RS3 VS S3 DRIVING POV/REVIEW // IS THE RS3 WORTH THE EXTRA CHEDDAR?

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[@JonesThePhysics]

Am lucky enough to have had a 2017 S3 (310ps) and now have a 2018 RS3 (400ps), both pre-filter age and stock. S3 was much more responsive, very fun and more than you would ever need on UK public roads. But the 5 pot and a sports exhaust, my word. No noise comes close.

[@maxmustermann194]

I feel ya, also 2017 S3 sedan, that RS3 is teasing me every time I see it. But then again, it's like daily driving the R8 - can't use it's full potential on public roads.

[@user-wr6fk1jr9f]

When you say much more responsive, at low speeds how does the response feel like in the rs3 compared to the s3 . Does the rs3 need to rev more to get up to speed compared to the s3 . Also is the handling between models hugely different ?

[@pumpum4178]

Totally agree. I used to own an 68 plate s3 and I test drove an rs3 (19 reg) and I was suprised by how much turbo lag the rs3 had under 3k but when it’s over 4k its insane and the sound is really something else

[@Thuds593]

Having a car on finance isn’t lucky bro 😂

[@JonesThePhysics]

@@Thuds593 bit presumptuous pal. I owe nobody anything.

[@KJR-vh3rh]

I'm always looking out for when you post new review videos. Way better than any other motoring journalist, very comprehensive videos. Keep doing what you are doing absolutely love it!

[@Adamlllllllllllljjjljljjjjj]

Great video! Id have the S3 as a daily. The RS3 is so hardcore I think I’d lose my license and feel too restricted with its performance due to the speed limits and traffic. Whereas the S3 I think will be nice to drive when in traffic as it’s like a normal A3

[@infinite_azure_]

Agreed!

[@BLAZINGINGPHOENIX]

Opposite. The on off nature of rs3 means out it in t Comfort mode and it will be smooth and u can keep to the speed limit were the s3 is fun and has power everywere every easy to go over the speed limit anywere from second gear and your licence is at risk

[@OBELISK3210]

@@BLAZINGINGPHOENIXI hear it, ts3 has no bottom end due to the turbo lag so it’s very late on power on 3.5k rpm. Where the s3 in second is hitting 60-70 mph lol still though I’d take s3 just for practicality & it’s cheaper 😅 still getting your moneys worth & it’s in a saloon form 😋

[@steviep_0457]

I have watched this many times. I think Im just not able to afford the RS3 just yet, and my current A3 is showing more problems that I dont want to fix. I will be getting an S3 within the next couple of weeks, I am too impatient to wait to get an RS3 a little bit down the line, So I will just have to believe that my S3 is an RS3 😀 But I am more likely to A.. loose my licence, B go bankrupt with fueling the thing. Lovely video as always

[@Kraken2681994]

Did you get one man ?

[@steviep_0457]

@@Kraken2681994 yeah I’ve got an s3 saloon 2015/2016

[@The_Lambs_Bread]

I’ve had my 66 plate S3 hatchback for 2 months now. Keeping it standard for now but absolutely love driving it!

[@samspencer922]

Had the TVS gearbox software installed on my RS3 it's transformed the car, it's how it should've been from factory. Good that you highlighted the understeer situation with the FL RS3 because on the road it's non-existent.

[@maxmustermann194]

Perfect timing as I just picked up my "new" 2017 S3 sedan. It's plenty of power for everyday sporty driving, even on German Autobahn. Can't say I crave for more power, a sharper steering would be nice but really it's the perfect balance of decent comfort and sport. RS3 is a different performance league and the obvious choice for track days or as a weekend fun ride.

[@maxmustermann194]

22 mpg btw on the S3 (11 l/100 km). Ripped on the Autobahn every now and then.

[@The_Invisible_Voice]

Tom your videos always make my day! Keep doing what you’re doing bro

[@Birmingham_racing]

I think everyone s3 owner wants a rs3 but it's all down to if you have the finances

[@sunsetgarage755]

Nope, that’s definitely not it at all. Some S3 owners appreciate 6 speed manuals and a lighter front end which equates to better turn in on a track & faster lap times. You get neither in the RS3 which is fine if you just want to drag race.

[@bokiNYC]

I thought 8V series S3's didn't come with manual. ​@sunsetgarage755

[@sunsetgarage755]

@@bokiNYC Maybe it’s not an option in America, but it’s definitely an option in Europe & Australasia for the 8V platform. Last model S3 to have a manual, but not the last S model which is the 8X S1 (which the USA didn’t get) until it’s retirement in 2018.

[@SilveryFoxster]

I have a 2018 S3 with all the toys. It’s has a Stage1 remap with a Scorpion resdelete exhaust. It looks, sounds and performs perfectly. The RS3 is nice but I’m more than happy with my S3.

