'15 S4 or '16 S3? Turbo or supercharger?

[jonjamesp47]

Looking to buy my first Audi, I know S4 has more hp but which car is more practical for a daily/work car? The price range is pretty small between the two, so there is no budget issue. Just undecided and need opinions, bad ones help just as much as good ones!

thanks in advance!

[cgnorthstar]

Are you going to be using it as a commuter? Are people going to be riding in the back seats often? My S4 is as small as I’d like (back seats). I’ve even considered going to the A6/S6 platform when it’s time to look for my next ride. I’m not even that tall (5’9) and I wouldn’t want any smaller of a back seat. It’s my first supercharged car (had a few turbo’d in the past) and I love the instant power of the car when you step on it.


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[Envy187]

Unequivocally a biased opinion, but a supercharged S4. Slightly larger than an S3, better looking, and more powerful. Drive both and compare for yourself, but I'd be surprised if you ended up leaning toward an S3 after you drove an S4.

[jonjamesp47]

Unequivocally a biased opinion, but a supercharged S4. Slightly larger than an S3, better looking, and more powerful. Drive both and compare for yourself, but I'd be surprised if you ended up leaning toward an S3 after you drove an S4.

I was already leaning towards the S4 for just the fact it has more room in the interior. haha.. Going to look at a couple S4's this week! Thanks again!

[jonjamesp47]

Are you going to be using it as a commuter? Are people going to be riding in the back seats often? My S4 is as small as I’d like (back seats). I’ve even considered going to the A6/S6 platform when it’s time to look for my next ride. I’m not even that tall (5’9) and I wouldn’t want any smaller of a back seat. It’s my first supercharged car (had a few turbo’d in the past) and I love the instant power of the car when you step on it.


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it will be most likely a commuter car. I also had a couple turbo'd cars and my current car is turbo'd. Might be time to change things up! ill deff check out how much room is in both cars!

Thank you!

[bhvrdr]

Absolutely no question an S4 vs S3 imo. S4 has a bullet proof 3.0T supercharged engine. The 2.0T engine is a POS for reliability and the 4cyl turbo power delivery is much less responsive compared to the S4.... much less. The S3 has haldex AWD which is a FWD based system that electronically proactively predicts slip BUT the S4 has a true full time Torsen diff, rear biased AWD system. The RS3 causes me serious consideration but not the S3.

Mike

[tmoe]

it will be most likely a commuter car. I also had a couple turbo'd cars and my current car is turbo'd. Might be time to change things up! ill deff check out how much room is in both cars!

Thank you!

Manual or DSG? the DSG in the S3 is pretty busy at highway cruising speed. Manual's I think they're about the same. Are you going to mod at all? both mod pretty easy with bolt ons and will produce pretty decent power, low 12's or high 11's in the 1/4 mile, gas mileage S3 will be better around town in normal driving. Seats in S4 I think are better and have memory option, S3 power driver with no memory, if it's just your car no big deal. Homelink option in s3. Wheels on S3 if 19" beware of potholes they bend pretty easy with 235/35 -19, advantage s4. I have to say I really like the tvs1320 over the IS38 in the S3, while the turbo doesn't have much turbo lag it has some. Both are great cars just depends what works better for your needs.

[jonjamesp47]

Absolutely no question an S4 vs S3 imo. S4 has a bullet proof 3.0T supercharged engine. The 2.0T engine is a POS for reliability and the 4cyl turbo power delivery is much less responsive compared to the S4.... much less. The S3 has haldex AWD which is a FWD based system that electronically proactively predicts slip BUT the S4 has a true full time Torsen diff, rear biased AWD system. The RS3 causes me serious consideration but not the S3.

Mike

I have also heard about the 4-cyldr s3s the diff info really helps me out going towards the S4. Thank you for the info!

