Audi S3 Review! | Is It Any Better Than A Golf R?

[@ParliamentIights]

Please everyone stop comparing S models to AMG and M cars, that's what RS models are for.

[@AngelValdovinos]

So you think

[@adis4711]

rs is SOOO high than M and AMG models hehe

[@BahhJustaLamb]

The reason people do that is the previous generation. The C63 W204 did 0-60 in something like 4.2 seconds, and 1/4 in the mid 12s. The E90 M3 did 0-60 in 4.4, and the quarter mile in the high 12s. The B8 S4 (Supercharged)? 0-60 in 4.4, and quarter mile in the high 12s. Compared to the C350 which was slowwww, the 335i which did 0-60 in something like 4.9 seconds and 13's in the 1/4, and the Infiniti G37 which did the 0-60 in 5 seconds and 1/4 in the 13s, the Audi didn't really belong anywhere. It was faster and higher performing than all its market "competitors", but not QUITE as fast as the C63. Plus, Audi essentially removed the RS cars from the USA equation for YEARS, which made the S4-S5 the go-to for performance Audi's that aren't $100K+ Today, it's different because the competitors have caught up. There are "mid-level" not quite-AMG cars in the 43 and 53 lines, and the 440i with BMW that can actually compete with the S4 and S5 in performance. Also, now the S cars are no longer Audi's all-out performance cars in the US because they've brought the RS3 and RS5 to North America. But prior to 2017, I could totally understand why people thought Audi S cars were AMG/M/Lexus F competitors. They simply performed quite similarly to them.

[@kasseymtl]

I ve been saying this for god damn years lmao some beamer and cedez drivers think they all that by beating a s model lmao f out here bruh

[@jermainerobinson7098]

Totally agree with your comment those cars cost a lot more as well.

[@pipper_papper]

Kind of surprised you didn't mention the difference in build quality between VW and Audi. Yes the platform and drivetrain is identical, but the cost of an Audi is way more than just the branding. Audi literally uses better materials for everything like electronics switches, window glass, sound dampening foam in the A and B pillars, which amount to a MUCH nicer overall experience for people inside the car over ANY similarly-outfitted Volkswagen.

[@grgfourtinas]

TBH the S3 is a perfect car for a young professional ! Sporty , sexy ,elegant....

[@Online_ToughGuy]

Automatic...gay

[@kiljosh]

@@Online_ToughGuy I have my B5 S4 if I want to row. If I want to go on a road trip with the wife who hates driving stick, this works.

[@eoleite]

@@Online_ToughGuy have you seen the difference in performance between manual and DSG cars? Call it whatever you want, but given the numbers I wouldn't pick the manual. The DSG holds more power and it's quicker. With a Revo Stage 1 ECU + TCU it's around 4s 0-100. That's insane an insane amout of performance for the type of car and price.

[@e90chase]

just got my 2015 s3 yesterday on my birthday, i love how fast the turbo spools, it’s stupid quick

[@sb83236]

I also bought this year a 2015 sedan S3. It's just super fast (coming from a Golf IV 😁) and a great all rounder car. Have you done any modifications on it? I'm planning a stage 1 in the future.

[@Trades46]

The S3 is definitely a fun car to own & drive daily, AWD being an added bonus in Canada. However the price is rather insane on such a small vehicle and it the value preposition only gets worse with options. I think a lightly used S3 would be a great buy if the price is right. If you really want a new car, get the Golf R.

[@zauchsta]

Used S3 in SoCal $3-5,000 cheaper than Golf R.

[@doopyou]

Loving your vids dude! You've really come a long way!!

[@bananarepublic8985]

The newest generation A3 and S3 and RS3 looks so well! This one is good too but stand no chance against the new ones

[@3pieceandacoke]

Michael S I agree. The facelift they did in 2017 looks amazing!

[@toweronthehill]

Love Audi S3’s, such a fun car.

