2022 AUDI RS3 vs VW MK8 GOLF R - Comparison Test!

So I managed to get hold of an RS3 8Y Sportback after driving the saloon a few months back, and thought why not compare it to the MK8 R.
Yes strictly the S3 is the actual sibling car to the R, but because they left out so much tech in the 8Y version (Smaller brakes than R/No rear diff etc), I thought it made sense to see how it stacks up to the RS3.
Let me know your thoughts in the comments! Also details of both owners are below:
MK8 R Owner:
/ 11kbt
RS3 Owner:
/ truburger
MY CONTACT DETAILS:
Instagram: @trhamza_
Email Enquiries: [e-mail]

[@TRHamza]

Sorry about the 2 week gap in uploads! Had the chance to review a RS3 8Y Sportback, so figured it would be good to chuck in a MK8 R comparison. Yes it’s technically below it in the VAG hierarchy (S3 and all that) but cool to test nonetheless!

[@pjb9010]

I think it makes more sense as the s3 and R is one car basically

[@epicentertainments3222]

Give that golf r some it’s lunch time bbe

[@coops111s]

@@pjb9010 you ain’t making no sense bro 😜

[@timothyhewitt6736]

Hamza, HGP in Germany has the MK8 R remapped: kzbin.info/www/bejne/sHzPaGmOdraMY8U

[@timothyhewitt6736]

Hgp's stage 2 mk8 R with hybrid turbo: kzbin.info/www/bejne/raKrcp6kfLCUb80

[@mqbr22]

Good to see a solid review of the MK8 R. I feel like here in the USA a lot of car journalists don’t give the R the credit it deserves

[@Bleronii]

Recently really started watching your videos, man you are so genuine and humble and also your videos are super relaxing and enjoyable to watch. The way you explain is very satisfying, keep up the great work brother👊

[@kgomotsomonye9136]

Your comment is very fair. Its my first time watching a car blog without any fast forward. Love your content

[@user-SZ888]

Love seeing the channel grow! 🙏🏽

[@SamAustin]

Great video Hamza! You are spot on in my opinion with the way you show your content. There is no wrong answer whether you go for the RS3 or the 8R as both are fantastic cars 👍

[@funkmasterjay]

Fantastic review as always. You clearly always take your time and plan your reviews etc so we fully understand what you're trying to achieve. Come on bro, stop cutting the junctions when turning right. 😜

[@TRHamza]

Thank you bro 🙌🏼

[@istiklalcaddesi]

I always watched you and realised I'm not subbed. *I am now. Thanks Hamza, you do a community service for us in a way and I really appreciate it👏👍

[@user-fu9or4uk7t]

What you mentioned about the gearing is bang on. Such an ignored factor, cars with shorter gear ratios are nearly always more fun.

[@BlueSquad00]

cars are not for fun they are deadly machines

[@user-fu9or4uk7t]

@@BlueSquad00 ?

[@speeddemon311]

Cry baby ​@@BlueSquad00

[@TheWorldListens]

Good to see you back 👍

[@ammanbutt7531]

Gotta say my bro, that is one hell of a thumbnail!🔥🔥

[@1881Gordon]

Man. This is just an expert run through of both of these VAG beasts followed by a shakedown. Very impressive content TRH😀

[@TRHamza]

Cheers mate!

[@theshems7468]

Loved this vid! Big up KBT Weekly too 👌🏾

[@Sdw77]

Great job, keep up the good work👍🏽mk8 is growing on me slowly

[@MichaelSmith17]

Great video!! I'm a fan of that golf with a remus exhaust 🤩

[@yourehuman9325]

nice review bro, haven't enjoyed a review this much. what! 👌🏽👌🏽

[@embakubmotoring]

Amazing video as always bro... Just a quick question, what's your camera and Microphone setup?

[@The_journeyy]

The interior of that Audi looks beautiful must be such a privilege to own a beauty like that 😍

[@RV_59]

They both look so good 🙌🏽

[@TIM612826]

❤️ Your vids ❤️ your thoughts, keep up the good work Hamza 👍

[@stephenlee9620]

Really like this guy! Great relevant commentary with a really genuine feel.. well done mate!