[jonjamesp47]

Manual or DSG? the DSG in the S3 is pretty busy at highway cruising speed. Manual's I think they're about the same. Are you going to mod at all? both mod pretty easy with bolt ons and will produce pretty decent power, low 12's or high 11's in the 1/4 mile, gas mileage S3 will be better around town in normal driving. Seats in S4 I think are better and have memory option, S3 power driver with no memory, if it's just your car no big deal. Homelink option in s3. Wheels on S3 if 19" beware of potholes they bend pretty easy with 235/35 -19, advantage s4. I have to say I really like the tvs1320 over the IS38 in the S3, while the turbo doesn't have much turbo lag it has some. Both are great cars just depends what works better for your needs.

Haha, have a friend of mine with the S3 and always talks about dodging potholes because of the low profile tires also. Will most likely go state 2 at some point in what ever I buy.

[sacandagaD]

Go S4 Supercharged, if you want a Turbo, step up to the RS3 instead ( budget willing, lol).

[jungy4]

Most people in this section of the forum will favor the S4 obviously.

I can't imagine myself getting something smaller than my S4.

[theweebabyseamus]

S3 for practicality, S4 for comfort. Strictly my opinion as a DD, no performance factored in.

[gsxr_wrx]

I own a 2013 S4, my best friend has a 2016 S3. I have driven the S3, which is very fast too. However it is small. But it is still practical. I would say it'll come down to size preference, price, mileage. Just my opinion.

[audigsr]

Absolutely no question an S4 vs S3 imo. S4 has a bullet proof 3.0T supercharged engine. The 2.0T engine is a POS for reliability and the 4cyl turbo power delivery is much less responsive compared to the S4.... much less. The S3 has haldex AWD which is a FWD based system that electronically proactively predicts slip BUT the S4 has a true full time Torsen diff, rear biased AWD system. The RS3 causes me serious consideration but not the S3.

Mike

Agreed with all of this. Besides size, the awd system made me get the S4. Also, the interior feels cheaper compared to the S4.

Although, I do think the S3 looks slightly more aggressive than the S4. You also get a fold down MMI display, if you're into that. And you get power folding side mirrors

[AlaskanAudi]

I have both and honestly the S3 is a very capable car as well. As others have mentioned the S3 is busy at highway speeds, the S4 is more stable. The DSG in my S4 also seems to be faster. But as far as handling and fun factor, the S3 wins for me. It’s light, nimble, tight steering, perky. Yes it’s not as roomy but that all subjective to how you will be using the car.

You won’t be going wrong with either car!


2010 S4 Prestige DSG Deep Sea Blue
2015 S3 Premium Plus Florett Silver

[j753k]

S3 does not come in a manual.. So there isnt even a question.

[Dr GP]

S3 does not come in a manual.. So there isnt even a question.

DING and I would go supercharger . I am not a fan of the 2.0 T engine.

[jonjamesp47]

DING and I would go supercharger . I am not a fan of the 2.0 T engine.

Thank you to everyone that has put in their own input and opinions! Will be shopping around for a S4 but honestly if a S3 comes around with the right price and mileage that is unbeatable I’ll have to give in!!

[jimrobbington]

I would only choose an RS3 over a supercharged S4.

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[Jamen]

I would only choose and RS3 over a supercharged S4.

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2017+ RS3 is a beast... if you want the smaller format then it’s a no brainer.
Otherwise the S4 will always win over the S3

[jyim]

I was in the same situation as you a few months ago. 2016 S4 vs 2016-2017 S3. I have been driving turbo cars for the past decade so I was initially leaning towards the s3. I test drove both cars extensively. Here are the pros and cons for both:

S3
Pros:
Newer interior with fancier tech
Incredibly lightweight and agile. Very quick and sporty.
Better gas mileage
Virtual cockpit in the 2017

Cons:
Smaller interior. I am 6’1 and was able to fit comfortably in the driver seat. In the rear seats, my head easily touched the roof and I have to slump down into order to fit. Not comfortable for taller passengers.
Small trunk space
Non powered seats
FWD based AWD system.

