VASK Forum (VW Audi SportKlub of NZ)

AUDI => A3 - S3 - RS 3 - TT - TTS - TT RS => Topic started by: 106_racecar on December 05, 2006, 03:13:01 PM

Title: Why do S3's have so many owners?
Post by: 106_racecar on December 05, 2006, 03:13:01 PM
I have been looking on trademe at S3's over the last couple of months and for a 4-5 old car they typically have 3-4 owners.

That seems an unusually high turnover rate for an Audi - why would that be?
Title: Re: Why do S3's have so many owners?
Post by: hitmanGTI on December 05, 2006, 03:49:27 PM
because people get sick of the Lack of space really quickly or they buy a S3 to impress their bimbo girlfriends.. marry her a few weeks later.. gets her pregnant and then realises oh damn.. maybe i should have a bought a S4 (more space for the kids)
Title: Re: Why do S3's have so many owners?
Post by: djrisk on December 05, 2006, 03:59:06 PM
Quote from: Anton on December 05, 2006, 03:49:27 PM
because people get sick of the Lack of space really quickly or they buy a S3 to impress their bimbo girlfriends.. marry her a few weeks later.. gets her pregnant and then realises oh f**k.. maybe i should have a bought a S4 (more space for the kids)
Thats exactly what i was thinking!!! ha fortunately i dont have kids (yet!)
Title: Re: Why do S3's have so many owners?
Post by: 106_racecar on December 05, 2006, 05:32:30 PM
Quote from: Anton on December 05, 2006, 03:49:27 PM
because people get sick of the Lack of space really quickly or they buy a S3 to impress their bimbo girlfriends.. marry her a few weeks later.. gets her pregnant and then realises oh f**k.. maybe i should have a bought a S4 (more space for the kids)
or bought a 5dr Golf 4Motion?!!
Title: Re: Why do S3's have so many owners?
Post by: Audidude on December 07, 2006, 08:08:45 PM
.....sigh.......

Bias alert - Anton hates S3s.................

And LOVES Golfs.................

Actually - give me an S3 over a Golf any day - Golf's in my experience feel heavy and clunky pre-MkV GTi - and the interior isn't close to the S3.

Cheers

DISCLAIMER: I don't own an S3. :)
Title: Re: Why do S3's have so many owners?
Post by: hitmanGTI on December 07, 2006, 08:44:38 PM
Quote from: Audidude on December 07, 2006, 08:08:45 PM
.....sigh.......

Bias alert - Anton hates S3s.................

And LOVES Golfs.................

Actually - give me an S3 over a Golf any day - Golf's in my experience feel heavy and clunky pre-MkV GTi - and the interior isn't close to the S3.

Cheers

DISCLAIMER: I don't own an S3. :)

i dont hate S3s at all

and you have owned two S3s lol..

Title: Re: Why do S3's have so many owners?
Post by: bigbumper on December 07, 2006, 09:00:11 PM
hmmmn.... s3 or mk4gti.... no contest imho.... go the audi
Title: Re: Why do S3's have so many owners?
Post by: hitmanGTI on December 08, 2006, 02:26:38 AM
Quote from: bigbumper on December 07, 2006, 09:00:11 PM
hmmmn.... s3 or mk4gti.... no contest imho.... go the audi

S3 of MK4 GTI.... no contest IMHO.. Fiat Uno Turbo ;)

Title: Re: Why do S3's have so many owners?
Post by: 106_racecar on December 08, 2006, 09:24:17 AM
Don't both the Golf 4Motion and Audi S3 use the Haldex AWD? 

The S3 over all is a bit more special and the seats are awesome, but the Golf is the better choice for those of us with children.

At a pinch we could take 3 children away with us providing I had a roofbox.  Would you want to do that with an S3?

Enginewise, the 210/225 BHP S3 is faster than the Golf and is much more tuneable and is where I would rather put my $$ but the S3 seems to have limited appeal?
Title: Re: Why do S3's have so many owners?
Post by: Dubious on December 08, 2006, 11:36:28 AM
Was considering a silver S3 225 before finding my A4. Back then it didn't really appeal due to the feminine styling. Golf mk4 in my opinion uses better quality plastics and dashboard materials too.
Title: Re: Why do S3's have so many owners?
Post by: 106_racecar on December 08, 2006, 11:50:07 AM
Quote from: Dubious on December 08, 2006, 11:36:28 AM
Was considering a silver S3 225 before finding my A4. Back then it didn't really appeal due to the feminine styling. Golf mk4 in my opinion uses better quality plastics and dashboard materials too.
Better quality materials over the S3 or the S3 and A4?.  Every Golf I seem to see has worn door handles trim inside the drivers doors.  What A4 did you get in the end?
Title: Re: Why do S3's have so many owners?
Post by: Dubious on December 08, 2006, 12:02:11 PM
Quote from: 106_racecar on December 08, 2006, 11:50:07 AM
Better quality materials over the S3 or the S3 and A4?.  Every Golf I seem to see has worn door handles trim inside the drivers doors.  What A4 did you get in the end?