[@coastalrider1155]

Great review mate that golf looks brilliant man

[@ka528]

Some say dream garage, i say dream garden

[@TRHamza]

Haha wish I owned both! I’ll make do with the older versions for now 😂

[@reganbourne3249]

@@TRHamza you’ll get there mate owning the m2 would be a dream for me and you’ve done that, maybe one day see a m2 comp?👀

[@xXEliteSpartanXx]

And that’s facts

[@YOURCARSTRAIGHT]

The owner of golf 8R, said to hamza in a mention of IG , please bring it back stock, i quite like that demonstration of hamza's addiction and his love to tune cars

[@GEARED_MrLucas]

Great video Hamza! 💙👌🏻

[@P33mxn]

Sadly the interior of the rs3 looks exactly like my fully specd a3. When spending close to 75k I wanna feel no plastic!

[@coops111s]

It has nappa leather seats not fake leather 🤔 Quattro and goes like shit, that’s what your extra dosh gets you 😃

[@dogchainsaw3923]

You’re asking to much. The RS3 always had a cheap interior because It is based on the A3. Tf you expect a A6 interior? Be real.

[@luciussander8217]

It's just fine. I got my RS3 carbon a few weeks ago - struggling to understand the hate, interior is really nice and tech inside is excellent. Way better than my A45s Merc!

[@coops111s]

@@luciussander8217 I’m jealous 😔 hope you enjoy a great car 👍

[@pa1m3r30]

75k is the money grabbing people inflating the price

[@MrGarycoww]

Love your reviews Mr Hamza 👍

[@gti_remus9691]

A decat and opf delete would bring back the sound alive of that glorious 5 cylinder engine

[@TRHamza]

It definitely would! 👌🏼

[@miketilston1528]

@@TRHamza And unfortunately as the first OPF and decat owner found out the EML light instantly and limp mode a couple of hundred miles later

[@user-no6zg4so1c]

Great video mate keep it up💙

[@TRHamza]

Cheers mate! 🙌🏼

[@jordy_ep3244]

Yes TR HAMZA back with another episode of the RS3 v MK8 Golf R absolutely love the MK8 Golf R's the RS3 I'd perfer the RS3 Sportback man the older version as that car was Sick man love it Great Video as always HAMZA ❤️

[@10mkamran]

No one does it like Hamza💪🏽

[@K14RTP]

Honestly can’t stand the mk8 golf but they’ve really won me back with the R I must say.

[@TRHamza]

Definitely looks good in the right spec 👌🏼

[@K14RTP]

@@TRHamza 100% bro. Does the R have that stupid LED grill? 😂

[@TRHamza]

@@K14RTP It does, but my mate who owns this one wrapped it gloss black 😂 Does the trick, looks much better

[@celebratecrypto3693]

Front end looks like shit that’s my only complaint

[@Sly_212]

Same here LOL!!! I would never drive the MK8 GTi for free, but id definitely spend the premium on the MK8 R!

[@RE-wf2hz]

Great video bro!

[@MegaSkillz1]

Me personally I feel like they’ve downgraded in all the new generation cars. No way would I spend 50+k on a rs3, rather the previous year rs6🥴

[@santana9537]

lol I agree. My cousin got an old shape RS7 for less than the c43 he used to have and that RS7 looks more mean and sounds better than the new one I reckon, looks too close to the A7 black edition

[@spookyreaper1702]

Kinda shook it’s the rs version yet you can’t get the rs trim? It looks just like the s3 🥲

[@aronsereke2184]

Nahh the new golf is crazy men , and its wayy faster too

[@jackjack4412]

@@santana9537 ok and what do you drive?

[@santana9537]

@@jackjack4412 SQ7 prefacelift, had a Q8 55TFSI before that, lacked on torque

[@mrwhite2930]

Just ordered my golf R for november delivery! Cant wait 😬

[@Pete7.5R]

Great review, definitely get why you compared these two hot hatches. . the RS3 would seem a natural progression from the golf R, so good to get a back to back comparison of their driving characteristics 👍😎

[@coops111s]

The Cupra is the natural progression for Golf owners, stop dreaming 🤣

[@thomaswinkworth2689]

@@coops111s lol.

[@mattsamuels3607]

Golf sounds soo good 🤤 👑

[@TypicalBlue-rq8ri]

Both look fun cars bud 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥

[@geronimooo260]

Thx for he review mate ! I don’t understand how, in the UK, those are supposedly so close in price. Where I live, there’s a 20K euros difference between the two (base spec), the golf being 50K and the RS3 being 70K, which makes the RS3 a very expensive drive compared to the Golf. Fully loaded on the configurator it’s a 30K difference, given the ton of options on Audi’s side and the good base équipement of the Golf…

[@speedytvoffice]

Sick video bro 😎

[@SKROHAAN22]

Can't wait when South Africa gets them both. Lots of surport from South Africa 💪💥

[@Enzo187]

Why am i watching this knowing we can't get the RS3 hatch in the USA :( What a gorgeous car, Audi did it SOOO well! Great video btw! Never heard of ya but loved the entire thing!

