Hot Hatch Head2Head #9: Golf R vs S3

[@hampshirephoto]

This was a close one!! Which one for you? S3 or Golf R?

[@ryansmith3698]

hampshirephoto can you do an episode with a Leon cupra I’m getting one next year so if you haven’t done and episode with one by then I will hit you up 😂

[@hampshirephoto]

I have one planned!

[@benvernick]

hampshirephoto unfortunately we don’t get the S3 hatchback in the USA 🇺🇸, only the sedan, so for me it’s the Golf R. Great video as always!

[@adrianchiu8415]

Hi luke looking forward to the cupra. All being well i pick my seat leon cupra300 ST 4drive in a week or so. Is the one you have lined up a hatch or st?

[@mohammedshabar8507]

hampshirephoto which is the better car to buy and value for its money an the Quattro or 4motion better

[@Shduebausb28]

100% would rather have the S3.

[@denispalt9184]

Me too, but the green on the GOLF R is SICKKK

[@geentoegang400]

7R interior is way better, S3 interior looks poor 🤣

[@Shduebausb28]

Geen Toegang ^Said nobody ever 🤣

[@ThePostie501]

@@denispalt9184 Literally

[@Feral2k4]

I'm gonna be real I've got m135i I'm just gonna say the truth the s3 is better looking out of all cars for its budget and holds the same power as the golf

[@Shadow-bs1iu]

The S3 for me personally looks borderline on the shape of an estate car

[@bradatkinson511]

S3, would love an Rs3 but can't afford to run...... Right now 😏

[@nickjh1968]

S3. Better image, far superior cabin, and rarer than the R. That's why I bought one😄

[@h-money11]

Nick Horton far superior cabin In an S3? You must be delusional. The Golf R has so much more going on than an S3. The Audi interior is so plain and smallish compared to the Golf. It’s like there’s a lot more going on in the golf. But to give it to ya the exterior on the S3 is amazing especially that front end with all the chrome lines

[@ItzD3fW1sH]

Your car is literally the same as a golf r. Both boring and soulless cars!

[@Unknownone851]

Rarer than Golf R, you’re being sarcastic right. All I ever see is s3’s where I live bro. Currently contemplating between a s3 or a s5 (bit of a long car and I hate long cars) 😬

[@kgtp]

I just think the floating tablet-style infotainment screen looks garbage compared to the Golf R

[@AR-fw5bn]

Golf r interior is actually better than rs3 too

[@jourdansangar]

What was up for showing the score for 15 seconds each time

[@CryptoJackk]

yeah so annoying

[@blower1]

From my tests on my R - fuel will make a difference. Shell V-power gives me 0.2 faster on 0-60 than Tesco momentum 99. That's 2 runs on each, same conditions and having driven a week on the fuel before testing with dragy.....not sure what fuel either of you are using.

[@slats1987]

That's pretty interesting, I always get momentum as it's same octane and a lot cheaper and thought it'd make no odds.

[@theendangeredpetrolhead]

I’m a little disappointed that you guys didn’t do more 0-60 runs. I’ve heard the Golf R is actually faster than the S3 due to being lighter, would’ve loved to see it here

[@poppad1187]

It’s 2024 and that green Golf R looks killer. I’ve been leasing Mazda 3 GT AWD Turbo but recently just returned it. I have a 2015 Honda Accord Coupe V6-6 speed manual which is solid as a rock in so many ways , great car especially on the highway drive but I now am looking at something different and the S3 & the Golf R are on the list of tight little rockets to enjoy ripping round the city. Appreciate the video , helps to watch and hear the various perspectives on these cars. With all these horrible EV’s being released its nice to know that there are some solid machines left.

[@tbc.AS19]

In looks he's definitely modded better golf one doesn't have a splitter

[@EverythingElectricCar]

Golf R obviously, as I have one. Tyres and tread make a real difference on grip and the 0 to 60mph times though! Both amazing cars to be fair....

[@poddyea2k9]

Golf R all the way. The Golf beats the RS3 round a track, so it will demolish an S3. Beast of a motor.

[@mfd7289]

What you on about ya absolute weapon. S3 demolishes this on every other channel and in real world driving. Ahaha

[@poddyea2k9]

Farhan simmer down - kzbin.info/www/bejne/Y2TNiImKgL6WhpI

[@mfd7289]

@@poddyea2k9 lol on a one sided video have a word with yourself.

[@ItsMe-fv3ie]

@@mfd7289 0-1

[@Chair991]

The reason an RS3 is slow on track is because of understeer. The S3 does not have that problem as it runs on the same platform as a golf R. An S3s and a golf Rs cornering is practically the same.