S4
Pros:
Larger and roomier interior
Better AWD system
Larger trunk room
2016 was the last of the B8-B8.5 generation so the kinks have been worked out.
Instant power with v6 supercharged engine
Better highway commuter

Cons:
Heavier and less agile compared to s3
Decreased gas mileage
Older interior tech but still great compared to my previous two Evos

Overall, it came down to the size and overall practicality of the S4 for year round performance and enough room for passengers and traveling. The S3 was more fun to drive which made me really want to pick the S3 over the S4. The S4 is in no way slow or lacking in performance, but you do feel the increase weight it carries.

[theweebabyseamus]

2017+ RS3 is a beast... if you want the smaller format then it’s a no brainer.
Otherwise the S4 will always win over the S3

You sure about that? A readily available turbo swap is into the 10’s on the s3.

[jimrobbington]

Basic stage 2 on an RS3 gets you deep into the 10s tho

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[Jamen]

You sure about that? A readily available turbo swap is into the 10’s on the s3.

Yes I’m sure... please read what I wrote and you’ll understand.

[edyco]

In my vocabulary there should never be comparison between platform with longitudinal engine and platform with transverse engine.
S3 is plagued with compromises. Transverse engine, making it unnatural in curves. Audi’s are already heavy in front, and transverse layout is not helping.
Than Haldex cannot be compared to Torsen AWD.
You will buy MQB platform if you go with S3. It is good platform, a very good platform, but not comparable to platforms like one S4 is bolted on. It is in the end same platform that VW Polo and Skoda Fabia are bolted on.


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[bhvrdr]

You sure about that? A readily available turbo swap is into the 10’s on the s3.

Youd need pistons and rods for that and then 12 grand later youd still be stuck with a 4cyl with an oversized turbo. The power delivery would not be something id want personally and im pretty sure theres few other than apr who ran 10s in an s3 in a fully built engine car. On 93 people run low 11s in the low 120s and you need a built bottom end, fueling and turbo kit. For my car to run low 11s i needed tune, crank pulley and a heat exchanger. Thats it. And the power delivery is awesome. The 2.0t is just such a glass engine i would not want to mess with it. The failure points on it are crazy. Ive done a built 2.0tfsi and it was miserable

[Dippy]

it will be most likely a commuter car. I also had a couple turbo'd cars and my current car is turbo'd. Might be time to change things up! ill deff check out how much room is in both cars!

Thank you!

You need to test drive one asap. The difference in torque delivery is very significant. The S4 does not have that turbo "rush" that you are used to, but nor does it have the lag and the broad torque curve makes a big difference in driveability. I had many turbo cars before I got my S5 and right now I couldn't go back to turbo (and in fact it'll likely be electric for me next). But it is hugely subjective and you might find that your preference for that turbo feeling will outweight other considerations about the pros and cons of each car.

[jygesq]

The S3 has a drivers seat which has manual controls, not electric.that alone would disqualify the car, in addition to is small interior, SUERCHARERS rule, guess i am not Prejudiced ,

[Silver Streakin]

S4

[theweebabyseamus]

Youd need pistons and rods for that and then 12 grand later youd still be stuck with a 4cyl with an oversized turbo. The power delivery would not be something id want personally and im pretty sure theres few other than apr who ran 10s in an s3 in a fully built engine car. On 93 people run low 11s in the low 120s and you need a built bottom end, fueling and turbo kit. For my car to run low 11s i needed tune, crank pulley and a heat exchanger. Thats it. And the power delivery is awesome. The 2.0t is just such a glass engine i would not want to mess with it. The failure points on it are crazy. Ive done a built 2.0tfsi and it was miserable

I respect your opinion, especially because you've done a 2.0 before, but you're proving my point. The S4 gets into the 11's fairly cheap and easily but that's about it. Nobody other than some UC cars and one-off projects are doing better than the 11's and I'd argue even your experience isn't typical as it seems like most guys don't seamlessly end up low 11's like you have. There's plenty, and I'd argue the majority, of people with comparable mods that are still stuck in mid-high 11's. And sure, you could just go dual pulley from the get-go but these cats are hard enough to keep healthy without adding high PR's thus getting you a lot closer to the figure you mentioned for the S3 to have a turbo swap. And I realize 11's is pretty good for a DD but I'm only refuting Jamen's point about how an S4 will always win over an S3.

