From 10' S4 too 16' S3 mild review

[TomPaul10]

whats up guys just made an aggressive move and stepped into a Brand New 2016 Sepang Blue Premium plus coming from a prestige 2010 glacier white S4.( sorry for the lackadaisical post had a couple drinks and decided to post ) but ill keep this post very brief on comparison.

The reason I got out of the S4 is because the car was becoming a money Pit clicking a young ( i think ) 86,000 miles on her and i had to replace the Mech unit ( 4th one done ) replace the wiring harness for the brake sensors, replace both front sensors, replace the condenser for A/C because the guy before me put a huge front mount on it and it rubbed creating a puncture, and a T-stat.

S3 Vs S4 definitely a subjective topic especially posting in this forum, but ill start with ergonomics and int/exterior. S3 is much more simplistic lay out while providing the same features plus some ( coming from a 10' ) The exterior has more aggressive aesthetics than the S4 with its compact body style ( ive been in love with the S3 exterior since it arrived in 15' ) drivability is much different, i feel the S3 is more virtual while the S4 creates a more driver to road interaction. Power delivery is taking some time getting used to compared to the feel of instant torque and peddle response from S4, whilst the inline 4 turbocharged really builds up top, my only annoyance of the car is that you really need to dig into the peddle to extract the power of the car while the S4 has a N/A feel almost and peddle response is much direct.

the cars both shine in different areas and I believe I will have a better comparison after only driving this car for 500 miles, The chassis on the S3 is fantastic and has more feel than the S4 by miles ( turn in is much more direct and predictable,) , but taking a corner hard in the S4 you have sensation of confidence and with the S3 you have sensation of "ok here we go hold the f*ck on " the S4 does things incognito, and I'm starting to realize that after driving this S3 with a much more raw chassis.

heres some pics ( sorry for the 2 iPhone pics other ones are taken with my sony )

[IMG][/IMG][IMG][/IMG][IMG][/IMG][IMG]www.audizine.com[/IMG][IMG][/IMG]

[4Rings3Liters]

Nice purchase. I love the way the S3 looks but don't want a 4 banger. If only they put the 3.0T in there I would have one.

[DBL R]

I know with stage 3 those things fly, but I'm not looking for a drawn out 4 banger (been there, done that, got the t shirt). I am however looking forward to your more detailed review.

[JayDog747]

I can understand where you're coming from. The B8 now has the same dimensions that our A62.7t had. There was a world of difference when moving into a B7 A4 and S4. It's like you described, "much more raw".

Me, I'm going to wait for the RS3 to come out next year. It just better not have that fake sound-a-phuker shit. It's tough to beat the rumble of a V8.

No virtual cockpit?

[NC_Detail_Garage]

Have to get a '17 for the virtual cockpit


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[xpoweruk]

http://www.audi-sport.net/xf/threads...ppened.286085/ may be of interest if you are going to tune it

[pez81]

http://www.audi-sport.net/xf/threads...ppened.286085/ may be of interest if you are going to tune it

Jeez it makes you think doesn't it

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[RudyH]

I think OP you are dead on. The reason you sold your S4, is 100% reason I would as well. I was so excited about the S3, that I watched anxiously for it before it was even out, then had to wait for the super sport seats and black optics package for another 6-8 months? Then it turned into, why...you have warranty and the car is running great...on top of having to pay tens of thousands for a car that still only competes with the car before aftermarket investment. It was a no brainer to hold out.

If I was in your boat, I think I would have done exactly the same. It's no slouch of a car, but I ca relate from your review

I noticed you didn't have the super sports seats, did you compare to the sport seats vs super sports vs S4 ?

Me, I'm going to wait for the RS3 to come out next year.

This is where I think I am still at. I still think my Stg III B5 S4 was more fun then the B8 S4, always hated the size of the B8...but the RS3 is that extremely happy place, except for the Haldex...

[Pyromatic177]

I gotta say the interior in that isn't bad! I'm impressed

[MrFunk]

I know with stage 3 those things fly, but I'm not looking for a drawn out 4 banger (been there, done that, got the t shirt). I am however looking forward to your more detailed review.

Exactly this.
These new 2.0t's can certainly deliver power but the way they do-so is as if the throttle is attached to a rubber band.
I do also like the styling of the A3 exterior. Interior not so much. On the road they looks sharp.
Driving - they (a3's) basically feel like a Golf or GTI/golf R (in the case of the S3). Not that there is anything wrong with that but it's certainly not got the "solid planted" feel you get in other Audis. Behind the wheel they just feel a bit tinny.

[cW6mT mKviGLi]

My wife picked up an S3 about 2 weeks ago. After driving that car through the turns and then jumping into the S4, the S4 feels like a really fast Lincoln Town Car. It handles amazing and is really fun to drive. My only problem is the seating position, while the seats are great (better than the S4 IMO), I'm only 6'1 and I feel like my head is about to touch the ceiling even with the seat level at the lowest position.

OP, good luck with your S3, I love the Sepang Blue.