[@AtlasWilder]

I really want to get into one of these but the RS3 is making me really just sit back and save the $$ till I can commit. Excellent video and talking points!

[@xmark9x598]

You wasnt blown away by it because you daily drive car just as fast if not faster. My 100hp a3 has 11s 0-60 , you can imagine how blown away would I be lol

[@danI43541]

xmark99x in the US "base" cars aren't slow.. the slowest A3 has a 180hp 1.8 (I think) and e.g. the c class is a C300.. in Europe you have a 115hp A3 or a C160... still, we're faster on the highways lol

[@xmark9x598]

danI43541 what are you trying to tell me with that

[@danI43541]

xmark99x that he's used to faster cars

[@xmark9x598]

danI43541 thats what I said in the first comment lol 😅

[@PapiAndrey]

xmark99x Exactly, when i crashed my Gti, i had to drive a Jetta Tdi with 100hp and every time I'd jump into my other Jetta (1.8t tsi), i thought that the ~170hp felt decently quick. Anytime I'd drive my Gti after driving the Tdi jetta, it felt fast.

[@ZA5TEESH]

the 2019 model has a 7-speed DSG transmission ... that's an improvement

[@swiftripper7557]

I think it shifts slightly slower though?

[@drouxbag94]

So does the 7.5 golf r

[@Online_ToughGuy]

Automatic is gay

[@ramonallende]

Hi Eddie, really like what you are doing with the combination of the owner's perspective and then your more in depth review... keep going at it!

[@MACPCOSX7]

Keep up the great vids, man. Love your serious tone and everything you're doing over here. Glad you made the break.

[@Timpanogos5]

This is a great video! They keep getting better and better.

[@747Jumbo1]

Had a 2016 s3 as a rental and really enjoyed it. I think the interior looks basic but the materials are great IMO for an entry level car. It had the sport seats and that would be a MUST for me if I purchased this car.

[@victorvandyke9898]

Great Review, my situation is unique I guess. I have an SQ5 Prestige, so it has everything. That said, Audi has a Loyalty subsidy of $1000. I recently placed an order for a 2018 Audi S3. So I got $1000 off immediately. I built an S3 with everything except the technology package and got it for $43,850. I am going with the APR Stage II package for less than $2,000, and will take on stock RS3's for $15,000 less! Almost 390 HP and upto 409 ft Lbs of torque! Bring it on someone!

[@x1aou]

Great video. One of the reasons it inspired me to do a video of the mk7 vs a mk7.5.

[@nicodjulianto1733]

Been waiting for this review for this car! Now I know which one should get either golf r or s3! Thanks eddie

[@aychihuahua99]

Nice review, I like your enunciation it's very clear and there's no extraneous background noise/music. Those plaid shorts gotta go though lol

[@vladbejat]

in Europe we also have a 6 speed manual transmission option for the S3

[@danI43541]

EddieX yeah but you had manual S4s and M6s.. whyyyyy

[@vladbejat]

danI43541 are you talking about the b8 or b9 S4, cause every S4 excluding the B9 has a 6MT version and I know there were conversion kits for the 6 series to make them manual(don’t know if they work that well)

[@danI43541]

Vlad Popescu-Bejat I'm talking about the B8 S4... but at least the V10 M6 had a MT

[@Patrick76496]

Certified pre-owned? And what about the unlimited mileage bumper-to-bumper warranty?

[@johnpkang]

I found a 2017 with 6k miles on it for $42k and im thinking about pulling the trigger. For my daily driving. Was thinking this or the golf r also. The S3 I found also has the new gauge cluster that comes with the technology package.

[@perrosenfeldt9838]

Hi EddieX really love your youtube channel. I was thinking if u could make a video on S4-S5 vs audi S3 ty kind regards

[@RobertLeBlancPhoto]

Great content and production. New subscriber. :)

[@kamerun1]

Which car is faster stock? 2018 s3 2018 s4 2018 s5 Thanks

[@TheShogun100100]

What about the RS3? Shouldnt we be comparing top of the range to top of the range M240i/Golf R/A45 AMG? Or does that not exist in Murica?

