Thoughts on RS5 -> RS3?

[eightamrock]

Title says it all. I’ve had my 19’ RS5 for 3 years. Thinking about trading in for something new. I love the RS5 but I have always wanted an RS3 and the new ones have all the options I like in a car.

I traded my fully tuned and loaded S4 for a Golf R and immediately regretted it, want to make sure I’m not looking at a similar mistake here.

What would you do?

I’m also partial to the new M4 competition xdrive because you can get it in manual…. It’s just a bit more expensive than the RS5, but I think you get enough to justify it.


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[Burrcold]

The new RS3 isn't available in Canada but if it was I'd be trading in my RS5 for one.

As for the M4, I personally don't like the look of the M4 (looks like a Mustang), but I do like the M3. Definitely top of this segment from a performance perspective. Just an FYI you can't get an M3/4 in Competition or in xDrive with a manual. The only way to get a manual is RWD non-competition (detuned S58 engine).

[bloodstar57]

Title says it all. I’ve had my 19’ RS5 for 3 years. Thinking about trading in for something new. I love the RS5 but I have always wanted an RS3 and the new ones have all the options I like in a car.

I traded my fully tuned and loaded S4 for a Golf R and immediately regretted it, want to make sure I’m not looking at a similar mistake here.

What would you do?

I’m also partial to the new M4 competition xdrive because you can get it in manual…. It’s just a bit more expensive than the RS5, but I think you get enough to justify it.


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I’ve had the opportunity to drive both the m3&4 on the race track. I still went with the RS5; I will cruise and be relaxed more often than I will be on the knife edge of traction and performance. Also the RS5 interior is much more comfortable! The RS5 has a dual personality but the M3&4 do not do this very well, they never truly feel tamed. Then there are the looks and the M3 &4 are hideous, by comparison.


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[JohnEnglish]

The RS3 is too small for my taste. If anything, I’d want to upgrade to a RS7. I love large and powerful sedans but you do you.

[LYKUNO]

The RS3 is the car I would have purchased if I had a second vehicle with enough storage space to accommodate carrying stuff (coolers, yard products, sets of 4wheels/tires, etc). The RS3 was simply too limited in that regard so we decided on the S5 Sportback based on it's practicality and good looks, comfortable ride, etc. That said, I really really wanted an RS3 for the sheer fun and that fantastic 5 cylinder sound and performance, the DSG and new rear diff, and the fact that they're the last of a breed that will not likely be available in the future. After going nowhere after months on the wait list for an allocation, my dream of owning an RS3 faded away when an S5 allocation became available. You've had enough time to appreciate your RS5, and have an SQ5 for practicality, so I'd say go for the RS3!

[IamRacer X]

I sat in the previous RS3 in the showroom before I purchased my RS5. Literally I felt like a giant inside it. I'm 6'2" 200lb.... wanted the RS5 anyway so didnt give it much thought after.

[nj2016s5]

My son has has a green 2020 RS3 and i have an 2021 RS5 coupe. I am 58, 210 and 5 11, i find the RS3 a blast to drive, however for me it is tight in the front seats, not a lot of shoulder/hip room. I love my RS5 except for the log door swing to open as it is a coupe. when i am not home my son drops his off and take my RS5. just my 2 cents. enjoy

[eightamrock]

Thank you all for the thoughtful responses and feedback! You've definitely given me some things to think about. I do enjoy the luxury of the RS5 as I commute about 50 miles to work each way. The biggest thing for me would be comfort which the RS5 excels at. Im average sized at 5'10 and 180lbs so it's hit or miss with small cars being comfortable for me. The golf R was really uncomfortable for me and was one of the reasons I dumped it so quickly.

To others points, the RS3 just has a cool factor with the lower 0-60 time and that 5 cyl engine. Could be the last opportunity to get one..... but I love my RS5 too...

[bloodstar57]

Thank you all for the thoughtful responses and feedback! You've definitely given me some things to think about. I do enjoy the luxury of the RS5 as I commute about 50 miles to work each way. The biggest thing for me would be comfort which the RS5 excels at. Im average sized at 5'10 and 180lbs so it's hit or miss with small cars being comfortable for me. The golf R was really uncomfortable for me and was one of the reasons I dumped it so quickly.

To others points, the RS3 just has a cool factor with the lower 0-60 time and that 5 cyl engine. Could be the last opportunity to get one..... but I love my RS5 too...

Get both!!! if you can. I too want the sound of the 5 cylinder!

