RS3 sport exhaust VS standard exhaust differences?

**BaltimoreCaesar** · 08-27-2017 10:59 AM

I'm about to put in an order for a 2018 Daytona Grey Pearl RS3 with the Driver Assist and Technology Packages. I don't want to get the staggered wheel setup, but I would like the sports exhaust. So my thought is that I will just go aftermarket for the exhaust once they start coming to the aftermarket. My question is what are the actual differences between the two exhausts? Do they both have valves? Does anyone know what the part numbers are for the different components to see where they deviate? Thanks!

**Psyber** · 08-27-2017 11:16 AM

I think it would be a real big mistake not to order this car with the dynamic package.

**Rocketsauce16** · 08-27-2017 11:21 AM

Originally Posted by Psyber

I think it would be a real big mistake not to order this car with the dynamic package.

This! ^^^

**lalalaprise** · 08-27-2017 11:54 AM

Echoing others thoughts...you will regret ordering a square set up on this car...also the sport exhaust is perfect...no need to spend multiple thousands of dollars when you can get a perfect sound with full warranty and no fitment issues etc

**frontoya** · 08-27-2017 01:08 PM

Apologies in advance if I step on anyone's toes, but it's mighty annoying when someone asks a specific question and gets lectured on what they should do instead of getting a specific answer to their specific question. I am too in the same boat. The *only* thing I'm interested in the Dynamic package is sport exhaust, but every time someone brings up the question about the difference between sport exhaust and non-sport, they get a lecture on how they absolutely must get a Dynamic package because blah-blah. That wasn't the question though, was it!

So, can someone *please* answer what is the difference between sport exhaust vs non-sport? Is the flaps/valves in the pipe exclusive to the sport, or do they both have it? I've seen a video where they filmed two cars with sport vs non-sport idling and revving up, but they were not side by side (as in acoustically the environment was different), both cars had European licence plates (i.e. likely no secondary cats, unlike US) and all I could tell is that sport is marginally louder. But it could have been just because the car with sport exhaust was a bit closer to the microphone, or the other way around.

I'm considering skipping the Dynamic package (since I don't care about anything it offers other than the exhaust), and just getting the straight pipes directly from Audi (parts # 8S0254502A and 8S0254503A, aka secondary cats delete) to make the exhaust louder. Also because I'm worried about sport exhaust being too loud without secondary cats.

**joe biker** · 08-27-2017 01:12 PM

Secondary cat delete pipes would be on my short list.
U tube the secondary cat
Video where they gutted
The cats.
Sounds Awesum !!!!

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**GordonC** · 08-27-2017 01:15 PM

Originally Posted by frontoya

I'm considering skipping the Dynamic package (since I don't care about anything it offers other than the exhaust), and just getting the straight pipes directly from Audi (aka secondary cats delete) to make the exhaust louder. Simply because I'm worried about sport exhaust being too loud without secondary cats.

I've got a Canadian 2018 RS3 with Sport exhaust - by the recent accounts, the Canadian cars do not have the secondary cats. It's definitely not too loud - it's just nicely audible with windows and roof closed, you can just hear it in the car in Dynamic mode and S transmission mode. In the quieter D mode, you don't really hear the exhaust at all. I'd highly advise getting whatever package you need to get the Sport exhaust (in Canada, it's a standalone option)

**frontoya** · 08-27-2017 01:33 PM

Couldn't find the original video I was referring to, but here's what a quick YouTube search returned:

Basic exhaust: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ovCtFa2jhHU

Sport exhaust: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=clIKPiLcOuU

According to the first video's title, non-sport exhaust does have a valve. Again though, acoustically the cars were in different environments (one car with the back against a wall, the other facing an open garage), so it's not a perfect comparison, but all I could hear is that the sport is a bit louder and has more bass, which you probably won't be able to hear much of a difference while driving, since low frequencies will be drowned by road noise. Not from the cabin anyway. Otherwise they sound exactly the same, same burps, pops and crackles.

