2015 VW Golf R vs. 2015+ Audi S3

[hoppy6698]

Looking for poll results and thoughts.

The 2015 VW Golf R will be sharing the same 2.0T engine with the upcoming (year known?) S3 sedan. At near 300 hp and 280 lb/ft torque, they look to be some serious fun. From all the readings thus far, and a recent review from Autobild.de, the VW is the clearly "more fun" factor vehicle. While the Google translate is okay, I believe the Audi showed more tendency to understeer when pushed while the VW was more tightened down on tracks.

The question is, at near equal costs, which would you own and why?

[A4A4A4]

Golf R simply for the hatch, the added sportiness is of course nice too.

I don't think you'll see many enthusiasts choosing the S3 over the R.

[RoadRage]

Which one comes with a manual transmission?

[A4A4A4]

The R will come in manual and DSG, S3 is dual-clutch only.

[Das Ponto]

The R will come in manual and DSG, S3 is dual-clutch only.

Isn't that for the first year only? Well not confirmed but I thought the S3 would possibly be manual after as well.

[A4A4A4]

Isn't that for the first year only? Well not confirmed but I thought the S3 would possibly be manual after as well.

From what I've heard, the second year manual rumour is largely just wishful thinking.

As always when dealing with Audi AG, hope for the best, expect the worst.

[Das Ponto]

From what I've heard, the second year manual rumour is largely just wishful thinking.

As always when dealing with Audi AG, hope for the best, expect the worst.

Very good point.

[davis449]

I voted for the S3 because of styling. I, personally, am a sedan guy. I really like the Golf R, but I prefer the looks of a sport sedan. One of the reasons I prefer my A3 in it's current setup over the Golf R is the lower roof line and the extended wheelbase of the 4-Door. This is my first and, VERY likely, last hatchback. I think after this I am going BMW 135i or 335i on CPO with extremely low mileage. I am not paying Audi what they want for the S3 nor what VW will want for the Golf R and I will be due for a new vehicle next year.

[hoppy6698]

I voted for the S3 because of styling. I, personally, am a sedan guy. I really like the Golf R, but I prefer the looks of a sport sedan. One of the reasons I prefer my A3 in it's current setup over the Golf R is the lower roof line and the extended wheelbase of the 4-Door. This is my first and, VERY likely, last hatchback. I think after this I am going BMW 135i or 335i on CPO with extremely low mileage. I am not paying Audi what they want for the S3 nor what VW will want for the Golf R and I will be due for a new vehicle next year.

According to this next evolution, however, the Golf and A3/S3 are both on the MQB with the same wheelbase. One of the A3/S3 issues is the sloping roofline that impacts rear seat room.

Like you, I'm looking for my next vehicle after my 09 A4. However, a Prestige A3 is about $45k, about $7k more than my current 09 Prestige A4 cost in 2010. I think the prices are getting out of control for Audi - leaving the lean, bare bones models at the low end or severe costs of pre-packaged options. The Golf R is expected to be in the $35-40k range, much lower than a fully-spec'd A3, and much much lower than expected S3 costs.

My only concern is the VW crowd - its quite different than the Audi guys, much younger, more attuned to tuning, etc. Not sure it fits me like the Audi. As much as I like the new 335i / 435i, I'm not sure the BMW mentality is a fit either (for me).

[A4A4A4]

I voted for the S3 because of styling. I, personally, am a sedan guy. I really like the Golf R, but I prefer the looks of a sport sedan. One of the reasons I prefer my A3 in it's current setup over the Golf R is the lower roof line and the extended wheelbase of the 4-Door. This is my first and, VERY likely, last hatchback. I think after this I am going BMW 135i or 335i on CPO with extremely low mileage. I am not paying Audi what they want for the S3 nor what VW will want for the Golf R and I will be due for a new vehicle next year.

The current Golf and A3 both ride on the same 101.5" wheelbase, regardless of 3 or 5-door.

[davis449]

The current Golf and A3 both ride on the same 101.5" wheelbase, regardless of 3 or 5-door.

No, you're right. My opinion is still the same. The lower roof line looks better on the A3 five door than the GTI.