[@oreomaster285rodneysmart9]

Awesome review lush cars 😎👍🏼

[@raihanhussain4188]

Not seen an 8Y RS3 in the flesh, but must say the MK8R is a lovely lovely car, VW have definitely stepped up the game. A pre-opf facelift RS3 is still my favourite. Great video Hamza👌👌

[@luciussander8217]

When you do, you wont want the old car. Night and day the new RS3 is proper!

[@charitybull]

I could have bought any car I wanted and after test driving and researching all the expected rides (Audi, BMW, AMG, Porsche), I went with the Golf R. One of my favorite things about it is that its relatively invisible. Driving home from the dealership (needed to go all the way to New Hampshire to get one) I realized that what it lacks in terms of inspiration when viewed from the outside it more than makes up when viewed from the drivers seat. The only downside.. and it is a huge one is that the infotainment system SUCKS. It is not just bad, it is almost like they wanted to piss us off by making the system so ass backwards.... Or maybe they just wanted to weed out the non enthusiasts because once you drive it, in comfort or in race you fall in love. If you are looking for a car to be seen in, this is not your car. If you are looking for car to just play tunes in, or easily access the climate controls...again this is NOT your car... BUT... If you are looking for a car to always paint a smile on your face when driving it...LOOK NO FURTHER the Golf R is your next ride

[@lifescansdarkly]

As far as I'm concerned that's an advantage, I don't want my car to be a cop magnet. Let the neon blue Chargers take the heat, I want to fly under the radar!

[@HtheKing]

what do you mean? the blue golf r absolutely stands out in a good way on the road

[@charitybull]

@@HtheKing true. It it is wolf in sheep’s clothing. Certainly doesn’t look like the sports car it is

[@charitybull]

@@HtheKing really not meant as a slam. I think it’s beautiful too. I just think that as good as it looks it doesn’t look like the kind of amazing performance car that it is.

[@irs4486]

rs3 is the better car idiot

[@davewilliams7130]

Very useful review 👍 it’s the RS3 for me

[@stevenkerry3101]

great video mate you just can't replace the sound of a five cylinder they sound brilliant .

[@kristijankopjar4629]

I'm so glad that you will pick Mk8 instead RS3💪💪💪 we share the same opinion :)

[@Carmodificationparts]

Good to see this video

[@MrRonan3]

Great video.i have had 2 Golf R's and now own one of the last GTI TCR's purchased october 2020. I live in Australia and the TCR on road was 29.000 only 2000 cheaper than a GOlf R. but there is no way i am spending 50.000+ on a Golf R mk8. the price increase is immense!,

[@chrisjones4863]

For me the R is the king but an underdog at the same time but that’s what makes it a winner. It has less power than the hyper hatches but it brings it and seriously holds its own. I can’t afford either but I will be getting a Mark 7.5 again soon, probably the estate as I have twins coming this summer 👍

[@luciussander8217]

Yeah, like justify the Golf as it's slower and looks shit 🤣

[@KeenJT]

An underdog in Australia that costs $93k. Crazy times

[@barryreeve6105]

@@luciussander8217 audi grills are ugly the golf is way better looking. Better seats and not as bouncy why would you make a fast car with bouncy suspension , I would want better audi. Audi only has better top end. Which in uk unless you are on a track is pointless. What you need and want for the majority of the time golf r wins.

[@Bebopin-69]

Congrats on the twins

[@marekadboy]

great POV!!!👏👏👏👏👏👏

[@hajirpirouzfar4131]

Jeez, 50k plus for a hatchback, that is eye watering money. At that price a lot of cars become an option even if its 2nd hand but low milage. That said, great video 👍👌 Would be good to have a reference point for all the acronyms u use 😆

[@ProRayRay]

Love these vids but that laugh at the start sounded like wario 😂

[@lenep9985]

Buttons are vital....glad they are listening

[@eugene5309]

Great content and comparison! Always be wondering is rs3 worths the huge price differences compared to the 8r

[@trcs3079]

Always. Why buy the cheaper component if you're financially well off ;)

[@hayyanmahmood2903]

best car youtuber

[@DaleSteel]

That new steering wheel on rs3 is dreadful. It's just like audi have given up. Only thing they got right was the exterior styling but all they have done is take face off the seat bochenegra. Which luckily is a good thing.

[@lordtesco]

Yeah, there’s a flat bottom version for the s line spec… very weird

[@shackleton274]

@@lordtesco i think its to do with chip shortage because my RSQ3 missed out on the better steering wheel and some features because of the chip shortage...

