After Driving the MK8 Golf R here's why the New Audi S3 might be better

2023 Audi S3 or VW MK8 Golf R?
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[@SamCarLegion]

Just a correction, the MK8 Golf R has a 7 Speed not 6 Speed DCT.

[@alwaleedbboy]

Also we need to correct what he says, they dont share the same all wheel drive system. Golf r uses torque vectoring. Plus 0-60 golf r made 4s not 4.5

[@Pratagraph]

@@alwaleedbboy On their offical website they claim 4.7 0-100km/hr which is almost bang on for the 4.5 0-60mph quoted in the video. But german's often underrate which is good thing. But official claims are what most people will look at.

[@1state152]

Might be far but if u ever need a g70 ecu tune and tcu tune full bolt ons E85 and meth lmk. I’m down to race or let u race it. 545hp 580 torque @Sam CarLegion

[@_Ambition124]

@@alwaleedbboy I've seen the new golf r do 0-100 in 4 seconds flat as well

[@aarongundersen2318]

@@alwaleedbboy car and driver got 3.9

[@johnwjeromejr]

HAH! So he says the Golf R is mainly for those under the age of 30? I'm 74 and have had my MK 7 Golf R for just over 6.5 years. It has a manual transmission along with an APR Stage 2 tune adding nearly 100 HP and a racing clutch. Do I need to turn in my boy racer card and trade the R in for a Lincoln Towne Car? Only after prying my cold dead fingers from my shifter!

[@stealthhtm23]

you have the best gen R, plus the correct transmission, and the fact that you went stage 2 on it!! tip of the hat, to you, Sir!! no car has an age limit, everyone has different wants & needs. keep saving the manuals, John!!

[@shubdeepsingh8376]

Keep it going man ! 🫡

[@jacebakerjace]

You are my spirit animal lol. 37 yrs old and w a nt either or. Never let someone determine your passions... good for you man!

[@RB12377]

67 with a stage 1 gti mk7.5

[@SamtheCanuck]

S3 is lacking the improved the differential so I don’t believe it gets torque vectoring which is a huge deal. Basically the the R is the more mechanically capable of the 2 cars. If that doesn’t matter to you get the S3.

[@B-Rok88]

a quick google search claims the s3 received the same torque vectoring from multiple sources. Do you have a source where it says it doesn't?

[@stealthhtm23]

@@B-Rok88 the S3 100% does not come with the torque diff, in any market….unfortunately. the new RS3 does tho.

[@dneault333]

@@B-Rok88 I looked under a Canadian 2023 S3, that I drove Saturday, it's not Magna unit. Still I bough it :)

[@MrjavoiThe]

That’s just a mimic trick, nothing to really make a big difference.

[@johnforbes4795]

NIce review. I'm watching it about a year after you shot the video. About a month ago, an apparently-distracted driver tried to drive her GMC Yukon through my passenger door of a 2016 VW Golf R (manual 6-speed with 31,000 mile on it). Both right side airbags went off and my insurance company decided to total the Golf R (It was a low speed crash and I'm fine.). I thought that I'd replace my Golf R with a 2024 model, but like you cited in the video regarding the Canadian market, even today a year later, dealers in the western U.S. are asking a $16,000 premium for a 2024 VW Golf R. That led me to trying other vehicles including the Porsche Macan, the BMW X3 M40, the VW GLI and three different Audis. I fell in love with a 2023 Audi S3 Premium Plus with most of the bells and whistles and 50 miles on the odometer. My nearby Audi dealer in San Jose, CA sold me the S3 at a $8500 discount, taking the S3 to a price of just above the 2024 Golf R MSRP. I could have afforded the dealer markup, but I refused to do so. So far, I really don't miss the 6-speed, and I love everything else about the S3.

[@kchan333]

The S3 doesn't have the Magna rear differential like the Golf R.

[@jean-francoisdupras2357]

Indeed. Another cluess here:P

[@abayamangali]

Yeah thats reserved for the RS3

[@alessandrobottelli7980]

@@abayamangali da quest'anno anche per la S3

[@shdws7826]

The 2024 s3 has one

[@LoXHumaN]

These things are going for nearly $60k in California while the mk8r is going for just under $50k, I’d take the hatchback mk8r all day.

[@mikado1202]

LUCKY you in California....the mk8r and s3 are same price in Australia!

[@LoXHumaN]

@@mikado1202 I spoke too soon, now they’re going for the same price here as well haha

[@MrjavoiThe]

Well, here are the same price, and because I value the looks and luxory so much, I think the Audi S3 is in a different league than the Golf R, so even 10k would justify the price increase.

