2019 S3 vs Tuned 2017 A3

[17A3]

Hey!

I was looking into a 2019 S3 progressiv with black optics, handling pack, and premium pack.
A new lease would come to $664 a month 48 months with 12,000 KM per year, with audi care. (normally this is $780 a month with no discounts)

If I bought out my current 2017 A3 quattro, it would be in the tune of $430 a month over 60 months with 2k down. (financed with audi)

I was thinking of keeping the A3 and going up to a stage 2 tune, and all that.

Does anyone see an advantage to getting the S3 and keeping it stock vs buying the A3 and getting a stage 2 tune?

Here are some details:

first im in canada, so u.s. pricing is obviously a lot cheaper, so yes, I know already lol

the A3 is fully loaded except for bang and olufson, no nav and no virtual cockpit.
The A3 has 5,000 km on it.

[davek2787]

Get a golf r


Sent from my iPhone using Audizine

[17A3]

that wasn't the question.
I don't want a hatch. I want a sedan. I like the styling of the A3/S3 a lot more.

[davek2787]

Let me go on a bit further. I had a stage 1.5 2016 s3. It was leased. Amazing car but i ended up getting flagged td1. I was over my miles and couldn’t afford what my payment would have been on a new Audi as i had had a large casino win at the time of purchase and put down a substantial amount of money. So i went with VW. I have a 2019 gti rabbit, i really wanted the R as it’s pretty much the s3. I’m happy with the gti. The golf r will be cheaper to insure, the hatchback is a better overall package. And rear legroom and head room is vastly improved.


Sent from my iPhone using Audizine

[17A3]

I see!

We have a hatch already and im mostly alone when im in the audi.

im not planning to tune a leased car hence me buying it out.

The question is, a stage 2 A3 vs a stock S3....is the S3 still worth it for a payment thats about 240$ more per month.

Keep in mind the A3 has the s-line package with the suspension and the S3 does not have the mag ride.

[venoodles]

Hey!

I was looking into a 2019 S3 progressiv with black optics, handling pack, and premium pack.
A new lease would come to $664 a month 48 months with 12,000 KM per year, with audi care. (normally this is $780 a month with no discounts)

If I bought out my current 2017 A3 quattro, it would be in the tune of $430 a month over 60 months with 2k down. (financed with audi)

I was thinking of keeping the A3 and going up to a stage 2 tune, and all that.

Does anyone see an advantage to getting the S3 and keeping it stock vs buying the A3 and getting a stage 2 tune?

Here are some details:

first im in canada, so u.s. pricing is obviously a lot cheaper, so yes, I know already lol

the A3 is fully loaded except for bang and olufson, no nav and no virtual cockpit.
The A3 has 5,000 km on it.

How much would it cost to upgrade the A3 to stage 2?

Sent from my Pixel 2 using Tapatalk

[ralphie_43]

How much would it cost to upgrade the A3 to stage 2?

Sent from my Pixel 2 using Tapatalk

Downpipe anywhere from $699-899
Tune from untirtonic is $650+ $299 for the cable to flash at home
CAI anywhere from 300-600 depending on brand
Exhaust (optional not necessarily required) about $800
Intercooler if live in hot climate is a must can get away with out if you live in a decent temperature area $500
So for just stage 2 (downpipe tune and CAI it's around $1650 USD approximately for just the necessary parts. Look for sales can be cheaper I looked for sales when I went stage 2 on my a3 and i probably paid around $1250-1300

Sent from my SM-G930V using Audizine mobile app

[davek2787]

I think the tuned a3 is a better bargain for the money. For me it would come down how of the warranty is left on your current car.


Sent from my iPhone using Audizine

[17A3]

Hmm well here in Canada it's about 1300$ for ecu and TCU tune with unitronic. Then downpipe I've seen for about a grand, which is nuts but whatever. Then exhaust about 1300$ and air intake, 400?

It's between 3 and 4k to do it all, plus labor.

[17A3]

I think the tuned a3 is a better bargain for the money. For me it would come down how of the warranty is left on your current car.


Sent from my iPhone using Audizine

At the point I buy off my lease there won't be a warranty left.

[ralphie_43]

The labor of the downpipe wont be too much if you take it to a small shop. I took it to a local indy shop and paid $130. You can run stock exhaust for time being if you plan to get an aftermarket. I'd add I didn't d everything to mine at once either

Sent from my SM-G930V using Audizine mobile app

[NickBurns]

I have a 2015 S3, stage 2 with all the extras. It's absolutely incredible and I love it so much.

