NEW 2022 AUDI S3 vs OLD S3 - Why I WOULDN'T BUY EITHER

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In this UNSPONSORED 29 minute video I compare the old 8V generation Audi S3 to the new 2022 8Y car which was launced last year. These kind of old/new comparison videos are tricky to achieve as Audi rarely has an old and new model on their fleet at the same time so it's not something you will see on KZbin very often. As ever let me know what you think in the comments.
I make two errors - I call a splitter a diffuser (oops) and call the interior styling pack on old RS3 the 'quattro styling pack' when it should be 'RS styling pack'
Thanks again to @haslerdesigns for the 3D graphics at the start and end of the video (they didn't ask for any credit but credit where credit is due!).
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[@MegaMeshuggah]

Thanks Andrew, that was informative. I was put off by the interior of the new S3 as well, and considering the increased noise in the cabin I don't think I will "upgrade" my 2016 S3 to a new one anytime soon. Really disappointed by that as I was really looking forward to getting a new one, because I think it looks awesome with 19" wheels and black pak in tango red. One question though, I haven't yet driven a 8V RS3 myself but I hear they handle like a pig because of the big 5 cylinder engine in the front. How is it that you prefer that car then? And thanks again for helping me out with my noisey diff troubles ;-)

[@volkswizard]

Hey Jaap, what was the outcome of the diff issues? Hope all sorted without too much stress and cost. Good point re RS3 and handling, what isn't that well known is that the old RS3 facelift model (not pre FL 8V) did some torque vectoring already, there was no drift mode but it certainly helped around corners as you can see in this video kzbin.info/www/bejne/iZCYgaCMfpyCitU Sure on track as evo magazine found it, it ultimately pushes into understeer but on the road it's not an issue. The original 8P RS 3 is pretty dreadful in this respect and I think the newer models suffer from being tarred with the same brush.

[@MegaMeshuggah]

@@volkswizard My garage fitted a used but nearly new rear diff and it solved the issue. Happy camper since. Indeed not the sharpest driving experience, but the combination of size, looks (limousine, nardo grey, black pack, 19"), tech, power and quality feel make it the perfect daily driver for me.

[@douglasb.5601]

@@MegaMeshuggah I agree that the prev gen S3 is hard to beat as a daily. 👍🏻 I think it was the best all rounder A3 model...I think the new RS3 has now taken that spot. Like you, I feel the new S3 seems like a bit of a downgrade...Audi really dropped the ball with the new S3 IMHO..all of us previous gen S3 lovers should be lusting after one...but we're not! I guess if we're all forced to upgrade to a new RS3 though, Audi may not be as stupid as I think! 😄

[@MegaMeshuggah]

@@douglasb.5601 good point😁. The choice of materials is the same unfortunately. Considering the price of the RS3 it is even more relevant. Seems to drive very good though, and it looks stunning. I just ordered a Q4 for family purposes, so the piggy bank is low on cash right now, no upgrade for daddy anytime soon 🤔.

[@douglasb.5601]

@@MegaMeshuggah That's sad to hear about the materials being the same in the RS3..I was hoping for better carpets and the odd nicer plastic. 😕 I guess I'll be going up on the engine/braking/handling but down on cabin quality and features. Enjoy your new car. 👍🏻😎

[@RomanticPopPunk]

Old S3 for me. The new S3 doesn’t even look like an Audi. It looks like a Hyundai.

[@volkswizard]

Hyundai head hunted a lot of Audi designers so there are parallels but I think Hyundai copied Audi not the other way around. In the right spec & colour it looks more Audi

[@everythingtechnew7400]

I much prefer the round centre & flat bottom steering wheel rather the centre angled round wheel. The new S3 steering wheel looks more dated than the one it replaces.

[@douglasb.5601]

I have the previous gen S3 (black edition) with the supersports seats, adaptive dampers, radar cruise and matrix LED's. I love its combination of comfy cruiser and back road blaster. I find the steering lacks feel but the chassis seems to vary from understeer (in eccon & comfort modes) to neutral to oversteer in dynamic. The new S3 seems like a bit of a downgrade and I'm looking at an RS3 Carbon Black...but even that won't let you have radar cruise with a flat bottomed wheel. 🤕 Audi really need to move back to their old MMI in my opinion..lovely to use whilst driving as is their virtual cockpit.