[@dneault333]

Yep... glaring errors, however, he is right about one thing, you can't get a Golf R in Canada. Drove the S3 last Saturday, on / off snow, Haldex still works damn well :) I took my deposits back (had 2 R's on order), and bought S3, given a VIN and Date right there, unlike R where this is still no info from VW. (Even VW dealer said it was a good idea to cancel my order) Like any Audi I owned, change the back sway bar, and car is very neutral and DAMN FUN... that S3 is quick !! I drove A35 day before, S3 is noticeable quicker, that confused the hell out of the wife and I (same HP / tranny). It was a little slower then last R I drove, but the R was broken in, S3 was just off the truck. Hope this helps others, decide.

[@mikeolson7557]

Does the S3 have heated steering? I love the fact that the Golf R has heated front (and rear)seats, ventilated front seats, and a heated steering wheel while it appears the Audi does not. Plus given its price, I'd go with VW.

[@Alcott-jn7gb]

Everything you said is right except the dsg in r is 7 gears I believe and for me the biggest benefit of the golf r is the hatchback fits many large boxes which I carry often weekly basis . Otherwise exactly as you said this is the most bang for the buck at the moment and also available for those who their lease is up and over. I'm liking you more 🙃

[@BMWWolf]

Agreed. Should have mentioned the practicality aspect of a hatch, which is huge.

[@eddiea.2542]

Sam, was in GTA last week for vacation and family time. I was amazed at how many beautiful cars were on the streets and I thought about your channel. Great insight on this review.

[@01gtbdaily30]

I’d love to see a review on the Infiniti Q70S 5.6 . I know it’s an older platform but the demand in the community is crazy compared to availability

[@darknightbegins85]

Golf R has torque vectoring awd and it’s lighter, it’s the better performer. S3 better infotainment and luxury interior. Do you want more sport or luxury? Answer that and you’ll Know which to get

[@Bebopin-69]

5:32 not too sure the awd is the same , more like the s3 has same awd as golf 7 and before. 6:19 i even heard some dealers would simply pretend to sell to employee, take back the car , jack up the odometer from 0 -11000km then sell it for a used at 15000 over msrp

[@mikedaleiden7725]

That S3 is classy and gorgeous. My girlfriend saw the Golf R here and said "hey, its my Rabbit" referring to her old 2006 VW Rabbit. That is the problem. I love hatchbacks, but to the 95% of the world that aren't auto enthusiasts, the Golf R doesn't really look any different than an economy car from 2006.

[@katiecannon8186]

I love the way the mk8 looks.

[@MrjavoiThe]

Agree, 99% of the people would believe you have a super cheap economy car.

[@perrysolomon6020]

From my experience there is not limited availability for the golf R because the dealer I visited had 4 on the lot with 0 mark-up and I bought an S3 because the Audi tech was leagues better than the Golf R tech and it was way more comfortable as a daily.

[@brumalerie]

I’m down to either a fully loaded 2023 all black S3 or the mid level A5. Both around the same price. No kids. 50 years old. Don’t need to haul much around. Live in Vancouver. Owned only GTI or R my entire life. S3 is all I need but the A5 looks more mature and manly. Want something sporty and fast and nimble. S5 is a bit too much maybe. And the V6 adds to gas costs. Any thoughts or recommendations or tips? Thanks.

[@dubsessed9790]

S3 is more nimble and still faster than a5, I would choose it but I'm partial. A simple tune for the s3 and you will have around 400hp as well.

[@jean-francoisdupras2357]

They use the same Transmission. and THEY NOT usuing the same AWD system. Golf R has the new torquer vectoring rear diff(Like the new RS3) and S3 dosent. Basicly the Golf R as more performance.

[@dirkdesouza5975]

Where do you get your info from???? The Golf R is a 6 speed DCT you say????

[@SamCarLegion]

I corrected in the comment

[@viktoriya260589]

You fail to mention that for 4k you get the base s3 and to match the all equipped golf r you need to pay up to 12k more maybe even more and that's where it really comes up to

[@stealthhtm23]

yup. a fully loaded S3 is $70,000 CAD

[@tonymansour3578]

Def the gold R audi need to bring the hatchback s3 to the state

[@ohnoanyways6672]

I didn’t realize the price gap was that close 😭 Audi all the way but if I had to choose a second definitely the golf

[@MrTARIQSs]

The 8Y S3 fully loaded is $10k cheaper than a mk8 Golf R with missing options in my country 💀

[@theskyliesxx]

Drag race the S3 vs the Elantra N!