[@ZDY66666]

Hey Eddie, do you only review cars from family, friends, or subscribers within your state?

[@DFWsCars]

Love them both, but ya for the interior I would go CPO Audi over new golf R.

[@Boombastick17]

Eddie, acceleration-wise, how does it compare to your S4?

[@skilledsports32]

Saw your i8 and the purple rs yesterday morning at m1!! Can't wait for woodward this year

[@scug]

Eddie, would you take an Orange S3 with 15k miles or a white S4 with 45K miles?

[@fellowape5923]

What video editing software do you use? Maybe bring the highlights down a little? Just a suggestion. Keep up the good work tho!

[@NoahShumka]

Fam the S4 interior same year is the exact same as a 2008 Audi A5 wdym s4 is a nicer interior?

[@doctorjason5719]

Keep doing your thing bro, soon gona be big. Always high quality. I'm a subscriber from Oxford, England 👊🏽

[@jiminkrott1569]

solid review. I would be willing to pay the premium over the golf R, but no manual in the US is a tragedy, especially when europe and Australia have it. but we can have a manual in an A4.. I don't get it.

[@Online_ToughGuy]

Seriously. This would be my choice hands fucking down no question if there was a third pedal.

[@Pinochet6000]

Hi Eddie, huge fan! keep up the good work! As a fellow Audi/VW fan I need to ask; where I can I get that awesome R8 shirt? Thanks!

[@Pinochet6000]

EddieX awesome thanks!

[@farazkhod1710]

great vidz bro, just pure cars and driving, no fillee bullshit the way i like it!

[@longbowdt]

Well Eddie, I finally subscribed to your channel. I'd thought I might not need to subscribe ("oh great. another car review channel"), but I was wrong. You deliver such good and honest reviews, without embellishment, that this grown-@ssed man decided your channel is a good way to keep well informed. Just don't go fan-boi on me. ;) Keep up the good work!

[@LoveLikeaHurricane]

I wish s3 has the Rs3 grille and hatchback version in usa

[@colinwhite2953]

This review is professional!!! Love em

[@harakaz007]

How much head room to you got on the back seat there?

[@harakaz007]

thanks, but would be better in a Hothatch version?

[@mujjuman]

love your videos

[@richardbuchanan7091]

Come on the S3 interior is better than the Golf R. Its another class up. Also the S3 Sedan looks way better than a Golf R that hasnt changed much in looks in years.

[@aarongundersen2318]

the seats look a class up, but that pop up screen just doesnt look as user friendly as the r. its 10 grand more. not worth it to me.

[@scarface8806]

Should I get the 2016 S3 with 8k miles or the new 2018 R.. I torn between the two!!

[@pancruz9291]

lazaro maldonado why wud u want a 16plate s3 when u can get a new golf r 🤔

[@ramivalencia]

Audi's wheel designs are second to none! Even if I think some Audis are bland and uninspiring, their wheels always stand out.

[@aantoonz]

is it similar to the Golf R?

[@Treizez34]

the irony that these can be had on the used market for less than a Golf R of the same year

[@sickjohnson]

Golf R all the way Eddie, I think it holds it value more too?

[@Lameboy7]

Had an M235i for about a year now, kinda mad they made an M240i right after I got the 235, but I'm still happy with mine haha, put all the M performance parts on and I love it!

[@ZDY66666]

7lameboy don't be mad! It's essentially the same car regardless

[@Dreww31786]

the updated a3/s3 has an available audi virtual cockpit that makes that interior wayyyy better. heck if the interior only had the audi virtual cockpit id be happy. hence my favorite car being the tt

[@hxcmusiclife]

Jeff The updated Golf R has the virtual cockpit too

[@SuperTobbe12]

Modern Music Life yeah but Audis Virtual is better

[@richiechou1605]

The virtual cockpit is like a $2000+ optional extra. At least in Aus and UK it is.

