S3 compared with WRX

[Aiserock]

Hi,

I am in the process of getting an Audi S4 or S3. I haven't test drove anything yet but I will soon.

Currently I have an 07 WRX, and I'd like something more refined and a little more roomy. I'm 5'8" so the smaller size doesn't bother me but when I have a passenger that is 6 foot or taller their knees are in the dash. So does anyone have any experience on the comparison of interior size? I know it'll be nicer, but will my 14 year old be really cramped in the back on long drives?

I looked at B8.5 S4 today, really nice but I could potentially get a newer (less miles) S3 for roughly the same price.

Thanks in advance.

[Endi]

If you're looking for leg room; possibly even more head room, go for the S4. You get more power and more room for sure.

source: I'm that weird kid that used to go and sit in every car to figure out which one I liked best even if I wasn't looking to buy it (settled on s5 years later lol).

[Aiserock]

Thanks for the input.

[Wr3ks_S3]

I Just came over from a 2013 WRX to an S3. It's much more refined, no more creeks and pops/wind noise/rattles.

I agree though, sit in each car first. I have no children so the smaller back seat of the S3 doesn't bother me.. the cabin size is similar to my wrx.

Pros:

Faster
higher end
better mpg (avg 27.5)
more comfortable on my back
steering wheel feels amazing
gadgets
grown ups sleeper

Cons:
not a manual :(
exhaust note leaves much to be desired

[simbat]

OK. I had a 09 WRX , 08 Forester XT Sports 5MT and now I'm in 15" S4 6MT . Sometimes secretly I look at the other side and I wish I've got the 09-14 STI hatch, the new WRX or STI or event the Mitsubishi EVO final edition. This is not my first Audi . My first car ever was a 96' B5 A4 Avant and I love that car and still own it. SO I'm not biased on any brand . Just new Audi's are dull and heavy. I even don't understand the B6 and B7 S4s with their massive 4.2 V8's and heavy nose disbalance understeer chain failures mess...what fun that could be and how far from the UR Quattro's lightweight and perfect balance concept ....They are so heave and well insulated you barely get any feedback from the road and all this electronics ... No love for it. The WRX and the STI are raw and sound better sitting inside it feels special like you are in a rally car . Sure not the most comfortable if you have a 50 miles commute to work , but on short commute they are fun . And that boxer sound. Now if you want to be "grown up " the B8/B8.5 S4 is a compromise - a great gar that does many things well. The S3 is only auto and I would rather get a manual Golf GTI or R . To me the interior of the Golf GTI looks and feels better than the S3. If the S3 was offered with manual that would have been a different story because the car is light , fast and fun, but right now the Golf GTi is a better value. $23K-$24K will get you in a brand new 2017 GTI Sport (Golf R brakes; electronically controlled, torque-sensing, limited-slip differential; 10-hp power boost; 18-inch Nogaro wheels, black mirror caps, keyless entry and ignition, LED daytime running lights, bixenon headlamps, and special floor mats )

[Aiserock]

The exhaust note on the 2.0T definitely is a con, I love the boxer sound. I am leaning more toward the s4 due to the V6. I think you all have helped confirm that the s4 is the direction I should go. If I were kid-less or the s3 had a v6 option it may have been a different story. Thanks again for the input.

[casualalfredo]

missed comment before

[casualalfredo]

If I were kid-less

biggest factor............get s4

[hayasa]

Just FYI, that is a very common path to Audi. Usually looks like this:

Subaru -> VW -> Audi -> Porsche -> .... -> Bugatti.

[casualalfredo]

Just FYI, that is a very common path to Audi. Usually looks like this:

Subaru -> VW -> Audi -> Porsche -> .... -> Bugatti.

Replace Bugatti with Lambo and that's spot on 😅

[14S4GWM]

I came from a tuned 09 wrx to a 14S4. Huge difference. Not sure if mpg matters but around town you will get 19 at best and highway you will get around 27. The 4 definitely has more leg room front and back. I do miss my suby rumble everyday though.

