Rs3 vs S4

[TristanT14]

Who do you guys think would win from a dig and pulls? 2017 rs3 stock or B8.5 S4 Unitronic Stage 1+ with tcu tune.

[VinnysS4]

Rs3

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[Morritse]

Rs3 will toast anything less than a dual pulley car with some good fuel.

[4RCFED]

Yeah, you’re getting left for dead

[SWC]

Easy race. RS3 will destroy.

[whiped]

Stock RS3s run high 11s -> Low 12s.

What our cars run has been pretty well documented so you can use that as a reference.

I'm pretty similar to the Stage I+ RS3 on the street. Keep in mind, they are running pump gas and I am running an E40 blend.

If they'd switched to anything higher octane it wouldn't even be close.

[cspcrx]

RS3 and TTRS are the current Audi beasts when it comes to quick! Crazy development going on with them as well right now.

[303 Spartan]

To make matters worse, they look better too.

This guy parks next to me at the gym every day. Super nice guy and beautiful car. We've chatted a few times and I've convinced him to order a set of new wheels and possibly to do APR Stage 1 before winter hits. And, as of now, he's got me convinced to pick up a '19 RS3 after the wife and I get into our new house next Spring.



(we park out in the middle of nowhere, hence my asshole parking job)


The only part of the car I'm not in love with is the back end. Looks like a Jetta to me.

[YSPAIK]

They are so small looking tho....Badass still


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[303 Spartan]

They are so small looking tho....Badass still

It's a shame the RS3 didn't get wider fenders than the A3/S3. Another 1" - 2" wider fenders would really set that thing off beautifully.

[VinnysS4]

To make matters worse, they look better too.

This guy parks next to me at the gym every day. Super nice guy and beautiful car. We've chatted a few times and I've convinced him to order a set of new wheels and possibly to do APR Stage 1 before winter hits. And, as of now, he's got me convinced to pick up a '19 RS3 after the wife and I get into our new house next Spring.



(we park out in the middle of nowhere, hence my asshole parking job)


The only part of the car I'm not in love with is the back end. Looks like a Jetta to me.

Just had to take up two spots huh?

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[303 Spartan]

Just had to take up two spots huh?

Back of the lot where no one else parks. The spot on the left isn't even close to a full spot.

[Morritse]

Just had to take up two spots huh?

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I rly hope that was a joke.

[VinnysS4]

Why's that?

I rly hope that was a joke.

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[S4Sanity]

I’m seriously considering buying a nice CPOd RS3 mid 2019. The S4 and the instant torque have been loads of fun but by the way everyone talks about the RS3, I think it suits me more


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[Tanner]

It's a shame the RS3 didn't get wider fenders than the A3/S3. Another 1" - 2" wider fenders would really set that thing off beautifully.

Just the front slightly wider to accommodate the 255 tires.

Quite a number of RS3s in the Greater Toronto Area, if I had to get a new car and didn't mine not having a manual, it would be the RS3. Just too bad they didn't bring over the hatch.

[Charles]

Why's that?

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I fully admit that I often take up two spots, but like Spartan, it's at the back of the lot where no other cars are. I've dealt with too many door dings to park with all the other cars.

[01northernS4]

To make matters worse, they look better too.

This guy parks next to me at the gym every day. Super nice guy and beautiful car. We've chatted a few times and I've convinced him to order a set of new wheels and possibly to do APR Stage 1 before winter hits. And, as of now, he's got me convinced to pick up a '19 RS3 after the wife and I get into our new house next Spring.



(we park out in the middle of nowhere, hence my asshole parking job)


The only part of the car I'm not in love with is the back end. Looks like a Jetta to me.

Funny, I love most everything about the car - styling, size and engine, including the rear... except the interior... terrible and cheap which is the only reason I did not pick one up... hopefully the refresh will fix/address this one shortcoming for me.