[Bezlar]

We had 2018 rs3 before we bought the rs5. Rs3 was a full stage 1 car 93 octane. Very nice car. I lowered it and probably ruined the ride but it looked great. Sound that the 5 cylinder makes is special. Car felt like the cheapest Audi they make on the in side. It is still a 3 series. That takes me to the rs5. We love the ride. It just soaks up what ever road you throw at it. Feels just as fast if not faster than the rs3. Less turbo lag with the twins. It is also a stage 1 car 93 octane. I’m guessing the two cars would be neck to neck in a race. Now on to the sound. Very underwhelming stock. I’ve deleted the first set of mufflers and have valves open all the time. Now that I’m used to it I think it sounds dam good. And now to the inside. It’s a nice place to be. That’s about it. We miss smaller car so we are going to a Porsche 911.


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[initiala4]

if you want a smaller car, then RS3. If you need space then stick with RS5.

[c99]

I was on the same boat, but I have driven RS3 and no way. Too harsh, too small, 5 cylinder was disappointment for me.

So not for me. RS3 isn't bad car, but RS3 is way back from RS5.
I really don't need drift mode in real life.

[VVG]

Title says it all. I’ve had my 19’ RS5 for 3 years. Thinking about trading in for something new. I love the RS5 but I have always wanted an RS3 and the new ones have all the options I like in a car.

I traded my fully tuned and loaded S4 for a Golf R and immediately regretted it, want to make sure I’m not looking at a similar mistake here.

What would you do?

I’m also partial to the new M4 competition xdrive because you can get it in manual…. It’s just a bit more expensive than the RS5, but I think you get enough to justify it.


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A decision making tree:

1. Do you really need the space of the larger car? If yes, then don't make the switch
2. Do you prefer the ride comfort of the larger car? If yes, then don't make the switch.
3. Do you have another vehicle for utility/practical transport needs (spouse's car, etc). If yes, make the switch if you are willing to live with the harsher ride.

I have an RS5 as my daily, and a Porsche as a toy. Couldn't be happier.

[Dan99]

Title says it all. I’ve had my 19’ RS5 for 3 years. Thinking about trading in for something new. I love the RS5 but I have always wanted an RS3 and the new ones have all the options I like in a car.

I traded my fully tuned and loaded S4 for a Golf R and immediately regretted it, want to make sure I’m not looking at a similar mistake here.

What would you do?

I’m also partial to the new M4 competition xdrive because you can get it in manual…. It’s just a bit more expensive than the RS5, but I think you get enough to justify it.


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I test drove both the RS3 and RS5 before buying an RS5. It's a completely different experience. The RS5 felt special. The RS3 felt like an economy car in comparison. You should drive before you buy because the RS3 is not just a smaller RS5. It has a great tuner engine, but it's not smooth and has significant turbo lag. And, the rest of the car was substandard compared to the RS5. Still, if you're looking for a pocket rocket it might be a great fit. That's why you have to drive one. If you can't find one to drive, look for an S3 to get a feel for the differences between the two platforms.

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[kmarei]

3 series audis feel a lot cheaper on the inside than 5 series audis
everything in the interior feels cheaper

[eightamrock]

A decision making tree:

1. Do you really need the space of the larger car? If yes, then don't make the switch
2. Do you prefer the ride comfort of the larger car? If yes, then don't make the switch.
3. Do you have another vehicle for utility/practical transport needs (spouse's car, etc). If yes, make the switch if you are willing to live with the harsher ride.

I have an RS5 as my daily, and a Porsche as a toy. Couldn't be happier.

I was picking my car up today from a recall fix at the dealer, they share a lot with Porsche. First thing I said to my wife when we pulled in was “I should just get a Porsche” she said….. “yeah”


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[eightamrock]

3 series audis feel a lot cheaper on the inside than 5 series audis
everything in the interior feels cheaper

A few mention this. I really like the luxury of the 5… I didn’t think I’d ever use massaging seats, but I use them all the time.


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[TurrizT]

I will make a video for you with a comparison. I have a 2018 RS5 and a 2022 RS3. I prefer the RS5 as it is much more responsive in city driving than the RS3.
RS3 sounds better and feels more responsive on the freeway, but still prefer the RS5. I'll do a video for you once I get my RS5 back from getting a new wrap...
Some of my initial impressions are at the end of this video when I picked up my RS5 (after buying my rs3 a few months ago):

[ansky]

I had a '19 RS3 that I truly loved from a driving perspective. The 5 cylinder drove and sounded amazing. Incredible little car to drive.
Even though it had 12k miles on it, I traded it in for an RS5 SB last year.

But the decision was for a couple distinct and entirely personal reasons:
1. I really wanted and needed a larger car. the RS3 was definitely a cramped compact sedan and it grated on me the entire time I had it.
2. Entering my 40's, I really wanted a more luxurious cabin. The RS3 is no luxury slouch but it didnt even have seat motors(?!). The RS5 cabin is a significantly better experience when you need to hammer highway miles or even just commute and want to relax. The identity of the RS3 is small and sporty and most of the vehicle presents itself as just that. The RS5 is a luxury sedan that happens to have a booming engine. It's kind of the same reason I didnt end up in an M3, I didnt need the vehicle shouting at me the whole time that it's rough and sporty.