Based PURELY off performance, that your A3 is a 2.0 and future tuning capabilities, I would Stage 2 A3.

If you get the S3, you will tune it. No doubt in my mind. So you're going to spend more money after the new lease anyway. I mention this for a reason.

The next step, on either car, would be stage 3. If you do internals (and you should on either car) then you're looking at the same build and power in the end.

If I could go back, I would have got an A3 Sline and went straight to stage 3.

Now, if you want more tech and some refinements on you car, that's a whole other factor. The newbies have some awesome tech. But my 15 S3 is stripped except I have B&O audio and I love it more each year.

TL;DR
Performance with same end-game possibilities for WAY less money = A3

Sent from my Pixel 3 XL using Audizine mobile app

[17A3]

That's what I was thinking as well!

I don't care about virtual cockpit (besides the model I'd get for the S3 won't even have it) and don't care about the bang sound system. the audi sound system is good enough for me. I heard both and the bang didn't impress me at all for the $$.

[djdilliodon]

Stock s3 or stage 2 A3? I’d take the stage 2 A3 but would totally take a stock rs3 over both! I’m running stage 1 high torque from IE and the car is a beast!

[markn1689]

Stock s3 or stage 2 A3? I’d take the stage 2 A3 but would totally take a stock rs3 over both! I’m running stage 1 high torque from IE and the car is a beast!

But would you take a stage2 s3 over a stock rs3? lol

[Chaoscreature]

I guess this all just depends on what you want from the car. If you are happy with the A3, why spend more money?
For me power isn't nearly as important as chassis tuning and there is nothing special about the suspension on the S3 or the RS3. It's fun to pass "faster" cars in the corners even if they catch up on the straights :)

[NickBurns]

But would you take a stage2 s3 over a stock rs3? lol

Stock RS3 will handily take a stage 2 S3 in a 1/4.

My stage 2 S3 will beat my stock M4 to 60 no problem. To 100? Not so much....

Also, the RS is a 5cyl. There are no racing classes for 5cyl so you either don't get classed or you get reverse-handicapprd which isn't a perfect equation.

The Audi RS3 LMS run the S3 motor (4 cyl). That in itself makes me VERY proud to own a non-RS model 3 or TT.

That being said, I WILL own a TTRS in the future as a fun toy to go burns up the track with, but I won't compete in any way with it. The S3 is hard enough to class in SCCA and NASA as it is...

Sent from my Pixel 3 XL using Audizine mobile app

[SAMS3]

What company are you going to go with if you upgrade the A3? I have a 2018 S3 and i absolutely love it plenty of power at first and the launch control is nuts, I just went stage 1 on the S3 and cannot believe how much more power it gained ITS A MONSTER NOW. I recomend getting the S3 and tuning it later down the road(buy it out), and besides the new Face lift on the 8v2 is way nicer in my opinion, you are also getting WAY better brakes, and don't forget the AMAZING magnetic ride. Not hating on the A3 but in my conclusion its just nicer to have an S model because you get more for your money!

Hope this help!:)

[Khyy]

What company are you going to go with if you upgrade the A3? I have a 2018 S3 and i absolutely love it plenty of power at first and the launch control is nuts, I just went stage 1 on the S3 and cannot believe how much more power it gained ITS A MONSTER NOW. I recomend getting the S3 and tuning it later down the road(buy it out), and besides the new Face lift on the 8v2 is way nicer in my opinion, you are also getting WAY better brakes, and don't forget the AMAZING magnetic ride. Not hating on the A3 but in my conclusion its just nicer to have an S model because you get more for your money!

Hope this help!:)

Not really, as an S3 owner myself I have to disagree with you. Logically, if we're solely looking at performance the best route for him will be the A3. They're the same engine with a turbo difference. He can spend the money to Stage 3 and effectively be faster than a Stage 2 or just as fast as a Stage 3 S3 without spending the money.

S3 is a lovely car but of the 3 options (A3, S3, RS3) it's the least bang for your buck in my opinion. Still a great car though.

[schwabo]

Stock S3 all day every day. Why?

Mag ride, interior bits, valved exhaust, sportier feel and more power and all with warranty. Modded vs stock and worried about warranty...is it worth the $240/mo....it very well could be if your transmission or engine give out, not that it will but the chance is there.

Let me ask you this, is $240*36(?) = $8500 worth the upgrade...or is $3000k in mods and potential $3k+whatever you need to fix worth it?

If you can swing it...do it but I'd bet you can do better than $668/mo on the S3....