[@whathasxgottodowithit3919.]

I have had my S3 Vorsprung Edition since April this year, I have to say it is superb, I took it on a road trip to Duncansby Head (John O' Groats) in the summer from Nottinghamshire so it had a good mix of motorway, and less than perfect roads, the S3 rose to the challenge, it is quiet, it handles all road conditions in its stride. It comes well equipped as standard, including reverse camera, and adaptive dampers. The ironic thing is if I was to sell, that we know site is offering more than I paid by some margin! I accept everyone has a different opinion, however take a test drive see if you like it.

[@volkswizard]

Hi Alistair, new S3 is a great car particularly in that spec, it really is and I did try and get that over. You had a 7R before and you liked that I seem to recall so your admiration of new S3 is no real surprise. I think if you've never experienced the old 8V A3/S3 interior the new one is less of a culture shock and as I said I'd happily do many miles in the new car especially with those dampers.

[@karlepps8793]

That was an interesting comparison of the two versions. I did recently look at an A3 but felt unimpressed with the level of 'standard' equipment on the S Line model especially when compared to a Golf Mk 8 Active. What clinched it for me was the lack of discount available on the Audi's i.e. £0 whereas the VW dealers were offering significant deals. Went for the Golf!

[@mcwendel8066]

Great comparison. To me the older one looks 10 times better but I’m not sure if like you pointed out a lot of that might have to do with the color and the wheels on the new one. Both cool cars but I’ld probably take a golf R over either one

[@bslothed3211]

golf r is ugly. sorry its just the reality of it

[@disorder_go]

I have the old one, saloon model in blue, and I still love it.

[@ianclark5093]

New Audi interior is a big step back and shocking for the cost. The 2019 car is a nicer place to be. The new tech should have been put in the old dash. I used to find the manual shifter on the DSG useful on roundabouts. The new RS3 UK options don't help the situation. No extended leather packs etc. In fact.....you could be sat in my 2020 A1 40tfsi s.line competition if not for those horrid stick on vents.

[@MrMedven]

Yeah. Vents are awful.

[@tjallaballa]

I actually think the s3 spec is perfect! I guess its because i really dislike diamond cut wheels..

[@johnforbes4795]

It is now about 2 years after you shot this video and I have just replaced my 2016 VW Golf R (manual 6-speed) with a "new" 2023 Audi S3 Premium Plus. From your comments, I guess the good news is that my S3 came with the Daytona Gray exterior that you like, the adaptive suspension you recommended, the black bits vs aluminum trim bits, and the 19" wheels. Unfortunately, an apparently distracted driver tried to enter my passenger door of the Golf R with her large GMC Yukon SUV about 3 weeks ago and my insurance company decided to total my Golf R with 31,000 miles on the odometer. I actually tried to buy a 2024 VW Golf R (6-speed manual) as the replacement, but the local dealers here in my part of California are asking $15,000 above MSRP, which I find as an insult bordering on extortion and refuse to pay. I bought the loaded Audi S3, thanks to a nice year-end sale, for just about $2500 above the VW Golf R MSRP. I guess I'm getting older, but in my case, although I could "afford" the Audi RS3, the S3 is still plenty fast (faster than my 2016 Golf R with better interior and suspension), and given that I'm unlikely to track the car, it's got plenty of power for a daily driver. I will admit that the RS sounds fantastic, but the S3 sounds better than my old Golf R and it really does put a smile on my face.

[@slackerman9758]

Sadly, the downgrading old interiors threw me off, as well. Also, I don’t like the exterior black plastic fake “ducts”. If I wanted that, I would by a Honda. A cheapened Audi used to be called Volkswagen.

[@GamingCornerYT]

I had a Java green S3 8v (had a lot of options like pan roof, lumbar, comfort packs xenon bending lights etc) The bad points about the new one are not being able to use to gear selector (DSG) as a sequential (up and down box) .. I used to use this a lot down the lanes etc made it more engaging and felt like being on my motorbike I’m not into the gloss interiors just a scratchy mess unfortunately I’m too OCD!

[@Michael-yz4mc]

I won’t be selling my 8v any time soon

[@YeahSureSandwich]

I tested the S3 and RS3 this week and I really love the interior: the seats are amazing, the stitching, the flat bottom steering wheel, the carbon interior pack with this brushed, new carbon style, the new monitor also looks and feels amazing, the controls are very high quality and feel really nice, the door handle is really nice.. only the amount of hard plastic is a negative point but show me a car in this class that does not have this issue :) I really liked both but I'm still undecided if the RS is worth the 15-20k higher price..

