CHEAP Audi RS3... Do I HATE It?!

About a year ago I bought a facelift Audi RS3 saloon in nardo grey and I liked it, I just didn't love it. In this video I revisit the RS3 subject but this time with a pre-facelift hatchback car. Find out my overall thoughts including 20 - 70mph dragy times in this video.
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[@CalvinsCarDiary]

New video every Wednesday and Sunday at 6pm 🔥 My insta: instagram.com/calvinscardiary? My TikTok: vm.tiktok.com/ZMRdEGYpw/

[@spudhead1161]

Certainly were not £40k new mate. Just seen 15 and 16 plates between £34k £39k

[@nevergiveup65991]

Calvin has it had paint on the hatch might be the light?

[@davem8472]

Think you’ve summed up the RS3 well, I had a first gen 12 plate one and liked it but a bit dull due to understeer. I’d like to know your thoughts on depreciation thou. They are more expensive than some of the other cars you mention but will they lose less over a year or two and therefore actually be ‘cheaper’ to own?

[@alancarew4841]

Calv, who did the stage 1 on your 140 i?

[@graememacdonald6306]

‘you don’t see rs3s anywhere’ you should take a drive through Bradford

[@K7aus2000]

After i smashed my 1st RS3, it was sold by the insurance co, it resurfaced in Bradford with better spec and less miles on it. Someone wanted to spend £25k repairing my car to better than original condition, or they just stole another car and put my old plates on it?????

[@Rookiereece]

@@K7aus2000 that's very strange, both possibilities are likely right

[@K7aus2000]

@@Rookiereece Yes - Both possibilities are viable. Insurance paid out 36k, car sold via salvage co for 10k - Insurance assessed damage was 25k. Add supersport seats and roof rails retro fitted must have been another 2-3k, changing colour of brake calipers and wheels must be another 1-2k. Someone loved that car!

[@hamidkhan6638]

Yep about see about 20 a day

[@WhalleyRangeMassive]

Or try Bolton, Blackburn, Preston and Oldham! Everywhere being driven by total pricks.

[@lozcossie]

I sold my F80 M3 and bought a 66 plate RS3. I’ve had the RS3 for three years now and I still love it.

[@alanhyper9266]

How did you feel about the M3?

[@lozcossie]

@@alanhyper9266 loved it. It was a great car and I would highly recommend it. I just prefer the RS3 as it sounds better and I like the 4WD.

[@alanhyper9266]

@@lozcossie Thanks mate

[@richardlahiff1529]

RS3 for me all day over the BM! that 5 pot noise and the Quatro AWD system is just a win imo.

[@slen6293]

I like the RS3 but have driven both and the sound of the BMW inline 6 cylinder wins hands down IMO. Though the Quattro is a positive and a negative against the 140i. Way better traction and use ability but potentially less excitement

[@Rs3mocha]

@@slen6293 bmw str8 6 dosent sound better than the audi 5 pot your opinion is obsolete

[@slen6293]

@@Rs3mocha my opinion is not obsolete because it is my opinion and I still hold it 😂😂 your comment makes no sense haha

[@Rs3mocha]

@@slen6293 beep bee boo Not computing Opinion is obsolete

[@dawiebotes9124]

Sounds like an R8 because its engine is half of a v10. the R8's have two ECU's one for each side of the motor.

[@LordOfChaos.x]

An inline 5 will sound better than a v10 if straight piped

[@jp3630]

@@LordOfChaos.x inline 5 will sound better than a v10...🤣🤣🤣

[@kb4731]

Always happy to see your notification pop up on my screen calv have a good night 🤟🏽💯

[@EIt3pRo]

Tbh RS3 any day, sounds better, better all rounder than an m3/m2/ m140i in British weather sooo yea

[@Chris-nj1mr]

Drive one. They're just a bit numb

[@EIt3pRo]

@@Chris-nj1mr I have one, had an m140.

[@Chris-nj1mr]

Each to their own! Both have their merits, but most will agree the bmw is more rewarding to drive enthusiastically.

