Help! Audi S3 or VW Golf R?

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I know it sounds silly, but what I am saying is you buy a S3 or R for the same reason you buy a Vivo. To drive around in a dull, common and classless car.

Now a BMW M car is a high performance vehicle with plenty of class and style, and performance to boot.
 
Well, seeing as this has descended into the silliness of comparing a Golf R to a polo vivo, I suggest the OP wait and get a 2016 Focus RS.
 
Rouxenator said:
I know it sounds silly, but what I am saying is you buy a S3 or R for the same reason you buy a Vivo. To drive around in a dull, common and classless car.

Now a BMW M car is a high performance vehicle with plenty of class and style, and performance to boot.
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I think I've owned some pretty nice cars, and driven many cars. The R is right there on top. Don't take my word for it ... see all the reviews by motoring journalists and they agree. Far from boring. It's a brilliant everyday car that can transform into something fun with the touch of a button. (OK two touches)
 
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ScottulusMaximus said:
They're the same car... And no a normal person won't be able to tell the difference in their performance, it's all in your head.

So if your buying it purely for performance, get the cheapest one
If you're buying it for style and posing, get the one you think looks/feels better
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Have you driven both ? Taking this as not ... unless you have and that's the basis of your post ...

And I wasn't comparing performance. Was talking about drive feel and experience

Edit: has anyone here owned either of these cars or driven them substantially to make an opinion? I love how the Internet is filled with experts never ever having experienced "stuff" and then form opinions based on assumptions and what they think. I am giving the OP first hand experience of the R and bottom line it's great ...
 
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adamr said:
I was in the same boat as you. .. and bought the 7R brand new from vw. Had it for a year and a half and 14000km later sold it for R5000 less than what I paid new (insane resale ). I now have an A45 AMG Edition 1 (the limited edition version ) and ... the golf in my opinion is the better car (even though the a45 is much quicker, sounds insane.... everything is not about speed, the golf is plenty fast and it executes everything perfectly).

The s3 is more expensive new ... but will depreciate more than the golf no doubt. Buy the golf ... it's a no brainer. There was absolutely no issues that i had with the car.

In all journalist reviews the golf comes on top in its segment. And I agree it's best in its class (I have owned and driven allot of cars ... trust me on the golf)

Option that is a must is DCC ... make sure to tick that box
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Thanks very much to everyone for the replies! I really appreciate the feedback and opinions.

A specific thank you to you adamr. I must admit that I am currently leaning strongly toward the Golf R. Your story about the depreciation (or lack thereof) was exactly the type of information that I was looking for. I also found the comment regarding the R being superior to the A45 intriguing. I’ve seen videos of those two being stacked against one another on Youtube, so there must be some truth in what you say!

The S3 is no doubt a mighty decent car, but having owned both and others in the segment, I trust your opinion on the R. I think that even if the S3 was marginally better to drive than the R, I would have to go R purely based on the depreciation factor. With that much money involved, one has to be practical too!

I called the dealer today to enquire about discount and availability. I spoke to a pretty helpful guy who has undertaken to get back to me tomorrow. Other than that, I guess the next step is to arrange a test-drive, just to be sure ;)

Thanks again to all!
 
B1ade said:
Thanks very much to everyone for the replies! I really appreciate the feedback and opinions.

A specific thank you to you adamr. I must admit that I am currently leaning strongly toward the Golf R. Your story about the depreciation (or lack thereof) was exactly the type of information that I was looking for. I also found the comment regarding the R being superior to the A45 intriguing. I’ve seen videos of those two being stacked against one another on Youtube, so there must be some truth in what you say!

The S3 is no doubt a mighty decent car, but having owned both and others in the segment, I trust your opinion on the R. I think that even if the S3 was marginally better to drive than the R, I would have to go R purely based on the depreciation factor. With that much money involved, one has to be practical too!

I called the dealer today to enquire about discount and availability. I spoke to a pretty helpful guy who has undertaken to get back to me tomorrow. Other than that, I guess the next step is to arrange a test-drive, just to be sure ;)

Thanks again to all!
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Can't argue with this. Let us know and do post pics.

Sensible people buy VW, something I'm glad that most people have.
 
B1ade said:
The S3 is no doubt a mighty decent car, but having owned both and others in the segment, I trust your opinion on the R. I think that even if the S3 was marginally better to drive than the R, I would have to go R purely based on the depreciation factor. With that much money involved, one has to be practical too!