[@nicksepulveda6662]

New Golf R comes with VW's Digital Cockpit

[@vh9network]

The virtual cockpit is useless tech. I rather they not couple that with the MMI Navigation+ and charge $3,000 for it. Instead offer needed features like Memory, and Ventilation seats, garage opener, cup holder cooling.

[@kevinl6231]

Good job Eddie 👍. I hope car dealerships ask you to review their cars. Another thing: do you find any throttle lag in this car? I drove my buddy's S4 and it was distracting.

[@danielfulop]

What would be the point of buying an S3 in comparison to an S4?

[@sonhuynh8222]

I got the 2016 S3 because although it cost more than the Golf R.....the lease payment was cheaper by $50. Better residual and $ factor at the time. Easy choice

[@aljowen]

I didn't even realise they made a saloon version of the S3, learn something new everyday I guess.

[@DigitalNav]

Something about Audi that just doesn't make me smile as much as an AMG or ///M.

[@pepe8196]

Probably the understeer and the fact the S models have the power the base models should come with.

[@oDiProductions]

Agreed, but wait for the TTRS and RS3 coming out soon. I think those models might shake things up a bit

[@young9534]

But I don't really see the CLA 45 as a real AMG anyways.

[@DigitalNav]

Neither do I. Test drove it, nothing special. I love my C63s AMG tho!

[@temetaguilar763]

Compare the RS cars to the AMGS and Ms. The Ss dont really compete with them

[@tymac3306]

How come 4.4 seconds? Golf R seems smaller and it's quoted and I tested my 2018 R twice I got 4.9...second d run was 4.6....

[@mustafaahmedani6736]

I know this isn't really down your alley, but do you plan on reviewing a VW Atlas? I'm desperate to see how people like them. According to the salesman at my local VW they haven't been selling a ton.

[@Jacobk66]

Mustafa Ahmedani size is great, interior is about as nice as the Passat. That means if you don't mind the hard plastic everywhere it's ok, but if you compare it to even a Pilot, you'll probably be disappointed. It's NOT a Toureg. It's a VW designed for the US market so it's really more like the Jetta/Passat than the Golf/Tiguan/Toureg

[@mustafaahmedani6736]

Jake Kennedy interesting. Thanks for that! I just can't believe VW is charging so much for it...

[@mustafaahmedani6736]

EddieX awesome! Saw one the other night and in the dealer while looking at GTIs (probably buying one). Not so impressed unfortunately...

[@P_Tha_Pharaoh]

Good videos, try switching the car variety up though, 14 of your reviews are from the VW family either Audi & VW, nothing wrong with that but how many golfs we going to see lol

[@AsiSoy95]

EddieX Ford Lightning?! Hell yeah!!

[@f0rg0rr]

With the S Performance pack optioned, which gives you the sports seats, quilted leather interior, 12 speaker B&O, full LED headlights and magnetic ride, I'd easily take this over the Golf R tbh.

[@RIPPEDDRAGON40k]

I could never pony up for a new Audi without feeling like throwing money away, a used manual s4 with the 3.0t for around 20k...sign me up all day!

[@roblovestar9159]

Overall design, exterior, interior and upgrades are worth the money to me; I'd pick the S3. But I can see why young drivers might prefer the Golf R for the money.

[@srpsbb2000]

New to new. Golf r all day. The golf r has sick resale value, the s3 tanks quick. 2 years old? S3 is a decent used pick up

[@solen1849]

What's the difference with s3 and rs3?

[@khd8667]

solen 1 s3 4 cylinder 300hp Rs3 5 cylinders 400hp

[@aarongundersen2318]

Golf R 10 grand cheaper. I own one. It's fantastic

[@EddieX]

+aaron gundersen I agree, I love the Golf R, and I think that's what I'd choose and save the 10k!