[@davidjack3]

I agree,the rs3 will be a lot safer than the Bmws on the uk roads ,with wet,damp snowy and icy conditions

[@lewisk112]

Beemas more of a drivers car though. M over RS any day

[@jamesst12]

Had my 2016 RS3 for over 3 years now and still love it! 😂

[@dubbog7870]

still have it?🤣 i’m saving for one now, i’m cloooose mannnnnn.

[@armaanhussain6729]

@@dubbog7870you got it yet?

[@nathanbee4597]

should have done the draggy using launch control - i have one with forged engine, full fuel system (additional port injection which Fl have stock) & hybrid TTE turbo. I picked the RS3 over the M2 because it looks like a mazda 3, i like the stealth appearance - i even debadged and placed a base A3 badge on the rear to troll people.

[@adplays7261]

Damn how much brake u running

[@sinnysinsin_]

F80 M3 for me all day over an RS3, I'd also chose an M2 over 1 as well

[@weirdobagins8948]

Rs3 holds its value more back on resale

[@franklins8657]

@@weirdobagins8948 I know. Makes no sense

[@stephenpeacock2627]

Lol, a m3 is so common Friends have had f80 and f92 m3s and they’ve spent more time in the garage than driving. M2 is a totally different car, 3 doors for starters.

[@madaniakhtar1112]

@@stephenpeacock2627 man said f92 get your facts right before judging someone's opinion 🤣

[@franklins8657]

@@stephenpeacock2627 owned both. Unless In first and second gear, or tuned, the rs3 is the most disappointing car I’ve owned. Minus the sound. M3’s more common for a reason.

[@1881Gordon]

Wow: you really went in on RS3s Calvin. Appreciate your honest appraisal. Just don't expect a thumbs up from TR Hamza though 😂.

[@md-detailing]

Love the Rs3,exterior and interior especially those black seats with red stitching :D Great video Calv :D

[@Leo9984]

Just sold my f80 m3 comp and bought a rs3 best decision i ever made love it 👍

[@audirs3564]

Nice it’s the better car the Rs3

[@Chris-dc6in]

Facelift or pre facelift?

[@Leo9984]

@@Chris-dc6in pre facelift

[@moahmed6863]

Yes calv rolex gang well deserved👊🏽

[@123b3n123]

You don't see a lot of RS3's because they've all been stolen :D

[@joshryder7242]

Or understeered into oblivion!

[@Bazgti250]

Myth! Day to day driving on public roads with the odd spirited drive. RS3s are more than capable. Its usually a bellend BMW drivers go to argument as to why BMW are better than Audi. I live in the North of England where it pisses down daily and snows frequently in winter. My neighbours 135i is useless for large parts of the year, whilst my RS3 does exactly what its supposed to day regardless of the weather.

[@williamoakes664]

@@Bazgti250 yes but on the other 345 days when it’s not snowing rwd is far more enjoyable day to day (Rain just makes it more of a playful drive)….ps good fun in the snow too with winter tyres 😉

[@K20TypeR]

Man I can never get tired of your videos. Perfect balance of knowledge, fun and honest insight into the car and your experience. You just can't buy good character

[@oliverwisefitness6680]

Comppletely agree, they should be 5-7k cheaper than they are. They do hold value crazy well though so you'll never lose too much.

[@lukas6610]

audi couldve put a 4 pot in there and make the interior a bit cheaper and it wouldve been alot cheaper but then it would be just like any other hatch. This is just unique and the sound is awsome

[@rsfez09]

That’s what the S3 is for.

[@tommckee5277]

The problem with the RS3 is that it doesn’t look as aggressive as it should in comparison to the S3

[@lewiscannon8213]

If it's a low spec rs3 Pfl like in the video yes I agree it's hard to see the difference in the both, but when the rs3 is specced the pre-facelift RS3 looks fucking amazing in comparison.

[@xlewis1209x]

Should have flared the arches even more like the other RS models

[@tommckee5277]

@@xlewis1209x Agreed mate

[@iMortalHQ]

it does look angry.