**keninblaine** · 08-27-2017 08:26 PM

Well, I ordered my car with just the tech package and driver assist. I didn't see the point, for me (and I know I'm older than about 90% of the RS3 buyers here), of having red calipers, slightly wider front tires, and sport exhaust. Heck, I find the added exhaust noise when driving in Sport to be a little too much drone. I bought my car primarily as a daily driver that was quick, low key, and comfortable on longer trips. For my kind of driving, where I enjoy periodic quick accelerations and romps on windy roads, my car is giving me what I want without drawing a lot of attention to myself with a louder exhaust, bright colors, etc. (I ordered silver). I'm confused enough trying to figure out what the exhaust is doing in the different driving modes, each coupled with either D or S of the transmission. I primarily want to feel the power and torque, and don't need the added sensory input of too much exhaust noise. Re the staggered wheel setup, I can have all the fun I want and need with the square setup. If I were a professional driver that tracked the car, then perhaps a little more width on the front would make enough difference in lap times to go with the staggered setup. Red rotors mean nothing on this car other than aesthetics. At least on a Porsche they represent an upgrade in brakes. My black calipers won't show the grime as badly. :)

**Z32drifter** · 08-28-2017 04:23 AM

I haven't had a chance to closely inspect a standard exhaust yet. From what I have found, the sport exhaust gets black tips and no valves. So it's basically in "dynamic mode" by default.

**javbomb** · 08-28-2017 04:34 AM

Originally Posted by Z32drifter

I haven't had a chance to closely inspect a standard exhaust yet. From what I have found, the sport exhaust gets black tips and no valves. So it's basically in "dynamic mode" by default.

Not true. Sports has valves.

It is louder though I hear.

**BaltimoreCaesar** · 08-28-2017 04:49 AM

To answer a few questions people have: I'm not going to be tracking this car. It's going to be my daily driver and will be seeing much more spirited on/off ramps on the highway and occasional runs through the reservoir than hairpin turns on race tracks, so the ability to properly rotate my tires is more important to me than getting a little extra back-end rotation under extreme cornering. Also, I'd rather not get the red brake calipers with the color combo I am going with (Daytona Grey Pearl, grey interior stitching, std. alu optics). That being said, I obviously want the sports exhaust, so it's just a matter of determining what is different on the exhaust, and going from there. If the sports exhaust is just the standard one with the resonators removed, then I'd rather just spend the extra $200 on the resonator delete kits that Audi sells and get the exact configuration I want. If the Sports exhaust has a better flowing downpipe however (which I doubt because they don't advertise addl' power with that package) then the juice will be worth the squeeze.

- - - Updated - - -

Originally Posted by frontoya

Apologies in advance if I step on anyone's toes, but it's mighty annoying when someone asks a specific question and gets lectured on what they should do instead of getting a specific answer to their specific question. I am too in the same boat. The *only* thing I'm interested in the Dynamic package is sport exhaust, but every time someone brings up the question about the difference between sport exhaust and non-sport, they get a lecture on how they absolutely must get a Dynamic package because blah-blah. That wasn't the question though, was it!

So, can someone *please* answer what is the difference between sport exhaust vs non-sport? Is the flaps/valves in the pipe exclusive to the sport, or do they both have it? I've seen a video where they filmed two cars with sport vs non-sport idling and revving up, but they were not side by side (as in acoustically the environment was different), both cars had European licence plates (i.e. likely no secondary cats, unlike US) and all I could tell is that sport is marginally louder. But it could have been just because the car with sport exhaust was a bit closer to the microphone, or the other way around.

I'm considering skipping the Dynamic package (since I don't care about anything it offers other than the exhaust), and just getting the straight pipes directly from Audi (parts # 8S0254502A and 8S0254503A, aka secondary cats delete) to make the exhaust louder. Also because I'm worried about sport exhaust being too loud without secondary cats.