I called the dealer today to enquire about discount and availability. I spoke to a pretty helpful guy who has undertaken to get back to me tomorrow. Other than that, I guess the next step is to arrange a test-drive, just to be sure ;)

Thanks again to all!
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Enjoy the test drive! Having driven both, I'd still go for the R. The S3 with all the bells and whistles, look a bit better. But I prefer how the R sounded and felt. It's not just a fast Golf. It's a different car.
 
R is better in most ways.
If you want comfort and sport the S3 is the better in that regard. Otherwise the Golf is the better option.

I also prefer the look of the golf over the Audi.
 
PostmanPot said:
Can't argue with this. Let us know and do post pics.

Sensible people buy VW, something I'm glad that most people have.
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himZD0Mh.jpg

In all seriousness though, they are both reliable, well put together cars. I don't think OP would be unhappy in either of them. I personally think the Golf is aesthetically boring and too common but that is just my opinion.
 
Rouxenator said:
I know it sounds silly, but what I am saying is you buy a S3 or R for the same reason you buy a Vivo. To drive around in a dull, common and classless car.

Now a BMW M car is a high performance vehicle with plenty of class and style, and performance to boot.
Click to expand...

You lost? Go play here; Which car to pick Aveo or Vivo
http://mybroadband.co.za/vb/showthread.php?t=781287

We have had VW and Audi for the past years. Only reason I'd take the S3 over the R7 would be due to Audis service. I love that I get fed muffins and a cappuccino while I wait for a courtesy vehicle when I'm due for a service. VW service is slacking. Might be only our branch here.

Good luck though, both stunning vehicles.
 
Where does op stay?


You buy a VAG in JHB and sooner or later it's going to get jacked.
 
The whole 'prestige' thing is a load of BS, don't place much weighting on that. The S3 is a fantastic car, and it's really awesome to drive, solidly built, interior is probably the best in it's class, and externally, well styled (without the whole 'aggressive' up in your face aspect, which i personally hate). Big plus is the excellent servicing and warranty. I've always received flawless workmanship from Audi. You definitely shouldn't be disappointed with it. The Golf's are a little too... boy racer'ry (and yes, I'm including the 7R).

And uh, depreciation is still really good. I haven't had any issues there. Bearing in mind that they are effectively the same company.
 
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adamr said:
Err no. That a silly statement.

Reason a BMW M car is great is because of its chassis; the suspension and the way it is set up. You need to drive them back to back to understand

Yes it's not a night and day difference between the s3 and R. But the R being a little more exciting , and the awd system "feeling" slightly better (and they the same) and being cheaper than the S3 it's a no brainer tbh

I've had the prev gen RS3 and the Audi drive is more GT than sports car ... always has been. The same is true of the S3 ... it's a little sedate
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adamr said:
I think I've owned some pretty nice cars, and driven many cars. The R is right there on top. Don't take my word for it ... see all the reviews by motoring journalists and they agree. Far from boring. It's a brilliant everyday car that can transform into something fun with the touch of a button. (OK two touches)
Click to expand...

adamr said:
Have you driven both ? Taking this as not ... unless you have and that's the basis of your post ...

And I wasn't comparing performance. Was talking about drive feel and experience

Edit: has anyone here owned either of these cars or driven them substantially to make an opinion? I love how the Internet is filled with experts never ever having experienced "stuff" and then form opinions based on assumptions and what they think. I am giving the OP first hand experience of the R and bottom line it's great ...
Click to expand...

PostmanPot said:
Can't argue with this. Let us know and do post pics.

Sensible people buy VW, something I'm glad that most people have.
Click to expand...

Bleh. Test driven all of the above and will stand by my choice - M235i. Will take all of them on as well :twisted:

As for sensible people driving VW; well, guess that's as long as you don't drive a diesel from them ;)
 
Splinter said:
Bleh. Test driven all of the above and will stand by my choice - M235i. Will take all of them on as well :twisted:

As for sensible people driving VW; well, guess that's as long as you don't drive a diesel from them ;)
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Quite a sexy car the M235i... unfortunately it's over R100k more than what I'm looking at, so it's more in the league of the AMG A45 and WRX STI. A very big factor for me as well is the 4-wheel drive, so that cuts BMW and most other manufacturers out.

Interesting comment regarding VW & diesel. My experience with the Polo TDI's at least is fantastic. Bought a TDI new in 2006 - still running perfectly today with no issues at all. My fiance bought a TDI in 2012 and again, it's been brilliant. We also bought two TDI's for company use in 2011/2012 and put over 200 000km's on each to date, with no major hassles. I guess we all have different experiences?

Thanks again all for input to date. Busy arranging test-drive of the R as we speak ;)
 
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