Considering a S3 (Currently have V8 S5)

[SLU_S5]

Looking for general impressions of the S3. I currently own a 2010 S5 that I absolutely love, but I'm thinking it may be time for something slightly newer with 4 doors that I can play with. My S5 has just about every bolt-on that money can buy and I suppose I'm starting to investigate fresh canvasses to work with. The NA V8 is tough to squeeze extra power out of so I really do like the idea that the S3 is turbocharged and can yield more power with a simple tune.

Anything that I should keep in mind with this model? It would be my daily driver.

What are some "must do" mods? I wouldn't expect to get crazy with it, but I would certainly consider anything that improves handling ability and power output.

Key maintenance items to consider? Any pain points?

Thanks!!

[n8vs3]

My biggest issue is a relative lack of interior storage space in the S3.

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[MkUrMark]

I agree with the above statement. You'll miss out on that V8 sound, there's no replacing that, even with an exhaust system. Other than that S3 is amazing car

[audinator]

I now have a 2016 S3, I have had B8 S4's and S5's with the 3.0T, I also had an RS5 briefly. I like torque. I found the RS5 to be a dog down low, but it was built to be a high HP NA car so if that's what you're into it's great. I like torque down low, mostly city driving. In the RS5 by the time I really got into power I was doing 80. So after that I actually went back to an S4 3.0T. At first I was not a fan of the S3, mainly because I soooooo used to my S4, but then it kinda grew on me and now I truly love it. It's like a belt sander. Light and quick. I can have fun in the canyons because it's light and torquey. I plan to do a few simple mods but the car is a blast so far (700 miles). I am really looking forward to more miles!!

You may miss the sound of the V8 for sure, but you will trade for agility and quick torque down low. I love 4 doors and the overall size of the S3 is great. I also still own my B5 A4 1.8Tq.

[auburnjosh]

I'm also considering the S3, but the dealer also as a 2014 S5 3.0T for a similar price. Does the S5 3.0T respond to a simple tune as well as the S3 does?

[Baggio]

I'm also considering the S3, but the dealer also as a 2014 S5 3.0T for a similar price. Does the S5 3.0T respond to a simple tune as well as the S3 does?

I thought the S5 that year was supercharged, not turbocharged? There are some gains, but not nearly as much as a turbo.

[auburnjosh]

I thought the S5 that year was supercharged, not turbocharged? There are some gains, but not nearly as much as a turbo.

You're right....I misread it....It says 3.0L TSFI. Well that makes getting the S3 decision easier!

[devNull]

You're right....I misread it....It says 3.0L TSFI. Well that makes getting the S3 decision easier!

I was looking at S3's and ended up going with a 2014 S5. It has a little higher trim level inside and I personally like the looks of the S5 better. I am also a tall guy and didn't fit very well/comfortably in the S3. The better AWD system was another selling point for me too.

And the engine badge is also referred to as 3.0T, which is basically just forced induction.

[S3Danny]

3.0T definitely has a different feel than the S3, driving them back to back often makes the lag of the S3 stand out more but it's really a nonissue with DSG. Tune the S3 and you'll never look back.

[TCHUN003]

I love my S3! It handles great and can easily make power. Sub 4 second 0-60's (I've seen as low as 3.5-3.7 on several stage 2's) and low 12 or high 11sec quarter miles with a stage 2. On top of that, you get easily get 27+ mpg's. Also, I'm 6'0 and I found it to have plenty of room.

Honestly, the only thing I don't like about this platform is the way the doors open lol. When I park in close proximity to other cars, there is no "center" position so the door won't open wide enough, or it will swing open too far if that makes any sense. If you're not careful and you risk hitting the car next to you.

I've always thought the S5's were beautiful looking cars and if you're also considering the 3.0T motor, they're great. In the end, a stg 2 S3 is a great little car that can keep up with or surpass cars that cost 1.5-2 x's as much.

[SimpsonTide985]

This should give you all of my thoughts on the S3:
http://www.audizine.com/forum/showth...After-One-Week

[SLU_S5]

Thanks for the responses guys!

I stopped by the dealer this afternoon and sat in one in the showroom. Definitely a difference in the interior coming from the S5. It was certainly appealing, however did not seem quite as sleek/refined as what I have now. Mines a prestige - Not sure which trim level this S3 was.

Didn't get a chance to drive it unfortunately but I was offered to drive an A3. It definitely exceeded my expectations however I definitely preferred my S5 without any doubt. Hopefully I'll have a chance to actually drive the S3 in the next few weeks so I can get a better comparison.

I'm also considering the S3, but the dealer also as a 2014 S5 3.0T for a similar price. Does the S5 3.0T respond to a simple tune as well as the S3 does?

A stage 2 S5 with the 3.0T will run low 12s to high 11s. The tune and supercharger pulley will give it an extra ~100hp at all 4 wheels.

[fasts3]

Do not get 2016 model. Get the new 2017 S3 prestige + black optic package. Price went down $1000 compare to my 2016 configuration.
Also, you get better design steering wheel and the new virtual cockpit and apple car play??

[fasts3]

Also, save money by getting 2017 S3 prestige + black optic vs S4 or S5. You dont get the new virtual cockpit on those models and they still more expensive than 2017 S3. with that money saving, you can put Stage3+ on S3. Also, think about performance parts cost. S3 parts are shared with VW golf R so, there is so much demand which means parts are way cheaper than S4 or S5 parts..

Also, when you buy used parts, there so much chaper on S3.

[bkkchris]

It was certainly appealing, however did not seem quite as sleek/refined as what I have now. Mines a prestige - Not sure which trim level this S3 was.

Completely agree. I'm considering a 17 S3 in the next few month to replace my 14 S5 coming off lease. The S3 is super fun and a great platform for mods. But other than the new tech in the 17, the interior is pretty spartan even compared to the pretty old interior on the b8/8.5 A/S4/5s... only concern for me really... otherwise a fantastic car!

[Cairo94507]

I love my '16 S3 Prestige package with the 19" performance package. I agree that interior storage is limited, but the car is small. I am only 5'5" tall so the car fits me perfectly. However a 6 plus footer may be cramped. The car runs terrific and handles very well. I think the interior is well appointed and if Audi had offered the memory seats and HomeLink, the car would have been prefect. I had the dealer add the HomeLink, but I had to get over the memory seats - oh well, that was the one concession. I have 9K miles on it now.