[@lordtesco]

@@shackleton274 I suppose but surely they’d offer it as an option anyway for the people happy to wait

[@nealkrempin7362]

Yeah I’m interested in a new RS3 but not with that ugly steering wheel.

[@mazpr2025]

Thank youvfor the video, geeat comparison

[@mabhutimoagi8461]

Wish you could combine those cars like Andy's RS3, that car is awesome 😭😭

[@pa1m3r30]

For the people saying about the wheel, it’s round due to needing to be for the driver assistance, don’t spec driver assistance pack and you get a flat bottom wheel 👍

[@STRmw2]

Jheeze, shoutout that tree 👌

[@JP_RS6]

I'll have to stick with my cupra 290 for a few more years. The prices are a bit rich for me, likely will get a 5 year old RS6 by the time I get to it :) Love the review though, new sub :)

[@bptzzzzzz]

best duo

[@Da__goat]

I feel like the price and hp difference as well as the features kind of make these slightly different target markets. That and the presence of physical climate controls in the rs3/s3 compared to the interior of the R just doesn’t quite compare. Of course, just my opinion.

[@nealkrempin7362]

Really interested in the new RS3 and plan on getting one during the life of this 8Y model but that steering wheel is pretty gross. Not a fan compared to the previous flat bottomed one!

[@TomWxm]

Can’t believe you’re unable to get the Design Pack in the UK. Red stitching & alcantara really bring the interior up a notch

[@TomWxm]

Golf sounds better too 😮

[@noizychild]

Super sweet, I wish we got that RS3 in the states....

[@triciamcintyre4947]

I like the look of the golf R,put the interior of the RS3 in it.👍💯🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

[@POZIMIND7]

I love the exterior of the R thou .. 🖤

[@D4nielJ4mes]

bruh, seen this video had to click on it with it having the new rs3, realize its my dealerships old demo :'-) bloody lovely car!

[@kwelitysoul]

The R can hang, but the RS3 looks ways better inside and out.

[@TM-ym9to]

Totally agree! The golf looks so cheap with its fake carbon fibre and dash plastics. Other than that it's a nice ride. RS3 the whole way 💪

[@AK-qe3pz]

Great detailed video man,thank you. After watching this video I’ve decided to put a small deposit on a MK8 but it’s gonna be a long wait. In Australia Audi dealers wouldn’t barge to do a deal less than $100k but I’ve got a good deal on a MK8 for $72k, so I went for it.Keep up the good work.😉👍

[@stevegaspar]

Crazy to see these prices. In Canada MRSP for a fully spec MK8 R is just over $47k. Now with terrible lease and finance rates, PDI, freight and taxes it's about $55k. Still much better than. $72k

[@AK-qe3pz]

@@stevegaspar yeah I guess so mate. Our government loves to tax us,we’re paying luxury tax to the fed govt,stamp duty to the state etc etc. Compared to the new Audi RS3 (cheapest quote I got through a broker was $101.5 k for a base model sportback ) or the S3 (around $80k) I still think the R is a better value for money. A45S after the MB fixed price stupidity was discontinued 🤣(was also over $100k mark).

[@AISWIMING]

@@AK-qe3pz Hi Steve, I'm from Sydney and looking to buy an new rs3 (100k) sounds cheap even for a baseline model. Can you pls include which broker you have used? Thanks mate

[@AK-qe3pz]

@Mr Sir It won’t let me reply to you mate. Use a car broker. The cheapest one I’ve found was $101.500 Aud

[@AK-qe3pz]

@@AISWIMING motorscout

[@Plupx]

they made the 8r such a cool sounding and driving car, if only they let the interior alone I would gladly take a loan I can't pay to have it

[@mitchcedras7032]

8R cool sounding ? 👀👀

[@Plupx]

@@mitchcedras7032 for a factory 4 banger it's pretty cool, especially compared to older generations :)

[@insidiousinflation8605]

You have some mad cars

[@hlf_coder6272]

Just put a deposit down on a 2022 RS3 today. I have no idea when I’ll actually get the damn thing, but I reserved the first slot at my local dealership. I’ll be coming to it from an M2 Competition with a manual, so it will be an interesting comparison

[@co2addicted788]

Haha you went past my bosses house by transport museum I live 10min away from beckett farm awesome vid I'd go for the golf lol 1st time viewer new subscriber 😁😁

[@azuris221]

I think you should start doing actual pov videos. Will be great

[@afgpkdk]

Do you know if its possible to get the same sound out of it, like the older generation? Talking about the rs3, Exhaust and also the pop&bangs + the drama when changing gear, coz imo thats all the rs3 is missing, its a better car, but without all the "sounds" its far from what it should be.

