In response to the S3 vs S4 debate

[Yousef@LR]

I have seen numerous threads about people comparing the S3 to the S4. I had a 2018 S3 for about a year and this past December traded it in for my current S4. Here my thoughts:

S3

The Good: Tossable, tight and highly fun chassis. Better steering feel than the S4. With a tune it makes just a hilarious amount of midrange power. Hideaway NAV screen was such a genius idea

The Bad: Small. So Small that I couldn't fit an air fryer from Costco in the trunk (opening too narrow), the back seats (door opening too narrow) and had to resort fitting it in the front seat like an idiot. Also putting kids back there is a pain. I never really liked the sound of the exhaust.

The Ugly: While the interior is nice. It never screamed out premium to me. Granted it's base on an A3 but still plasticky. Rode extremely rough. Would crash over bumps and loud on the highway

S4:

The Good: Refinement personified. It's quiet, poised, comfortable. Sounds so much better (IMO). Feels almost as quick (better low end power). Perfect sized for me.

The Bad: A bit more personality from the engine and steering. A tune would fix the engine personality issue.

The Ugly: The steering is just vague in feel.

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I hope that helps some people out!

[Nora2004]

Why compare them, totally different classes of car, might as well compare the S4 to a Focus RS, pointless!

I came from a MK3 Leon Cupra, or IS38 Golf GTi to you US guys, the S4 is better in every single way except for rolling performance, but then technically the Leon was now comparable to an RS6 in terms of speed, but I never did as it was a pointless exercise!

[jgtripleog]

Seems like a "response" would go in the same thread as the debate, not an entirely new thread.

[Yousef@LR]

It’s sexier this way?

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Not quite sure. Seen some threads on here and on AW. I am with you. They are completely different

[gogators4]

S3 is for people who cant afford the S4....jk but who cares lol


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[SHCKR]

Why compare them, totally different classes of car, might as well compare the S4 to a Focus RS, pointless!

I came from a MK3 Leon Cupra, or IS38 Golf GTi to you US guys, the S4 is better in every single way except for rolling performance, but then technically the Leon was now comparable to an RS6 in terms of speed, but I never did as it was a pointless exercise!

I have to agree with this. Two different classes of cars. When I switched from the Mk7 golf platform, I originally considered the RS3, but they would have been the same car, plus or minus some details here and there.
I would classify the S3 as a toy car for those who prefer to drop $55k on an Audi instead of getting a $45k Golf R. Everyone who looks at you in the S4, says "ok, you're kind of an adult. Not quite an S6 adult, but I'll listen to what you what to say. They look at the S3 driver as someone who still wears their hat sideways and who's opinion is not respected in business meetings (pun intended).

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[javbomb]

I came from a stage 2 RS3 and don't regret it for one second. Very very happy with this car and excited for when tunes become more available and settle.

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[Trentimus]

I don’t really see how anyone who is realistically considering an A4/S4 is going to end up in a A3/S3.

I think any debate around this has probably only come up as a result of people who got an A3 justifying their whys, which is fine. I just don’t think they’re even close to the same buyer.


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[CARGUYROB]

In the OP's defense, I get what he's saying about a comparison. My last car was a SQ5...when it was in for service I got a S3 as a loaner for two days. I was really surprised how fun it was and really considered getting one for a hot minute. But then I thought about all the features and refinement I'd give up going from a SQ5 or not getting a S4. In the end, I decided on the S4 and it really is a significantly more refined, yet still fun car.

[scrapin240]

In the OP's defense, I get what he's saying about a comparison. My last car was a SQ5...when it was in for service I got a S3 as a loaner for two days. I was really surprised how fun it was and really considered getting one for a hot minute. But then I thought about all the features and refinement I'd give up going from a SQ5 or not getting a S4. In the end, I decided on the S4 and it really is a significantly more refined, yet still fun car.

you have a SUV with a "car guy" license plate

[fstr n u]

I like all of you love most things automotive. I have tracked the RS3, new RS5, old V8 RS5 and have owned more cars than i can count quickly.

The RS3 has tons of tuning potential and an interesting engine noise. It's quick and looks fun. What i have a hard time dealing with is the lifelessness that the RS3 exudes....maybe best described as robotic in feel. Phenomenal car in many respects...but as a driver and someone who wants involvement in my vehicles....the RS3 is "out" for me.

The new S4 is more mature, still fun and makes fun noises (even though there is a bit of sound engineering going on). Car looks great and is fun to drive. Slower than an RS3 but more spacious...the new B9 S4 would take my vote over the RS3 for many reasons....but it just doesn't quite make the grade.

The B8.5 S4/S5 6MT's are the way to go. Yes they are slightly older tech, but with a basic tune, they have more personality...not as much as the V8 cars did but they have something they can call their own/

In the end it's always subjective and each to their own. Best of luck with your decision...anyway you slice it, Audi's are a great car and you'll no doubt have a ton (or 2 tons) of fun in these rides!