[@scotttrigg6871]

£££££.......?!?

[@YeahSureSandwich]

@@scotttrigg6871 What are you trying to tell me my friend?

[@philrodgers1043]

Hi Andrew, please try the 310ps version of the 8v s3, the noise is a lot louder. I have a 17 s3 310ps (3 door) and certainly wouldn't change it for the new car.

[@kgaugelosebidi1372]

Such an honest review this was! Love it. I still love the previous S3. The new one doesn't do it for me. They ruined the front lights hey,

[@volkswizard]

Hey kgaugelo, thanks for commenting! I do try and be honest and hope Audi are OK with this as its still a good car in the great scheme of things.

[@kgaugelosebidi1372]

@@volkswizard indeed! It’s tough being a car reviewer as being too critical may burn bridges. I just like that you’re honest. I’m South Africa our car reviewers go with the manufacturers perspective and that can be problematic for the consumer.

[@MrGentleNick]

I have just bought an Ibis white S3 saloon 2021. 18" wheels. I love it. I agree mostly with what you say. Mine is quite basic, but has adaptive Cruise but not B&O sound or sunroof. I love mine. carpets? yes not on mine, but I got them from Audi after a phone call and some other things. I fully agree with you about carpets. I was cross, but really nice on the phone, and sorted

[@LOUCABRASI]

The old s3 was hardly exciting?? What kind of cars do u drive that make the audi s3 seem "not exciting ". I find it very exciting every time I get behind the wheel of mine still

[@ianpumphrey5041]

Interesting point about VAG UK positioning an understated, in essence old platform ahead of RS3 launch. There is a good deal of market manipulation going on at present and this is a clear demonstration even before looking at the RS3 options list. Clearly VAG believes it has the clout to do this. Worst press for S3 pushes customers to halo priced RS3 selection - bingo. Your oversight is spot on.

[@itsjustaname777]

Kinda like the lack of exhaust note, both my 2017's (3 door and saloon) had loud oem exhausts and some passengers hated the drone, dog hated going in the boot, and I felt a bit embarrased on start up sometimes. I think if you do resonator delete you get the mk8 clubsport noise.

[@johnborges5938]

Every car review or comparison should be this well done. Packed with information, delivered with alacrity and intelligence. Would that every KZbin channel treated their viewers this well.

[@jimded]

The old A3 was a small A4, the new A3 is a bigger A1.

[@volkswizard]

I get that, quality wise the A1 stood alone as a bit rubbish, now that level of material quality has drifted up to A3 and A4 upwards are massively better. I guess it had to happen, the transverse engined Audis have always been poor relations to the 'proper' Audis

[@lyoncab]

Prefer the older s3, looks and interior, new looks looking like acura

[@volkswizard]

Yes indeed, VW Group cars are definitely struggling to improve tangibly over their previous generations right now

[@wernerheisenberg9464]

This guy's just doesn't like the new S3

[@volkswizard]

I do like it, it's still a good car. I try and keep opinion out of reviews and stick to the facts. There is no debate that the material quality has been reduced which is a shame as that was A3's tangible USP over Golf, now they are depending a little bit too much on the desirability of those 4 rings (and buttons 😉)

[@maitremonkey5561]

Great comparison, but the S3 only gets evo 3.5, the golf r has evo 4 ( it is so far the HO Version with 320hp and 420Nm like all new evo 4 engines. And yes I am considering the interieur quality too, and it lost dramatically on the 8y

[@MrGentleNick]

I like all your comments and they are true, There are a few other things I do not like too, but you have covered most of the things. you could mention the rear spoiler. it is A3 and the S3 is different, but not the same as RS3. Audi are cutting corners

[@Stallzyx]

Need to go and watch the new S3 vs MK8 R comparison video but just about to go to sleep myself. Bit surprised you chose to upload this one at 7:30 a.m. on a Saturday morning as I don't imagine many people will be watching it instantly but to be fair it seems that the youtube algorithm and stuff doesn't really care what time of day you upload too much. Don't know why but from some of your tweets I got the impression you were a bit rebellious with taking photos while driving and being quite enamoured with the used market prices but I guess it makes sense if you buy and sell vw group cars for a living and have a strong passion for them too :D You have a really smooth and chill voice so I'll definitely have to watch some of your content when I'm a bit more awake, subbed a while ago :)

[@chroniccrypto75]

I had a 2015 S3 Sportback in estoril blue and absolutely loved it.