[hotleadsingergu]

I can understand where you're coming from. The B8 now has the same dimensions that our A62.7t had. There was a world of difference when moving into a B7 A4 and S4. It's like you described, "much more raw".

Me, I'm going to wait for the RS3 to come out next year. It just better not have that fake sound-a-phuker shit. It's tough to beat the rumble of a V8.

No virtual cockpit?

1) The RS3 will be a 5-cylinder, not 8
2) Every car in the Audi lineup uses the Sound Aktor now. Every single one. You can easily disable it (pull the fuse), but it really does very little
3) Virtual cockpit was not introduced until 2017 model year

[sacandagaD]

Great color! I definitely like the exterior, I just can't get behind the cockpit. I have to say that I get a lot of enjoyment out of the B8 interior, especially at night. Almost makes me feel like I might be landing on a carrier deck any minute now, lol!

[Jflow23]

1) The RS3 will be a 5-cylinder, not 8
2) Every car in the Audi lineup uses the Sound Aktor now. Every single one. You can easily disable it (pull the fuse), but it really does very little
3) Virtual cockpit was not introduced until 2017 model year

Can also be turned off with VCDS.

[hotleadsingergu]

Can also be turned off with VCDS.

True, but it's actually quicker and easier to do with the fuse.

[bayonet14]

Glad you like your S3 - I like the size as having had a B5.5 S4 interior size to the new S3 is same/same
To pry me out of the S4 it will have to be the RS3

Enjoy!

[JayDog747]

1) The RS3 will be a 5-cylinder, not 8
2) Every car in the Audi lineup uses the Sound Aktor now. Every single one. You can easily disable it (pull the fuse), but it really does very little
3) Virtual cockpit was not introduced until 2017 model year

Wow! I didn't know that. I so proud of you that I'm going to print this out and put it on the fridge.

[JayDog747]

I think OP you are dead on. The reason you sold your S4, is 100% reason I would as well. I was so excited about the S3, that I watched anxiously for it before it was even out, then had to wait for the super sport seats and black optics package for another 6-8 months? Then it turned into, why...you have warranty and the car is running great...on top of having to pay tens of thousands for a car that still only competes with the car before aftermarket investment. It was a no brainer to hold out.

If I was in your boat, I think I would have done exactly the same. It's no slouch of a car, but I ca relate from your review

I noticed you didn't have the super sports seats, did you compare to the sport seats vs super sports vs S4 ?



This is where I think I am still at. I still think my Stg III B5 S4 was more fun then the B8 S4, always hated the size of the B8...but the RS3 is that extremely happy place, except for the Haldex...

If Audi can stretch the wheelbase 2 more inches, it should fit for true quattro.

[Usa]

Wow! I didn't know that. I so proud of you that I'm going to print this out and put it on the fridge.

That shit's been announced for months, don't sass him when he spoon-feeds you the facts.

Also, it's coming Q1 2017 apparently.

[GREYTRACK]

And still no manual 😪

[Dr GP]

Nice purchase. I love the way the S3 looks but don't want a 4 banger. If only they put the 3.0T in there I would have one.

How about waiting for the RS3? Although it is too expensive for my budget. M2 might have to do. 6MT as well . But no AWD or Moonroof available. Could do a 235iM ?Would prefer an Audi though.

[will13k7]

after a few mods, that 2.0T is awesome. lag is virtually eliminated, and it pulls hard. it does get a tad more touchy than an equally modded b8 s4 though.

[GRUMPY-S4]

Nice purchase. I love the way the S3 looks but don't want a 4 banger. If only they put the 3.0T in there I would have one.

Thats exactly my thinking! Loved the S3 but not a fan of the 4cyl


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[hotleadsingergu]

Wow! I didn't know that. I so proud of you that I'm going to print this out and put it on the fridge.

Sounds good. Nice job on that reply.

Guessing you won't be here long, since you're being a giant douchebag for no reason at all when I replied to your post.

[EvohuntinS3]

Nice purchase. I love the way the S3 looks but don't want a 4 banger. If only they put the 3.0T in there I would have one.

I just came from a 2015 S3 to a 2015 S4.

The S3 was a brilliant car, felt like a little rocket. But I do love just about everything about the S4 more....Both have awesome Motors, but the 3.0T has some of the most incredibly linear power delivery of any motor I've driven. It also sounds 10x better with an exhaust :)

But either way you can't go wrong with either, stage 2 S3s are stupid quick, and the weight shavings will make for a more visceral driving experience.


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[klquattro]

May/June of 2015 I was about to pull the trigger on a sepang S3. Absolutely love the color and pretty much everything about the car (I was coming from a GTI) and ended up talking myself out of it because I really wanted a manual.

Had no intentions of stepping into an S4 and then November rolled by and well I'm very simplistic with options and the interior so I almost preferred the S3 interior to the S4 but in the ~9 months of ownership, I absolutely fell in love with the S4.

Good luck OP, both cars are great cars. Hopefully the RS3 will be enough to have me add a second car to the stable.