As mentioned in a previous thread, I have a 2000 A4 1.8TQ Sport.

The Golf has similar vinyl dash trimmings to the A4, and similar matte plastics for the air vents and door trims. The dash surface on the S3 feels rougher and rubberier, and is actually the same mould as used on the previous model Seat Leon.

The S3 is still a very solid drive, but I would still choose a Golf 1.8T and spend a few thou getting more power out of it. Alternatively, buy a 2.8 4motion Golf and you get recaros and some other niceties.
Title: Re: Why do S3's have so many owners?
Post by: Audidude on December 09, 2006, 12:26:41 AM
Quote from: Dubious on December 08, 2006, 12:02:11 PM
The S3 is still a very solid drive, but I would still choose a Golf 1.8T and spend a few thou getting more power out of it. Alternatively, buy a 2.8 4motion Golf and you get recaros and some other niceties.

I have driven the 2.8 4motion Golf and was amazed at how leaden it felt - absolutely no feedback at all. OK, the S3 doesn't exactly excel in this either but is far more communicative than the Golf. R32 however is very different to the 2.8 4Motion, and is really the only Mk IV Golf to challenge the S3. The 1.8T Golfs are not even close, even when chipped only get around 200HP whereas the S3 chipped gets 250-260HP and bucketloads more torque. It is shatteringly quick in the mid-range and seriously, if you think a non-R32 Golf compares you haven't had the thrill of piloting a chipped S3. Period.

And as far as interior goes, VW vs Audi from same year - no comparison the Audi wins easily. In fact it's one of the main things that sets the marques apart - the Audi has interior luxury ambience, the Golf a more utilitarian feel. That is in fact a deliberate distinction that VAG uses to justify the silly money we pay for Audis. Live with an Audi and you won't desire a VW.

Cheers
Title: Re: Why do S3's have so many owners?
Post by: timmay on December 09, 2006, 10:37:31 AM
OMG...how many times are we going to have to compare the S3 to something???

I think what Dubious is saying is that if you have a budget to stick to, go wif the Golf and spend what you saved on giving it more power. No a Golf naturally will never be as quick as a chipped S3 unless the Golf itself has had some serious work done to it and even then the S3 has Quattro to help it get off the line quicker.

As for interior...well I think that largely boils down to personal preference. Yea for sure, the newer Audis do have a much more luxurious interior than the equivalent VW...thats the way its meant to be! But, apart from the Recaros in the S3, I don't think Audi did a very good job with the A3/S3 pair when compared to the equivalent MKIV Golf. Yea, the S3 may have more interior appointments...you are paying for it after all....but I agree with Dubious, the Golf interior is just a much nicer place to be.

Oh and btw...my door handle trims aren't worn  :P
Title: Re: Why do S3's have so many owners?
Post by: GTI's on December 09, 2006, 11:58:19 AM
Whats happened to S3 Qauttro
His must be for sale?,,,,...   lightly salted
Title: Re: Why do S3's have so many owners?
Post by: timmay on December 09, 2006, 01:43:17 PM
Quote from: BDmk2 on December 09, 2006, 11:58:19 AM
Whats happened to S3 Qauttro
His must be for sale?,,,,...   lightly salted

Nup he's still got his and not for sale as far as I know.

Being repaired currently though  :P
Title: Re: Why do S3's have so many owners?
Post by: Audidude on December 10, 2006, 03:07:42 PM
Quote from: timmay on December 09, 2006, 10:37:31 AM
OMG...how many times are we going to have to compare the S3 to something???

I think what Dubious is saying is that if you have a budget to stick to, go wif the Golf and spend what you saved on giving it more power. No a Golf naturally will never be as quick as a chipped S3 unless the Golf itself has had some serious work done to it and even then the S3 has Quattro to help it get off the line quicker.

As for interior...well I think that largely boils down to personal preference. Yea for sure, the newer Audis do have a much more luxurious interior than the equivalent VW...thats the way its meant to be! But, apart from the Recaros in the S3, I don't think Audi did a very good job with the A3/S3 pair when compared to the equivalent MKIV Golf. Yea, the S3 may have more interior appointments...you are paying for it after all....but I agree with Dubious, the Golf interior is just a much nicer place to be.