[@monya91674]

R is also 1000lbs lighter.

[@Archivedintel]

more like 150 lol@@monya91674

[@effectgoods5147]

10 grand cheaper and kept it's value better lol but you might as well buy an S3 used

[@paullovesey4863]

They need to up date the shift lever to match the a4 & up

[@the-boring-car-guy]

Is it just me or did the engine sound really good in this video

[@Pearl3Drummer]

Iike the s3 because of the sunroof option

[@jereojala5645]

I would take the Golf R wagon (dont know if you have that in the us but here in europe we have)

[@Eon70799]

EddieX you can get a 97 subaru outback wagon with a whopping 165 hp like me lmao

[@mustafaahmedani6736]

Jere Ojala German car makers for some reason give us zero wagons. All we have from BMW is a 3 series wagon, I don't know if Mercedes still gives us the E class wagon (haven't seen a new one) and Audi is the same way - virtually nothing. They also don't give us diesels either when I feel as though they could make a ton of money by opening up a diesel market here. Tons of torque, great mileage, cheap gas.

[@mustafaahmedani6736]

EddieX oh daaamnnn BMW will have to get on an M5 wagon!

[@danI43541]

EddieX Audi should sell the RS6 in the us! Over here it's damn popular for its price and performance! Great car

[@xChillOutHDx]

it looks shit and its a vw

[@tylercouture216]

i love that green they come in

[@roninmidori1188]

Good review. Nice criticism. But i knew from the jump you were a Golf r type of guy.

[@EddieX]

Why do you think I am a Golf R type of guy? (Im legit interested since I love my Audi S4)

[@satajettube]

love my S3 love the audi brand, It was the interior that sold me . Virtual display is sweet.

[@walternugent1367]

I just picked up a 2015 S3 for $22k. With 44k miles on it. That was 3 grand cheaper than any Golf R I could find locally. I get a good chuckle when people list the price points between the two as a negative. Lol buy used and get the car for half the price of MSRP.

[@hjsimpkins1686]

Can't get a sun roof on the Golf R.

[@Mso94]

You are doing a great job! Your videos are way better than that piece of crap vehicle virgins posts every day.

[@waltersickinger263]

Those 4 rings cost..... Like everything else the "designer" label costs extra.The cachet of saying "I drive an Audi" instead of "VW" does not come for free. I have one...love it....and paid the price.

[@A99YearOld]

What is it with americans wanting to drive manual transmission? It's inferior to DSG in every way.

[@usernamealreadytaken770]

Because they're luddites.

[@3pieceandacoke]

DSG is amazing. People like manuals because of driver engagement. It makes you feel more connected to the car. I don't think anyone would argue for a manual based on performance.

[@3pieceandacoke]

Theodore Marakas That's exactly what I just said lol

[@victorvandyke9898]

Most people forget that you can still manually shift a DSG gearbox, only you don;t need your left foot. Either by paddles or by direct shift on your console.

[@nolongerhuman13]

Lt. KaLi SKILL. FUN. CLASS OF DRIVER. Stick is something a monkey can’t drive. You are WELL more connected to the car when you drive stick. You don’t think so? Try to eat. Drink. Text. Or do anything while driving stick. And you have to ALWAYS be prepared for every situation. Meaning your gear awareness. It’s also fun. The dopamine hit you get when you catch those sick downshifts. And the perfect shift going around a corner etc. it’s a diff experience. Ask ANY pro race driver. Even on KZbin. They will take a manual over a flappy paddle 10 times out of 10. Bcuz of the skill and involvement. Nobody is caring about the .4 second you save. The stick or paddles is skill and how lazy you want to be / involved u want to be on your commute.