[@seanyworny104]

I wouldn’t lower either of those cars, they look good and handle well as stock

[@Whiponized]

You need to lower the Audi and get the golf on spacers

[@kevinworrall3331]

Never drove an S3 I have a 7.5 Golf R and the Golfs supposed to be the better driver car in the bends more supported seats while the S3 a bit more classer cabin

[@JoshXCVIII]

Driven both and I prefer the Audi

[@xtintin9631]

I have a Golf R myself but the MK7. Was either that or an S3 but the Golf edged it for me. S3’s do look a bit more “classy” though

[@bslothed3211]

Not a bit, way more classy lol

[@user-xy1fz6ru3k]

No hate but please take that wrap off! We need the lapiz blue back.

[@hampshirephoto]

It's coming back soon!! :)

[@wullielove8680]

I 2nd this comment the green does nothing for the golf

[@wullielove8680]

I second this comment the blue is much nicer mate

[@CryptoJackk]

no digital dash on the S3? urghhhhh

[@NorfolkBlue94]

Rather Have the S3.

[@baggie19681]

ive got he s3 and thinking of changing to golf R, massively confusing choice

[@chiquicat1]

Why downgrade?

[@user-nh1xu1ky8g]

@@chiquicat1 how is it a downgrade lol

[@tonymelnik2235]

Golf r I have one but really keen on the new RS3 in a year or 2 , beat that A45s.

[@chiquicat1]

Why do you even want to eat the A45... comparing yourself to others will only bring you pain. You can afford what you can afford. I drive an A45 but I own a multimillion dollar property portfolio, to me, an A45 is like buying an average car. A Lambo is just ridiculous in the street, but I enjoy the A45. It’s enough for me.

[@chrismunsey3185]

This has been my favorite out of this series yet. Although I love both cars,I'd take the Golf R over the S3. RS3 is different story tho.

[@IsaakMK7]

True

[@bambychoi9366]

Even though the cars are mechanically extremely similar, the S3 just seems like the more attractive proposition.

[@cheesesteakjimmy2076]

In your opinion

[@bambychoi9366]

David mcgloan Yeah... which is also known as fact

[@cheesesteakjimmy2076]

@@bambychoi9366 🎣

[@bambychoi9366]

David mcgloan finishing rod.. alarm... not quite getting it keyboard warrior...

[@cheesesteakjimmy2076]

@@bambychoi9366 calm down

[@slamminx3]

Love these head2heads. Just waiting on the TCR or Clubsport 😄

[@hampshirephoto]

Thanks buddy!!

[@johnjackson12]

Problem I have with the s3 is there's a model above which is the rs3. Where golf r is top of the range. I just feel all s3 owners will get the same question asked, why didn't you get the rs3?

[@mrheisenberg72]

Because they are a rip off, 50k..u can just tune a s3 n match the performance

[@nickjh1968]

In reality the RS3 is simply too expensive for what it offers. A £1500 stage 2 tune will give an S3 close to 400 bhp. Ok you don't get the fantastic 5 pot engine but I personally think the S3 is a better choice unless your minted and money isn't an issue...

[@opwinston4505]

Nick Horton but its not an rs3 tho is it

[@RB-H]

Didn’t Carwow do an RS3 review and the spec was like over £60k?

[@adamdar5121]

OpWinston welllll Audi rs3 ?? Well it’s not exactly an rs6 is it ?????

[@relentlesspursuit6894]

S3 for me 👍

[@ashwho-6319]

the golf r has a option for a akrapovic exhaust system that's why its slightly quieter then the s3 in stock from

[@hamakhalifa3625]

the s3 often not stock , stock has no pop corn revs even in sport mode

[@DaleSteel]

Wow 4 adverts in 13 minutes new record

[@dreamcruzer4743]

you need to download adblocker.

[@DaleSteel]

@@dreamcruzer4743 does that exist?

[@dreamcruzer4743]

Yes. Just google ad block and you can download it for free.

[@tebogomofenyi1835]

Golf.. you made me love that car

[@hampshirephoto]

That's great to hear!!

[@WolfnWool]

“cheers” from california! 😆 makes me proud to own a golf r, been killin most cars except ss camaros and corvettes!!

[@gerarddavid6544]

A stage II setup/tune will fix taking an L from a Camaro

[@amg863]

So basically you been killing all the regular traffic and the fast cars are faster

[@Adenya_E]

@@amg863 😂😂😂😂

[@bestbuildpc]

Can you please send me the green code for that GOLF?

