S3 vs. RS3: Is it worth it?

[nikuhina]

This question is for those who went from an S3 to an RS3.

Currently drive a 2015 S3 (stage 2) but have been obsessing over switching to a 5-pot. Test drove a TTRS yesterday and even though I think logistically it would work as my daily driver, I just don’t think I’m ready for the coupe life yet.

Which leaves me at the RS3. This has been a dream car ever since I bought my S3. I’d be trading in my vehicle and financing the rest, so it would come out to ~$800/mo for each of 60 months.

The $55k question -

Is

(Pros)
* virtual cockpit
* better sound
* better looks
* CarPlay
* adaptive cruise control

(Cons)
* manual front seats

Worth $800 for each of 60 months? My heart says YES (a resounding YES) and my wallet is even capable of handling this… but my rational side says you know what, you love the current car you have, there is no way you’d love an RS3 $800 more per month than the S3…

Thoughts? Enable me to get an RS3?

[VirtuousWolf]

Hi there,

I’ve had a manual Mk7 golf R and my wife had an S3 around the same time. Since your car is tuned I don’t think you are going to be blown away by the speed (stock). You don’t seem like the type to keep your cars stock though. A Stage 1+ E85 RS3 is superior to a hybrid turbo S3. The brakes are better than the S3 too obviously.

The short version is stock S3 vs stock Rs3 to an average driver is pretty much going to be the same thing. Obviously if you tune your cars and drive them hard you will see a much larger difference.

Personally if I were in your shoes, I’d wait for the new one to come out. Before buying the current generation now. That way you can choose which one you prefer and potentially save more on the current gen.

[nikuhina]

Hi there,

I’ve had a manual Mk7 golf R and my wife had an S3 around the same time. Since your car is tuned I don’t think you are going to be blown away by the speed (stock). You don’t seem like the type to keep your cars stock though. A Stage 1+ E85 RS3 is superior to a hybrid turbo S3. The brakes are better than the S3 too obviously.

The short version is stock S3 vs stock Rs3 to an average driver is pretty much going to be the same thing. Obviously if you tune your cars and drive them hard you will see a much larger difference.

Personally if I were in your shoes, I’d wait for the new one to come out. Before buying the current generation now. That way you can choose which one you prefer and potentially save more on the current gen.

Thank you for your input! Do you mean to wait for the next type of RS3 to come, so like 2022-2023 in the US?

Also, I’d definitely go stage 1, but don’t want to mess around with any fueling stuff, or go the stage 2 route again.

[defau1t]

* virtual cockpit
was very pretty for google earth nav, until the free subscription ran out. i don't really change the settings much on it now days so it's a pretty static display. now we do nav through phone but only on the little middle screen unfortunately. our 2017 chevy touch screen has better technology in it

* better sound
probably the biggest pro here

* better looks
slightly, as some of the s3 wheels appeal more to me. 99+% of people would not notice between the s3 and rs3

* CarPlay
my wife loves this for directions, after the google earth nav ran out. and her spotify

* adaptive cruise control
only if you have the option (i didn't want it)

[VirtuousWolf]

Yes, wait for the 2022 model, which is said to arrive around November (who knows).

Regarding the virtual cockpit, get it for sure. The fact that the redline changes with tunes is awesome, plus for resale I feel like it will be important.

What default said about the S3 vs Rs3 looks to the average person is super true. If I’m at a car meet and someone calls my RS3 an S3 I get really pissed inside lol. Those are “car guys”... Most people probably think it’s an A3 to be honest 😂

Having a sleeper car is awesome at times, but it also sucks. When your in laws think you can’t afford a nicer “big car”. I bought a Q8 for the wifey and they were like wow about it, when they were bleh about my RS3. I’d imagine they think the RS3 cost like 35k 😂 I’d imagine most people think an A4 cost more than an RS3.

Thank you for your input! Do you mean to wait for the next type of RS3 to come, so like 2022-2023 in the US?

Also, I’d definitely go stage 1, but don’t want to mess around with any fueling stuff, or go the stage 2 route again.

[AudiRS#]

Ive only driven a stock S3 and stock RS3 but i wouldnt do it. Like said above i would wait for the new one, and if there is something we find out is less desirable about it (other than subjective looks) then pick up an 8v at that point.

I dont like the dimming functionality of VC now that i have it.

The looks arent game changing

The manual seats are annoying at times

I wish i had both types of cruise control like my jeep had. But if i had to have one if i lived in a low traffic place i would rather have traditional. High traffic or city, def adaptive.