[Das Ponto]

No, you're right. My opinion is still the same. The lower roof line looks better on the A3 five door than the GTI.

I agree with this. I think the sportback looks way better than the GTI. Shame we are't getting it though.

[hoppy6698]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AZNmg0eoaoA

Eye candy for discussion. Much cleaner design than past evolutions, the interior shows clear Audi influence though.

[tcardio]

Lets see...
Hatch check
Manual check
Well Golf R it is. Sedans suck and better off buying a jetta than the a3 sedan if you just want a daily driver. Now if you give me an s3 sportback than all bets are off

[hoppy6698]

I do think the base A3 is far too close to the Jetta, albeit with a nicer engine and interior. That just makes the Golf R the bargain of the R v S3 line up. But as some point out, the hatch seems to drive different crowds towards it or away. I love my A4, but the 300hp Golf looks like way too much fun!


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[Whats4dinner]

I'll need to see the final specs of the S3, but I'm really interested in purchasing one. To me personally, the thought of owning a Volkswagen Golf R seems so child like...it's like a little high school race car to me, while I'm sure the 'R' is fun to drive, it's just not for me...but to each their own.

[Hassmeister]

I had a '98.5 A4 1.8t Quattro. Loved it, especially the Quattro. Fell in love with MKV GTI with Votex Body kit, 5-doors and DSG. After modding hook up out of the hole and in the rain is not so great. I would have gotten the MKVI Golf R but it was not offered in the DSG. Now the MKVII is coming with the DSG. I'm excited!

Then Audi announces the S3 sedan... ugh! I really in enjoy the compact feeling of the VW Golf body. Plus my VW dealer is great for service and offers loaners for life and they are mod friendly and always take that into account.

When the time comes the test drive and pricing will be the determining part for me. If the Audi is a lot more I'm sticking with the VW!

My past experience with the Audi dealer here wasn't so great. Plus I'm not willing to drive a ton of miles for their service. There are other Audi dealers here and they are a vast distance away from me.

[Boom]

For many years the R32/R vs S3 always been head to head for performance, in my opinion. The big difference though is quality (feel of leather and interior, strong mechanical parts, etc) and price. I love both the new R and S3. I have had a 04 Jetta, 08 GTI, 08 Jetta, and just purchased our first Audi. The main thing right now that is driving me away from VW is quality. After the MKV platform, things got cheap like US made cars. My 10 year old 1.8T jetta looks better than most 2012/13 Jetta's.

[A4A4A4]

For many years the R32/R vs S3 always been head to head for performance, in my opinion. The big difference though is quality (feel of leather and interior, strong mechanical parts, etc) and price. I love both the new R and S3. I have had a 04 Jetta, 08 GTI, 08 Jetta, and just purchased our first Audi. The main thing right now that is driving me away from VW is quality. After the MKV platform, things got cheap like US made cars.

Nearly all of the Audi's and VW's mechanical parts are the same, how could one possible be stronger than the other? Also, strange that you say the things got cheap after the MK5 since the MK6 is generally just considered to be a more refined MK5: TSI vs FSI, slightly upgraded suspension, higher quality interior (as per autoblog; "Starting with the interior, the GTI's cabin is decidedly more upscale than the outgoing model. The materials are noticeably finer and the flat-bottomed steering wheel is worlds better").

[Boom]

Nearly all of the Audi's and VW's mechanical parts are the same, how could one possible be stronger than the other? Also, strange that you say the things got cheap after the MK5 since the MK6 is generally just considered to be a more refined MK5: TSI vs FSI, slightly upgraded suspension, higher quality interior (as per autoblog; "Starting with the interior, the GTI's cabin is decidedly more upscale than the outgoing model. The materials are noticeably finer and the flat-bottomed steering wheel is worlds better").

The motors are the same yes. Way better engine. Better interior between 5 and 6, no. Many articles about that and VW making shortcuts to cut prices. Jetta's downgraded, took a step backwards. GTI's got a bit better every new model. But I'm more talking about the Jetta world of VW, especially since they are made in the US now. We are still lucky with the GTI. But for the topic on interior, Audi wins, hands down.