[@iakacer]

the drive select is so far away is how its designed for left hand drive. similar to how mercedes did not do well on foot rest pedal big enough to actually rest your foot when they switch to right hand drive.

[@oliviugavrilescu]

Hi Andrew, I was considering for my new next car Audi A3 vs. BMW 1 Series. After seeing your video comparing them, went with 1 series. Thanks for the advice.

[@aldfort5781]

Lift off oversteer! Shades of the old 205 GTi (which I loved BTW).

[@abayamangali]

Sucks that Audi is cheaping out on the interior. Kind of keeps me away from buying one. Thanks for the detailed review

[@slen6293]

Nice review. Exterior - prefer the old S3 by a mile! Interior - although the quality is down the new tech and infotainment in the new S3 would win me over to be honest. Noticed exposed exterior paint inside the new S3 compared to the old one which I don’t like. Driving - I need to drive them both but the engine is probably a bit better in the new one.

[@s48y]

I love my 18 plate s3 saloon. I think it’s peak s3.

[@volkswizard]

Makes sense as it probably makes some noise as well as being facelift!

[@aidencoder]

Agree. My 2018 RS3 saloon is going nowhere

[@KK-bk3zz]

KZbin at its very best here…..enjoyment and education of all things VW/Audi served-up in brilliantly honest and entertaining commentary. I’ve learned so much about VW/Audi and all things cars - since discovering this channel about a year ago! I’ve lost count of the number of times I’ve watched and re-watched the same ones - over and over again. Each time I discover something new. I don’t know how you’ve not been head-hunted by Top Gear. If ever that should happen: I’ll resume watching it. Until then, I’m delighted to tune-in here! I was just about walking away from VW Golf 8 until I watched the various commentaries/reviews here and then properly understood, with context, what was going on. I’ve got an R-line eTSi on order and if it ever arrives….I’m going to try to enjoy it in the ways I’ve learned here….>>on the country B-roads in Scotland. Your enthusiasm for VW cars is infectious - in a great way! Keep up the stellar motoring journalism/enjoyment/work! Nothing to compare to this output on KZbin or mainstream motoring journalism! Many thanks!! 👍

[@tonyj99999]

Totally agree with you. I run a 2014 S3 and recently test drove the new one. Interior wise the quality was simply not as good and you can see where the "diesel gate" cost cutting has gone, so I walked away. As you suggested I've been looking at the 2nd hand RS3 market instead.....👍😂

[@danielrussell446]

Such a good video Andrew and insight definite cost cutting there and downgrade I would have the older car over the new and possibly also I would have neither and have a golf 8 having driven one for 18 months I like the minimalist dash now

[@volkswizard]

Thanks Daniel. I spent 8 days not driving my Mk8 GTI when the S3 was around and when I got back in it I loved it! I think it's having all the key controls in one place that makes it so nice to use. Just wish the error messages would stop and CarPlay as more reliable but I'll save all that for the next update video ;)

[@danielrussell446]

@@volkswizard yes I totally agree I have had the same with mine Volkswagen need to sort the software once and for all and it will be great though I must say mine has been much less error prone (touching wood) on 1668 1664 was the worst!

[@howardgregory3888]

@@volkswizard hope you crack the software issue and let all the other Golf Mk 8 sufferers know what needs doing to lower their blood pressure.

[@drmememachine]

This is really a great example of a pandemic car. Lacking previous technology, cuts made in places you wish were still there, and lack of different materials and quality.

[@flyingbear_fpv9291]

Only came across this comparison these days. I totally appreciate your video. Nice job! Anyways, I do like the S3 8Y more then the S3 8V. Even with the more plasticy feel of interior. The main reason for that is weigth-reduction to help getting to reasonable wltp values. Concerning the 8V: the sedan looks way better than the hatchback. Concerning the 8Y, the hatchback wins from the sedan concerning looks, especially when configuring it with the RS3 carbon roof-spoiler. Concerning the feeling while driving: totally 8Y, when I compare it's behaviour concerning understeer with the 8V, man that is a night and day difference. Audisteer seems way less in the 8Y. But in the end... it's all about what you want from a car and what a person likes concerning design. I am in love with the 8Y interior being Urus-like. Swapped my paddles for Urus-style paddles as well. De gustibus et coloribus non disputandum est, simple as that.