But that sound is oh so SWEET.

[jd_rs3]

The short version is stock S3 vs stock Rs3 to an average driver is pretty much going to be the same thing. Obviously if you tune your cars and drive them hard you will see a much larger difference.

?

Huge diff between these 2 cars stock vs stock....

Worth $800? Up to your wallet, but a tuned rs3 >>>>>>>>>>>>>> s3 all day

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[o1turbo30v]

Have had both, stock vs stock yes the RS3 is better. It feels special when you drive it.

Comparing features is kinda on you, you have decide what’s important. I had the virtual cockpit on my S3 and hated it lol, I personally looked for an RS3 with a traditional cluster.

The price is the big factor, new ones are few and far between, I personally think the next generation looks like dog sh*t so that’s a huge pass for me. At the end of the day it’s your money and your choice, did I think it was worth the change, hell yeah!

[Rod Paine]

Our 2019 RS 3 , now with 15,672 miles on it consisting of 11,127 fast country back road runs and 4,544 miles daily drive use has been a very satisfying automobile, having driven BMW and Porsche automobiles for 43 years prior... again mostly country back roads at speed.

Only made two changes immediately... 245/40/18 Michelin A/S3+ tires on Neuspeed RSe10 18x8.5 inch wheels replacing the heavy and useless SUMMER ONLY Pirelli 235/35/19 tires on Audi 19-inch wheels (two damaged by bad road surface breaks due to the original tires tiny sidewall height) and a real spare tire to deal with further such tire failures. Good quality design DSG shift paddles on top of factory shift paddles... for better more natural feeling action control.
(See PICS posted in My Photo Gallery)

Very pleased with the RS 3 performance and handling, which we're certainly 'pushing' most of the time as retired folks we have the time to do so.

[VirtuousWolf]

Sorry, let me clarify what I mean by average driver. Your average driver being someone that follows the speed limit, mdoesn’t know anything about cars (most people that drive around don’t even know if they are fwd, rwd, or awd), etc. Not someone that would be part of a car forum. I would say the people on here speed and know more about cars than 98% of the population.

Keep in mind most people don’t redline their car or even know how to use launch control (or what it is for that matter).

They aren’t going to notice a 15k difference (an entire car) of performance just driving around town or even appearances.

Of course an enthusiast is going to notice a difference from the second they see the cars, sit in them, feel the wheel, etc. not to mention drive it.

Btw the manual seats are fine as long as you don’t share the car or something. I haven’t adjusted mine since the first day, other than the electronic lumbar support on a long trip.

OP, someone made a YouTube video about regretting upgrading from an S3 to an RS3, they mainly spoke about price.

I guess the way I would explain it is, don’t think of the change being base model mustang to a mustang GT. It’s more like a mustang Gt to a gt350. In the sense that you have a performance sedan, being upgraded into a higher performance sedan.

The RS3 is great, just don’t have your mind set on mind blowing stock performance compared to your tuned S3.

?

Huge diff between these 2 cars stock vs stock....

Worth $800? Up to your wallet, but a tuned rs3 >>>>>>>>>>>>>> s3 all day

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[itsjustjed]

https://www.audizine.com/forum/showt...8#post14187848

[jd_rs3]

Sorry, let me clarify what I mean by average driver. Your average driver being someone that follows the speed limit, mdoesn’t know anything about cars (most people that drive around don’t even know if they are fwd, rwd, or awd), etc. Not someone that would be part of a car forum. I would say the people on here speed and know more about cars than 98% of the population.

Keep in mind most people don’t redline their car or even know how to use launch control (or what it is for that matter).

They aren’t going to notice a 15k difference (an entire car) of performance just driving around town or even appearances.

Of course an enthusiast is going to notice a difference from the second they see the cars, sit in them, feel the wheel, etc. not to mention drive it.

Btw the manual seats are fine as long as you don’t share the car or something. I haven’t adjusted mine since the first day, other than the electronic lumbar support on a long trip.

OP, someone made a YouTube video about regretting upgrading from an S3 to an RS3, they mainly spoke about price.

I guess the way I would explain it is, don’t think of the change being base model mustang to a mustang GT. It’s more like a mustang Gt to a gt350. In the sense that you have a performance sedan, being upgraded into a higher performance sedan.

The RS3 is great, just don’t have your mind set on mind blowing stock performance compared to your tuned S3.