[@laurencemoore5737]

Had both. Day to day S3 does 9/10 of what the RS3 does on UK roads. For the ~£20 delta I just bought a 911 996 4s. Perfect 2 car garage for RS3 money

[@AdamKellow]

Great video as always, would love to see an A3/S3/RS3 8Y on the channel to see how they compare to the 8V’s. looking to upgrade but not sure if it’s worth while

[@DjNikGnashers]

Love the comment at 21:40 'about the steering 'there's just a bit of texture coming through, it's not quite BMW M2 levels' ...... that made me feel quite good about my OG M2 🙂

[@ProLexHD]

I had a trip last summer from Norway to Germany with my rs3, and it was lovely! My average fuel economy was ~6L/100km... until i went on the german autobahn! I had no problems at all with the car, and it handled the 4000+km trip fantastic! would 100% recommend an rs3!

[@Josh_0579]

I'd love to see a video on the Audi S5 V8🤔 An Audi sports car with an existing engine always improves my day

[@Dulc3B00kbyBrant0n]

rs3 is literally overpowered even in stock form. if money was nothing id buy like 3 rs3s so when one breaks i have more

[@grayed2561]

Clocks look way cooler with the redline/ shift lights in the RS3

[@thedrvn]

Loved my stage 2+ rs3 8y but my 2 kids got bigger and needed more space and now have e63s wagon. Best car ive ever owned and on a completely different level

[@Erwinbonkington1]

No 1 cares. You probably don’t own neither car

[@oliverscott1000]

Love the car, but according to the busy bodies on the Audi forums the Ferodo DS2500 pads are not for road use and void insurance if found to be using them!

[@incognito96]

You cant have semi skimmed milk, when theres full fat on offer. RS3 all day.

[@jonathanphang]

Seeing as they are very similar in a lot of ways, how would you compare and contrast the S3 and Golf R? Personally, I actually prefer the interior (with the right leather) in the Golf, and also the infotainment just looks nicer one the 7.5 - All a bit subjective though as people will usualy cite Audi as having a higher class interior. Would be interesting to hear any thoughts on driving dynmamics differences.

[@ashwho-6319]

I test drove both the 8V facelift S3 and the 7.5R and now the R is on my driveway! The R for me was a lot more concentrated on driving experience and definitely had noticablely better handling then the S3, saying that the S3 was still an amazing car but the R just edged it over for me especially the 7.5 in particular.

[@jonathanphang]

@@ashwho-6319 thanks for the take. I also have an R on the driveway too. Got mine in October last year. 7.5 Lapiz pre OPF, Leather, prets, DCC. Happy with it stock at the mo (as it's got 2y VW warranty) but never got round to driving through s3 to compare. I quite like the outside looks but not really the interior. Just had 4 new PS4S and it definitely sticks now very well.

[@beano6452]

Mag Ride will financially ruin you when it goes wrong 😂

[@luther_pm5746]

I was very loosely cross shopping between an S3/RS3 and F22 M240i/M2, trying to find the ideal balance (or compromise) between efficiency, comfort, and involvement. In the end I went for a manual M240i, as its ride with the adaptive suspension is more forgiving compared to its bigger brother. But not gonna lie hearing that 5cyl noise in the RS3 has me doubting that, though I’m sure my wallet wouldn’t have been happy 😂

[@simonh870]

If you fit a decent exhaust to your M240i then you won't crave the 5 cylinder sound too much. The B58 sounds badass with a decent pipe on it.

[@luther_pm5746]

@@simonh870 A Remus catback and res delete is already on my wishlist 🤣

[@Undercover1987]

Trust me the 5 cyl is in another league soundwise in my opinion. Its up there with big v8 and v10 engines. Incredible noise

[@simonh870]

@@luther_pm5746 I like the sound of a 5, after having Fiat Coupe, Golf V5 (with decent pipes) and a 2.2 audi 100. To me a 6 just sounds bit more cutured and musical. But each to their own.

[@davidviner4932]

Great video, just wondering if the S3 convertible comes with magride as standard like the saloon

[@dneault333]

Moot point in Canada, our dictator banded RS3, hence I have a S3. Chase RS3 around smaller tracks, all over them, bigger tracks, they get me on straights. So I must agree with most comments here :)

[@KORCORP]

Do this review for s5 vs rs5 🙏🙏

[@murlocmerc]

At an indy mechanic, how are the maintenance costs going from an s3 to the rs3

[@ParagonCarsLondon]

about 30% more for an rs3 for regular maintenance. Brake discs and pads are quite a bit more though.

[@AidenWrenPierce]

How long until we see you review the current RS3? Can't wait to hear your thoughts!

[@ParagonCarsLondon]

@@AidenWrenPierce Hopefully soon, really hard to get a hold of though sadly 🥲

[@mixerdave900]

How tall are you? Im 6'2 and have the seat on its lowest...but its perfectly fine (just)

[@Sam-os2km]

How do you feel about how the S3 stacks up against the Cupra in terms of driving experience?