[@royalstevep68]

Totally agree get a 2017 rs3 saloon rather than one of these. I have a 2017 rs3 and 2014 s3, the s3 is a quick car and more power than you'll ever need 99.9% of the time but the rs3 is so much nicer to drive, handles better, sounds a million times better, etc. Its also lower than the s3.

[@JustMe-pq7je]

I tend to agree. I find it a very costly vehicle and do question the value of it. The older RS version is still on the table for me, though i do like the more modern interior of the current S3. But! Still. I have trouble parting with soo much money for a Car like that.

[@MegaBeanHead0]

I personally love the screens in the interior. More practical with apple CarPlay. But I do see the concern with the lack of physical buttons for air con and what not.

[@neilmartin6989]

The new S3 is on my shortlist. Seen mixed reviews now, this is one of only a couple of KZbin channels I will trust the opinion of. So it’s between the S3 or a 1 series. Thanks for the honest and in depth review.

[@ram7cmzs819]

S3 is definitely having the edge

[@Initialgs]

Took the new S3 out recently, decided to stick with our 2019 Daytona Grey black edition (fully loaded) as it’s just a nicer place to sit in… even though I agree the newer car drives a little better.

[@quadcoreQ]

Disappointed that they didn’t improve the sound insulation

[@paulaus]

My Škoda Karoq Sportline has the same 12v blanking plug and I have metal finish steering wheel scroll wheels.

[@volkswizard]

Are they metal though? I've seen that in Octavia and I am not convinced but I am ready to be educated :)

[@paulaus]

@@volkswizard Chrome finish at least 🤷‍♂️

[@rickphelan5438]

How bad does the new version look! It's like an entry level model rather than top tier. Mad how people still bang on about VAG build quality...Audi are living on past glories and fanboys being blindsided

[@volkswizard]

Build quality is still good, it's really the material quality that's gone down here (although I am sure there is some overlap for example few clips to attach trims to doors)

[@andrewmcivor42]

Great video - I've driven the new A3 (an Edition 1 35tfsi that my Wife has) & have to say I actually prefer my own 7.5 Golf estate (it IS a R, to be fair🤣). The new Audi interior doesn't wow me at all (apart from the seats, very nice - the Ed 1 has Alcantara centres & leather sides, which I think I prefer to those on the S3). Styling wise though - the old model looks a whole lot classier. Clean & sharp, much less contrived than the new one, which looks a mess at the front & also looks like it's been badly repaired after a crash from the side - not a fan of the large "crease", but that's subjective, I guess. The interior of the old car is just nicer, in every way. I do get your point about the screen being slow, but I wish the new one had an MMI controller. I actually think the Golf 8 looks better inside than the new Audi (& I hate the touchscreen architecture)! Great call at the end - don't get either, get a 2nd hand RS3. Top advice!

[@Kytes93]

What an outstanding job! I love this comparison!

[@nicolasrk]

The "old" one by far have a better design. I really not get what Audi is doing with the new lines (all models)

[@bettertraining3491]

The road noise is a bigger issue than most realize. My Mk3 was the best car I’ve had in many respects, but my Mk7.5 is sooo much quieter! The difference in exhaustion after a day of highway driving is very notable. As said, going on a road trip comfort is very important and noise levels are a big part of how relaxed or tense you feel upon arrival.

[@volkswizard]

I really need to get a noise measuring device, only catch is that is has to be on the same stretch of road as surfaces plays its part but totally agree on its importance, there is a volume beyond which talking is awkward.

[@fbattle]

I have to agree the new S3 press car isn't a looker in comparison with that grey S3. Are you looking forward to the new RS3?

[@ashwho-6319]

Hiya mate is that the alverchurch backroads by any chance?

[@volkswizard]

It is indeed for the older car, not my first choice but logistically this video was challenging as old S3 arrived Wednesday and new S3 left on Friday.

[@DubstopherWubson13]

You just convinced me to get an S4

[@leeellis6738]

The new S3 looks so bland, it looks like a special edition model that companies do to get rid of old stock. Boring as...