But while we're at it wider fenders would of course be welcome... even if this all come at slightly higher dollars... one thing I absolutely love about my car, in terms of looks, is how low and wide it is... the proportions are perfect... the RS3 could use a little more "wide" to give it the presence to match it's ferocious performance.

Otherwise an epic car for me!

[sacandagaD]

Got to give the RS3 a serious look for my next car around. Had one pass me in the other direction the other day near our house, and the exhaust sound was sweet as he came up to a stop sign.

[SconnieRoadie]

RS3 for the win! Not in white, however, ugh.

Sconnie

[illest.villain]

Performance wise theres no comparison. The RS3 is a rocket.

However, personally I find the RS3 looks boring. Other than the oval exhaust tips and the front grill, it does not look like an RS car. If you put an s5 next to an rs5 you can tell the difference, but imo the rs3 doesn’t distinguish itself enough from the a3/s3 looks wise. RS cars should be wide and mean, this is neither. It sounds mean but just doesn’t have the looks to back it up. Then we move to the interior which, for the price, is so basic it’s unbelievable.

Here in Canada that’s an 75-80k car when it’s properly optioned and it’s not worth that despite the incredible performance and driving experience. It comes done to personal preference and what you’re looking for in a car. I couldn’t deal with the size of the car and the lack of tech features for the price. If I was buying new for that price, I would have gotten a 2019 b9 s4 (because we have to wait till 2019 models to get black optics).

[01northernS4]

Performance wise theres no comparison. The RS3 is a rocket.

However, personally I find the RS3 looks boring. Other than the oval exhaust tips and the front grill, it does not look like an RS car. If you put an s5 next to an rs5 you can tell the difference, but imo the rs3 doesn’t distinguish itself enough from the a3/s3 looks wise. RS cars should be wide and mean, this is neither. It sounds mean but just doesn’t have the looks to back it up. Then we move to the interior which, for the price, is so basic it’s unbelievable.

Here in Canada that’s an 75-80k car when it’s properly optioned and it’s not worth that despite the incredible performance and driving experience. It comes done to personal preference and what you’re looking for in a car. I couldn’t deal with the size of the car and the lack of tech features for the price. If I was buying new for that price, I would have gotten a 2019 b9 s4 (because we have to wait till 2019 models to get black optics).

+1 well said

[TheSchwa]

+1 well said

Make that +2.

Adding that the size makes it impractical for many of us. The S4 can get cramped enough as it is.

[IllusionalTA]

I beat a stock one, with 3 people in it, but he’s flashed now, so I’m
Dead meat

[auditanky]

Performance wise theres no comparison. The RS3 is a rocket.

However, personally I find the RS3 looks boring. Other than the oval exhaust tips and the front grill, it does not look like an RS car. If you put an s5 next to an rs5 you can tell the difference, but imo the rs3 doesn’t distinguish itself enough from the a3/s3 looks wise. RS cars should be wide and mean, this is neither. It sounds mean but just doesn’t have the looks to back it up. Then we move to the interior which, for the price, is so basic it’s unbelievable.

Here in Canada that’s an 75-80k car when it’s properly optioned and it’s not worth that despite the incredible performance and driving experience. It comes done to personal preference and what you’re looking for in a car. I couldn’t deal with the size of the car and the lack of tech features for the price. If I was buying new for that price, I would have gotten a 2019 b9 s4 (because we have to wait till 2019 models to get black optics).

+3 said well

[Tom Sawyer]

It was between an RS3, B9 S4 and my '16 B8.5. The B9 was an easy one to eliminate as lack of DSG or 6 speed killed it for me. I ended up going with the B8.5 as it felt like 90% there for half the money. I also had a hard time coming to terms with manual seats in a $60k+ car. Nitpicking, I know, but a sticking point for me nonetheless... can't imagine any more than a modest amount of weight savings.