It was/is convenient that they are two very different vehicles.

[bloodstar57]

... I didnt end up in an M3, I didnt need the vehicle shouting at me the whole time that it's rough and sporty...

Yup the M3/M4 is never really tamed and chilled. One of same reason I didn't get one, I'm entering 40 this year and really like to relax more than being a road hooligan.

I have never driven a RS3 but with looking at one on the show floor, it yells " i gonna trash or try to trash everyone".

I see the RS3 as the car we all wanted 15-17 years ago, when we were modding - sometimes to a literal explosive nature- the B5's-B7's.

[VVG]

Yup the M3/M4 is never really tamed and chilled. One of same reason I didn't get one, I'm entering 40 this year and really like to relax more than being a road hooligan.

I have never driven a RS3 but with looking at one on the show floor, it yells " i gonna trash or try to trash everyone".

I see the RS3 as the car we all wanted 15-17 years ago, when we were modding - sometimes to a literal explosive nature- the B5's-B7's.

Yes!!! Back in the day I had a Nogaro Blue Stage 3+ B5 S4. Over $30k in mods alone, and that was back in the early 2000s. My B7 RS4 had less, my C7 S6 even less, and now my B9 RS5 will have just wheels/tires, some shift paddle extenders, and maybe height adjustable springs. I did own an e92 BMW M3 after my RS4 and really liked the car. It was spec'd that I really didn't need to mod it much. I did change to a full set of Stoptech brakes, and added a BMW Performance exhaust and a few CF bits, but that was all. I have always changed to high flow air filters, but I don't really consider that a "mod". With my Porsches, they are so customizable from the factory, that you can basically order them modded! And they are so well executed that you really shouldn't change anything.

My RS5 is the best daily driver I have ever owned. It just hits the sweet spot for everything, and to my eyes, the RS5 Sportback is the single best looking 4-door car on the road today.

[VVG]

We had 2018 rs3 before we bought the rs5. Rs3 was a full stage 1 car 93 octane. Very nice car. I lowered it and probably ruined the ride but it looked great. Sound that the 5 cylinder makes is special. Car felt like the cheapest Audi they make on the in side. It is still a 3 series. That takes me to the rs5. We love the ride. It just soaks up what ever road you throw at it. Feels just as fast if not faster than the rs3. Less turbo lag with the twins. It is also a stage 1 car 93 octane. I’m guessing the two cars would be neck to neck in a race. Now on to the sound. Very underwhelming stock. I’ve deleted the first set of mufflers and have valves open all the time. Now that I’m used to it I think it sounds dam good. And now to the inside. It’s a nice place to be. That’s about it. We miss smaller car so we are going to a Porsche 911.


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If you really want the "smaller car" experience from Porsche, I really recommend looking at the GT4, Spyder, or GTS 4.0 cars. They are absolutely magnificent, and arguably the best handling real world cars you can get regardless of price. Current 911 models drive a bit larger, and have morphed a bit into the luxury touring category, unless you go for the GT3. My Spyder looks like nothing less than a full blown exotic, and the driving experience is truly just on another level.

[eightamrock]

Yes!!! Back in the day I had a Nogaro Blue Stage 3+ B5 S4. Over $30k in mods alone, and that was back in the early 2000s. My B7 RS4 had less, my C7 S6 even less, and now my B9 RS5 will have just wheels/tires, some shift paddle extenders, and maybe height adjustable springs. I did own an e92 BMW M3 after my RS4 and really liked the car. It was spec'd that I really didn't need to mod it much. I did change to a full set of Stoptech brakes, and added a BMW Performance exhaust and a few CF bits, but that was all. I have always changed to high flow air filters, but I don't really consider that a "mod". With my Porsches, they are so customizable from the factory, that you can basically order them modded! And they are so well executed that you really shouldn't change anything.

My RS5 is the best daily driver I have ever owned. It just hits the sweet spot for everything, and to my eyes, the RS5 Sportback is the single best looking 4-door car on the road today.

This is where Im at. I had the tuner car with my S4. It had $30k wrapped up into it too, full catalog with stage 2+ APR tune, suspension, etc. I think I have been convinced to keep my RS5. Its a gorgeous car..... getting something else is just scratching the itch. Maybe I'll start saving for a track car....

[Bezlar]

If you really want the "smaller car" experience from Porsche, I really recommend looking at the GT4, Spyder, or GTS 4.0 cars. They are absolutely magnificent, and arguably the best handling real world cars you can get regardless of price. Current 911 models drive a bit larger, and have morphed a bit into the luxury touring category, unless you go for the GT3. My Spyder looks like nothing less than a full blown exotic, and the driving experience is truly just on another level.