[Pilfer]

The exhaust note on the 2.0T definitely is a con, I love the boxer sound. I am leaning more toward the s4 due to the V6. I think you all have helped confirm that the s4 is the direction I should go. If I were kid-less or the s3 had a v6 option it may have been a different story. Thanks again for the input.

an AWE exhaust on an S3 is a huge improvement, I have a Golf R with AWE and it's night and day.

[Blaine]

The exhaust note on the 2.0T definitely is a con, I love the boxer sound. I am leaning more toward the s4 due to the V6. I think you all have helped confirm that the s4 is the direction I should go. If I were kid-less or the s3 had a v6 option it may have been a different story. Thanks again for the input.

If your going the modding route.... the S3 is the faster option. Also much lighter... better MPG... cheaper... oh did I mention faster?

Can't help you for the exhaust note.. unless its an American V8... Audi doesn't have exhaust note. It can wail with the V10.... I prefer the turbo and BOV sounds over the Exhaust note on the S3.

S3 is an ADULT version of the STI. For me the Golf R and the STIs look like a car for a teenager... so the reason I went S3.

Not sure why the S3 would be not a pick for kids. I can fit 2 full sized car seats in the back or full sized adults. Unless you have baby elephants.. then well.... I went from a Viper to a S3 for the extra doors. Backseat room in a viper is too small for kids...

And if your budget allows. S8 used would be the best choice for an Audi family hauler. The (2013+) V8TT S8's are now in the low 50's used.... (Same price or cheaper as a new S4 or S3) No big depreciation hit left. 10's in the 1/4 mile with ONLY a tune. If I wasn't stuck in GERMANY I would of bought a used S8 instead of my S3.

[Aiserock]

Awesome input guys! I bought a 2014 S4 Prestige tonight, if it wasn't dark out I'd take pictures. I'll take them tomorrow and post.

Oh, I just heard my wife start the S4 to go pick up the kid from band practice, it made me smile lol

[casualalfredo]

Awesome input guys! I bought a 2014 S4 Prestige tonight, if it wasn't dark out I'd take pictures. I'll take them tomorrow and post.

Oh, I just heard my wife start the S4 to go pick up the kid from band practice, it made me smile lol

CONGRATS!!

can't wait to see pics bro

Prestige>>>>>>>>

screw any other trim

[GREYTRACK]

I currently have a B8.5 S4 and am moving on to a Sti. I've had many different cars. 6 VW's, 350z, Escalades just to name a few. The S4 is a great car but does leave a lot to be desired. They've gone from sport sedans (b5) to luxury sports sedan and just feels heavy and numb. I've added an exhaust, intake, lowered it, sways etc. My Mk6 Gti had more character. In a perfect world, they will make the S3 in a manual and I would order one asap. Doesn't look like the S3 will get one and S4 is only auto now. Just terrible.

[14S4GWM]

I had a Subaru but dont think I could downgrade and go back. The only would be to have both. I do miss the Subaru a little bit though.

[JimmyS3]

S3 back seat is small. I have 2 kids in car seats and behind my seat the much leg room and I'm only about 5'8". I would say put the seat where you feel comfortable then sit behind it, usually if ur willing to sit behind it then it's the right size. Good thing for me I only need to put my kids in it once a week the other 6 days it mini van for them.

Good luck.

[RudyH]

One thing you will find, you can never have too much room.

As kids, I remember 2 baby seats in a Dodge Reliant worked perfectly fine. In the B8 forum, it's puzzling for many how you can get even one baby seat in there, so get an A6. If you can't get a baby seat to work in the S3, see if there are other options out there - tbh it sounds like you won't be much more ahead on the B8

[quietcropduster]

Still waiting on pix of the s4!

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[yxri]

TAKE a picture of y0 car bro. Honestly the s4 is much better than the subaru. When I test drove the sti.... which they rarely let you do..... It wasnt as fast as I thought hearing all the dumb hype around it. Plus you drive an audi now so don't put a bunch of stickers on your back windshield.

[quietcropduster]

TAKE a picture of y0 car bro. Honestly the s4 is much better than the subaru. When I test drove the sti.... which they rarely let you do..... It wasnt as fast as I thought hearing all the dumb hype around it. Plus you drive an audi now so don't put a bunch of stickers on your back windshield.

Each sticker adds 5hp...is this not true anymore?

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