Oh and btw...my door handle trims aren't worn  :P

I didn't start the comparing S3 to Golf thing but saw some significant (and on this forum commonly seen) slagging off of the S3 on grounds which are simply unsustainable. As a Golf owner I am sure you find the interior just a much nicer place to be but i can assure you I have spent significant time in a MkIV Golf and an S3 and you are quite simply either wrong or biased.

The performance thing you seem to accept.

I just wanted to balance the argument :)

Cheers
Title: Re: Why do S3's have so many owners?
Post by: Turbo on December 10, 2006, 04:57:55 PM
Quote from: Audidude on December 10, 2006, 03:07:42 PM
you are quite simply either wrong or biased.




:laugh:
Title: Re: Why do S3's have so many owners?
Post by: timmay on December 10, 2006, 10:37:10 PM
Quote from: Audidude on December 10, 2006, 03:07:42 PM
As a Golf owner I am sure you find the interior just a much nicer place to be but i can assure you I have spent significant time in a MkIV Golf and an S3 and you are quite simply either wrong or biased.

Ha...I wouldn't say I was wrong or right or biased for that matter...i'd call it a difference between personal preference! I know there are other people who would agree with me too.

If you were to compare the MKV Golf GTi and the new S3 (based on what I have seen in da pics) i'd say the new S3.
Title: Re: Why do S3's have so many owners?
Post by: Audidude on December 11, 2006, 05:36:59 PM
Quote from: timmay on December 10, 2006, 10:37:10 PM
Ha...I wouldn't say I was wrong or right or biased for that matter...i'd call it a difference between personal preference! I know there are other people who would agree with me too.

If you were to compare the MKV Golf GTi and the new S3 (based on what I have seen in da pics) i'd say the new S3.

Ha ha - we might differ here too - the new GTi is a cracker to drive - informative and responsive. Don't expect such feedback from the new S3 which will be significantly heavier - it will be v quick for sure but I suspect for the Thrill of Driving the GTi might have the edge. The S3 will be beautifully finished and appointed so I guess it depend on what you want and how much you can afford - expect the S3 to run close to $100K  ::)

Remember that the Thrill of Driving has little to do with point to point times but far more to do with how it makes the driver feel about the experience. How much the car talks to the driver and how well the car allows the driver to interact with the road.

Cheers

Title: Re: Why do S3's have so many owners?
Post by: timmay on December 11, 2006, 09:46:34 PM
Quote from: Audidude on December 11, 2006, 05:36:59 PM
Ha ha - we might differ here too - the new GTi is a cracker to drive - informative and responsive. Don't expect such feedback from the new S3 which will be significantly heavier - it will be v quick for sure but I suspect for the Thrill of Driving the GTi might have the edge. The S3 will be beautifully finished and appointed so I guess it depend on what you want and how much you can afford - expect the S3 to run close to $100K  ::)

Remember that the Thrill of Driving has little to do with point to point times but far more to do with how it makes the driver feel about the experience. How much the car talks to the driver and how well the car allows the driver to interact with the road.

Cheers



Sorry yea, when I said the new S3 over the MKV Golf GTi I was referring to the interior etc etc
Title: Re: Why do S3's have so many owners?
Post by: VB on December 18, 2006, 12:38:39 PM
The new GTI didn't look that hot crap on its lap on top gear.
Title: Re: Why do S3's have so many owners?
Post by: djrisk on December 18, 2006, 11:48:16 PM
I test drove a DSG gti before we got the S3, and i didnt think it was fast at all. Never drove an R32 though...
Title: Re: Why do S3's have so many owners?
Post by: VB on December 19, 2006, 01:07:12 PM
How many s3 owner feel the need to go onto the vw forum and slag off golfs etc? Can't see the need for the reverse to happen.
Title: Re: Why do S3's have so many owners?
Post by: hitmanGTI on December 19, 2006, 04:43:36 PM
Quote from: djrisk on December 18, 2006, 11:48:16 PM
I test drove a DSG gti before we got the S3, and i didnt think it was fast at all. Never drove an R32 though...