[@AboutFocusTV]

Nice one 👍 By the way what do you use to measure the 0-60 time ?

[@dilix95]

Bro they have the same engine.. its just body

[@privacyiskey83]

Golf R is better as you get more spec as standard and it's also more spacious, simple.

[@xlewis1209x]

Not to mention it’s cheaper to buy in the first place

[@elleJay-mb4yn]

Chris I bought the S3 three days ago and thought I may have made the wrong decision. Now I can sleep at night.

[@mrheisenberg72]

Should do interior quality too bro

[@weg5856]

mr Heisenberg no point in comparing interior in these two cars, the Audi is far superior.

[@DavidTapster]

What I found strange was, the guy said this was his first time in a Golf R. If you are buying a brand new and end up with an Audi A3, then the golf R is also surely on the shopping list to test

[@you4dgrmi4dafam62]

Where did you get the black audi badge

[@kristianpoulsen4121]

I'm probably biased as I own a GTI Clubsport. But how can it not be obvious that the Golf looks so much better.

[@swannconceptcars1225]

Can someone help me? How do i the same regarding res delete on my audi s3 8v? Need pointing in the right direction please :)

[@Medji_]

We want to see a drag race , plz !

[@trojanx2006]

S3 whips the golf in a drag race.. seen it happen, not even close which is strange because they are the same engine.

[@djmichaelm3301]

Maybe Its because I’m from the US, and we don’t get the Audi in a hatchback and only in a sedan, but the golf is a true hatchback. Golf, GTI, Golf R ...whatever you call it it’s a hatchback and is a hatchback all day. To me the S3 is a sedan offered in a hatchback. Not to knock the car at all, but it’s really not comparable as hot hatch.

[@NarfGaming]

what does this mean at 2:22? restilite? restylit? sorry english is not my native language

[@michelle_0891]

res delete*..as in resonator delete.I don't have much knowledge on this but i think It's some type of exhaust modification to make the exhaust more louder .

[@user-wz4fw2ws1s]

Would definitely rather have the S3, golf R is a fantastic car though. Much preferred your car when it was in blue.

[@Sniper7329]

Is there a difference between the res delete on the euro r vs North American?

[@porcelains2856]

Trite format and point system is daft

[@VaporyAbyss]

Costs more for the Audi brand, both mechanically same. So probs Golf R for me.

[@F1CJR16]

Clutch packs might be more worn due to all the launch controls. Have you tried the traction in sport rather than fully off?

[@timkirkpatrick1519]

Are you able to do launch control with traction control still on?

[@jonathandewar7986]

Lads like this will never know what actual graft is, both bank of mom and dad all day long lmao

[@gamingmadforever6363]

Someone jealous

[@derekporter66]

Fancy a test of an MRC stage 2 TTS?

[@lukeAsharman]

Did you tell your insurance about the res delete an if so did it cost you (Might have already asked you this but can’t remember) Debating deleting mine

[@adrianchiu8415]

I have a full cat back custom stainless exhaust and is declared with insurance (direct line) and only added 20 quid or so on my premium. I would guess a res delete would be similar.

[@oli3659]

@@adrianchiu8415 Admiral for me just class all mine ad exhaust mods, it was similar cost to yours.

[@callumbrown4938]

how didn’t you know s3 was Quattro

[@Stu047]

I hear that the Golf R is a more entertaining driving experience but... It's the S3 for me; I'm seduced by how pretty they are and let's face it, they're far from slow. Also I think Rory should reconsider how much personalisation he puts on it (although I confess the front splitter does look good); his car was already great looking when he bought the thing.

[@deadlydizzle7588]

Round three is a little biased though, seeing a the votes are from your insta followers which some presumably follow you through the interest in the Golf R in the first place. If he'd had a vote on his Instagram, it's more than likely the results would be the other way around. An impartial way of voting, maybe asking the general public on a high street/car park which they prefer would be better?

[@barbabarba5534]

5:27 is yours all wheel drive 😳 I had to rewind that and I still can’t believe he ask him that 🤔

[@simiqz]

please improve on your mics because every time it goes to a cut scene the music is too loud and have to keep fiddling with my speakers, nice vid though bro

[@daviesandy1]

get some wind deflectors for on windows, it looks pretty good

[@northsidebaby4935]

Are they remapped or straight pipe? The growl? Help please?

[@ShadowRS5]

N O R T H S I D E B A B Y ! Resonator Delete

[@ShadowRS5]

Don't ever Straight Pipe your S3 or Golf R, Please.