[@volkswizard]

Better wheels and colour and it's a lot better but as stated, they've had to save things for the RS3 which is definitely better, outside anyway

[@patrickmclaren7623]

Spot on about the intererior, cost cutting due to diesel gate. I have had both models and the new one does handle better then the previous. As to wheels, they got rid of the quality only S3 wheels, for some generic ones in 19' which is available for any model

[@philcliffe6909]

Air vents look really awkward. They are a utility for blowing hot and cold air, not a feature. You wouldn't have your washing machine sitting next to your TV. They must have given the styling to an intern.

[@456flight]

Great video! Another interesting thing to point out is that the new S3 seems to loose one of the two auxiliary radiators that the older generation S3 and golf r have as indicated by the the filled out side grill (passenger side). Maybe some more secretive cost cutting? But, indeed, I am not sure how useful those extra rads are anyway!

[@leemiguel3437]

Oh dear. Bit of a fail by the sounds of it. Awkward looks and those wheels are quite unfortunate 😬

[@iantaf5559]

Well, Andrew, I have to say I prefer the 8V model. I owned a 66 reg that made a proper noise in standard trim. There is no doubt that the interior quality has fallen on the new car and I think the 8V has a more premium look externally. I changed my S3 for a M135i in June which I thought was worth a gamble..... The M135i is a very good car but I miss the S3 - it had a sexier steering wheel!! Oh and S3 is easier to say than M135i.

[@projectr2451]

The F20 M135i? Or the F40?

[@iantaf5559]

The F40@@projectr2451

[@brianfallon2607]

Couldn't disagree more. I hated to admit it but my S3 handled sharp curves and turns better than my 911S. In fact, it did everything better except accelerate in a straight line.

[@stefaneulenstein]

as someone whose owned an S3, RS3 and 911 this comment made me chuckle. one: because the rs3 is faster than almost any 911 in a straight line, and two: because the handling on these front engine FWD biased AWD cars with 60/40 front weight distribution is not any where close to even being in the same league as a porsche. you must absolutely love understeer.

[@brianfallon2607]

@@stefaneulenstein On sharp turns roundabouts at 40kph, the 911's engine would shut down whereas this never happened with my S3. The best car I ever had was a Porsche, but it was the gen 2 Cayman S with a limited slip diff.

[@stefaneulenstein]

@@brianfallon2607 I believe it. I've heard the 981 cayman S is better than even the newest base 911. the g-force induced oil starvation can be fixed with mods. that's surprising it happened it 40 kph though

[@brianfallon2607]

@@stefaneulenstein I should have said 50kph...that's what happens when I start out thinking mph and then remember I should try and sound more international. 🙄

[@CarsForPaul]

Hi Andrew, nice review, I too have the old S3 but mine is the preface 2017 model with the 310BHP EA888 motor. The new S3 is a bit chalk and cheese and the jury is still out for me even after it being out for a year. Am not a fan of the dash as you mentioned and I am puzzled at the RS3 sounds on the inside too. Audi its an S3 with a loyal following, so why are you trying to make it sound like the premium model?? Again, great side by side review.

[@sixsilverstringsguitars8998]

Great video .. we have a sportback S3 on order with Audi ... might have died of old age by the time it arrives but hopefully will be next year ... the tech in the new model Seems a very good step up from the old One ...

[@Zero_Ninety]

Interior quality has always been one of Audi's main selling points, without it you might as well buy a Golf.

[@prakashnarismulu3332]

V honest conclusion the older A3 interior was S Class quality . Not often a salesman would say I would not buy a car you are selling. Interesting choice of RS3 sedan . Would a bike fit in the boot ? Seats down . 😀

[@MrGentleNick]

yes no carpet in boot and no temp tyre. great compressor and a can, but no plugs etc. Can you imagine being over 50 miles/Km away from service? I have been 25 Km and no signal. I carry stuff, but most will not

[@step0601]

Seriously considering the new Vorsprung S3, I prefer no shiny bits and I'd have Mag ride. It's expensive though. £45k for the spec I want with a discount. Old RS3 money for a new S3. S3, RS3, Golf R all seem to be £10k more with the new generations. Currently have a 66 plate RS3, love the outragous performance and noise but the ride can be crashy, even with the Mag ride. I'm tempted by the more resolved ride and handling of the new S3 (and sacrifice some pace and the 5cyl warble). Would love the new RS3 but £60odd K just to get a sunroof and no shiny bits.