Exactly this.

**RudyH** · 08-28-2017 06:02 AM

Originally Posted by BaltimoreCaesar

To answer a few questions people have: I'm not going to be tracking this car. It's going to be my daily driver and will be seeing much more spirited on/off ramps on the highway and occasional runs through the reservoir than hairpin turns on race tracks, so the ability to properly rotate my tires is more important to me than getting a little extra back-end rotation under extreme cornering. Also, I'd rather not get the red brake calipers with the color combo I am going with (Daytona Grey Pearl, grey interior stitching, std. alu optics). That being said, I obviously want the sports exhaust, so it's just a matter of determining what is different on the exhaust, and going from there. If the sports exhaust is just the standard one with the resonators removed, then I'd rather just spend the extra $200 on the resonator delete kits that Audi sells and get the exact configuration I want. If the Sports exhaust has a better flowing downpipe however (which I doubt because they don't advertise addl' power with that package) then the juice will be worth the squeeze.

I'm in for this question as it is a valid question to ask.

I *feel* like it is the resonator delete or possibly higher flow mufflers - more or less a cat back exhaust. That said there is still the diameter question of the pipes to be asked and if it is the most efficient to have been used. I am incredibly doubtful on a downpipe

**JsnMR2** · 08-29-2017 12:06 AM

US spec RS 3's are painfully quiet even with the sport exhaust option. Down pipe and mid pipe will be going on fairly soon to remedy that. Such a shame to mask this incredible sound.

**ilmrs3** · 08-29-2017 03:35 AM

Originally Posted by GordonC

I've got a Canadian 2018 RS3 with Sport exhaust - by the recent accounts, the Canadian cars do not have the secondary cats.

Hi,

Here in Quebec the cars do get secondary cats. I looked at 3 RS3s and they all had the cats. Just look under your car to make sure.

**BaltimoreCaesar** · 08-29-2017 04:22 AM

Supplemental question: What brand and model tire come with the F:255/30 - R:235/35 staggered tires that come with the Dynamic package rotational? What about the brand and model tire that comes with the standard square setup you get without dynamic?

**GordonC** · 08-29-2017 08:25 AM

Staggered tires are Pirelli P Zero. I've heard that the non-staggered tires are also the same Pirelli P Zero, same size as the rears of the staggered setup.

**Hyphy** · 09-16-2017 09:18 PM

Originally Posted by GordonC

Staggered tires are Pirelli P Zero. I've heard that the non-staggered tires are also the same Pirelli P Zero, same size as the rears of the staggered setup.

correct.

**BaltimoreCaesar** · 09-17-2017 10:12 AM

Ended up going with the dynamic.
Order placed 08/29/2017
Current ETA 10/30/2017-11/27/2017

Production Week 41 (October 8th).*
Production Complete ETA 10/13/2017.*
Domestic Port Arrived ETA 11/08/2017.*
Released to Carrier ETA 11/11/2017.

Specs: 2018 RS3 (US Market)
-Daytona Grey Pearl (Black interior w/grey stitching)
-License Plate Delete
-leather armrests/kneepads
-Driver Assist Package
-Technology Package
-Dynamic Package

- - - Updated - - -

Ended up going with the dynamic.
Order placed 08/29/2017
Current ETA 10/30/2017-11/27/2017

Production Week 41 (October 8th).*
Production Complete ETA 10/13/2017.*
Domestic Port Arrived ETA 11/08/2017.*
Released to Carrier ETA 11/11/2017.

Specs: 2018 RS3 (US Market)
-Daytona Grey Pearl (Black interior w/grey stitching)
-License Plate Delete
-leather armrests/kneepads
-Driver Assist Package
-Technology Package
-Dynamic Package

**sfrontera** · 09-18-2017 08:13 PM

Good call on the Dynamic pkg, trust me you won't regret the sport exhaust and the option to quiet it down when you just feel like cruising. The valve system does work perfectly.

