I do around 40 miles a day, mainly A-Roads but of course when the weather/mood permits I'll randomly drive somewhere for a hoon.
Whilst I don't believe you can buy a brand new car and then moan over a few MPG in fuel economy, I am getting increasingly aware of fuel costs and general running costs, and it seems that with the A3 you can get a 2.0 TDI with most of the cosmetic toys and crazy fuel economy (64mpg combined vs. 28mpg) or there's the S3.
Different beasts in performance terms I know, but has anyone lived with both and what are the "real world" differences?
Bizarre as it may sound I'm not sure I need the S3 performance but I do like that Solar Orange.
I traded my 2004 E46 M3, for a 2008 A3 TDi 170 and it was awful, I absolutely hated the A3,it was s
te on fuel, slow and dull as ditch water, I still wonder why I bought it.
Personally I'd look at other, more involving cars with better chassis than the A3 if you are coming from a Boxster
I jumped for joy when my A3 broke down and I got a refund, it meant icould buy another BMW
te on fuel, slow and dull as ditch water, I still wonder why I bought it.Personally I'd look at other, more involving cars with better chassis than the A3 if you are coming from a Boxster
I jumped for joy when my A3 broke down and I got a refund, it meant icould buy another BMW
If your seriously thinking of the diesel, I would get the pd170, and visit here...
http://www.jbsautodesigns.co.uk/product/3102/downp...
230 ish bhp and 320lb/ft and better fuel economy.
(in the real world, possibly quicker than the S3)
http://www.jbsautodesigns.co.uk/product/3102/downp...
230 ish bhp and 320lb/ft and better fuel economy.
(in the real world, possibly quicker than the S3)
Edited by Dift on Sunday 16th May 23:19
Played with diesels to my mind merely 'go fast', awkward power delivery means it isn't really that much fun to do so. The primary purposes of a diesel is fuel economy, fuel economy and fuel economy.
The S3 is a very accomplished thing but to my mind the A3 is looking a little bit dated these days, last years face lift improved certain areas but it looks like an older car with new stuff bolted on to it (the 2006 is line is a much nicer looking car).
How much space do you need? TT-S is a better bet
The S3 is a very accomplished thing but to my mind the A3 is looking a little bit dated these days, last years face lift improved certain areas but it looks like an older car with new stuff bolted on to it (the 2006 is line is a much nicer looking car).
How much space do you need? TT-S is a better bet
Same dilemma I had back in 2006. Was running an Impreza and not enjoying the car one bit, combination of fuel and the fact the Impreza had probably had its day by then.
Seriously looked at a 170 Tdi A3 but the S3 had just been announced and I ordered it off list. Was so glad I did, probably the best car I had ever had (up to that point
), Great combo of toys, pace and economics (both resale and running costs). Had Sprint Blue which really suited the car.
Agree with the poster with regard dated looks, as the car is another 4 years older than when I ordered, I believe a new one is out shortly.
The TT-S is a really nice bit of kit, not so good for a family but if your circumstances allow go take a look.
Seriously looked at a 170 Tdi A3 but the S3 had just been announced and I ordered it off list. Was so glad I did, probably the best car I had ever had (up to that point
), Great combo of toys, pace and economics (both resale and running costs). Had Sprint Blue which really suited the car.Agree with the poster with regard dated looks, as the car is another 4 years older than when I ordered, I believe a new one is out shortly.
The TT-S is a really nice bit of kit, not so good for a family but if your circumstances allow go take a look.
baz1985 said:
8P2/3 S3 is a very accomplished car.
I had a 987C.1 S (Gen 1 G8yman S) alongside my 8P2 3.2 for over a year. If you fit some suspension that is actually 'fit for purpose' a la KW V3/ Blistein PSS10 unlike the factory Sh!t line suspension, it should ride and handle quite reasonably.
OK I only looked at a brochure last night so all the 8p2/3 stuff is beyond me right now I had a 987C.1 S (Gen 1 G8yman S) alongside my 8P2 3.2 for over a year. If you fit some suspension that is actually 'fit for purpose' a la KW V3/ Blistein PSS10 unlike the factory Sh!t line suspension, it should ride and handle quite reasonably.