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[17A3]

What company are you going to go with if you upgrade the A3? I have a 2018 S3 and i absolutely love it plenty of power at first and the launch control is nuts, I just went stage 1 on the S3 and cannot believe how much more power it gained ITS A MONSTER NOW. I recomend getting the S3 and tuning it later down the road(buy it out), and besides the new Face lift on the 8v2 is way nicer in my opinion, you are also getting WAY better brakes, and don't forget the AMAZING magnetic ride. Not hating on the A3 but in my conclusion its just nicer to have an S model because you get more for your money!

Hope this help!:)

Probably Unitronic.

Yes, the brakes may be bigger but I'm not sure it's worth the extra $$. Keep in mind, if I get the S3 over keeping my 2017 A3, I'll be paying 11k in just the 48 month lease alone...then the difference in the cost of the end of lease buyout.

From all the info it looks like the S3 wouldn't be worth it and a Stage 2 A3 with all the supporting mods would be way better and much cheaper.

[17A3]

Stock S3 all day every day. Why?

Mag ride, interior bits, valved exhaust, sportier feel and more power and all with warranty. Modded vs stock and worried about warranty...is it worth the $240/mo....it very well could be if your transmission or engine give out, not that it will but the chance is there.

Let me ask you this, is $240*36(?) = $8500 worth the upgrade...or is $3000k in mods and potential $3k+whatever you need to fix worth it?

If you can swing it...do it but I'd bet you can do better than $668/mo on the S3....


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

I tried mag ride and didn't care for it. It's alright. The more I read through the answers I got, the more it seems the S3 having the 11k + price difference vs keeping my car and modding it (3k in mods) so 8k price difference, wouldn't seem worth it.

What interior bits are different? Keep in mind I have the S-line pack which gives me the aluminum inlays and such. Infotainment is the same, leather is the same. speakers are the same since I wouldn't be getting the bang speakers.

It's $240 a month over 48 months so about 11k + difference.

Here in Canada, cars are so much more expensive than in the U.S. That price for the S3 is really the best I've ever seen.

[schwabo]

I tried mag ride and didn't care for it. It's alright. The more I read through the answers I got, the more it seems the S3 having the 11k + price difference vs keeping my car and modding it (3k in mods) so 8k price difference, wouldn't seem worth it.

What interior bits are different? Keep in mind I have the S-line pack which gives me the aluminum inlays and such. Infotainment is the same, leather is the same. speakers are the same since I wouldn't be getting the bang speakers.

It's $240 a month over 48 months so about 11k + difference.

Here in Canada, cars are so much more expensive than in the U.S. That price for the S3 is really the best I've ever seen.

Your missing the SS seats .

2 years of depreciation is worth at least $11k, you're always going to be better off keeping whatever it is vs buying new.... If you're "trying" to be sensible... You should keep your A3 until the wheels fall off and not do any mods. That's strictly talking about "saving" money.

If you want an S3, buy a used one... Comparing a used car to a new car never makes sense. You ate the bulk of your depreciation on the A3, sensible choice would be to tune it... enjoy the power bump and pucker up until something breaks.


We're gear heads here...bias is implied. If I was doing this... I'd get a Golf R as others have suggested .... it's the S3 drivetrain with convenience of a hatch. At least test drive it before you scratch it off...this is looks aside and looking at best bang for your buck.

BTW, whatever you decide... If it makes you happy...go for it... You already know what you'll do...even before you asked .

GL!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[17A3]

yah lol I had a good idea of what to do and then my dealer guy got back to me with that. Made me think lol.

Since we have a hatch already, I don't want two hatches so I'm good with a sedan or coupe at that point.

The sport seats in the S3 are nice but it sucks they're not power adjustable and don't come in red. I don't get why Audi forces black or like a beige ash color for the S3 sport seats.

[S3DUDE]

To the OP,

Please, click on my username and look for one of the threads that I made a while back comparing my A3 APR tune vs my S3 APR tune. If you are too lazy to look I will give you my summary:

My S3 was 7mph faster and 8 tenths of a second quicker than my A3. The A3 was roughly 140lbs lighter as per the drag strip scales. The A3 is a great bargain but the S3 is a better car9better brakes, better suspension, better engine). Good luck and please take into consideration people like me that actually owned both cars simultaneously, had it tune by the same tuner, the same shop and tested the car at the same track and even weighted the cars at the scales(same scales).