[Hassmeister]

I'd compare the Golf R vs the S3. Both have nice interiors. The ONLY thing I don't like on the Golf R is the shiny black plastic on the dash. If I get one I will change that.

Here is a friend overseas who has this stunning Limestone Gray Golf R.



BTW, I'm very satisfied with my MKV GTI interior. I can't stand a bunch of bling and nonsense. The interior is well done and practical. The blue lighting in the gauges and the red interior lighting at night is stunning! I feel like I'm in the cockpit of one of our planes I flew in for 20 years. The exterior lines along with the OEM Votex body kit is mighty fine!

I'll have to say I'm not fond of the Jetta or Passat. The CC is nice!

[GregCT]

My ideal MQB car would be the S3 5 door sportback w/DSG, however since this version is not offered here I would choose Golf R w/DSG. I don't dislike the S3 sedan, I just prefer having a hatchback as my daily driver. Plus the S3 pricing is going to be thisclose to S4 pricing, mid 40s for a small 4 cylinder sedan? No thanks. I would prefer to save the extra $10k that the S3 is likely to cost, for essentially the same car.

[hoppy6698]

My ideal MQB car would be the S3 5 door sportback w/DSG, however since this version is not offered here I would choose Golf R w/DSG. I don't dislike the S3 sedan, I just prefer having a hatchback as my daily driver. Plus the S3 pricing is going to be thisclose to S4 pricing, mid 40s for a small 4 cylinder sedan? No thanks. I would prefer to save the extra $10k that the S3 is likely to cost, for essentially the same car.

Exactly my thoughts. There used to be a wider gap between Audi and VW, but with the MQB sharing and engines matching ... in cases where Haldex is executed in this manner, VW makes a lot more sense.

[JRutter]

I was on the track this past weekend with Achtuning's Golf R in my run group. That thing is a monster. AOA brought the new A3 to show off (It was an Audi Club event) and I thought that it looked great. I am a fan of the DSG, especially for track, so that is a non-issue for me.

[RoguesGambit]

Golf R.

Ever since I learned stick, can't stand driving auto. At the time I had a Boxster S w/pdk, got boring and old like grandma once I learned stick. Dsg is better, but its boring in comparison

[b6onboost]

A Golf R and S3 are not going to be anywhere 'near equal costs' like you mentioned in the original post. The Golf R will probably be well equipped near that $35k price point, an A3 with similar options will be around $40k, and an S3 around $47k. So you're basically looking at a solid $10k difference between a Golf R and S3. I think you could make a comparison between a top of the line Golf R and a well equpped A3 in terms of performance vs. luxury/style...but the S3 is in another league price wise when similarly equipped.

I concur that the options packages and pricing is ridiculous. Includes Audi/BMW/MB. The options the base models come with are pitiful for premium brands. Its sad you basically have to throw $10k of options onto the base price to include many features the car should come with.

I don't know why the 'crowd' associated with a car really matters. Just because VW crowd is younger and more mod happpy doesn't mean you have to associate or go to meets. I get what you mean though, Golfs/GTIs seem like 'teenager' cars whereas an Audi is generally for an older crowd. BMW has two crowds, the majority who are just badge whores and the enthusiast minority who actually knows something about the brand.

I'm looking for my next vehicle after my 09 A4. However, a Prestige A3 is about $45k, about $7k more than my current 09 Prestige A4 cost in 2010. I think the prices are getting out of control for Audi - leaving the lean, bare bones models at the low end or severe costs of pre-packaged options. The Golf R is expected to be in the $35-40k range, much lower than a fully-spec'd A3, and much much lower than expected S3 costs.

My only concern is the VW crowd - its quite different than the Audi guys, much younger, more attuned to tuning, etc. Not sure it fits me like the Audi. As much as I like the new 335i / 435i, I'm not sure the BMW mentality is a fit either (for me).

[T0M3K]

If S3 came with hatch I would go for it.
5 door and ~300hp non-SUVis requirement for me, and so far only VW and Volvo can deliver that (Cadillac and Benz are too high on price range)