B8.5 S4 Vs Rs3 (United states model line)

[usaf655]

Im having a hard time deciding on if I want to keep my b8.5 or get an RS3 in the near future. Who all has made the leap and was it worth it? Everyone complains of space in those models, but theres only a ~3 cubic foot difference between the two interiors. I love being tuned and having immediate power with a blower system. My true dilemma is that is it worth the 20k jump from my S4 (I paid ~33k at the time) to a ~55k car that will run 1 second faster over a "stage 2" S4. Ive seen a lot of reliability things going on with the RS3 thats making me hesitant as well.

Picture of my Estoril Blue S4 and noggy blue lawnmower ;)

http://i64.tinypic.com/idgo4y.jpg

[maty360414]

I would keep the S4 its $20k you can save

[seandon_792]

It seems like you’ve already convinced yourself to keep the S4 from reading your post. In my opinion the s4 will be more fun and has proven to be quite reliable over time. If the rs3 is having issues already I’d be skeptical as well.


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[usaf655]

I go back and forth all the time on selling my car to move to the RS3. The sound of that baby lambo motor is music to my ears. I just want to make sure the experience is worth the price jump.

[fmzip]

The RS3 is way too small for me. Felt like the size of my first B4 A4. Not enough leg room

[Rappydog]

Keep the S4 and add a more powerful battery to the lawnmower. Cut your mow time in half, get in a good workout and have more time to enjoy the S4.

[Corradobrit]

The final body styling of the current RS3 is a total letdown IMO for an RS car. Had Audi retained the more aggressive styling of the Clubsport it would have been a contender. I'm waiting to see if the RS5 design cues filter down to facelift RS3 before I jump ship.

[usaf655]

The final body styling of the current RS3 is a total letdown IMO for an RS car. Had Audi retained the more aggressive styling of the Clubsport it would have been a contender. I'm waiting to see if the RS5 design cues filter down to facelift RS3 before I jump ship.

I am a little disappointed of the lack of the RS flare most the of the model line has. I just think the idea of having a 10 second DD is amazing.

[S4tranquility]

I’ve debated the same. The RS3 with a tune is nuts.

[bhvrdr]

Very tough call. I actually like the size of the RS3 a lot. Not 100% sold on the Haldex but maybe its fine. I too would like to see what issues crop up in the coming 2 years or so.

Mike

[usaf655]

Ive seen 2 be lemon law'd due to the ECU issue for fuel on the RS3s and I guess the exhaust rattle will have a TSB soon. But Im amazed to see how many people have gotten one and already left it. I just hate to leave a proven reliable platform. My S4 isnt over 60k miles, so theres a lot of life to be had.

[GandalfTheIbis]

I'm a sucker for the B8 S4. I'd consider picking up another down the line if mine eventually dies.

[RCFC89]

The only S4 I'd take over a RS3 is the one I currently have. Like others have said though the S3/RS3 is a tiny car that might not appeal to some.

[GWS42013]

Being 6.5ft tall the RS3 is a big no for me..., and performance wise its quick from a dig, but in roll races in stock trim, not that spectacular. I git a bigger thrill from an S7 sportback in stock form and thats where my money will be going next, but my B8.5 stays in her rightful space.....my garage!!!

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[wangshuo1989]

No power seat means fail, feels like a Jetta to me.

[doughboy17]

Keep the S4 and add a more powerful battery to the lawnmower. Cut your mow time in half, get in a good workout and have more time to enjoy the S4.

This, but in reality, wait another couple of years, at least. Let Audi work out the kinks of the RS3, then consider making the move, again.

[BozMan-S4]

RS3 big thumbs down! B8/8.5 S4 and of course I’m partial, is the best looking out of the line maybe with the exception of R8. It’s a nice size sedan but not too big, classy meets aggressive and you can mod the hell out of it in a pretty reliable way. I think sports backs are dumb and compacts are for...well compact drivers...enough said hahaha. Sorry much respect to anyone that likes it...I just think it’s a toy car that holds a badge that once meant something. All the newer models are dumbed down and boring...look cheap and much like Japanese & Korean “sports cars”.


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[BozMan-S4]

This should spark some input...RS3 Ugly compact
https://www.audizine.com/forum/showthread.php?t=807009


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[Aiserock]

No power seat means fail, feels like a Jetta to me.

This is a deal breaker for me too. I was really surprised to find out the RS3 didn't have power seats.

[Corradobrit]

This is a deal breaker for me too. I was really surprised to find out the RS3 didn't have power seats.

Serious weight saving and more compact design. I have no probs with lack of power seats

[EstorilS4]

I have had the same internal debate. RS3 is a no-go for me because:

1. No manual trans...
2. Lack of basic "luxury" features (i.e. power, memory seats). It's not like it's a freaking 2,200lb track car, put power seats in the damn thing. No reason for the RS3 to lack features you can get in an A3.

Just not worth the extra $$$. Plus, no estoril blue [:)]

[EstorilS4]

I wouldn't say serious weight savings. Plus, it's a 3,500+lb car. Not like it's a bare bones track star. Put the extra 20lbs of damn hardware in it.

[bhvrdr]

Id rather have manual seats than 14 way adjustable power seats without memory function lol. Thatll drive you nuts at the carwash getting back in the car getting it back where you want it. No power seats and no sunroof would be cool with me. If you want luxury they make the s4 right.