[chi_marketing]

Let me go on a bit further. I had a stage 1.5 2016 s3. It was leased. Amazing car but i ended up getting flagged td1. I was over my miles and couldn’t afford what my payment would have been on a new Audi as i had had a large casino win at the time of purchase and put down a substantial amount of money. So i went with VW. I have a 2019 gti rabbit, i really wanted the R as it’s pretty much the s3. I’m happy with the gti. The golf r will be cheaper to insure, the hatchback is a better overall package. And rear legroom and head room is vastly improved.


Sent from my iPhone using Audizine

The Golf R is for kids. Great car

[17A3]

To the OP,

Please, click on my username and look for one of the threads that I made a while back comparing my A3 APR tune vs my S3 APR tune. If you are too lazy to look I will give you my summary:

My S3 was 7mph faster and 8 tenths of a second quicker than my A3. The A3 was roughly 140lbs lighter as per the drag strip scales. The A3 is a great bargain but the S3 is a better car9better brakes, better suspension, better engine). Good luck and please take into consideration people like me that actually owned both cars simultaneously, had it tune by the same tuner, the same shop and tested the car at the same track and even weighted the cars at the scales(same scales).

I appreciate your input! Good info there.

My purpose wouldn't be to shave a few tenths of a second off 0-60 or track it or bring it to top speed. I thought that maybe from an S3 owner perspective there would be a bigger value in having an S3 vs an A3 for the added cost.

But looking at it and the more I think about it, it's not worth 11k. 11k in upgrades to me would need a major jump, which I don't think the S3 gives.

bigger brakes, the bigger turbo and 60 more hp, 22 lbs ft tq, don't seem 11k worthy.

keep in mind though i wouldn't be tuning the S3 it would be stock. Hence the stock S3 vs tuned A3.

- - - Updated - - -

The Golf R is for kids. Great car

Golfs are nice, GTI's are nice but the GTI is as much as my A3 and the golf R is more expensive to lease here in Canada vs the S3. not worth it.

[EROtero]

I appreciate your input! Good info there.

My purpose wouldn't be to shave a few tenths of a second off 0-60 or track it or bring it to top speed. I thought that maybe from an S3 owner perspective there would be a bigger value in having an S3 vs an A3 for the added cost.

But looking at it and the more I think about it, it's not worth 11k. 11k in upgrades to me would need a major jump, which I don't think the S3 gives.

bigger brakes, the bigger turbo and 60 more hp, 22 lbs ft tq, don't seem 11k worthy.

keep in mind though i wouldn't be tuning the S3 it would be stock. Hence the stock S3 vs tuned A3.

- - - Updated - - -



Golfs are nice, GTI's are nice but the GTI is as much as my A3 and the golf R is more expensive to lease here in Canada vs the S3. not worth it.

This says it all!

Two years ago I was in the market for a new car. Looked at Golf R ($42k), Audi S3 ($46k) and A3 Quattro ($33k). I saw nothing that could explain the steep value differences between the A3 and the S3/GolfR. The dealer happened to have an A3 Quattro w/ sport package with less than 4k miles that they used as service loaner and were able to sell it to me at much less than sticker price ($26k). That's $20k less than S3. So I purchased it and began to upgrade it and customize it my way. $8k later the car is almost exactly what I want it to be. I say "almost" because I a still to find a pair of front seats that suit me for autocross and daily driving, but narrowing it down as I type. I never looked back and am extremely satisfied with the A3 and I still have an extra $12k to play with (compared to purchasing the S3).

[S3DUDE]

Always remember one thing, when you buy something more expensive you also retain that higher value. Yes, you "saved" $12000 initially and you got a good deal but when you sell an S3 you get more money back.

[Chaoscreature]

15 years from now the S3 will probably be worth about $7,000 and the A3 will be worth about $4,000. We don't all own, mod and talk about Audi's on this forum because its a sensible investment :)

[chi_marketing]

15 years from now the S3 will probably be worth about $7,000 and the A3 will be worth about $4,000. We don't all own, mod and talk about Audi's on this forum because its a sensible investment :)

We have a winner here folks.

[EROtero]

15 years from now the S3 will probably be worth about $7,000 and the A3 will be worth about $4,000. We don't all own, mod and talk about Audi's on this forum because its a sensible investment :)

what he said

[djdilliodon]

But would you take a stage2 s3 over a stock rs3? lol

I’ll suffer and take the stock rs3 😂

[17A3]

I’ll suffer and take the stock rs3 😂

rs3 up in the north is like 900 a month lol....

no thanks

- - - Updated - - -

what he said

i dont even understand what he said loool