[@ryanhall9347]

same with 140i, you shouldn't have to do all these mods to make these cars look like aggressive

[@c3dpo]

Watching your grin develop in time with the engine note 10/10 😁

[@UndeadCrook]

F80 m3 any day of the week mate, would prefer m2 as I like the size more but the m3 will do as well :D

[@garyhaines4051]

I’ve had both. F80 m3, rs3 8v and rs3 8p. 100% the m3 feels more special. I always got people asking how I was getting on with the s3 and I always had to remind them it’s a rs3 haha

[@user-el2zj3pw5r]

In street racing, on dry, how would they compare with each other m3 vs rs3

[@unrealcars1564]

Yes I completely agree the m3 is better and more fun but the 530bhp rs3 with akroprovic exhaust sounds phonomenal and the torque on it feels amazing

[@philip244]

@@user-el2zj3pw5rrs3 better round town m3 better on motorway simple

[@tycorcoran6965]

The car culture in a video. I have a 944 S2. I love it, my friend has a 944 Turbo, he swears by it. We will never agree, but we get on as we are car nuts with several other projects that keep us entertained

[@sirflexxx]

Good video bro 👍 There's something special about the way them cars sound even from factory...

[@dale11111]

Yes Calvin great Vidio again bro peace from 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿

[@tattooedgamer5183]

Even though I will never have £30,000 its got to be RS3 for me.

[@y.stackz3186]

never say never

[@The_journeyy]

Calvin surely you can't hate something so beautiful 😭

[@audirs3564]

As a FL pre OPF Rs3 owner it’s the best car I’ve owned .

[@VuBeClan]

DAZA TTRS owner here, the engine is just bonkers on Stage 2 E85

[@jordy_ep3244]

6:50 When Calvin's turns into a Rally Driver round the Roads 🤣 calv you love nice Country roads

[@deanom8505]

Evening calv let’s get this vid going on this sweat car

[@creditme7866]

Sold my c63 to your brother today at binca mate 5 door saloon - pleasure doing business with them nicest blokes I’ve met and honest guys! Shame I didn’t get to meet you mate but fantastic all around business!

[@rs8psamo193]

Calvin, try one with a hybrid turbo and some fettling, with uprated suspension kit like bigger rear ARB and decent coilovers, you'll be amazed! I believe they really wake up after around 500bhp

[@K20TypeR]

Doesn't sound like there's much RS3 left after that!

[@jimes256]

On a typical uk damp or wet road the rs3 would make all the others cry like a baby🤣 they are expensive though and as an rs model should come with those seats std. Love the channel Calvin 👍

[@K20TypeR]

They're very capable but there's more to enjoying cars than just racing cars from point to point. Some of the most fun and engaging cars have no more than 200bhp and 2 wheel drive!

[@WhalleyRangeMassive]

In M140i or Golf R is much better value, but if you want the best premium hatch then it is an RS3 eh. Amazing sound, great interior, easy to tune for big power, premium car, pretty quick.....driving experience isn't that exciting but that's not the focus for many apart from motoring journalists. All cars are at stupid prices now eh......

[@jacks20009]

I completely understand too. Driven a few of these and I definitely prefer the 135 and 140 bmw. In a straight line the rs3 is brilliant. But that’s the only place it’s good.

[@garethedwards2883]

That 5 cylinder sounds great

[@simonleary2912]

I'd love to know your thought's on the B9 S4 Calvin, hopefully you get the chance to have one and give us a little content on it 👍

[@kieranhamilton8685]

Looking solid mate keep on that gym grind hahaha.

[@johnmitchell2269]

Audi build awesome engines, the best steering wheels in the business, top quality switch gear, the masters of AWD..........but the cars as a whole are not so engaging/involving/exciting/fun to drive. Like they have been built for people who can't drive. Just observations not hate. We all have our preferences. Calvin knows what's up though. RS Audi's need a bit more agression and personality. Audi's are too German if you know what I mean.