[AKO]

Idk why Audi left the RS3 with the old B7 key blade keyfob. That is a big turn off for me

[BucDan]

Man, seeing the 8.5 next to a RS3 hurts! The RS3 makes the B8.5 look old in comparison! I like everything about the RS3, it's just too small. But for sure I am liking the refreshed look of B9 more and more.

[YSPAIK]

Man, seeing the 8.5 next to a RS3 hurts! The RS3 makes the B8.5 look old in comparison! I like everything about the RS3, it's just too small. But for sure I am liking the refreshed look of B9 more and more.

I like the look of the B8.5. It’s definitely more rounded than the new generation, but I think that’s more of a classic/timeless design.... or maybe I’m trying to justify my B8.5


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[Promod905]

I agree with it looking small and not like an RS car. Love the front but the rest is meh... the performance is insane but considering you can get an early RS7 for the same of less money I can’t see myself choosing the 3 when it comes time to upgrade.

[BucDan]

I like the look of the B8.5. It’s definitely more rounded than the new generation, but I think that’s more of a classic/timeless design.... or maybe I’m trying to justify my B8.5


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When I look at my B8.5, it looks good. I think it's just OPs car in the light, yeah. The B8.5 will age well.

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[303 Spartan]

...Then we move to the interior which, for the price, is so basic it’s unbelievable.

The more I think about it, the more I completely agree with this part in particular. After sitting in the driver seat of the RS3, it's very clear just how much the RS3's interior feels like a VW jetta, compared to a true Audi. It feels much more "cheap" and "plastic-y" than an A4/S4/Q5 (and others). Not acceptable for a $70k+ car.

If by next summer the RS3 doesn't get significant changes to the interior/exterior and APR/EPL still can't crack the B9 S4 ECU, I'll probably just make the jump to dual pulley on my B8.5 and get the car wrapped a different color to subdue my desire for change. Then I'll call it good for a couple more years.

[TristanT14]

The more I think about it, the more I completely agree with this part in particular. After sitting in the driver seat of the RS3, it's very clear just how much the RS3's interior feels like a VW jetta, compared to a true Audi. It feels much more "cheap" and "plastic-y" than an A4/S4/Q5 (and others). Not acceptable for a $70k+ car.

If by next summer the RS3 doesn't get significant changes to the interior/exterior and APR/EPL still can't crack the B9 S4 ECU, I'll probably just make the jump to dual pulley on my B8.5 and get the car wrapped a different color to subdue my desire for change. Then I'll call it good for a couple more years.

Thats what I am thinking of right now, getting the car wrapped or dual pulley. Not sure which I want yeah but a lot of people are saying dual pulley.

[IllusionalTA]

The more I think about it, the more I completely agree with this part in particular. After sitting in the driver seat of the RS3, it's very clear just how much the RS3's interior feels like a VW jetta, compared to a true Audi. It feels much more "cheap" and "plastic-y" than an A4/S4/Q5 (and others). Not acceptable for a $70k+ car.

If by next summer the RS3 doesn't get significant changes to the interior/exterior and APR/EPL still can't crack the B9 S4 ECU, I'll probably just make the jump to dual pulley on my B8.5 and get the car wrapped a different color to subdue my desire for change. Then I'll call it good for a couple more years.

let’s not forget what the 3 was designed to be, a slightly fancier Jetta or something that size, they made it an rs3 but didn’t stray far enough away from
The a3 side of things.. this also helps the power to weight ratio, as more fluff, equals more weight.. ..

[illest.villain]

It was between an RS3, B9 S4 and my '16 B8.5. The B9 was an easy one to eliminate as lack of DSG or 6 speed killed it for me. I ended up going with the B8.5 as it felt like 90% there for half the money. I also had a hard time coming to terms with manual seats in a $60k+ car. Nitpicking, I know, but a sticking point for me nonetheless... can't imagine any more than a modest amount of weight savings.

I was ok with the 8 speed auto but having gotten my b8.5 I love the DSG. Price is also a huge reason why I went with the b8.5. With the money I saved vs getting a b8.5 I can do stage 1 ecu, tcu, exhaust and rims, still have money left over and have something that’s unique to my choice.