[@TheFhpapa]

I think you dont feel the difference in sport vs comfort, etc is because i dont believe the car as tested here isnt equipped with dynamic chassis control. Correct me if Im wrong the black calipers mean it doesnt have the s sport package (or something along those lines) which means the drive modes onky affect engine/trans

[@aycemanm8151]

I have a 2023 on order, and no regrets I cannot see myself paying 45k for a VW and dealing with what is one of the worst infotainment systems of all time to top it off. Also I prefer sedans to hatches can:t wait to be driving it.

[@turbos7780]

I have one on order but im not taking it switched up for an m240i way better car

[@aycemanm8151]

@@turbos7780 nice hope you enjoy, I never have liked BMW styling. Why do you think m240i is better?

[@SamCarLegion]

M240i is a rocket

[@turbos7780]

@@aycemanm8151 s3 felt boring, sounds also very boring i found my cooper s more fun to drive. M240i is on a different level

[@aycemanm8151]

@@turbos7780 maybe I ordered the wrong car lol...but honestly here in socal the BMW dealers are not that great .

[@stevehuk902]

This would be better if I could get the hatch like in Europe.

[@GoGetter-vl2kq]

Can you give us a race between the Golf R and this Audi S3 ?

[@Feral2k4]

2022 s3 comes ontop the 2021 and 2020 fall short

[@DarioDAversa]

The Gold R basically reminds me of the old B8 Audi S3. Smart move.

[@dacmm]

DSG is exactly the same in both. Sound in the S3 is artificial RS3 5 cylinder noise, so means nothing. Golf has torque vectoring, the S3 doesn't so it handles way worse. Painfully uninformed reviewer.

[@quadcoreQ]

I agree

[@stealthhtm23]

nailed it. I had an 8V RS3, and the 8Y S3 sounds very similar, inside, artificially lol

[@joelpeterson2074]

I’d take the Golf every day, manual, cooled fronts and heated rears. Save 10 grand? Yessir.

[@SamCarLegion]

Good points

[@closg9309]

Only highlight would be the Manual transmission. The cooled seats are a joke in the Golf. (I own a GTI SE with leather “cooled seats”)

[@michaellombardo8095]

@@closg9309 also the Magna differential on the R is a lot of fun. My cooled seats work better in my R then they do in my wife's Defender.

[@joelpeterson2074]

@@closg9309 I think $10k in my pocket would be a pretty big draw too. But to each their own.

[@aycemanm8151]

yeah 45K for a VW hard pass for me, also dealing with what is possibly one of the worse infotainment systems ever put in a car. I tried it, I work in IT and I cannot believe VW approved it for use. Infotainment is one of the most important features of a car, it is something you live with every day.

[@ArroGant1977]

The sound check comparison is not okay. My Abt 2021 S3 8Y Sportback with the Abt exhaust is not that loud as this S3 sedan. I also have removed the muffler but this is not doing that much.

[@saiejoshi5843]

The shots are incredible!😍

[@ojdidit84]

I'm sorry, but aside from the interior, Golf R over S3. Golf R is just the better car. Same Engine/7-speed DCT/drivetrain/Turbo. And you also get more for less (in the US market). Money not being a factor, RS3 over Golf R. Sucks that you don't have the RS3 in the Canadian market. We're definitely getting the better bargain here in the US.

[@audiwankenobi361]

I literally just sold my Golf and my profile name came from the trials and tribulations I experienced with both of my A4 B5s so I think that I'd just get the Audi......on the used market.

[@gennaromontagna9482]

Which do u prefer The Box on wheels(_golf) Or the one that looks like a KIA?

[@Maurisje0123]

the most important difference between the MK8 Golf R and this Audi S3 is in the quattro system. While the Audi still has the (old) haldex system, the golf has the more recent torque vectoring system, which the latest RS3 also has. Why not going into detail & comparison there?

[@MrjavoiThe]

Depends if you are in for the luxury, for the looks and sporty car the S3 is better option, if you are in for the sporty part, the Golf R is a better choice.

[@Anonymous-mu5bl]

Is that factory s3 exhaust?

[@gennaromontagna9482]

Is that gear shift from play station?

[@moochiezpitt]

I personally do not like the new A3 S3 body and face lift compared to the previous. It's alright. I'll take the Golf R and I'm 48.😉

[@katiecannon8186]

I’m 60 & female. GTI/Golf R is a great design in my opinion.

[@eliasm1406]

You’ve got the transmission all wrong, including the shifting pattern. The DSG is programmed to shift differently on LC for clutch protection.

[@nawalbhatt511]

These camera shots look awesome!

[@infamyb]

I'm either gonna buy brand new Elanta N or buy a CPO version of this a year or two from now. Stuck on which one to do.