S3 vs Golf GTI - S3 (handling)
S3 vs Golf GTI - GTI (Straight Line)
S3 vs Golf GTI - GTI (Interior)
R32 vs S3 - R32 - (Noise, Handling & Mostly Straight Line with the exception of Steves high out put one)
R32 vs Golf GTI - R32 (Handling , Straight Line, Interior)

In saying that i really like my Golf.. and Watch this space... there may be a Killer GTI MK4 on the loose soon..
Title: Re: Why do S3's have so many owners?
Post by: djrisk on December 20, 2006, 08:24:07 AM
So what you are saying is i should trade up to a Mk5 R32?? cause i was thinking about it. But i figured when i get my ECU reprogrammed, the S3 would be faster than an R32 anyway (judging by that dyno shootout i saw on here between the A3 3.2 and a chipped S3).
Title: Re: Why do S3's have so many owners?
Post by: hitmanGTI on December 20, 2006, 09:57:27 AM
ummmm...

you would be down grading if you went to mk5 (aesthetically speaking)

i say go mk4 R32 looks better.. and is only 10 HP shy of the new R32...

the S3 Quattros S3  is more powerfull at the wheels with his superchips map than Zipzaps Chiped Cam'd and Exhaust'd R32

S3 - 165kw at the wheels (Chipped and Remus Rear Box and Decatted)

R32 - 158kw at the wheels (Chipped Cam'd, Cat back exhaust no cats)

These dyno results are on the same dyno same day

the S3 pulls like a School boy, the R32 is more refined and linear (prim and proper)

R32's Spring Damper and ARB setup is far superior to that of the S3 even tho the S3 has extra Strengthening

(Tie bars/Strut braces upper and lower)
Title: Re: Why do S3's have so many owners?
Post by: RS ZWEI on December 20, 2006, 10:19:33 AM
Quote from: Anton on December 20, 2006, 09:57:27 AM
ummmm...

you would be down grading if you went to mk5 (aesthetically speaking)

i say go mk4 R32 looks better.. and is only 10 HP shy of the new R32...

the S3 Quattros S3  is more powerfull at the wheels with his superchips map than Zipzaps Chiped Cam'd and Exhaust'd R32

S3 - 165kw at the wheels (Chipped and Remus Rear Box and Decatted)

R32 - 158kw at the wheels (Chipped Cam'd, Cat back exhaust no cats)

These dyno results are on the same dyno same day

the S3 pulls like a School boy, the R32 is more refined and linear (prim and proper)

R32's Spring Damper and ARB setup is far superior to that of the S3 even tho the S3 has extra Strengthening

(Tie bars/Strut braces upper and lower)

Was this from the VASK dyno day or a later day? What the chip in the R32 sorted at the point of this run?

Title: Re: Why do S3's have so many owners?
Post by: hitmanGTI on December 20, 2006, 11:05:21 AM
another day..

Title: Re: Why do S3's have so many owners?
Post by: boraV5 on December 20, 2006, 03:49:38 PM
Quote from: BDmk2 on December 09, 2006, 11:58:19 AM
Whats happened to S3 Qauttro
His must be for sale?,,,,...   lightly salted

Im confused by what lightly salted means?

Im still around.

I prefer the S3 to a MKIV or MKV GTI :-)

And my S3 is quicker in a straight line than a GTI.
Title: Re: Why do S3's have so many owners?
Post by: rambo_005 on December 20, 2006, 04:01:51 PM
Quote from: S3Quattro on December 20, 2006, 03:49:38 PM
Im confused by what lightly salted means?

He was probably referring to you taking your S3 on the beach?! :P
Title: Re: Why do S3's have so many owners?
Post by: djrisk on December 20, 2006, 04:07:49 PM
Quote from: VB on December 19, 2006, 01:07:12 PM
How many s3 owner feel the need to go onto the vw forum and slag off golfs etc? Can't see the need for the reverse to happen.
I wasnt deliberately slagging off a VW, im just telling you what i found. I couldnt give a crap wheither my car has a VW or an Audi badge (they are the same car anyway), but there is 2 things i do give a crap about.... turbos and not being FWD. since the either VW's cant fill my needs, i got the S3.... ;D
One thing that bugs me about the new R32. Every time i see one, theres an old lady behind the wheel. Sorry guys but that just aint "cool". ::)
Title: Re: Why do S3's have so many owners?
Post by: veedubtom on December 20, 2006, 04:20:14 PM
They're both crap, buy a Merc
Title: Re: Why do S3's have so many owners?
Post by: RS ZWEI on December 20, 2006, 06:03:34 PM
Quote from: EVLC36 on December 20, 2006, 04:20:14 PM
They're both crap, buy a Merc

Intelligent comment Tom.