Idk why Audi left the RS3 with the old B7 key blade keyfob. That is a big turn off for me

Totally forgot about this!!! This was something I couldn’t believe when they handed me the keys for the test drive!

I'll probably just make the jump to dual pulley on my B8.5 and get the car wrapped a different color to subdue my desire for change. Then I'll call it good for a couple more years.

Same plan here. Start modding with the money I saved by getting a b8.5 to keep me happy over the years.

let’s not forget what the 3 was designed to be, a slightly fancier Jetta or something that size, they made it an rs3 but didn’t stray far enough away from
The a3 side of things.. this also helps the power to weight ratio, as more fluff, equals more weight.. ..

I agree that all the fancier stuff adds weight and hurts the performance, but my issue is the price they charge is for a car that has all the performance and all the features. Obviously there is a market for this car because the RS3 i was looking at was only at the dealership for a week before it sold. I just think it’s more of a second car and when you take into account the impracticality, the basic interior and the underwhelming exterior looks (this is subjective), it’s more of a second car and if you’re getting a second car, in that price range, I’d get an R8 or. 911.

[303 Spartan]

The owner of the RS3 (which I posted pictures of in post #8) took me for a ride today. It felt slightly faster than my stage 2 S4, in terms of throwing you back in your seat 1 - 3rd gear. One thing I really loved about the RS3 was that when shifting between gears there was virtually no lag and the car didn't feel like it was slowing down whatsoever. Meanwhile, my S4 feels like it hits a wall between gears.

You can also tell the RS3 feels considerably lighter in corners and even when flooring it in a straight line. I have no doubt he'd take me in a 1/4 race and I believe that would still be the case if I went dual pulley. And he's bone stock.

However, the RS3 owner said he was jealous of my interior as it feels substantially nicer. Which is sad considering his is a 2018 and mine is a 2014. Aside from the interior quality, the RS3 is simply amazing. I can't even imagine how fast a stage 2 RS3 would feel.

[cspcrx]

TTRS has me thinking. I don't need back seats and a hatch is enough for a golf bag, largest thing I ever carry.

Its 300lbs lighter than the RS3, but they come with a higher sticker price.

[DOCEVG]

The owner of the RS3 (which I posted pictures of in post #8) took me for a ride today. It felt slightly faster than my stage 2 S4, in terms of throwing you back in your seat 1 - 3rd gear. One thing I really loved about the RS3 was that when shifting between gears there was virtually no lag and the car didn't feel like it was slowing down whatsoever. Meanwhile, my S4 feels like it hits a wall between gears.

You can also tell the RS3 feels considerably lighter in corners and even when flooring it in a straight line. I have no doubt he'd take me in a 1/4 race and I believe that would still be the case if I went dual pulley. And he's bone stock.

However, the RS3 owner said he was jealous of my interior as it feels substantially nicer. Which is sad considering his is a 2018 and mine is a 2014. Aside from the interior quality, the RS3 is simply amazing. I can't even imagine how fast a stage 2 RS3 would feel.

I'm with you on this. My (stock) RS3 is ridiculous when you get on it, noticeably faster than either S4 (both Stage 1). However, the linear power delivery of the supercharged engine is a little more rewarding than the smack you upside your face feeling when the RS3 turbo kicks in.
While the RS3 interior is cheap looking, especially in comparison to the 4-, 5-, 6- and 7- series Audis, it doesn't bother me much. The lack of 6MT and sexy wide RS-style hips bothers me more. And the OEM boat-anchor wheels are crying out for an upgrade. Not sure what the complaints about the key fob are; stays in my pocket, out of sight. Still, a seriously fun car.

[wangshuo1989]

I just don't like their power distribution. No rear biased power distribution is a big no no for a sporty vehicle.

[PopTart]

RS3 wins