Audi S3 vs VW R32

[nickb55]

I'm test driving both of these at the weekend. Am trying the DSG version of the R32. It looks like an early S3 (ie a few months old) still costs almost same as a new one (i guess because the new S3 hasn't been out long), whereas a Dec06 r32 (with dsg) is more like 24-24.5k vs a new price of 28+. So a much better saving on nearly new for the VW vs the audi.

I'd be interested in the opinions of anyone whose tried both these cars, in terms of which one drives the best and is the most fun.

cheers
Nick

[brisel]

I have a MK 4 R32 & have tried an S3.

The S3 is sharper on the turn in, helped by the much lighter engine,
Interior is better,
Brakes are much better,
Really goes like stink!
Turbo means more gains from remapping - 280 bhp+
Probably better residual values,
Less of a boy racer image?
Possibly better mpg on a sedate drive (wtf?). I wouldn't know!

But:

Will never sound as good - you can't beat the V6 for noise,
Chronic turbo lag - forget it below 2800 rpm,
You pay for the privelige (sp) of having those 4 rings on the car, but might get better service as a result.

S3 - more fun and more classy
R32 - The noise. Hmmm. [dribble]. I'd rather have the R32 for a long journey.

I'd get one if something happened to my R32 but I'm not swapping it in for one.

HTH

Edited by brisel on Friday 27th April 19:58

[nickb55]

Hi, thanks for the info. Have tested the S3, and R32 manual and dsg today. I must say, i was assuming the S3 would be better... BUT... it may well be me... i found the grip and turn in on the S3 inferior and steering too light, the noise nowhere near as good, and most annoyingly, even at 40, the S3 in 6th laboured, whereas the the R32 (manual) pulled comfortably in 6th from less than 30. I've had 3 911's , inc a 997S, and 2 M3's, and the grip/traction on the R32 was at least equal , if not better. Only slight complaint would be the brakes are a bit sharp.

I think if u kept the revs up on the S3, it would be fine, so on a track that's ok, but for everyday roads/drving, the r32 knocked spots off it.

I was also very impressed with the dsg, having read mixed reports. In auto it was fine in stop/start traffic, and it really came into its own in sport mode. Much better than the similar semi-auto on the M3. I thought the interior was much nicer than the S3 too, which was surprising.

I was looking for a car that would look good (but not lary), sound good, be fun and put a smile on my face every time i drove it... and the R32 is definately it. Have probably over-paid a bit (but then fun costs money!), but gone for a 18mth one at a local VW dealer, in deep blue.

cheers,
Nick

[2 sMoKiN bArReLs]

nickb55 said:

Only slight complaint would be the brakes are a bit sharp.

I stop about a yard sooner than expected

[nickb55]

my mother has a polo, automatic. it neeed to be moved around on our driveway, so i offered to do it.... and nearly put myself thru the windscreen when i braked

[00161wj]

nickb55 said:

my mother has a polo, automatic. it neeed to be moved around on our driveway, so i offered to do it.... and nearly put myself thru the windscreen when i braked

Dont use your left foot then

[Fort Jefferson]

brisel said:

I have a MK 4 R32 & have tried an S3.

The S3 is sharper on the turn in, helped by the much lighter engine,
Interior is better,
Brakes are much better,
Really goes like stink!
Turbo means more gains from remapping - 280 bhp+
Probably better residual values,
Less of a boy racer image?
Possibly better mpg on a sedate drive (wtf?). I wouldn't know!

But:

Will never sound as good - you can't beat the V6 for noise,
Chronic turbo lag - forget it below 2800 rpm,
You pay for the privelige (sp) of having those 4 rings on the car, but might get better service as a result.

S3 - more fun and more classy
R32 - The noise. Hmmm. [dribble]. I'd rather have the R32 for a long journey.

I'd get one if something happened to my R32 but I'm not swapping it in for one.

HTH

Now, now, this is not the sort of post we are used to on Pistonheads, it's far too balanced and educated.

[KUB3]

I've owned both the previous S3 and R32. Both are great but I think the S3 is a little better in these areas - lighter nose for turn in, less lumpy engine delivery, less boom noise on long journey's, more eager, less fuel, faster when pushing on. It's maybe 5-10% better imho. I do still love the R32 though - easily the best VW ever made.

[brisel]

"Now, now, this is not the sort of post we are used to on Pistonheads, it's far too balanced and educated."

Sorry - I have crossed over from the dark side (Tyresmoke)

Nickb55 - glad you got the R32. That S3 turbo lag got on my tits!

[drgav2005]

Hi Nick,

Congrats on the new purchase - enjoy! Stick some pics up....

Gav

[nickb55]

Thanks Gav. Picked the car up on Sat and spent quite a lot of time in it over the long weekend Will post a few pics and an appraisal of the first few days driving as soon as i get a chance. But in short... it's even better, in fact, MUCH better than i thought it was going to be. I'm really pleased with it, in every respect; performance (which felt like it is underestimated in the offical figures), handling, grip, space, comfort etc, and the DSG is fantastic, both in town and nailing it on country roads (i cant understand why many of the reviews slate it.)

cheers
Nick

[Tonsko]

Welcome to R32 ownership! You'll find yourself popping out for a paper on a sunday morning and getting back about 90 minutes later. Be prepared to have an empty wallet

If you need advice on maintenance, garages etc, tyresmoke.net is a great place, loads of knowledgable R32 folks, pretty friendly too. There's also a new forum, the R32 owners club r32oc.co.uk.

Enjoy!

[nickb55]

thanks for the info Tonko. Will post first impressions shortly....

[stevie_d]

I mostly agree with the points above, but not sure what people are talking about turbo lag for? If you're in 6th gear at 30/40mph then your driving style needs addressing, you should change this depending on what car you are driving

[brisel]

You have an 8P S3, don't you?

Would you say that it lacks a bit of torque and turbo whistle below 2800 rpm?

I just implied that the R32 has better bottom end grunt, that's all.

A Honda VTEC engine is an extreme example of no bottom end pull, but there's still thousands of CTR/S2000 owners with silly grins on their faces too...

[stevie_d]

Brisel> I assume you're off TSN mate? Thought I recognised the name :P

Yeah, got an 8P. There's not an awful lot under 2800, but it's not completely dead tbh.

I reckon the R32 is a cracking car tho, they sound glorious.

[theaxe]

Tonsko said:

You'll find yourself popping out for a paper on a sunday morning and getting back about 90 minutes later.

... and if you do that today and get the times you'll see Clarkson's piece about the S3 vs. R32

[stevie_d]

Theaxe, thanks for the heads up.

Good excuse to go out for a drive!

[Tonsko]

http://driving.timesonline.co.uk/tol/

[brisel]

Good find, Theaxe! JC didn't like the turbo lag either...

Stevie_d - Yep, I'm on TSN too.

I don't want to put the S3 down too much - the looks, handling, interior and build quality exceed that of the R32. I would get an S3 if something happened to my R32 - I just think that Audi got the engine setup a bit wrong. I'd rather have an A3/VW GTI 2.0 TFSI engine with a good remap than the oversize turbo that they put on the 8P S3. Some of the cars for the US market get a reworked V5 engine instead

Was it a long way to the newsagent?