[@h-money11]

Also the 0-60 times were slightly off especially for the R. Should at least be 4.6 into the 4.5s

[@proffesionalretard]

Real world with a passenger 4.7 isn’t bad

[@MrRacus]

Might be a silly question but what does a res delete add to the vehicle?

[@oli3659]

Straight pipe instead of centre resonator. Just makes the car louder really.

[@sanihiqbal]

Both cars have what in their exhaust system?

[@lobster8009]

Just me. The Interior and Exterior of the Golf i like better. The S3 is more agressive on the outside, it screams look at me im superfast and super loud when its really just a 300bhp 4 banger. The Golf is more subtle, its just a comfortable daily, almost a factory sleeper if you will but then it packs a crazy punch when you let it rip. Technically the are the same car, quattro or 4motion, DSG or S-Tronic its the same car assembled from the same exact parts from the same factorys in Asia.

[@jordanefc7587]

Both great cars, but the golf R wins on things no one cares about haha. S3 for me all day

[@RB-H]

Love the S3, RS3 is too much in my Opinion

[@chiquicat1]

Yep RS absolutely ridiculous in the street, unless losing your license is your objective, lol

[@chriscringle9263]

Great vid mate. Be quality to see if anyone has the seat Leon cupra 300 st 4 drive 0-60 4.8 secs in estate form...

[@adrianchiu8415]

I will be collecting mine in a week or so.

[@chriscringle9263]

@@adrianchiu8415 hey mate what the 4drive?? Ah amazing if so. Have you seen the new cupra r version looks mental with the copper highlights. I saw the normal 4drive so subtle only thing was the exhaust is so quite apparently because estate and more family orientated lol.

[@adrianchiu8415]

@@chriscringle9263 yes the st300 4drive. I have seen the cupra r and the carbon edition. Unfortunately they are a bit out of my budget. I will prob get a res delete done.

[@chriscringle9263]

@@adrianchiu8415 ah lovely carbon edition is great. All same engine which is what matters. Think the new cupra r is about 40k sterling!!!!! ABT do a 500 pound stage 1 it's well worth it if u can carwow did a vid on it last week.

[@adrianchiu8415]

@@chriscringle9263 yeah i saw the vid. Prob get a tuning box from tdi tuning which takes it to 370 as its on a pcp. Cant wait to get it now lol

[@chrisYcsc]

That green is sick

[@elleJay-mb4yn]

chrisY i never thought I’d love a green car but it’s as pretty as an Emerald

[@WeAre-ip5ud]

I need to test drive the R, planning on getting one in the next 6-12 months. Finally get rid of my 1.2 Fiesta 😂😂😂

[@andrewainsley4383]

Fuel irrelevant for that test as it was long term and not reset at the same time on both cars.

[@simontaylor3211]

S3 but I have an S1 and an A3 so natural progression

[@douglasb.5601]

Simon Taylor I have an S3 and my wife has an S1...love my S3 as an all rounder..but for sheer fun you can't beat an S1! 👍🏻❤

[@simontaylor3211]

@@douglasb.5601 yeah, I love my S1 mate and not been in an S3 so I respect your opinion 👍

[@douglasb.5601]

Simon Taylor Enjoy your S1 and hang onto it..I think it may become a future classic. 👍🏻🙂

[@elleJay-mb4yn]

Douglas B. What year S1 as I’m thinking of buying one. Thanks

[@elleJay-mb4yn]

I was contemplating the S1 but ended up buying an S3. Let’s just say, very happy with my purchase

[@damienhostey7804]

I'd take the S3 but i would say that as i have a 19 plate Ara blue S3 sportback . There pretty much the same car tho but the audi is notch above for me

[@douglasb.5601]

I've got an Ara blue S3 sportback black edition..magnetic ride, supersports seats, Matrix LED's and the B&O stereo..love it to bits..and have averaged 32.4 over 8500 miles..a few long m'way journey's have helped. 👍🏻😁

[@MyDuffy33]

what are you pressing to get the driving data up ?

[@hampshirephoto]

I use Dragy

[@Tony-Stank18]

The s3 only looks cool until a rs3 goes by. The r has no such worry as its top of the vw tree. There's why I picked the golf

[@masteryoda6777]

Yeah but could tune it for no more than 3 grand make it faster and still cheaper than a rs3 😊

[@mikesear482]

you didn't know that the s3 is Quattro....wow...😂😂😂

[@opwinston4505]

Mike Sear haldex poo fake quattro

[@samdaly1676]

What splitter is that?