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**Diversion** · 09-18-2017 08:27 PM

Sport exhaust is a must.. all you need is a downpipe + rear cat eliminators for the perfect setup that will last the life of the car. I don't think you'll ever see people getting rid of the factory sport exhaust.

**Diversion** · 09-18-2017 08:30 PM

Originally Posted by JsnMR2

US spec RS 3's are painfully quiet even with the sport exhaust option. Down pipe and mid pipe will be going on fairly soon to remedy that. Such a shame to mask this incredible sound.

Painfully quiet? Mine's hardly quiet in Sport mode (which is the only way to open the exhaust valve). Although I would like it to be louder, I think it's pretty dang loud in factory form opened up. But i've been driving stock cars a while..

**sleeperwagon** · 09-25-2017 08:51 AM

I skipped the Dyn Package for the following reasons: 1) Could not justify the price for just the sport exhaust like your logic. 2) I planned on and bought the Secondary Cat deletes and installing them this week. 3) I figured that if I wanted to get anal on weight savings or a different look/sound, one day I would be purchasing an aftermarket exhaust once I run out of things to do. Plus an exhaust does not void warrenties per my dealership (removing the Primary CATS do they said the rest I am ok with, at least with them.

Just my 2 cents and I do like the sound of my RS3 without the Sport Exhaust. Sure I will more with the 2nd-ary cats removed.

**RyanS3** · 10-03-2017 07:43 PM

It’s probably just the resonator delete kit type approach.

Probably sounds amazing with the stock DP. Add aftermarket DP and it will sound crazy-good to some. And crazy-too much for others.

**lalalaprise** · 10-03-2017 07:52 PM

Originally Posted by RyanS3

It’s probably just the resonator delete kit type approach.

Probably sounds amazing with the stock DP. Add aftermarket DP and it will sound crazy-good to some. And crazy-too much for others.

Can confirm sport exhaust has 2 resonators...

1 large cat off downpipe, 2 secondary cats, 2 resonators than suitcase muffler.

The sport and non sport exhausts look idebtical...im fairly certain the difference is in the actual suitcase muffler portion

**shivaswrath** · 10-04-2017 07:13 AM

if you're going aftermarket, then I guess dropping Dynamic is fine if you don't want the Mag suspension.

**fivebanger** · 02-20-2018 10:21 AM

Originally Posted by lalalaprise

Can confirm sport exhaust has 2 resonators...

1 large cat off downpipe, 2 secondary cats, 2 resonators than suitcase muffler.

The sport and non sport exhausts look idebtical...im fairly certain the difference is in the actual suitcase muffler portion

Yes your right they are identical. I have the standard exhaust and I opened it up and made a modification to it. I’ll post some pics soon as soon as I figure out how to post.

**BaltimoreCaesar** · 02-20-2018 10:35 AM

For whatever it's worth, I ended up ordering the car with the dynamic package (sports exhaust), and I'm super happy with it. Just wish the cold startup was as fun as the hot start crackly goodness. Also ish the exhaust was a little louder overall, but very happy with it. Also, it definitely opens up and gets a little louder after about 1000-1500 miles

**lalalaprise** · 02-20-2018 11:21 AM

Originally Posted by BaltimoreCaesar

For whatever it's worth, I ended up ordering the car with the dynamic package (sports exhaust), and I'm super happy with it. Just wish the cold startup was as fun as the hot start crackly goodness. Also ish the exhaust was a little louder overall, but very happy with it. Also, it definitely opens up and gets a little louder after about 1000-1500 miles

Secondary De-Cats will give you that extra 15% more sound :)

**BaltimoreCaesar** · 02-20-2018 11:36 AM

Just waiting on the OEM pipes to become available

**kashakrs3** · 02-20-2018 12:48 PM

Probably a long shot, but does anyone have a video/sound clip of the difference with cat delete on a non sport exhaust?