Title: Re: Why do S3's have so many owners?
Post by: rambo_005 on December 20, 2006, 06:48:18 PM
Quote from: djrisk on December 20, 2006, 04:07:49 PM
One thing that bugs me about the new R32. Every time i see one, theres an old lady behind the wheel. Sorry guys but that just aint "cool". ::)

It's a good thing to me, by the time they are in my price range they won't be completely destroyed :P
Title: Re: Why do S3's have so many owners?
Post by: rambo_005 on December 20, 2006, 06:48:52 PM
Quote from: EVLC36 on December 20, 2006, 04:20:14 PM
They're both crap, buy a Merc

What? an A-class with AMG bits? cool... not!
Title: Re: Why do S3's have so many owners?
Post by: Turbo on December 20, 2006, 07:38:54 PM
Quote from: djrisk on December 20, 2006, 04:07:49 PM
Quote from: VB on December 19, 2006, 01:07:12 PM
How many s3 owner feel the need to go onto the vw forum and slag off golfs etc? Can't see the need for the reverse to happen.

I wasnt deliberately slagging off a VW, im just telling you what i found.

i don't think he was referring to you. but the golf owners slagging off s3's (unless i'm mistaken)
Title: Re: Why do S3's have so many owners?
Post by: djrisk on December 20, 2006, 10:30:47 PM
Yeah i figured. But i did bad-mouth the GTI by saying it was slow. ;)
Title: Re: Why do S3's have so many owners?
Post by: rambo_005 on December 20, 2006, 10:33:18 PM
I can even things up by saying the S3 looks girly! :o
Title: Re: Why do S3's have so many owners?
Post by: boraV5 on December 21, 2006, 09:42:02 AM
I dont think the S3 looks girly.....maybe a bit on the gay side... but deffinately not girly :-)

and YAY i get my S3 back in 3 hours :-)
Title: Re: Why do S3's have so many owners?
Post by: veedubtom on December 21, 2006, 11:05:19 AM
Quote from: Golfboy666GTI on December 20, 2006, 06:03:34 PM
Intelligent comment Tom.



Intelligent comment for an intelligent post, they both have their good and bad points, get over it
Title: Re: Why do S3's have so many owners?
Post by: RS ZWEI on December 21, 2006, 11:08:12 AM
Quote from: EVLC36 on December 21, 2006, 11:05:19 AM
Intelligent comment for an intelligent post, they both have their good and bad points, get over it

Nothing to get over, I dont own a Benz.

Title: Re: Why do S3's have so many owners?
Post by: djrisk on December 21, 2006, 06:00:00 PM
Quote from: rambo_005 on December 20, 2006, 10:33:18 PM
I can even things up by saying the S3 looks girly! :o
I dont know how many times my mates have said im driving my wifes car!!! but those comments were soon reversed after a quick spin round the block :police:
Title: Re: Why do S3's have so many owners?
Post by: boraV5 on December 22, 2006, 09:42:39 AM
yea... i get called a homo or a mummys boy... but meh.... at least im not on the doll.
Title: Re: Why do S3's have so many owners?
Post by: Period_Correct_ on December 22, 2006, 12:05:11 PM
Quote from: S3Quattro on December 22, 2006, 09:42:39 AM
yea... i get called a homo or a mummys boy... but meh.... at least im not on the doll.

S3s a wicked car, and yours is freakin FAST mate...
Title: Re: Why do S3's have so many owners?
Post by: Audidude on December 22, 2006, 03:56:08 PM
There's something sort of NZHondas about this thread :)

Thought we were "above" such things over here on the mature Euro forum :o ;D

I have heard the TT and Beetle described as "gay" and "girls car" (which they are!) but never the S3. Maybe our kiwi blokes culture is more blokey??

And if you want to call a car driven predominantly by chicks a girlie car, look at the WRX - over 50% I'd say. Does that make the WRX a girlie car?

Let's move on please!

Cheers



Title: Re: Why do S3's have so many owners?
Post by: hitmanGTI on December 22, 2006, 04:07:08 PM
Quote from: Audidude on December 22, 2006, 03:56:08 PM
Thought we were "above" such things over here on the mature Euro forum


Is that a Tui ad i hear
Title: Re: Why do S3's have so many owners?
Post by: orggti on December 22, 2006, 04:38:53 PM
Hi everyone, its called the dole, and yea ive seen older ladies driving R32 and really slowly at that, dosent mean anything about the car apart from maybe they got loadsa money and they like the look of em id say.
And Audidude we are so on the same team now eh  :) cause sadly its been quite a while since you were assured of a reasonably intelligent comment on vask, however i still like it and dont know why but cant get anywhere on any other forum, vask is still the best.
Title: Re: Why do S3's have so many owners?
Post by: GTI's on December 22, 2006, 04:42:44 PM
Go Jem!  yeah Tom, up you Anton. Nah just saying merry assmas spend all your money on boxing day.
Have a good one.
Brendon