[@Rocketed12]

Fantastic video, thank you! I spent an hour with 2 cars, new S3 and new Golf R and immediately ordered the Golf R 👍

[@pjmcn1730]

The new MK8 Golf is awful, I’d sooner drive a Lada.

[@evaristocorripio5434]

New golf looks awfull, the s3 better while being the same price or even cheaper

[@amiller2121]

I'm sure it will be am awesome car but let's not pretend the new Golf doesn't have the same amount of cost cutting in the interior as the S3.

[@ninesix8]

Thanks, this was a comparison I was keen to see. I wanted to be impressed by the S3 but not enough to tempt me out of my 7.5 Golf R.

[@crocoman776]

Horrendously overpriced and all a little bland for my tastes. Great video and insight.

[@volkswizard]

Thanks for watching Crocoman!

[@garyfrench6536]

It's hardly overpriced. It's around the same price as a mk 8 GTi CS.

[@crocoman776]

@@garyfrench6536 my point exactly. A GTI Clubsport is dynamically a far more appealing car thank this. £42k including a couple of options is over priced imo, however each to their own.

[@garyfrench6536]

@@crocoman776 not really a base S3 is way better specced with stuff you'd actually want pro rata. The issue is not being able to spec DCC on an base S3.VAG ok now what their up to. But you'd know that as you know things....

[@garyfrench6536]

@@crocoman776 I totally missed your £42k. What are you on? Go over £40k then gold R.

[@bst857]

I don't understand what you mean about the lift off oversteer, I mean, its normal isn't it? If you take your foot off the accelerator mid corner, the weight will transfer from rear to front, making the rear light, and the momentum can make it step out. I mean what can really be done about that, its just physics.

[@volkswizard]

It was a while ago but I wasn’t saying it was a bad thing. What can be done about it? Well there are plenty of cars that don’t do it for safety reasons such as most normal VW Audi, its engineered in because the journos like it

[@aigarsmironovics2253]

Thank's.Great video!

[@seanduncan8927]

That old S3 looks pristine - assuming you put the work in there. 👍 The quality issue applies to most things these days unfortunately, stuff better made in the past. I prefer the Saloons so agree with your final comment.

[@volkswizard]

Thanks Sean but no, no work at all put in with that, all down to the TLC of previous owner Ian👏

[@armedessential]

A great comparison, could you please do one with the leon cupra

[@volkswizard]

Which one new S3 vs Cupra Leon 300? If so could be tricky to organise as SEAT don't seem too keen to loan me a car. Have you seen Joe Achilles' review(s) of those cars? The S3 was the same car I reviewed.

[@armedessential]

@@volkswizard Oh i meant the previous gen vs the new in the same format as this video but just with the 2 cupras

[@dustenpfeifer6588]

I just hope you were more critical of the golf r as this has a much nicer interior than the golf r

[@dweatherley]

Great video and I definetely agree. I've always found 2013 and Newer A3's rather strange. No fur-lined door bins, no rear armrest which comes out, and a few other bits. I find this weird as the Golf Mk7 has these things and the A3/S3 is meant to be the 'premium' version which I think is not the case. A real shame quality has dropped on the new S3, I think I would compare it to my first car which was a 2006 Polo, it was reasonably well put together but is a little bit plasticky.

[@robindow1061]

Great review Andrew. The front of the new A/S3 looks an over styled horror. And though it can't be seen when sitting in the driving sear, the interior's even worse. I won't be be changing my type 8V S3 for the new one. The neighbours might laugh.

[@bslothed3211]

I like how people say the OLD S3 where its only a 2016, not exactly old

[@christopherrice8432]

If I ever upgrade I'll remember to keep the cigarette lighter🤣

[@king0vdarkness]

how do you open the fuel cap on the old one?

[@volkswizard]

Good question, push it in at the rear of it?

[@king0vdarkness]

@@volkswizard probably, thanks for the reply, I'm thinking of getting a 2014 s3, I forgot to check this when I went to the dealership (4 hrs away, feel silly for not checking this 🤦‍♂)

[@lasse007]

Always great quality content! Appreciate your honest opinions and down to earth reviews

[@volkswizard]

Glad you like them Lasse CMC, thanks!

