S3 or Golf 4motion

[7up yours]

I own a golf mk 4 4motion and I have had it for a year and im very happy with it (apart from it drinks alot)
I am thinking of buying another car, I was thinking along the lines of an audi s3. Ive noticed it has a 1.8T engine, and I have already owned a 1.8T golf, what i am scared of is losing the 2.8 V6 power, is the S3 much much better than my golf in terms of all round performance as ive seen some s3s with 250 bhp and some 300 ???

[IceBoy]

S3 is lighter and got more power than the 4 motion.

So you won't notice a loss in power ! It is quiker !

Ther power will be delivered in a different manner and ride is totally different.

Go and drive one.....you might be pleasantly surprised.

IceBoy

[chrish]

The obvious replacement would be an R32, either a MKIV or V depending on your budget.The MK V has a better ride and more space than the IV.
I would try one as well as the S3 as its quite a car and as you say that V6 is so nice but better tuned. The S3 has a bit of turbo lag so you won't find it has the response youre used to.

[DavHughes]

IceBoy said:

S3 is lighter and got more power than the 4 motion.

So you won't notice a loss in power ! It is quiker !

Ther power will be delivered in a different manner and ride is totally different.

Go and drive one.....you might be pleasantly surprised.

IceBoy

Totally agree. I used to own a Golf 4 Motion and it wasn't anywhere near as quick as my Boxster S. One day however, I tangled with an S3 whilst driving the Boxster - not a great deal in it! So, the S3 is quick.

Dav

[Marki]

DavHughes said:

IceBoy said:

S3 is lighter and got more power than the 4 motion.

So you won't notice a loss in power ! It is quiker !

Ther power will be delivered in a different manner and ride is totally different.

Go and drive one.....you might be pleasantly surprised.

IceBoy

Totally agree. I used to own a Golf 4 Motion and it wasn't anywhere near as quick as my Boxster S. One day however, I tangled with an S3 whilst driving the Boxster - not a great deal in it! So, the S3 is quick.

Dav

Trouble is it seems most S3`s have had some sort of chip work done so you can never be sure what you were really up against

[vee]

Won't notice a loss in power probably because the S3 is has more ?
Early cars 215 bhp and later ones 225 as standard, I think.

[mk1fan]

Aren't the mpg figures about the same between the two cars?

[marctwo]

My S3 is remapped and made 270 bhp 280 lbft on the AmD rollers. I get 33mpg average (mostly motorway).

If the sound and the responsiveness of the 3.2 V6 really matters then I would look at an R32. If not then the S3 is cheaper to run, faster and generally a fantasic machine in all conditions.

[51mon]

Had my S3 for 9 mths now (AMD chipped, otherwise standard) and have averaged 29.6 MPG over the whole period. I do a mix of motorway and town driving (18 mile each way commute) plus usual evening / weekend blasts.

On the whole been really pleased with it, loads of torque and grip in all conditions, however have noticed it needs to be on optimax / V power etc to get the best out of it.

Only trouble i've had is with the coil packs - it's been back to Audi to have these replaced on 2 occasions, however both times its been back the next day, fixed free of charge.

Hope this helps,

Si.

[fourmotion]

i think it is a 'get what you pay for' scenario. The S3 handles better, will go quicker if driven hard, and generally has a better build quality. the 4mo will benefit the lazy driver with the lower down grunt, and i think it feels more stable at motorway crusing speeds (probably due to weight). the S3 is more expensive, but I imagine will hold more value, so could be cheaper in the long run if you have the up front capital.

drive both, weigh up your finances, go for it. won't be disappointed with either.

although obviously the 4mo is better.........