In this case then yes, I would agree that if driven well mannered, there isn't much of a difference (aesthetically or otherwise) given the interiors and exteriors are so similar. I was thinking more from a performance / specialty perspective, per your comment, "Of course an enthusiast is going to notice a difference from the second they see the cars, sit in them, feel the wheel, etc. not to mention drive it. " But, the same could be said for my 600+HP CTS-V wagon - if driven normally, not much different from a normal CTS Wagon. I think the same can concept be applied to many cars and their respective variants. However, I really do think the OP would be the type of person (enthusiast) to enjoy the differences based on the occasional sprint, otherwise he wouldn't be dissatisfied with his S3 and looking to move into an RS3.

And I 100% agree on the manual seats. I can't express enough how much of a non-issue this is. Frankly, I'm more annoyed by lack of garage door opener, but there is a permanent fix for that so I shouldn't complain anymore, just stop being lazy and do it.

[Crowlski]

Coming from a moderately built 5.0 Mustang, to a 2020 RS3, I had to put thousands into the Stang to equal the RS 3 in stock form. And I am not really sure I've reached it in the Stang tbh. I realize this isn't an S3 to RS3 comparo but just something to add to the convo..

[r26372]

If you aren't going to go with an e85 tune, I doubt you'd notice a huge acceleration difference from your stage 2 S3 and a 93 octane basic stage 1 Rs3 for the $800 a month you'll be spending. Guessing maybe 50 hp to wheels or so difference. I'd either wait for new model refresh or get something entirely different to make the price difference make much sense


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[P5stunna]

The RS3 obviously means something to you and only you can really determine if getting one is worth it. It’s worth it for the many RS3 owners on this forum. If you can manage the car note and it’s something you really want, then, do it. Life’s too short to have regrets not trying something you’ve always dreamed about. If it doesn’t work out there’s always an out. I can guarantee you’ll get a high from getting one and it’s a high that’ll outlast any drug out there. Who doesn’t like getting high in one form or another?

[S3DUDE]

I had the new 2015 S3 on Sepang blue, black optics with the titanium flat factory optional wheels and I loved it. I put APR Stage 2 on it minus the air filter and the car had a fantastic midrange response, honestly a better response than my RS3. Just like you and many other I had the same dilema and it still hurts to think that you have to re-finance like $25-30k on top of your car.

It is a lot of extra money so if you are not financially solvent I wouldn't recommend it not because the RS3 is bad but because the price gap/cost is huge. My car had a set of brand new Stoptech ST-40 big brake kit and 2 piece rotors and I also had a set of Konig Hypergram wheels and it truly made the car very nimble. My recommendation would be getting a used RS3 with a couple of years that way you don't take the full blow of depreciation. In summary , get the RS3 is you really like it and can afford it or you can also do perfectly fine with keeping the S3 as is and maybe consider a midsize turbokit. My .2c

[GTCRS3]

Check the depreciation between s3 and RS3 - it favours the RS3 pretty significantly where I’m from. So much so that in four years it’s only down about 15-20%.


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[Jekyll]

I had leased a 2016 S3 and had considered buying it out or turning it in to get an RS3. I decided on the RS3 (buying not leasing). The S3 is a great car, but as some other's have said the RS3 just feels more special. Obviously if you're choosing to modify the car then it's not even a contest. In my case, I wanted to buy something that wouldn't deprciate as bad as the S3 (since RS3's are rarer), but I really just had to have the dynamics. Around town it doesn't feel that different. However when you push these cars to 8 or 9 tenths that's when the chassis really comes alive. For some, it's drag racing, for me, it's hammering down windy new england roads. In my case, there's hardly anything faster point to point, and the tuning of the transmission is far superior in the RS3 in my opinion. It really all comes down to what you plan to do with the car.

[nothingbutspeed]

Also realize *part* of the $800 you are paying is going to equity, not all for sure. I would look at it from a depreciation standpoint. What do you think your current car with XX,XXX miles more in X years will be worth, and do the same for the projected RS3. Be conservative with your numbers, and as many have said don't break the bank just to have the car.

[sasuke]

IMO if you have to justify financing a luxury item that depreciates then maybe you shouldn't do it.

[BusStopF1]

Like many here, I had an S3 that I really enjoyed. Great car. But traded for RS3 and have no regrets. Best car I’ve owned by a large margin - puts a smile on my face every time I drive, whether slow or fast. Hope to hold for many trouble and accident free years.