[@matyasfabian]

Hi Andrew! Can i ask you what is your windscreen mounted action cam? I would like to buy one but not for silly expensive money.😃

[@iJoxhh]

Fantastic comparison, I've got a 2015 S3 saloon and the sound alone makes me wanna keep it over a newer S3 with opf. Saving for a 2017/2018 saloon RS3 😁

[@graemet3035]

No, fair comment - Audi is the premium brand hence should have the premium interior. Yep, IMHO you've pretty well nailed it, outcome vis second hand RS3 as well. Thanks Andrew. PS: very decent of you to pick up the older S3 for us / this review.😁👍

[@wynhughes9072]

Love my 2019 S3 Black edition Daytona Grey and would never change it for the current version of the S3 unless maybe it was a Vorsprung model, but your talking over £50000. As for buying an RS3 for the same money, with current prices as they are, you would be lucky to get a 3 year old one for £40000

[@indopleaser]

in the US; we dont get the hatchback :(

[@sl0907]

Its sad that an older less well equipped s3 still feels nicer in quality than the better equipped new one. Even the new B&O plaque on the door cards looks cheaper than the old one which had a nice white led accent strip above the door woofers. Bought a used 18 s3 sedan with keyless go, power seats, sunroof, b&o and magnetic dampers. Originally wanted a 7.5R but at the time of buying, used 7.5Rs kept their value better and were bout 2k more than used facelift s3s in my area. I willingly took the slightly worse handling car of the twins due to the lower price and nicer interior/nvh for daily commutes. Maybe I will regret it once I take it to the track but those occasions are far and few in-between.

[@damienhostey7804]

The 2019 s3 as 400 NM of Torque . 0-60 is 4.7 not 4.8 real world time is around 4.4

[@volkswizard]

Is that the 310 because I did a lot of research and it came back as 4.8 for this PPF equipped 300? As for real world time, it's not a level playing field so can only quote manufacturers figures

[@malcolmscott4150]

Great comparison Andrew - new S3 launches here this month before even stock A3 due to supply issues - at AUD 70k big ask although optioned mk8 GTIs list here at $67k in current crazy market. I do like the rear end of new S3 and exhaust sounds great and I like it’s new more distinctive styling in vorsprung form which would mean an even higher ask - makes used RS3 look like much better buying 👍

[@JPWest020]

Just out of curiosity: is the S3 (old and new) quieter inside the interior than the Golf R (7 and 8)? I have always wondered.

[@volkswizard]

I really need to get a proper measuting device but I'd say the new one is louder than a Mk7 R on 18s .

[@valleysofneptune]

I used to sell Japanese cars and we always looked at the Warrenty direct info….none of the German marques ever achieved over mid table on reliability ……for claimed premium brands this is a clear indication that it’s all fur coat no knickers …..I had an a3 that ruined my lower back ….couldn’t spend more than about 2hrs in it because the back pain arrived. I think they are very overpriced…..as I said about the RS3 a few days ago, this design is excessively over fussy and looks very plasticky

[@panasonicchrome7915]

I like the old one better 👍😎 Sorry guys 😂

[@volkswizard]

I do too, sorry not sorry 🤣

[@simong6855]

Thank God for that carpeted boot floor😂

[@markahomer]

Great review - the way the two are compared.

[@volkswizard]

Thanks Eric! 👍

[@sean3077]

Interesting comments at the end. Was about to sell mine to order an 8Y.

[@rpowell215]

I enjoyed your comparisons but just a bit of feed back. It could have even better if you had a more stable camera

[@parvindermander5664]

Old one looks better and better built

[@garys7828]

Thing is the older audi's stood the test of time. They were cars you could keep for years and years due to their quality or perceived quality.

[@volkswizard]

True but why build a car to last 10 years when warranty is 3? (I know the answer but you get the idea).

[@Takhung2012]

Do you have issue with fuel line rattle .?

[@David-xc4us]

I definitely prefer the older one….and u can get it in a manual 😁

[@marksinclair383]

I totally agree. The interior of the newer car is rubbish. The old model was top of the class in that respect. What were they thinking? I hope they don’t do that with the A4 replacement, which, again, had peerless interior quality.

[@volkswizard]

Indeed, A4/A6 still very good. Previously it was only A1 that had a whiff of Polo about it, now that cost saving has gone to A3. It will be interesting to see what they do to next gen A4 which can't be too far away.