[@closg9309]

I test drove an Elantra N, if you value Build Quality/Luxury get the Audi or Golf R. I can’t find a Golf R or S3 in my area, ended up with a GTI SE (Manual) Hyundai dealers aren’t as good as Audi / VW dealers either. (At least in my experience) my previous car was a Genesis which was serviced at Hyundai Dealers.

[@ChristianRunsNY]

Big difference between luxury or track readiness. The N can run great lap times, but is rough to daily. If you want a peppy luxury car then you need the S3 of the two.

[@Kzxo]

Ya that’s a pretty good idea. Hyundai is coming up big in 2023

[@cpamella]

Definitely enjoyed the video content and quality 👏🏾👏🏾👌🏾👌🏾

[@SamCarLegion]

Thank you!

[@ricodechileen4886]

I don’t think this exhaust is original, I have a S3 but mine doesn’t sound like this. I love this sound my S3 almost sounds like a 1.5 imo

[@MrjavoiThe]

Probably in your country there’s eco laws, because in my country sounds even better than this.

[@ricodechileen4886]

@@MrjavoiThe ah thats it, in the Netherlands it’s only laws laws laws and tax tax tax. It’s the most expensive S3 in the world I think. In Germany the same car is almost 20k euro cheaper.

[@PsychicMedium4747]

Damn thanks for talking about interior space for 6 Footers…most car journalist don’t cover that topic which is super important. I am 6’4” so would I be comfortable?

[@SamCarLegion]

Slightly tight for you

[@PsychicMedium4747]

@@SamCarLegion thank you…so the golf r is tighter ?

[@SamCarLegion]

@@PsychicMedium4747 definitely

[@PsychicMedium4747]

@@SamCarLegion ok thanks man ….don’t forget to race the k5 gt vs Elantra N. That’s a much anticipated race

[@eliseelfrink939]

I like the Audi most!👌👍🥰❤🔥

[@Ch1797]

My buddy got a golf r for sticker but had to drive from Colorado to North Carolina to get it

[@SheekTresSesenta]

I thought the newer s3 used the mk7.5 awd system while the mk8 golf r used the newer awd system?

[@sametyldrm8837]

Sam affordable car races sonata 1.6T vs accord 1.5T vs altima vs legacy vs k5 (base engines)

[@Nubsauce]

Audi dealers upsell the base models for the price of the rs3 msrp...might as well buy from audi directly...

[@anishagupta9765]

What amazing shots! Love it! ❤️

[@MrTARIQSs]

The S3 with all options including the B&O sound system is $10k cheaper ($58k) than the Golf R with no HUD, no matrix headlights, and no Harman Kardon audio ($68k) in my country lmao I think it’s a no brainer in this case Though granted, the Akrapovic titanium exhaust is a forced option on the Golf R here and you can’t get one without it so I guess that’s what pushed the price up so much vs the S3

[@stevehuk902]

Here in Canada it's the opposite

[@matthewmacdonald5107]

The Golf R has a Dual Clutch though

[@sanfordatkins5844]

The R has a 7speed DSG 🤯

[@Subby2k4]

Lol the S3 has a stronic 7 speed which is far more superior than the r crappy 20 years of age gearbox

[@c.d.willis4278]

It should have fog lights for what they are charging. My Honda Accord has fog lights and it looks better.

[@jonesa9616]

Audi's are nice to look at.

[@Subby2k4]

Silver pack is better

[@shaglioni]

You edited the video twice when you mention that the Audi uses a 7 spd transmission and not the Golf R. Hilarious! And you’re wrong every time you say that. Golf R has a 7spd dsg. They do not have the same AWD system. The Golf R has the improved AWD system that the RS3 uses. The Golf R is quicker than the S3 as many tests have shown this. All the Golf R videos I have watched, that 7 spd dsg is all thumbs up for quickness and smoothness of shifts.

[@johnstannard8366]

It might be nicer inside... But trust me the Mk8 R will destroy it on the road.....

[@xxthehuskycaboosexx]

The Audi absolutely has a better sounding stock exhaust. Maybe they took a resonator off or something?

[@SamCarLegion]

Probably

[@stealthhtm23]

it’s artificial noise pumped into the speakers

[@_Ambition124]

992 GT3 Vs new M3/M4 Comp RWD RS3 (obviously not the newest one) Vs 2022 Golf R BMW M550I Vs 2022 M240i AMG GTR/GTR Pro Vs R8 V10 Performance RWD

[@deoren279]

S3 for sure no compared ❤😅 better looking car

[@goldeneye9381]

i trust the german HP ....all efficiant

[@jagayong9333]

If Canadians just crossed the border, picked up a brand new RS3 and drove it back, would they be stopped at the border? If not, will the Audi dealerships refuse to service the new RS3?