[@ethanwaterfield3830]

Hit the nail on the head 👏🏻

[@lemur2870]

I almost thought the same driving the RS6. I actually own a measly 5 pot focus, and I honest to god have more fun in my car. It's lively, exciting and you can "feel" the power more. The RS6 was too refined, too smooth, too good almost. The only redeeming features it had was pure speed, and extreme road holding. The RS6 will always be a better car, and by a million miles, but the little focus is a bit more of a laugh.

[@christopherpauling3314]

Love what you do Calvinplease give us some more what you think of electric cars thanks

[@davidcupra4913]

I’d love an rs3. But the facelift is the one to have. Less understeer lighter alloy engine block and more power @400hp. The difference in price between a pre fl 2016 and a facelift 2017 is huge for a reason.

[@slen6293]

What’s that then?

[@davidcupra4913]

@@slen6293 what’s what

[@alanhyper9266]

@@davidcupra4913 Hes asking what the reason is

[@armaanhussain6729]

@@davidcupra4913 na pfl souns way better than the facelifts

[@devonutopia]

I've got one of the older 8P ones at just over 500hp and I love it.

[@ninjashrimpgaming2657]

Just got an s3 instead of an rs3 because I didn't think the rs was worth the extra money. Got the s3 sportback night edition, dsg, supersport seats, bang and olfsun and really like it

[@rayner1704]

Sold my nardo grey Rs3 45k miles stsge 2 clean as before COVID now trade in value is 4K more after COVID

[@davidjones9060]

Used prices have gone nuts

[@lewiscannon8213]

In April 2019 Paid 36k for my 2016 22K miles big spec Rs3 8v from Eastbourne Audi. 2year 4 months later Audi M25 have just oftered me £30.500 🤔

[@zaink7037]

@@davidjones9060 yeah noticed the same thing recently. Wonder why though 🤔

[@brun_s]

Cars not being produced during covid means less new ones available and therefore demand for used ones have gone up .. pretty much sums it up or am I wrong?

[@serkdamerc6236]

@@brun_s your right been looking for a 2019 onwards c63s and the prices have gone through the roof like 5-6k more than usual...as you said demand for used cars are at a all time high due shortage of new ones i'm just going to wait till somthing decent moneywise comes up or the bubble burst sooner or later and returns to normal.

[@northframing]

It does sound a little like the R8 because when you put the R8 in comfort mode it shuts 5cylinders so the R8 becomes a 5 cylinder I know you know this Calvin 🤣🤣

[@williamoakes664]

It’s also in a sense half of the same engine

[@foo4572]

I’ve got a 2012 RS3 with APR stage 1 etc (WOW) and I hardly use it but do like it as I always loved the engine note .. they do seem a lot of money for what they are and I’m hoping they may increase in value being in Suzuka Grey .. I do like the M cars aswell as they are all good …

[@prometheustv2084]

2012 old bro

[@foo4572]

@@prometheustv2084 so am I

[@robertsmith6897]

@@prometheustv2084 whats your point

[@xlewis1209x]

There isn't one, just a stupid comment

[@foo4572]

@@xlewis1209x cheers .. he obviously doesn’t understand that even the older ones hold a fair price .. he probably drives a Matiz ….😀

[@jonathanmaclennan696]

Think it would have to be M3 Calvin...do like the RS3 alot too! 👌👍

[@foresterboy2011]

The thing is, is that you'll buy an RS 3 for the 5 pot and sound and if its possible then I'd have the exhaust experts make a new configuration to make it sound like the UR quattro in the late 80's. Its all about the sound just like the unequal length headers on the scoobies.

[@ttrs_8j_ss494]

I think alot of the reason why these hold there money so well is because of the RS3 8P for a good one even with 70k miles there still fetching 20grand and for a good S3 8P 10/15grand for a really good one. Personally the 8P is the better value for money same engine. If your going to spend 30grand+ save for a DAZA

[@lindaniayanda313]

I'd rather get the rs3

[@kevski.]