[@markrhoden68]

Comparing these two is like comparing toast with marmalade or jam

[@evrensokmener6768]

The S3 has a louder exhaust system so no surprise.

[@martinarscott3524]

I wanted an S3, but my wife found it extremely painful on her feet to drive, which is odd cos she's totally comfortable in the R, would've thought the pedal/seat positioning would've been the same given it's the same chassis and running gear etc, but clearly not. So, anyway, had to be an R for us but I still think the S3 has classier interior (Audi salesman on the other hand seemed like he didn't want to sell us one, very odd experience !!)

[@余晖-w3m]

s3 quattro or not,and what about golf R s3 quattro same as s4?? thx

[@snorrelyr4834]

both are awd

[@scotwilson4169]

This is what I think based on previous encounters, someone correct me because I'm sure I'll get it wrong. S3 has Haldex awd system. Front wheel drive most of the time but when it senses loss of traction the centre clutch pack sends power to rear wheels to help it. I think max power distribution is 60:40 front to rear. And I believe in normal driving its sending like 90-95% of the power to the front wheels. S4 uses traditional (and widely regarded as better) AWD quattro system, is more of a mechanical system that always powers 4 wheels instead of Haldex (fwd). So S4 quattro is more of a passive system, operating all the time, so should have more grip if you suddenly go over a slippery surface. Haldex is kind of an active system that responds to traction levels accordingly. Main benefit to Haldex is better mpg because the rear wheels aren't being driven all the time, so it's not having to drive the rear driveshaft and differential all the time. Pretty sure you can remap or somehow program the Haldex system to send more of its power to the rear wheels when driving normally, not sure if that's true. I was looking at buying an A3 quattro a few years ago so I knew my shit then but I've probably absolutely butchered that explanation 👍

[@davemurray2631]

I' love Audi... for some reasons they alwasy underestimates their cars power and timings...those cars always do better then what Audi claims! On the other side, I feel like the golf is a little bit more "playful" to drive

[@kevinworrall3331]

Now this is a proper comparison

[@Arda_güler94]

Golf 7 R is better everyday

[@sirchickenfood8561]

Woo I've been looking forward to this 😁😁

[@hampshirephoto]

Hope you enjoyed it!

[@adams4100]

The Audi has a much better cabin that comes better equipped as standard everything is an extra for the golf. That said the the RS3 makes the s3 less desirable. But the golf wins it for me just something about it.

[@Ivan-dz6kt]

Not even a mention of handling or braking..

[@weg5856]

Why would you want a granny's car over a sporty looking car.

[@justinhowland6509]

S3 for me because quattro is better than the Hauldex awd system in the Golf R but nevertheless but are great daily drivers!!

[@WaseemKhan-iu4bh]

They both have haldex..

[@nickjh1968]

Both use Haldex but Audi retain the Quattro trademark

[@senorfrog5605]

redo the 0-60 with better drivers ;x ive seen R's with the DSG do low 4s ... making us all look bad!

[@razorsharp9850]

Awesome green color.

[@curtisdwilliams5343]

Good video

[@hampshirephoto]

Thanks buddy!

[@jermainerobinson7098]

S3 for me to golf R when l was in my 30s now l am in my 40s it’s the S3 to also too many golf R and bad drivers in them 😂on the road nice video where has this youTuber gone? Can’t find him.?

[@saladdays4883]

Wait, is this 4wd vs fwd?!?

[@martinarscott3524]

no, both have the same haldex 4wd system

[@jamesbuckley6875]

27.9 is still kinda shit mpg no?

[@justsoho787]

gent with the glasses was kak subjective tho

[@gridwalker5085]

wasnt expecting this comment here. kak true though

[@telomnisi9054]

South African confirmed lol

[@saulu8640]

No way s3 night an day

[@nembeza_shezi7059]

Fair comparison finally...

[@craiggreen4388]

At 7:00 I've seen more driver involvement from a 6yr old on an arcade machine.

[@KuzkayDev]

What do you expect from a modern automatic awd sports car going straight 0-60 ?

[@realtalk7571]

VW Golf R =No brainer lol

[@hackney4eva]

RS3 Saloon best thing after the RS6

[@zainsproductions3718]

Bro these are literally the exact same cars

[@zaryabahsan5254]

Not a good review, just the golf R trying to win rather than giving a good comparison

[@UniqueJaat786]

s3 still better then the golf r

[@masteryoda6777]

All s3 fans here probably owning a golf r now 😂😂

[@jasonelliott8101]

Can you do your golf R vs the new RS3