Whether you should spend the money is impossible for anyone to say. Financially justifying it is always tough since these things inherently aren’t financially ‘justifiable’ as an (almost always) depreciating asset. But as noted by a few here, the depreciation on the RS3 is favorable (and I expect to start to hold up slightly better now since new production ended) and maybe the financial hit isn’t quite as bad as it may first appear. Either way, it’s an expensive thing no question. But for those of us willing spend the money, I’m not sure I’ve found many that aren’t very satisfied.

[Jonnylaw]

I guess opinions may vary, but imo stock s3 vs stock rs3 is a noticeable difference. Tuned s3 vs tuned rs3 is a very noticeable difference. Worth the extra money is up to you. My rs3 is stock and I'm ok with that for now.

[TheContrarian]

IMO if you have to justify financing a luxury item that depreciates then maybe you shouldn't do it.

True, but the way I see it, if you plan to keep the car a long time and really enjoy it, it can be justified. I bought my RS3 with the intention of keeping it 10 years. So far after 2.5 years, I am still happy and would not trade it for anything else.

The worst thing to do is keep jumping from car to car every 2-3 years. That's where you lose your shirt.

[hawkbyte]

I'll add my 2 cents. My wife drove an '18 S3. I drove a '16 R (with full stage 2 software and bolt ons), a '19 R (with full stage 2 software and bolt ons), an '18 M2 and now a '20 RS3. I feel like too much attention is given to the horsepower and torque figures and not enough to the overall experience of driving any given vehicle. On paper, my stage 2 R's were quicker to 60 than my M2 and about as quick as a stock RS3, but that doesn't begin to tell the whole story for me. My RS3 (like my M2 before it) felt so much more composed and confident in the power it makes (or made). How and when it makes power, and how the chassis and transmission respond to that power matters a lot and it's something that makes the RS3 stand out when compared to an S3 (or R). I wouldn't trade my stock RS3 for any S3 (stock or fully built) out there. And then there's the chorus-of-angels exhaust note from that 5-cylinder... oof. And talk about tuning headroom??

I'm also in the minority here in considering the Virtual Cockpit a "con". I had my brand new RS3 trucked halfway across the country just to get one with an analog cluster (I really loved that the M2 had analog instruments, too). The only thing I would trade my RS3 for would be a sportback version of the same car. This is the one for me, after a few years searching.

[VirtuousWolf]

Yes!!!! I want the sportback too! I signed the petition even before buying my RS3 haha. I really wish Audi would call our bluff and say, hey if we get 500 deposits we will bring the Sportback to the USA. Or whatever number they need haha. Audi RS3 sportback in manual would be perfect! (Yes I know it would be slower)

I'll add my 2 cents. My wife drove an '18 S3. I drove a '16 R (with full stage 2 software and bolt ons), a '19 R (with full stage 2 software and bolt ons), an '18 M2 and now a '20 RS3. I feel like too much attention is given to the horsepower and torque figures and not enough to the overall experience of driving any given vehicle. On paper, my stage 2 R's were quicker to 60 than my M2 and about as quick as a stock RS3, but that doesn't begin to tell the whole story for me. My RS3 (like my M2 before it) felt so much more composed and confident in the power it makes (or made). How and when it makes power, and how the chassis and transmission respond to that power matters a lot and it's something that makes the RS3 stand out when compared to an S3 (or R). I wouldn't trade my stock RS3 for any S3 (stock or fully built) out there. And then there's the chorus-of-angels exhaust note from that 5-cylinder... oof. And talk about tuning headroom??

I'm also in the minority here in considering the Virtual Cockpit a "con". I had my brand new RS3 trucked halfway across the country just to get one with an analog cluster (I really loved that the M2 had analog instruments, too). The only thing I would trade my RS3 for would be a sportback version of the same car. This is the one for me, after a few years searching.

[Jekyll]

These last 2 guys really hit the nail on the head. The car is more than the sum of its parts. Mine is stock and like some others I plan on keeping it at least until it's paid off.

[hawkbyte]

Yes!!!! I want the sportback too! I signed the petition even before buying my RS3 haha. I really wish Audi would call our bluff and say, hey if we get 500 deposits we will bring the Sportback to the USA. Or whatever number they need haha. Audi RS3 sportback in manual would be perfect! (Yes I know it would be slower)

I signed the petition, too! Ha. I have a theory about why Audi seems convinced Americans don't want an "expensive station wagon"... they are asking the wrong people/focus groups! I think it's a nearly-universal consensus that we enthusiasts would love the sportbacks/"estates" over here.

[P5stunna]

I just told my 8-year old son today that the RS3 will be his when he gets older and that he is to keep the car in the family and pass it on to his kids when they're older. I'll chime back in 10 years with an update. Car currently has 860+ miles on it thus far and I'm still waiting for the registration.