**Bezlar** · 02-20-2018 01:25 PM

Originally Posted by BaltimoreCaesar

Just waiting on the OEM pipes to become available

Yep just ordered again. Month ago they where backordered. Hopefully this time they are not. I did notice a $30 increase in price from last time I tried.

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**context.eax** · 02-20-2018 04:24 PM

Originally Posted by kashakrs3

Probably a long shot, but does anyone have a video/sound clip of the difference with cat delete on a non sport exhaust?

Don’t know if this helps but I have the std exhaust on my car and in my country we don’t have the secondary cats.

https://youtu.be/4Zy-RdTb-IE

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**kashakrs3** · 02-20-2018 10:22 PM

Originally Posted by context.eax

Don’t know if this helps but I have the std exhaust on my car and in my country we don’t have the secondary cats.

https://youtu.be/4Zy-RdTb-IE

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Perfect, thanks!

**WAF** · 02-21-2018 07:00 AM

Shame your guys got the brake calipers and sports exhaust grouped together. If your planning on aftermarket theres kits going to be released very soon if not already out ECS tunning has a few for reference. One thing to take in consideration is even the Cat-back exhaust are going to be around 5K US for what ive seen and a full turbo back for 10K. If you think your going to be happy in the end with the sports exhaust id grab some paint and paint the calipers whatever colour you want and still be saving thousands for other items. Sports exhaust with mid pipes deleted is very nice, lil drone if any but for all around even if you have lil ones its good to go.

**WAF** · 02-21-2018 07:15 AM

Originally Posted by reyoasian

How come North American sport exhaust is so much quieter than the European sport exhaust?
Is it due to the midpipes?

More than likely as the mid pipes personally seem to add about 20% more tone to them. I didn't do a DB test on them but its noticeable, I'm not sure if anything other than midpipes are different between the two unless the resonator is different but doubt it.

**Emokeff** · 02-22-2018 05:11 AM

Originally Posted by Bezlar

Yep just ordered again. Month ago they where backordered. Hopefully this time they are not. I did notice a $30 increase in price from last time I tried.

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How do dealerships feel about these on the cars?

**weagle1856** · 02-22-2018 05:23 AM

Originally Posted by keninblaine

Well, I ordered my car with just the tech package and driver assist. I didn't see the point, for me (and I know I'm older than about 90% of the RS3 buyers here), of having red calipers, slightly wider front tires, and sport exhaust. Heck, I find the added exhaust noise when driving in Sport to be a little too much drone. I bought my car primarily as a daily driver that was quick, low key, and comfortable on longer trips. For my kind of driving, where I enjoy periodic quick accelerations and romps on windy roads, my car is giving me what I want without drawing a lot of attention to myself with a louder exhaust, bright colors, etc. (I ordered silver). I'm confused enough trying to figure out what the exhaust is doing in the different driving modes, each coupled with either D or S of the transmission. I primarily want to feel the power and torque, and don't need the added sensory input of too much exhaust noise. Re the staggered wheel setup, I can have all the fun I want and need with the square setup. If I were a professional driver that tracked the car, then perhaps a little more width on the front would make enough difference in lap times to go with the staggered setup. Red rotors mean nothing on this car other than aesthetics. At least on a Porsche they represent an upgrade in brakes. My black calipers won't show the grime as badly. :)

Maybe an s3 would've been a better choice for you then.

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**WAF** · 02-22-2018 05:49 AM

Originally Posted by Emokeff

How do dealerships feel about these on the cars?

I cant comment on the OEM mid pipes, but the CTS mid pipes i have there's no issues depends on your dealership really. Personally id rather ask my service manager about any issues of adding parts unless your ok with rolling the dice. Lalalaprise has had his midpipes called by the dealer I believe, this is Canadian dealerships though not US perhaps theres a few difference but that's what's up here.