When you say "s line" suspension, do you mean as in "S3" or as in you can order any A3 with an "S" option pack?
Oh and to those who've suggested TT, thanks but too similar to the Boxster so as mentioned I'd forever be comparing, plus I just don't like them aesthetically.
paddyhasneeds said:
baz1985 said:
8P2/3 S3 is a very accomplished car.
I had a 987C.1 S (Gen 1 G8yman S) alongside my 8P2 3.2 for over a year. If you fit some suspension that is actually 'fit for purpose' a la KW V3/ Blistein PSS10 unlike the factory Sh!t line suspension, it should ride and handle quite reasonably.
OK I only looked at a brochure last night so all the 8p2/3 stuff is beyond me right now I had a 987C.1 S (Gen 1 G8yman S) alongside my 8P2 3.2 for over a year. If you fit some suspension that is actually 'fit for purpose' a la KW V3/ Blistein PSS10 unlike the factory Sh!t line suspension, it should ride and handle quite reasonably.
When you say "s line" suspension, do you mean as in "S3" or as in you can order any A3 with an "S" option pack?
Oh and to those who've suggested TT, thanks but too similar to the Boxster so as mentioned I'd forever be comparing, plus I just don't like them aesthetically.
Just got back from looking at one at a dealers.
Only a basic crawl around the cabin but they seem very "German", hard to explain but like the Porsche the interiors won't set the world on fire, just quietly understated.
Didn't discuss too many specifics as I hate talking hypotheticals, but it seems to be a case of 12 week delivery if it's build-to-order and "the price is the price" similar to Porsche?
One thing I didn't spot/think to ask - the speedo, is it only analogue or is there a digital readout anywhere as I find that incredibly useful.
Only a basic crawl around the cabin but they seem very "German", hard to explain but like the Porsche the interiors won't set the world on fire, just quietly understated.
Didn't discuss too many specifics as I hate talking hypotheticals, but it seems to be a case of 12 week delivery if it's build-to-order and "the price is the price" similar to Porsche?
One thing I didn't spot/think to ask - the speedo, is it only analogue or is there a digital readout anywhere as I find that incredibly useful.
Elroy Blue said:
You can set the DIS between the speedo to show a digital speedo. Don't accept the 'no discount' tosh. I got £3000 off mine a a free service. 11% discount is easily achievable.
Excellent - small point but as I said I find it a godsend for sticking to limits vs. a needle where 3-4mph is sod all movement.I may have got the wrong end of the stick on discounts but I figured no point discussing it further until it's more than a hypothetical question.
Elroy Blue said:
Thanks. The problem with the black edition is the colours - this sounds daft but it's the wheels that are of most interest, not enamoured with black/silver/red/white as colours.I think so far, if I do look at one, it has to be the S3 in Solar Orange with the titanium/black wheels, I just need to really bloody be sure.
Oh yes, and any MY11/facelift planned as when I had my Porsche they always re-tool over the summer break so a new model runs from September onwards.
Edited by paddyhasneeds on Monday 17th May 19:11
Dad has one of the new 2.0 TDI quattro Audi TTs and sure, it is sexy! And Dad is getting a real 50mpg out of it under mixed driving conditions. It definitely has a digital readout as I stumbled across it whilst "playing" with it on the M5, on the way from picking it up from the dealership in the Midlands.
170PS is OK though, but I feel quattro soaks up much of the fun that could be had if any. However, I prefer the fun of trying to push 300bhp of derv power through the front wheels... Puts a much bigger smile on my face
170PS is OK though, but I feel quattro soaks up much of the fun that could be had if any. However, I prefer the fun of trying to push 300bhp of derv power through the front wheels... Puts a much bigger smile on my face
Digi readout very handy but no speed warning....right about discounts no chance here in Ireland they stick very rigidly to price schedules. Lead time 9 weeks for missus motor which was not to bad. Just got a quote from dealer on trade-in value on our car £18k with just 3614 miles on clock and 19 months old......?
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