Daily Driver S3 vs A4 for size?

[1flossedS4]

Thinking about buying an S3 to daily but wondering if it's too small.

My daughter is 3.5 and I'm not sure how well a carseat will fit back there.

Anyone with kids with feedback? I drove a A4 that I liked but wondering how much smaller the S3 will feel.

Ride quality on the S3 vs A4?

[hunterdenicola]

I daily drive my modded PFL S3 with springs, it rides insanely hard. Every bump head is into roof, I'm young and just look past it but for an actual practical daily the a4 rides so nice. Even stock for stock I think the a4 rides more comfortable but no where near as fun as the s3. Was just driving a b9 a4 and loved how smooth and comfortable it rides. The size of the s3 has never bothered me but for an everyday car and to have a kid in the back Id say go with the a4, better yet and s4 would be perfect!

[TreizeRXH]

I daily drive my modded PFL S3 with springs, it rides insanely hard. Every bump head is into roof, I'm young and just look past it but for an actual practical daily the a4 rides so nice. Even stock for stock I think the a4 rides more comfortable but no where near as fun as the s3. Was just driving a b9 a4 and loved how smooth and comfortable it rides. The size of the s3 has never bothered me but for an everyday car and to have a kid in the back Id say go with the a4, better yet and s4 would be perfect!

What kind of springs are you riding on?


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[1flossedS4]

So the stock suspension on S3 vs A4 (talking 2018+ here) is widely different?

I can't deal with a car that rides that rough as I drive 25,000+ a year.

[1flossedS4]

Maybe I should look into an 18 S4 then, about $10,000 more but may suit needs better.

[rbish56]

if youre going to be driving 25k+ a year why not get something with depreciation in mind?

[1flossedS4]

if youre going to be driving 25k+ a year why not get something with depreciation in mind?

Life's short.

[rbish56]

then get an rs7

[1flossedS4]

then get an rs7

Have one, likely selling it as my company is offering to pay for a company lease for me.

[miro01]

My infant car seat barely fits with room for the front passenger. Stroller fills out half the trunk. So yeah, not a lot of space.

Ride quality and space would be a lot better on the B9.

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[Coolrunning]

I am moving from my S3 to an A6 TDI because I want more room. Could it work, absolutely! I think I just more had the "I want a new car bug" in all honesty.

S3 is for sale if you have any questions about ownership, etc.

[Four_RingCircus]

I have an S3 and wife has an A4 that I drive frequently, both 2017's. I don't have kids and rarely drive with more than one passenger, so to me the size of the S3 is perfect.

Ride quality is much better in the A4. My S3 is on stock suspension, which I'd say is on the firm side but overall is perfectly acceptable to me for a DD. The ride quality in the A4 is just on a different league, it glides over bumps and potholes.

I prefer my S3 in almost every way to the A4 except for ride quality. The A4 is still a great car, and sporty-ish enough IMO if rear legroom and ride quality are important to you.

[texasboy21]

It's a small car. If you are concerned about the size I would say go with the A4. Or a A5 Sportback.

[hunterdenicola]

H&R super sports

[hunterdenicola]

Yah I would definitely try and go for the s4 in your situation. Either way you'll enjoy s3 or s4 but comfort wide you and your daughter will be much more comfortable in the s4.

[EvoToSQ5]

We have an S3 that my wife daily drives and we have a 3 year old as well. I feel like our son and his car seat fits just fine in the S3. I’m 6’2” and can sit in the passenger seat comfortably while he’s in the back. You won’t be able to stretch your legs out but I feel as if it’s a good seating position.

As far as the trunk goes, we don’t carry a stroller with us but I’m sure it would take up a lot of space. I find the trunk to be a good size still and is plenty big enough for groceries and things like that.


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[railroader]

I have a 15 S3 with a five year old, she fits fine and has plenty of room for her, granted my wife is the passenger and is only 5'4 although we do have another kid on the way so we will see how that goes with my daughters booster and the infant car seat, I havent had to put a stroller back in the trunk yet but I know it will fit, I have my water/meth tank in the trunk also but it dont take up any space, I have the prestige with the mag ride suspension and I think it rides fine but I'm not picky

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[TreizeRXH]

I have a 15 S3 with a five year old, she fits fine and has plenty of room for her, granted my wife is the passenger and is only 5'4 although we do have another kid on the way so we will see how that goes with my daughters booster and the infant car seat, I havent had to put a stroller back in the trunk yet but I know it will fit, I have my water/meth tank in the trunk also but it dont take up any space, I have the prestige with the mag ride suspension and I think it rides fine but I'm not picky

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.....

.... Your meth tank??


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[mmm def]

I have twin 4 yr olds behind me in booster seats. They fit just fine around town. I am 6’ and drive far back their little legs and feet fit no problem. Would I want to road trip-nah. I wouldn’t have this as my only car though, we take my wife’s suv when we go far. But if you want to make it work, you can. Let me know if you’d like a pic with my kids in their seats.

Edit-changed our my seats last night. New pic.


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[s3dro]

I've driven both and I can say the A4 is awesome in terms of interior space and suspension. It just glides over everything. Super smooth! However, the S3 is wayyyyy more fun, has a decent amount of space, is more peppy, and it doesn't have shitty suspension either. I have the mag ride on mine, with sport springs, and it is perfectly fine. It's still smooth and my car doesn't weigh a lot like the A4. I would take the S3 over an A4 any day. No question. Smiles per gallon on the S3 everyday. Love my daily driver!! =)

[Mo’betta’Blu]

S3 had one before I test drove the RS3....


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[hec666]

I have a FL S3 and my six year old fits just fine even when my wife who is 5' 10" is in the front seat

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[stevwang]

I'm 5'11 and my tall 6.5 year old daughter sits behind me and there's enough room for her for at least a few more years. I'm not planning on getting a bigger car until she's around 5'5".

The car handles so much better than the A4, and probably a bit better than the S4 also. I upgraded the rsb but otherwise stock suspension and my kids never complain that the ride is harsh compared to my wife's qx60.

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[1flossedS4]

Thanks everyone, super helpful posts. Seems my daughter will fit fine (wife has an SUV so long trips we can take that).

I think I'm going to have to find an S3 to drive to see if I can live with the ride quality. S4 with the new 3.0 turbo is a nice option but they are a bit pricey and we're trying to live without car payments over here.

[Spinnetti]

I've had 3's and 4's and have two kids. No issues in either (I'm 6' 2"). the 4 is a nicer car, just not as fun in the cut and thrust of city driving. I'm also on lowering springs and lots of mods but I don't find it harsh.. All down to perspective. If you don't plan a bunch of mods, I'd get the 4 (at the same level of mods, the 4 is faster too). If you want a nimble street fighter, get the 3.

[TheContrarian]

My 1 year old son's car seat fits in the back of my RS3 (rearward facing) with adequate room for my wife to sit in front (at 5'8). If you kids are old enough that they face foward, the backseat is perfectly acceptable until they are 5'10.

After far as S3 vs A4, only buy an A4 if you like your driving experience to be numb and isolated. It's a nice car for people who are not car enthusiasts in the slightest way. When had a brand new one as a loaner it pitched and rolled like a ship at sea with overwhelming understeer.

[eljefe305]

once the seats are front-facing you have enough room. Rear facing? Not so much. I'm on the same boat but sticking to the A3 because my wife drives the family car and I prefer small and nimble for city driving. Hurray wife!