chrisowe

Looking at my local Audi dealer they've got a T reg S3 Quattro for sale.
It has a 210 bhp engine compared to the later ones with 225.
Anybody here driven one and how do they compare with a Impreza. Obviously the quality is better, and the spec is better as well. I am considering buying one to replace my Golf.

towzer

one of the lads at work has an S3 as his company car, he used to have an old style scoob and he hates the S3 as a drivers car, however he did say that the S3 is nicer inside.

We had a bit of a play this week and he couldn't keep up with my STi UK

Phil

Veracocha

The S3 is not going to stay with a UK Sti due to the differences in power but it is generally faster than a MY01 or MY02 UK Turbo.

The Impreza in my opinion has a better exhaust note and does have more involving handling but the S3 is actually faster, especially the 225bhp version. In gear acceleration is relatively important which is where the Audi is very strong. It's power kicks in at 2000rpm and carries on untill 6800rpm.

The S3 is a class apart when it comes to interior and exterior looks though that again is just down to my opinion.

Claudius

I tried an S3. It doesnt go. I think it's because it's too heavy and only has 210 or 225 bhp...

Veracocha

So about the same weight and power as a MY01 Scoob then. You definately get a better kick in the back from a Scooby as the turbo slams in harder but the S3 kick in earlier.

P1Fanatic

Gotta agree with Veracocha. S3 will keep up with an MY01+ 0-60 and beat it to 100. Classic shape is a bit faster to both but for £600 u can chip the S3 to beat it (give another 40bhp). The interior is amazing with the elextric recaros in black leather and blue alcantra being my favourite. Wont be as involving as an Impreza and doesnt stick out in a crowd which to some is a good thing.

Pricey for the bracket its in but depriciation is a lot better, insurance is cheaper, servicing will be a lot less often, mpg is better.

Imports are very well priced these days so check them out before you buy a UK 2nd hand one.

hades

Have to disagree with veracocha. Have driven a mate's 210bhp S3, and we both agreed my MY02 was a little faster (now the scoob has done a few miles and loosened up, anyway). Admittedly, testing was only up to about 80, not having a very long private runway 225 version may be a different matter - yet to try that.

Otherwise, it's a bit of a different beast. Feels very solid, better build and equipment than a scoob, but then again, it's a lot more money. Chassis is again, very solid, very capable, but lacking in excitement. 6 gears in the STi mould - very close and short second, third etc - which sometimes seems odd as it is so flexible it doesn't need it (turbo works from lower revs than new age WRX, certainly). With options, it's pretty much STi type UK money.

P1fanatic; true about the chip, but new S3 + £600 chip would be £25,370 list. New WRX + full de-cat plus ECUTEK (phase 2 or 3) would be less money and more power.

IMHO, if performance is your main consideration, the Scooby is better. However, if you consider the S3 as a BMW 330i rival - it has the build, better equipment and at least as good performance, at less money - it could make a lot of sense.

I'd say it's a good car, but not targetted at quite the same sort of person as the scoob. If you like the golf, and just want more kit, more power etc, it's ideal. But it's your money - drive it and see what you like!

Veracocha

Hades, one thing with the S3 is that the power seems to vary a lot on the 210bhp model. A group from Audi-Sport tested their S3's on a rolling road and power varied from 204bhp to 231bhp! These were all standard 210bhp models which is pretty suprising.

Having raced a few MY01 Scoobys I have found that the only time they are faster is off the line in first gear. After that the S3 steadlily hauls them in and overtakes them after 100mph.

I agree with the gearing on the S3, it only does about 58mph in second and 85mph in third. It is fun sometimes but means 2 gear changes to 60 and 3 to 100mph. If the S3 did 60mph in second gear it would get there in about 5.8 seconds instead of 6.2-6.4 seconds.

In reality the differences are small. Either driver ***** up a gear change and the other one will run away with it.

Mark_TM

My brother has a S3 and comparing it to my MY02 it bores the **** off me.

Mark

FreeT

what causes such variations in power on standard cars?
is it ;
1) the run in period,
2) pipe connections,
3) condition of filter,
4) mileage done.
5) tired cant think of anything elese

Veracocha

FreeT,

Generally the slower ones have less boost pressure which is the main reason for power vaiances. The engines are all built eactly the same though.

I think people who booted their cars from day one seemed to get a few more hp as the engines can become lazy if you don't boot it.

A chip makes the S3 the performance car that it should be though!

ScoobyJawa

600 quid for an S3 chip and 40 bhp. 600 quid on a decat for the scoob (doesn't even need chipping gives 30-40 bhp over factory figures) then a TEK2 for a further 600.........gives P1 power figs

I like the S3 though - was really tempted when looking for a new car, drove the scoob and it was just more fun and involving to drive IMHO, but the S3 is still a lovely car