[@miketilston1528]

I really wanted to buy the 8R to replace my 7.5R, two test drives later (the second because the TC flashed at me out of every corner and I couldnt find how to get Sport or Off mode) I loved the car, immense grip, went well, but ffs the silly info screen and lack of any buttons sent me into a rage hating VW for messing the R up and also sent me to order an RS3 SB Vorsprung and it's just come off the ship. Happy Days

[@jimmycarter3114]

Your defo doing the taxis right now in a Skoda

[@Alishaan2002]

@@jimmycarter3114 bro, dont diss a skoda, what do you drive?

[@jimmycarter3114]

@@Alishaan2002 your mums rear end

[@sdkfdnksdfnj8730]

What u do for A living

[@Sly_212]

You did a test drive without a salesperson (to help navigate settings)? I think VW did a pretty brilliant job on the MK8R save for their stupid LED Grill.

[@darranjsamuel3063]

The cars on caffeine 😂 love it , made me laugh 😁👍

[@dirk5950]

Wish they'd bring that thing over to the states....

[@marveysingh9592]

Great comparison bro! I actually like the new RS3. I’d love a saloon along side my 140😎

[@raihanhassan1]

The rs styling pack in other countries could also have the front massage seats

[@woody555kl]

Both very sexy cars 👌 hamza you get to play with all the best stuff👍

[@_LLawliet23]

both are amazing, but the r is my dream car.

[@actuallypaulstanley]

The problem with the RS models is that the dealers will not haggle on their price as they want to manage the RS brand. Mercedes AMG and more so BMW M dealers will haggle to get a deposit. The RS3 launch edition cars are selling for near £70k used and £78k from Audi. I like the RS3, but for that price I would have an M3!

[@hotshotfx3502]

I prefer RS3 sedan looks way better over the rs3 hatch. Outa these 2 Golf R looks better though.. but I would take rs3 .. VAG for life 😃

[@evaristocorripio5434]

Man the rs3 looks 1000x times better, and yes the sedan is better

[@coolasice792]

I prefer the Golf 8R over all!!!

[@rowanlewisuk]

Just ordered an rs3 yesterday. There is no comparison for me, the golf r seems a cheaper half hearted version in every possible way

[@moza7826]

VAG have cheaped out on all their interiors on cars, the rs3 also. Have you seen and used the cup holders in the new rs3 so cheap

[@stevegaspar]

Really disappointed with the RS3 interior and how it seems to have lost that initial excitement from a few years back. In fact the smiles etc you showed from the Mk8 reminds me how people reacted to the 2018 RS3. Anyways I just picked yesterday my new MK 8 GTI performance (in Canada the performance trim is the highest spec and Autobahn the mid trim). I love it so far.

[@JohnDoe-kx1yt]

you pick up al the arabic girls huh

[@Nocluedo]

The s3 8y is the worst hothatch to come out in the last decade. These two are a much better comparison.

[@bravofoxable]

Very good video! 👏🏻 Imo, VW really should do something drastic to get the "Golf" feeling and charisma back in the, well, Golf... Every year it's like "same old same old"... Audi, on the other hand managed to make, also imo btw, the very first REAL RS3 with this iteration. But as you say, each to his own, and that we all respect... But still.... That RS3 really is something else 👊🏻

[@tcecoleshaw]

I'm getting my R for a great discount at 38k factory new, in white with sunroof, DCC, winterpack 2, rear cam. Ordered Mar 22 & due est. May 23. The sport pack and exhaust pack are soo expensive and don't make the car any faster (slower in fact when specced on the bigger wheels) let alone sound especially improved considering it's hampered by the latest particulate tech which mutes the engine in any case, so I'm sticking with standard exhaust which still pops and saving ridiculous sums that otherwise would get an A45S.

[@afzaal1987]

The laugh at the start 🤣🤣🤣

[@partsdealer3747]

Those engines covers catch fire

[@holidayusa098]

Great review New cars have been down graded ... its best to get a used one for less money

[@manny3332]

Do a video of the M135i

[@hyper8545]

I want that rs3 so badly xd 😭

[@nothingpersonal7184]

yo Hamza, could you please tell me on how to catch the revs in a RS3. I've heard you say that in your other 8Y RS3 video but I'm confused on how you did it, if you can please let me know.

[@TRHamza]

Just got to tap the throttle whilst downshifting, give it a go 👍🏼