Audi rs3 is my dream car ever would love to be in that car man

[@ripper418]

He doesn’t hate any car because he is trying to sell it and make profit of it 😂😂

[@callumthejudo696]

Been looking at this a3 sport for 10k with 70kmiles 1 prev. car drives nice but the clutch feels soft and light what's your opinion on this? Stay away or no problem doesn't feel like audi q2 clutch that's for sure

[@amgvpower9322]

I’m Amg mad owned them since 1998 still own the c63 a45 now brought rs3 and loving it that price tag is not for everyone to understand only the experienced drivers will no

[@NickthaGeek]

Everyone sings about bmw's and how well the corner etc. Difference is as a street car, the rs3 will outperform it. In all weathers. Its a more useable street car.

[@DanB-]

Lets put it in perspective, M cars are all useless as dailies in the uk 80% of the year its wet and they cant put any power down, RS3 is same speed all year round so much more useable and that surely makes it more "fun". Most BMW fanboys dont own them, watch some vids of people drifitng them and think WoooooooooooooooooW so much fun Top Gear style rofl, that is not what your doing 99.9% of the time in an M car if you own it as a daily!

[@rayeedh]

Come to Bradford, you'll find RS3s everywhere you go.

[@hamzyali7]

Kasmir lalu

[@davrojohnson1156]

Rs3 replicas

[@davrojohnson1156]

Rs3 replicas

[@liamharis9246]

These car really held value

[@jamielaw3881]

I would love one but I do like the saloon 👍Unfortunately the funds don’t allow it and my 2018 A3 saloon S line I love very much it’s quick enough for an old fart like me and is a decent ride even with the sport suspension set up rather than the other suspension set up it comes with 👍 love all your vids mate keep up the great work 👍

[@Ztxk94]

sell ur a3 mate!

[@shayursaniparsad6945]

Rs3 all day mate

[@exerciseprogression4953]

That RS3 looks beautiful, Audi's have always been good looking cars and they have got some prestige. Personally I rate the Audi interiors, I feel like Audi and Mercedes put in work on the interior styling and comfort while BMW just don't quite do enough on the interior.

[@slen6293]

The older bmw interiors were definitely behind Audi and merc, though the new BMW interiors are ahead now for sure. Merc looks flashy but the quality is so so bad - Rattles everywhere

[@johntandy6830]

I get ur point with value I hav a 645ci v8 it's alot of car for money

[@ketovoreking5440]

Imagine a twin turbo rs3 👀

[@anthonyhaigh365]

I much prefer the old school audi they look alot more aggressive and sound loads better,

[@YS_Giant]

nice watch dude good buy

[@mcampbell10777]

Its a nice car Calfin.

[@gj3281]

You need to drive a facelift hatch car to compare. More power, different block so a lighter front end, different car!

[@chrisarmstrong6997]

Everyones got a BMW on the road you don't see many audi RS on the roads!

[@ryanhall9347]

no way you're getting a decent s3 for 15k, maybe some cat s banger with 90k miles but then you may as well burn money

[@1990danderrick]

You should do a video on your watch collection

[@connormckay6844]

M3 every day of the week, twice on sundays 😂

[@K7aus2000]

PFL RS3 with dynamic pack sounds awesome. Not the fastest car but anti- social from the factory. Worth same now what I paid for it 2 years ago.

[@lewiscannon8213]

Me too 👍 I feel the car's traction control is to interfering even when off its feels 70% still on.

[@alanhyper9266]

I definitely see more RS3's than F30 M3's in west London, IMO the M3 is the more special of the 2

[@robertjary798]

Tuned mk7r or rs3 ? Value for money Calvin?

[@jonathanbrown4453]

I need some help I can't decide what car yo get. It's between a mk7 golf r or a audi s3 8p or 8v. Somebody help?