Mike

[AFR1485]

It depends on your driving habits. RS3 has noticeably less torque down low; if you enjoy the immediate shove of the S4 you might not be into the RS3 driving. The RS engine is unique and makes great power once tunes and spooled. The choice is yours if that’s worth $20k. It seems the answer is no [emoji107]


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[EstorilS4]

I agree power seats without memory suck! Also with you on no sunroof needed.

[audigsr]

No power seat means fail, feels like a Jetta to me.


This is a deal breaker for me too. I was really surprised to find out the RS3 didn't have power seats.

But does the RS3 have power folding mirrors?

[Aiserock]

But does the RS3 have power folding mirrors?

Dunno, that's a good question.

[GandalfTheIbis]

Serious weight saving and more compact design. I have no probs with lack of power seats

Weight savings is an awful copout if you ask me. Real race cars get stripped. A compact car at 3650ish plus a driver isn't exactly light. I heard "weight savings" was the reason we didn't get power folding mirrors on the B8 S4 too. At the very least these things should be offered as options since their exclusion seems more like a cost cutting measure than a weight savings feature in my opinion.

[seandon_792]

Weight savings is an awful copout if you ask me. Real race cars get stripped. A compact car at 3650ish plus a driver isn't exactly light. I heard "weight savings" was the reason we didn't get power folding mirrors on the B8 S4 too. At the very least these things should be offered as options since their exclusion seems more like a cost cutting measure than a weight savings feature in my opinion.

Yeah it’s always baffled me that the B8s don’t have it but my B7 A4 had power folding mirrors as a no cost option. Really kills the “luxurious” vibe that is Audi. I guess I’m just nit picking 🤷🏻*♂️


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[switchedstance]

Haldex is the biggest deal breaker for me. I really don't care that APR just ran a 9.8 1/4 in an RS3, I just loathe how haldex operates. Any side-to-side torque vectoring in the RS3 is ESC-style brake-mediated, not a separate clutch unit like the sport diff in the S4. I also can't get over the reverse staggered tires, it just seems like a way to cover up the FWD nature of the drivetrain. Lastly, the lack of manuals on their performance cars has pushed me out of new Audis altogether.

[Corradobrit]

Yeah it’s always baffled me that the B8s don’t have it but my B7 A4 had power folding mirrors as a no cost option. Really kills the “luxurious” vibe that is Audi. I guess I’m just nit picking 🤷🏻*♂️


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Yep, 1st world problems. Does anyone remember winding down their own windows? Or not having AC? I do.

[Corradobrit]

Haldex is the biggest deal breaker for me. I really don't care that APR just ran a 9.8 1/4 in an RS3, I just loathe how haldex operates. Any side-to-side torque vectoring in the RS3 is ESC-style brake-mediated, not a separate clutch unit like the sport diff in the S4. I also can't get over the reverse staggered tires, it just seems like a way to cover up the FWD nature of the drivetrain. Lastly, the lack of manuals on their performance cars has pushed me out of new Audis altogether.

Have to agree. To put 'Quattro' on a Haldex equipped car is deceitful.

[cspcrx]

well if speed is your thing APR just posted a video yesterday of an RS3 running 9.8s at 144mph. Don't think we will ever see that from the S4.

[JD S4]

This is a deal breaker for me too. I was really surprised to find out the RS3 didn't have power seats.

I'd be interested to hear how often you adjust your seat.

[Corradobrit]

I'd be interested to hear how often you adjust your seat.

It seems some adjust their seat every time they get in and out of the car. I would think a manual adjustment would be ideal in those instances.

[Aiserock]

I'd be interested to hear how often you adjust your seat.

Well, pretty often since my wife drives my car too. Another thing to note is manual seats don't offer the adjustability that some power seats do.

Maybe I'm more into the memory settings, but either way manual seats don't offer that.

[usaf655]

Ive got memory seats, but cant say I ever use them to be honest....

[Aiserock]

Yep, 1st world problems. Does anyone remember winding down their own windows? Or not having AC? I do.

True that. Bench seats too lol.

[EstorilS4]

What's the point of power folding mirrors? How often do you need to fold your mirrors from inside the car??

[GandalfTheIbis]

It's just a nice feature to have the car do it automatically as you hit the lock button. Streets are getting tighter and tighter in Chicago. People will take your mirrors off out of sheer negligence. I'd like to be able to fold the passenger one sometimes when driving in a tight spot as well.

[303 Spartan]

I find myself writing off the RS3, but then I read/see something like this and it makes me want to reconsider...

https://jalopnik.com/this-600-hp-audi-rs3s-9-83-second-quarter-mile-introduc-1825789663

Youtube link with 9.8 second run (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ySNrfkVwsHE)

Mods:
APR ECU & TCU Upgrades with E85
TTE625 Drop-in Stock-Housing Turbo
Intake System
Straight-Pipe/Dump Tube Exhaust System
Intercooler System
Fueling System
18x8.5 Wheels
245x40R18 Hoosier Drag Radials
Seats Removed

This makes me think the RS3 could easily be in the low 11's (maybe even high 10's) on regular 93 octane with a tune and an exhaust+ intake.


The jury is still out on reliability with modifications though.

[GandalfTheIbis]

You're not wrong. The RS3 is a pocket rocket. It would be a fun car to own, just not a fun only car to own.

[cspcrx]

TTRS has me thinking, 300lbs lighter than the RS3 also. No need for back seat so don’t care about that.

We will see how they continue to develop, still have never driven a TT. Perhaps dealer has one as a loaner, taking care in for 85k service this week.