Thanks for the info. I keep looking at them. If a 718 pops up and blows me away I certainly would consider. We had a tts a few years back that we loved. The force behind a 911 is strong though. It’s such a childhood dream we thought would not be attainable. But here we are. Lol


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[kmarei]

Thanks for the info. I keep looking at them. If a 718 pops up and blows me away I certainly would consider. We had a tts a few years back that we loved. The force behind a 911 is strong though. It’s such a childhood dream we thought would not be attainable. But here we are. Lol


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i would much rather have a boxster/cayman vs a 911
911 just shouts mid life crisis car so much
plus boxster is one of the nicest handling cars i have ever driven
mid engine vs rear engine
i just wish they had more power

[bloodstar57]

i would much rather have a boxster/cayman vs a 911
911 just shouts mid life crisis car so much
plus boxster is one of the nicest handling cars i have ever driven
mid engine vs rear engine
i just wish they had more power

GT4/RS FTW!!

[Bezlar]

i would much rather have a boxster/cayman vs a 911
911 just shouts mid life crisis car so much
plus boxster is one of the nicest handling cars i have ever driven
mid engine vs rear engine
i just wish they had more power

Yep. Its the power that turns me off a bit. We looking at c4s. We are early fifties. Lol. The difference between midlife crisis and me is I’ll turn it into a beast. Crisis leaves it stock and puts around.


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[VVG]

GT4/RS FTW!!

$100k over MSRP....if you can even find one

[VVG]

Yep. Its the power that turns me off a bit. We looking at c4s. We are early fifties. Lol. The difference between midlife crisis and me is I’ll turn it into a beast. Crisis leaves it stock and puts around.


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The GT4 and Spyder have 420hp in a 3100-3200 lb car. The GTS 4.0 is only mildly detuned to 395hp. Mid-engine and RWD make for very little driveline power loss. The car feels fast. 4L NA motor means INSTANT throttle response and a very linear and predictable power band. Very different driving experience than an AWD turbo, but why get another car that will just give you the same driving experience?

[itr0045]

I went through the Rs3 vs Rs5 debate when looking for my current car, Rs5. The bottom line for me was the finish of the Rs3 (interior, features, fit) is in a completely different class than the Rs5. The Rs5, for me, is more grown up and less boy racer, so that's what I went with.

[SpeedyG]

I also have a 2022 M3 and that car is fantastic on the handling and torque. Nothing like a manual trans with balls. The only thing, I like my RS5, as it is very comfortable and a really nice drive. I sue it as my daily driver. The M3 is a little snug in the seats( and I am only 5'10" - 195 lbs) but I still love the M3 for weekend drives and just for the driving experience.

[iReminisce]

I test drove a 2018 and a 2022 M3 (at different times) before getting my RS5, and they are just different cars than the RS5 even though they compete in the same segment. For reference, the RS3 "behaves" more like the M3/4 in the sense that its a raw car meant to run wild. M3 even in its base form is an animal at heart, think of trying to put a collar on a snow leopard. The RS3 has the same spirit, but smaller and more nimble.
The RS5 on the other hand is more like Bruce Banner with a Hulk inside wanting to come out. Its got better manners than either car mentioned, far more comfortable and practical (especially in Sportback form) and more edges on luxury. All of them are great cars, they just speak to different use cases, though they all can do everything well, some better than others.

[Dan99]

i would much rather have a boxster/cayman vs a 911
911 just shouts mid life crisis car so much
plus boxster is one of the nicest handling cars i have ever driven
mid engine vs rear engine
i just wish they had more power

The Boxster/cayman vs 911 comparison is a bit like the RS3 vs RS5 comparison. The Cayman handles incredibly well and inspires confidence, but the engine is right behind you. As a result, there is little or no usable space in the cabin for anything other than passengers, and the noise level is much higher. Both are wonderful cars, but I would get the Cayman if you want something playful and the 911 if you want something more versatile. For example, I would much rather take a 911 on a road trip to the mountains, but I would rather take the Cayman to a track or to dive-bomb canyon roads.

The mid-engine Cayman has the best configuration for handling purposes, but there is a reason the 911 has endured for decades. Both are very nice cars, but they fill slightly different needs.

[kmarei]

The Boxster/cayman vs 911 comparison is a bit like the RS3 vs RS5 comparison. The Cayman handles incredibly well and inspires confidence, but the engine is right behind you. As a result, there is little or no usable space in the cabin for anything other than passengers, and the noise level is much higher. Both are wonderful cars, but I would get the Cayman if you want something playful and the 911 if you want something more versatile. For example, I would much rather take a 911 on a road trip to the mountains, but I would rather take the Cayman to a track or to dive-bomb canyon roads.

The mid-engine Cayman has the best configuration for handling purposes, but there is a reason the 911 has endured for decades. Both are very nice cars, but they fill slightly different needs.

so you are saying buy both?
:)

[Dan99]

so you are saying buy both?
:)

Yes

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