[@clarky8387]

Need to take it onto a challenging backroad Calvin and let the quattro kick in and you might change your mind 😉

[@adam.mcdaidyyy]

Huge amounts of understeer is all that comes to mind with this comment haha

[@clarky8387]

@@adam.mcdaidyyy not on my car mate

[@adam.mcdaidyyy]

I'd believe it when I see it unless it's the latest gen

[@clarky8387]

@@adam.mcdaidyyy 2016 plate in sport in grips the corners well

[@adam.mcdaidyyy]

Literally the main issue that the pfl 8v has is the silly amounts of understeer

[@mom9386]

What happened to the BMW M5 guinea pig?? 🤣

[@arneybolt2264]

If you aint seening rs3’s about you need to get yourself down to bradford lad even ur average street sweeper’s got one 😂🤣😂

[@ashherbert26]

Test drove an rs3 very similar to this one and I get exactly what Calvins saying, it was really cool and sounded amazing but there was just something missing for me, and then for the money it didn’t seem worth it, ended up with an m140 and happy as can be

[@JimboJammy]

They are fast and fun to drive but I think the just too well engineered, like the golf r and s3 all you need to do is point it and floor it. The awd system and chassis is so good it stops the car from having a lot of character. But it depends what you want from a car I suppose, do you want a straight line traffic light weapon that drives like it's on rails or something that genuinely requires you to have your wits about you. People who have driven lots of different powerful cars will hopefully understand what I'm getting at. Of course this is all just my opinion so hopefully it won't get too much hate from the rs fan boys, they can be quite wild 😂

[@stephenpeacock2627]

Lol but the m140 is so ugly tho

[@grinner317]

No Pan roof!! I’d let it go if I was you Calvin. Do yourself a favour & get a Porsche turbo S nothing can touch them, you might even keep it longer than two weeks lol.👊🏻

[@darrelemery7659]

When’s naff co back ?

[@liambrennan2605]

Great video i don't get the Hype and am gobsmacked at how well they have held there money.Isnt that the understeer one.I dint think Golf R handles as well as id of thought on the limit and seem to be only one that thinks so

[@eoink8219]

I have a 2018 F80 M3 Competition for the last 2 years so it's the M3 for me all the way !

[@SM-ft2jv]

RS3 is the council estate champion

[@lukebradley986]

My dream car

[@garethdavies7564]

in this day of age you are either a audi fan or bmw fan 👍

[@ph3d]

I see rs3s every single day multiple times a day only time I see another F80s is at track or show few m4s about here but that's it just outside Glasgow

[@leesmall795]

Sold my rs3 was lovely place to sit and the noise was epic but wasn’t a good drive! Feels detached and understeers , have an m2 over it anyday but also sold that and now drive a focus RS mk3 and I bloody love it

[@rosselliott9447]

I’d rather have the f80 in all honesty I know they’re more common but I think you get more for your money and they look better

[@audirs3564]

Naw Rs3 is quicker in the real world . Sounds better too.

[@woodyr5gt113]

I’d be happy with the 30gs baby!! 😂

[@turnbull524]

Fancy a go in my 2018 stage 2 unitronic TTRS convertible? 540bhp straight pipe beauty with the top down! Let me know bro 💪🏼

[@andymilne6910]

RS3’s always have been like pin up girls,all the right stats and lumps and bumps in the right places,but scratch the surface and there is nothing there,no emotion no feeling just stats and a price tag.Nice bottle of scotch Calv.

[@B47t0n]

Everyone is comparing this to the likes of a 140i they arnt even a proper M they are the equivalent to a S not a RS

[@ipanemakid3058]

Calvin why don't you buy back your audi R8? It's on ebay for £85 000 or it was. Keep up the good work geezer.

[@johnpells5992]

Lovely car does sound a bit like the rs8 👍👍👍👍👍

[@fks8218]

RS3 all day

[@pauldawson6857]

rs3 all day over you just don't see them and tge sound is just awesome from rs models

[@lashd5183]

Mate Idk where you live, but they’re common as fuck around south wales

[@danevans3381]

It's like comparing a Rolex and a Tudor everyone wants a Rolex in the end.

[@taylorbob13]

You said you don't see many rs3 get yourself up in Bradford mate as common as a corsa lol

[@reeceperkins1226]

Have you had a new shape focus rs yet surely that’s on your list. They also hold value.

[@jamboSAFC]

Mk3??

[@billyfrankland4337]

It’s the noise of a 5 pot for me🥴😍