[r26372]

I signed the petition, too! Ha. I have a theory about why Audi seems convinced Americans don't want an "expensive station wagon"... they are asking the wrong people/focus groups! I think it's a nearly-universal consensus that we enthusiasts would love the sportbacks/"estates" over here.

Nope, no chance. I don't know a single person in my life, me included, that's wants a sports wagon. Ugly.


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[VirtuousWolf]

Well this is more of a hatchback than a wagon if that helps any. There’s a small chance they will bring it because of the success of the RS6.

Nope, no chance. I don't know a single person in my life, me included, that's wants a sports wagon. Ugly.


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[VirtuousWolf]

Yes! There are several Golf R owners, that would like to have an Audi Hatch so they can seem a littler bit more mature/up market at work.

I signed the petition, too! Ha. I have a theory about why Audi seems convinced Americans don't want an "expensive station wagon"... they are asking the wrong people/focus groups! I think it's a nearly-universal consensus that we enthusiasts would love the sportbacks/"estates" over here.

[87vr6]

$800/mo for each of 60 months.

I think you should hold onto the S3. But that's my rational mind.

I've never spent 800/mo combined (car+ins), let alone while living in America's most expensive city..

And for 800/mo, I think I could find another car or two a little more special than a compact sedan (ahem, cayman GT4, 911, etc..)

[Leonitus86]

Rs3 all day. Not even a question. I had a s3 stage 2 and even when I had the rs3 stock it felt like a totally different animal. Everything about the car is just fantastic. Looks, power, technology and comfort at the tip of your fingers. Just switch over if you can afford it.

[0000 RS5]

I think you should hold onto the S3. But that's my rational mind.

I've never spent 800/mo combined (car+ins), let alone while living in America's most expensive city..

And for 800/mo, I think I could find another car or two a little more special than a compact sedan (ahem, cayman GT4, 911, etc..)

On what planet it GT4 and 911 in that price ballpark?

But to answer the OP, I love my RS3. But I had an RS5 before that, so I’m not sure I cam chime in too much from a rational stand point.


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[Rod Paine]

I've been running various high performance vehicles since 1958, primarily on fast country back roads like Malibu Canyon and Cold Water Canyon roads in CA and now Rte 600 north of Winchester VA.

I've found our current 2019 Audi RS 3 a truly great road machine, after replacing its 19" 235/35/19 factory wheels/tires with Michelin 245/40/18 on Neuspeed RSe10 18" wheels, to better deal with the truly bad spots you'll experience on many country back roads.

They 'BUSTED' the original 235/35/19 Pirelli tires on our RS 3 within the first two weeks of use! Our current tires now have 15K+ miles on these roads! No other issues with our RS 3, other then the original 19" tire situation!

[hawkbyte]

Nope, no chance. I don't know a single person in my life, me included, that's wants a sports wagon. Ugly.


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The first RS car was a sportback/avant... juss sayin'. It's in Audi's DNA whether you like it or not. I can't find the results of that petition but you might surprised by how many Audi fans disagree with you.

[r26372]

The first RS car was a sportback/avant... juss sayin'. It's in Audi's DNA whether you like it or not. I can't find the results of that petition but you might surprised by how many Audi fans disagree with you.

I don't like it, that's my vote. Just not a good looking vehicle. Best looking cars in the world vote would never go to a wagon. But I get some people like the utility of one.


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[GTCRS3]

Hatches and wagons over SUVs every day of the week.

The only car, under $100,000, that I would consider dumping my RS3 for is the hatch/sport back RS3. No, am RSQ3 is not a suitable alternative.

Our car plan involves trading out current Cayman S and SQ5 in on a 718 Cayman GTS, and a couple years after finding an RS6.

So off topic...


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[RSgoals]

I don't like it, that's my vote. Just not a good looking vehicle. Best looking cars in the world vote would never go to a wagon. But I get some people like the utility of one.


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I also think wagons are ugly. IMO the current RS3 sedan is perfect in every way. But I do know some people who would love a hatch or wagon one as well. Just not my thing. Like the front of the RS6 looks beastly and then I see the back.. and get that mini van vibe.


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[r26372]

I also think wagons are ugly. IMO the current RS3 sedan is perfect in every way. But I do know some people who would love a hatch or wagon one as well. Just not my thing. Like the front of the RS6 looks beastly and then I see the back.. and get that mini van vibe.


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Exactly - rs6 looks like a Dodge Magnum RT.


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