[@SamCarLegion]

Potentially

[@tim3172]

They wouldn't be "stopped at the border", but would likely not be able to buy it in the first place. The Audi dealer will service whatever you bring them, as long as it's feasible. They might decline warranty coverage, though. (Although, strictly speaking, the warranty is for North America rather than the US so... I doubt they'd have an issue.) In the US, Audi has you sign an anti-export agreement on all S and RS models. If you violate that, there is grounds for a lawsuit, even if moving it to Canada. They also won't sell you the car unless you have a US address. You could use someone's US address, but then you'd never get it licensed and plated in Canada. Insurance would be a nightmare. Getting into an accident would be worse.

[@natewhite8845]

So, s3 or Cadillac ct4-v?

[@SamCarLegion]

Ct4 is bigger and definitely faster

[@natewhite8845]

@@SamCarLegion both about $45k base price. Both about a 4.5sec 0-60.

[@rlsedition]

I wish the US got the hatchback S3. Trunks make no practical sense in a car this small.

[@nevercedes2070]

Golf R offers way more for less of the price. Plus having an S3 feels like you just couldn’t afford the much better RS3

[@SamCarLegion]

If you can actually get one

[@chrisburry8147]

They don't even sell the RS3 in Canada so the S3 is the highest trim.

[@nevercedes2070]

Small demographic buys RS3 so they aren’t hard to find in the US same for S3s until recent.

[@richardsquires4884]

Been waiting for my s3 for 11 months now I got the vorsprung one

[@jroz34]

Come on Sam how can you be sooo uninformed about a cars features while reviewing them 🤦‍♂️

[@therues7071]

i know he did not just call the Golf R a beetle shaped car hahahahahahahaha. I'm dead

[@Indifference2000]

Did he lie? Lol

[@gennaromontagna9482]

Golf R $65000 plus tax LOL Or the KIA I mean S3 for $70000.? Hmmmmm

[@divyanshuminawala2905]

The way this video is shot gives me Top Gear vibes!!! 🤌🏼🤌🏼

[@Kc2Heatz]

The Audi most definitely looks better.

[@SkyRL25]

Try in Quebec to get one, its impossible.....

[@SamCarLegion]

VW?

[@SkyRL25]

@@SamCarLegion No an S3 they are all sold out

[@txvet7738]

This Audi does look sexy so does your hand modeling around the car!! Lol

[@SamCarLegion]

😊😍🥰

[@fungaming4k]

Lol sorry mk8 golf r . Better than s3 . . . And if u talking audi buy a rs3 that's a gem

[@fungaming4k]

7speed dsg in mk8 golf r is so must better than what u get in s3 and even rs3 . Ask a real car person . That has owned both . Really again and again this reviewer is clueless. Anywho . Great videos but review point of them are so off .

[@arctictruck10]

Audi over VW 10/10

[@LoXHumaN]

Same thing pretty much

[@arctictruck10]

@@LoXHumaN if you have the money you buy an Audi… if not you get a mk7

[@LoXHumaN]

@@arctictruck10 they share the same engine/transmission,drivetrain and turbo. Just get whichever you like more.

[@arctictruck10]

@@LoXHumaN Are you telling me the RS3 and the Golf R are the same my guy?

[@LoXHumaN]

@@arctictruck10 same chassis/drivetrain, but no we are talking s3 vs golf r as mentioned in the title. In case you didn’t know, vw owns Audi

[@ganuv]

The transmission can not be different their using the same transmission in both these cars. And personally I’d go with the bmw m340 it’s a little more aggressive but better even then the s4/s5

[@glistud8178]

Sam race that S3 against a infinity

[@SamCarLegion]

Unfortunately- it’s not available for that

[@HappyWolverine]

I'm sorry a golf r is a girls car🤣

[@alengreen589]

better to buy a Lexus ES for the same money.

[@napraznicul]

Technically.. same "permanent FWD" bullshit "awd". An useless garbage from the early blueprints. A sport car should be rwd bias or rwd simple, NEVER on the rear axle, which is the main one, that overshitty haldex.

[@OttawaTony]

Once you add all the options to the S3 to bring it close to the stuff that comes standard with the Golf R, the S3 costs 𝙒𝘼𝙔 𝙈𝙊𝙍𝙀 than the R.

[@MrjavoiThe]

Yeah but the Audi S3 is way better quality and luxory than the Golf R.

[@OttawaTony]

@@MrjavoiThe I'm now the proud owner of an S3 after giving up on the R after waiting for a year for my order.