I'm not saying the S3's are fast or the S4 are slow, but you definitely hit a ceiling pretty hard on the B8/8.5s.

[bhvrdr]

I respect your opinion, especially because you've done a 2.0 before, but you're proving my point. The S4 gets into the 11's fairly cheap and easily but that's about it. Nobody other than some UC cars and one-off projects are doing better than the 11's and I'd argue even your experience isn't typical as it seems like most guys don't seamlessly end up low 11's like you have. There's plenty, and I'd argue the majority, of people with comparable mods that are still stuck in mid-high 11's. And sure, you could just go dual pulley from the get-go but these cats are hard enough to keep healthy without adding high PR's thus getting you a lot closer to the figure you mentioned for the S3 to have a turbo swap. And I realize 11's is pretty good for a DD but I'm only refuting Jamen's point about how an S4 will always win over an S3.

I'm not saying the S3's are fast or the S4 are slow, but you definitely hit a ceiling pretty hard on the B8/8.5s.

I respect your opinion as well and definitely see your point of view. The sky is the limit with turbo cars. Heck maybe in the future we'll see more b8s4 turbo cars as well and then we'll really see what our lower ends can take ;)

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[theweebabyseamus]

I respect your opinion as well and definitely see your point of view. The sky is the limit with turbo cars. Heck maybe in the future we'll see more b8s4 cars as well ad then we'll really see what our lower ends can take ;)

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Dare to dream. =D

[Powderhound]

Drive em both, that will help you decide. Certainly there are differences beyond stock as well if you are planning to mod but test driving stock vehicles back to back helped me make make a decision real quick.

[Powderhound]

Also, you posted your question in the s4 section. I'm sure the same question in s3 forum would produce different responses.

[Jamen]

I respect your opinion, especially because you've done a 2.0 before, but you're proving my point. The S4 gets into the 11's fairly cheap and easily but that's about it. Nobody other than some UC cars and one-off projects are doing better than the 11's and I'd argue even your experience isn't typical as it seems like most guys don't seamlessly end up low 11's like you have. There's plenty, and I'd argue the majority, of people with comparable mods that are still stuck in mid-high 11's. And sure, you could just go dual pulley from the get-go but these cats are hard enough to keep healthy without adding high PR's thus getting you a lot closer to the figure you mentioned for the S3 to have a turbo swap. And I realize 11's is pretty good for a DD but I'm only refuting Jamen's point about how an S4 will always win over an S3.

I'm not saying the S3's are fast or the S4 are slow, but you definitely hit a ceiling pretty hard on the B8/8.5s.

LOL, You really need to read what I wrote and take any personal feelings out of the equation.

I can write it again but use different nouns... that might help?

The 2017+ 13” MacBook Pro is a beast... If you want the smaller format than it’s a no brainer. Otherwise the 15” Macbook Pro will always win over the MacBook.

[jonjamesp47]

Also, you posted your question in the s4 section. I'm sure the same question in s3 forum would produce different responses.

Haha.. Posted one there first actually

[slws4]

TBH its really up to the drivers preference at this moment.

The s3 is newer the s4 has all/most of its major kinks already worked out etc.

And really a low 11sec car is fun enough for a daily driver. if you want more get a project car 4 wheels a shell and strap on a motor and a big ass snail and call it day.. youll run whatever the heck times you want lol. But comfort for anything below 10s is a negative for me ghostrider.

Think about it, a handful of cars are in the high 10s on the s4. Anything faster your really going to gut the car, and start shaving weight and even a built motor at this point you shouldve just bought something race purpose.

To OP drive both and see what is more practical for you.

I picked the s4 because it was roomier. Has an AWD system and a big ass boot. I have kids lol the s3 wouldve sucked.