[@ParagonCarsLondon]

Cupra’s more fun but the S3 is quite a bit nicer inside. Less road noise and better ride quality if you have the magride.

[@paulfeatherstone7095]

Hello I've got 2017 s3 manual iam still abit old school ha really like it but definitely agree with the seats not so good and definitely would love an rs3 !

[@Undercover1987]

Which one did you enjoy more?rs3 or m2/m2 comp?

[@robjnr86]

Could you please review the MG X Power, would love to see the 30-70 time.

[@jonodunn2592]

I’ve just bought a 2019 rs3 and it has same size tyre on front and back silly question but do I need bigger wheels for the bigger tyres on the front?

[@samspencer922]

The difference is the wheels width, on the front they're 8.5j (8.5 inches) and rear 8j. With them having different offsets. Mine was the staggered set up when I got it but I'm now running 8.5j wheels front and back and I haven't experienced any loss of grip. But I'm also using wheels that only weigh 9.5kg each which is probably why and they've improved the acceleration.

[@airmax90_king93]

Great video i had to subscribe ❤

[@runnidgaming0840]

What would win in a race? 530e stock, or gti stock? Drag race

[@ParagonCarsLondon]

gti

[@yodo5701]

This S3 or GTI MK7 for comfort and drivability around town?

[@ryanbrown8725]

What year s3 have mag ride as an option as I’m currently in the market for one but want to make sure I get mag ride

[@MrBurgaBoii]

I feel like I’d always feel lacking if I was to get the lite’s of these hot hatches like the M135i GTI and S3 I’d always want the more powerful bigger brother

[@maxmustermann194]

Test drive one of these and find out for yourself if you still want more hp for everyday driving on public roads. 300 hp hot hatch is plenty for 90% of the situations.

[@yusafmalik5171]

In the end it all comes down to what you can afford. I think everyone would go for the higher range car but these are liabilities at the end of the day and it’s between compromise of many factors.

[@simonhaley103]

Is magride as standard on the saloons just for the s3 or rs3 as well?

[@ellisjames282]

Would you choose a s3 or 140i ?

[@Koorvkungen]

140i :)

[@deoren279]

the interior look like standard A3 S3 the only change is the logo sign RS3 this is terrible 😬 for this price does not make you feel special

[@JamesMonty]

Love the 5 pot. Shame that age of audi just understeer all day long and pretty crap to drive hard. New ones better. Have to get a BM 240i or M2 for much more fun

[@justrobin1234]

His last review of the S3 saloon was incredibly positive on handling including _not_ understeering.

[@user-wr6fk1jr9f]

Any advise how an s3 handles and accelerates vs a Subaru sti ? I know completely different power delivery wise with my 16’ sti spooling up at 3k rpm but anyone driven both ?

[@sa7038]

I went from a 65 plate STI to a RS3 and power delivery is just more brutal but in terms of handling I just felt the STI handles better for me and I felt more confident in the STI but the noise and acceleration is just next level when comparing the two plus simple things like the MMI is just so much better than the crap the Subaru had. Personally I liked the look of the Subaru over the RS3

[@user-wr6fk1jr9f]

@@sa7038 thanks for your feedback appreciate it !

[@High-Performance-IQ]

29:30 100% bullsh*t... The DQ500 inside the RS3 2018 was reworked for the facelift and is not only smoother but also newer technology standard than the DQ381 in the S3... So the problem has to be inside your review car.

[@markucla]

Yes but I loves my S3. RS3 would get me in trouble.

[@pueto1609]

anyone know why some s3 give me good quotes and then others of the same year same bhp and same 0-60 give me quotes for 8k or even no quotes at all

[@pueto1609]

also what year did the dsg farts become ruined ? 2019?

[@justdevz36]

After 67 plates they became quiet, also quotes will depend on year & value of the car

[@viction7236]

S3 or 140i with LSD + suspension?

[@ParagonCarsLondon]

oh m140i any day.

[@viction7236]

@@ParagonCarsLondon I'm in two minds about upgrading right now - I've got a stock 7.5 GTI, and am either looking at a Golf R, or a 140 which I plan to get probably north of 4k in handling mods alone for.. Just want a bit more than the gti, it doesn't really have the power or sounds that I wanted

[@ParagonCarsLondon]

@@viction7236 get the m140i and do suspension mods as well as inserts. The engine is a masterpiece but combined with some handling mods it’s a genuinely good car.

[@viction7236]

@@ParagonCarsLondon 👍 thanks for the insight, 140 it is !

[@simonhaley103]

@@ParagonCarsLondonM140 or rs3? 😁

[@The-Audi-driver]

Clever people buy the S3 everyone else wants the RS3

[@MrTiptonboa]

Silly review. U only buy an s3 if you cant afford an RS3 an if you cant afford an RS3 why bother with an S3. Logic.

[@conorkeane2932]

This is soo true.

[@runnidgaming0840]

First