2025 model RS3 or 8.5 Golf R

[AddyT.]

Hi All,

Currently mulling over both of these cars and have got a couple of prices. Either a RS3 Carbon Black with pan roof due to I believe having the Tech Pro pack, or a Golf 8.5R Black Edition, no extras. Both brand new.

Put in enquiries for both cars and quite surprised at the discounts which I guess reflects the manufacturers RRP s versus actually being able to sell them.

After some haggling with the Audi dealer in particular, the deposit on the RS3 is £10k versus £6k for the Golf and the monthly price difference between them is only £55. Obviously aware the RS3 will drink more fuel and generally will cost more to run. But there s that engine and the kit on it is better.

Have watched some videos on them and wasn t expecting in particular Volkswizard to seem a bit underwhelmed with the RS3 as where the likes of Joe Achilles (and pretty much any review you read) saying its brilliant. Some vidoes point to the Golf being too firm. Neither car will have active dampers/DCC.

Just wanted to ask if anyone else has considered either before and what the outcome was? Need to make my mind up fairly sharpish! Thank you in advance

Edited by AddyT. on Friday 9th January 22:58

[Belle427]

As an outsider looking in and liking both cars I personally could not look past the RS3 because of that engine, it just adds something special to the mix in my eyes. Obviously you pay a premium for it but if you can afford it.
Performance on the 2 in the real world I bet Is fairly even.
Both good looking cars though and a tough choice.

[chunkyjh]

Ive driven an R for a few years as a work vehicle and it's an incredibly capable engine and chassis but there was nothing special about it. The Audi for me would take it as I imagine it'd be more of an occasion to drive due to the engine note. I also think the front looks super-aggressive. Even with an upgraded exhaust the R isn't much to shout about.

[doogal]

Have you asked about lead times at all? Was surprised to be told 4 - 6 months on a GTI Clubsport last week due to component shortages... Not sure if that affects the R as well.

[AddyT.]

doogal said:

Have you asked about lead times at all? Was surprised to be told 4 - 6 months on a GTI Clubsport last week due to component shortages... Not sure if that affects the R as well.

Thank you so much all for your thoughts! The engine in the RS3 is what makes it so tempting. Having had a fast Audi before though I know the general running costs will be more than the Golf so not sure whether to go down that road again. (Last time it was fine for the first year or two and then started to grate a little after that) Have had a 7R for a few years now and know what you mean about the R’s being fast and capable but not that exciting.

I have been having a very close look at nearly new Clubsports as well today as if the right one can be found there’s some nice extras (like the HK sound) you can find and for the same monthly payments as the new standard R I have had a quote for. Also looks from reviews like it would be a touch different to drive than an R (not mind bendingly different obviously) so is certainly in the mix too.

With lead times, there are new R’s currently on the factory line and just a few weeks away. I hadn’t asked about new Clubsports but there are some on the VW Approved site with as little as 1000 miles / 3 months old. It just depends on what colour and spec you are after. Out of interest what spec and colour are you looking for on your new Clubsport?

Dealer contributions are certainly less on the used ones but the deposit on the Clubsport I have been enquiring about isnt a million miles away from the standard new R. But the Clubsport has leather, HK and a couple of other options so quite a nice example.

[doogal]

DCC is the must have for me. I'd be coming from an FL5 Civic and the ride is so stiff it makes my wife and kids car sick! HK would be next on the list and ideally moonstone grey. A bit like you, if a nice one is available I could be interested but I'm not waiting 6 months for one!

I've had 2x mk7.5 GTIs previously and had them both over the R as that just felt one step too polished (?!)... it lost a bit of the fun.

Id also take the RS3 for the engine alone. I've been out in a colleagues and that noise would keep me interested far longer than the R