[Sceanzo]

My brother has a 15' S3 stage 1 Apr. I like it a lot.

Pros: nimble, very modern looking, sound system blows the s4 out the water. DSG shifts faster than ours. Or so I perceive it that way. Turbo "feels" faster.

Cons: the non sport seats are garbage. The sunroof shade is a total joke. The dash will take getting used to. It's a jetta lol

[JayDog747]

Sounds good. Nice job on that reply.

Guessing you won't be here long, since you're being a giant douchebag for no reason at all when I replied to your post.

Dude, the only thing I was mistaken about was the virtual cockpit. I thought it was going to be available this year in the 3's. The rest of the shit I already knew. You're the one that jumped to a newbie conclusion without knowing anything about me. I've had five Audi's in the past 16 years and have been around them since the late seventies when they came out with their 5 cylinder. So, yea, I took offense to it.

[KnewJack]

I had a 2016 A3 as a loaner for 3 weeks. It was nice. I liked the front proximity parking sensors and accompanying graphics display my S4 lacks. Stock power was decent, but like others in this thread, I'm done with 4 bangers for a while especially one I would intent to mod. Drove a high strung 700+ crank HP 4cyl for years, though fun, it get's old.

I don't think the sound system was better in the A3, but the XFM reception and sound was superior. Almost every station sounded better than in my S4. The XFM in my S4 sounds like a low bit rate MP3 where as the A3 XFM sounded closer to HD radio. Another thing, when I set the seat for ample leg room in the A3, I found myself looking out the back side window Lol. Just a little too small for me.

Still a great car though and I'm sure the S3 is that much better.

[rubicant5x]

I had a 2016 A3 as a loaner for 3 weeks. It was nice. I liked the front proximity parking sensors and accompanying graphics display my S4 lacks. Stock power was decent, but like others in this thread, I'm done with 4 bangers for a while especially one I would intent to mod. Drove a high strung 700+ crank HP 4cyl for years, though fun, it get's old.

I don't think the sound system was better in the A3, but the XFM reception and sound was superior. Almost every station sounded better than in my S4. The XFM in my S4 sounds like a low bit rate MP3 where as the A3 XFM sounded closer to HD radio. Another thing, when I set the seat for ample leg room in the A3, I found myself looking out the back side window Lol. Just a little too small for me.

Still a great car though and I'm sure the S3 is that much better.

That 2.5L straight 5 in the RS3 has piqued my interest a bit. If it sits around mid-50s new, should be a nice alternative if the S4 gets a little long in the tooth. I still love having 3L though.

[EvohuntinS3]

That 2.5L straight 5 in the RS3 has piqued my interest a bit. If it sits around mid-50s new, should be a nice alternative if the S4 gets a little long in the tooth. I still love having 3L though.

So many S3s sat between 47-53K, I have a feeling RS3 pricing will be obnoxious, especially seeing TT and TTS prices.


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[rubicant5x]

So many S3s sat between 47-53K, I have a feeling RS3 pricing will be obnoxious, especially seeing TT and TTS prices.


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Article I read had it targeted to compete with the M2 which sits in that cost bracket. Who knows, you are probably right and we are looking more like mid-60s

[LINDW4LL]

TT lineup demands a premium over the A3 models. Same will go for the RS

[Dr GP]

So many S3s sat between 47-53K, I have a feeling RS3 pricing will be obnoxious, especially seeing TT and TTS prices.


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I bet you won't be able to touch an RS3 for under low to mid $60s. More than a TTRS.

[Dr GP]

Article I read had it targeted to compete with the M2 which sits in that cost bracket. Who knows, you are probably right and we are looking more like mid-60s

M2 fully loaded is $53k. That is comparable to S3 pricing. RS3 will be much more. Audi always prices the RS models high.

[hotleadsingergu]

Dude, the only thing I was mistaken about was the virtual cockpit. I thought it was going to be available this year in the 3's. The rest of the shit I already knew. You're the one that jumped to a newbie conclusion without knowing anything about me. I've had five Audi's in the past 16 years and have been around them since the late seventies when they came out with their 5 cylinder. So, yea, I took offense to it.

Kk. Thanks for another reply clearing that confusion up. Everybody is really glad you're here to solve the crazy mystery.

Just for future reference: Just because you take offense to something you read on the internet doesn't mean you have to reply like a jackass; also, you took offense for literally no reason, since I said absolutely nothing offensive. If you really get offended by things that don't affect you at all you must live a horrifying life.

[rolsmi1]

There's no way the RS3 will be in the mid 50k's. Since it's a new model, it will be in high demand. Dealers will mark up. Low to mid 60k's is my guess.

[LINDW4LL]

RS3 is almost certain to be low-mid 50s MSRP barring a sudden change to Audi's pricing structure.


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[blackfunk]

Who would buy this in the 60's? A fool and his money come to mind.......

[onlyaudis]

nobody mentioned how much less room the rear seating has is in the S3. if you need a car with a more usable back seat, the S4 is a better car to have. for people using it more like a 4 door, coupe, seems like a really great car