[@ruqqo]

I would probably choose an golf r cos it’s cheaper, and some bolt ons and a tune could very easily get you to 350+ horsepower. I just hate how on the 2018 models and I’m sure they’re going to continue it for the previous models, they got rid of the sunroof. I actually appreciate having a sunroof. If golf r gets the sunroof back, I’ll go with it

[@danI43541]

Not the biggest fan of the sedan, I much prefer the hatch (Sportback) maybe because it's more common etc! But talking RS3 I'd go for the sedan.. don't know why :D

[@johnbosh8243]

Porker said he watches your videos. Do you watch his too?

[@xxtheycallmeeli]

John Bosh fuck porker

[@joanhernandezciriza3797]

so are you telling me the interior does not feel better than a bmw 2 series or a mercedes A?. it looks way better by any standard

[@RobertLeBlancPhoto]

Update, 6 months after I watched this, I just bought a loaded 2018 S3 last week, and I love it. The only thing that bothers me is there’s a hiccup that occurs if and when I floor it. Is this normal or should I bring it in?

[@ronthomas4003]

i dont think its plastic but rather soft touch, which is what my a4 similarly has

[@sokthearrith]

Could you review a Saab 9-3 Aero or Turbo x 6MT?

[@hascodelavega3098]

this manual transmission is missing so badly. I wish it will be available in the next years

[@f0rg0rr]

Hasco De La Vega it's not offered in the US.

[@MHLF1]

id take the golf

[@seanmikhaels]

Great vid , I totally agree with your opinion. I test drove both the S3 and the R and ended up buying the R. For some reason the S3 didn’t “wow” me considering the price. Also the trunk space is tiny, and seats too cramped for me as I’m 6,0 220 LBS. I always get thumbs up on the road from vw and Audi drivers , there’s a uniqueness that the golf R has that the S3 just can’t touch

[@2forgildan]

If you thought the ride in the S3 was harsh, wait until you drive the RS3!

[@colbyperry3325]

Nobody wants carbon it’s so played out it’s like the rockstar rims of accents

[@richiechou1605]

I think this is a nice looking car and I'd prefer it over the hatchback. However, this is a car made for Audi badge snobs who dont know better. And they're everywhere where I live. I've considered at it one point but it just felt like a Golf R with an Audi badge that is horribly impractical (backseats are cramped) and a cheap interior. I'd save your money for a BMW M140i or M240i. Not much more practical but much more fun and they're 6 cylinder beasts.

[@thatmancunian281]

comparing a saloon to a hatchback? why didnt you use the s3 sportback with the golf r? would of been easier to compare...

[@trackntrail2869]

I actually almost bought one of these, they are fantastic as a daily or tight mountain road cruiser. I'm glad I went with my SS 1LE instead ;)

[@Jvilleman400]

i can get 1 of these cars for literally within 2k of eachtoerh with the same mileage lol, im havin one hell of a time choosing, i hate sedans but dammit, so tempting. i love the golf r but i want more luxury grrrr

[@JKnationTV]

Eddie You should date Mariyan

[@ohansol]

time to show your girl/boy friend

[@davidheinig9177]

who is this guy and how is he so rich?

[@Tribunilus]

Video says comparison against Golf R, but i kept hearing you compare against the S4. S4 is based on the A4 platform, of course the s3 is going to be smaller, less luxurious etc.

[@crosslaundry740]

Since when was 4. 4 to 60 QUITE quick.

[@sofakingtouge2399]

if I was really going to spend money on a new car I'm getting the tt rs. if they made the golf r400 I would have gotten that. But screw it all. get an r32 for and call it a day.

[@drewh9044]

EddieX the new TT styling is so much better than previous gens. The old TT looks like a microwaved Beatle

[@sofakingtouge2399]

EddieX the new cars are really nice. like a half price r8. around 75k in the usa. spend 5 or 6k on apr stage 2 and you have a little beast putting down over 500hp.

[@scoss2]

Don’t like the seats. The super sports seats are the way to go.

[@G2020-]

Entry level audi? what...