Golf R v S3 ?

[garrardrj]

These two cars are the only two i could really change my ED30 for within a reasonable budget . So i have been looking at cars available and cars with similar spec similar mileage and age , the R is more expensive than the S3 , Why is this or am i mistaken . They are basically the same car aren't they? Which one would you have and why if they were the same price ?

I have only been tempted by the three recent additions to the For Sale Section .

Most have more mileage than my 21300 miles ish on my ED30 so is there really any point in me changing just for around 2-3000 at most a year ?

I'm also put off a little by getting an immaculate car and getting it damaged by the Car Park Rally Drivers and the shopping trolleys and the 4x4 owners doors .

[john87]

The R is more exclusive.. I've had mine for a month now and only seen two on the road in that time (and two at a car meet), whereas I've seen quite a few S3's.

Also IMO, the R has a nicer interior and I prefer the roomier interior of the Golf over the S3. Horses for courses 

[wigit]

I'd take the Golf as prefer the suspension and steering, then factor in the rarity

[doylebros]

Golf for me but this is worth a read

http://www.pistonheads.com/doc.asp?c=52&i=27614

 

[GrayMK5GTI]

For me, i'd have the S3. its basically the same car as the mk6-R, but FOR HALF THE PRICE  

The exclusivity doesnt really justify it to me. . .Buy a decent spec S3 - £10k or a Golf R £20k

If money was no object, i'd have the Golf . Actually if money was no object, it would be an RS3  

[Eddie-NL]

Golf R

nicer interior
 and you can swop the RNS over

[Scottymon]

I agree with what has been said, money aside the Golf R just looks so much fresher inside and out... but you won't be able to get a Golf R for £10k for at least 3-5 years; so it really depends how much money your looking to spend?: £20k grab the R.

[Deako]

The 8p interior feels very old now, but the Mk6 R had a much more recent refresh and feels very modern by comparison.

[sub39h]

definitely the R

[Hurdy]

I'd take the R!

Oh, I did

The R has newer electrical architecture. The S3 is stuck with the old RNS-E as a result. The red dash lighting on the S3 doesn't look high quality like the Golf R's white and blue, plus the overall styling on the S3 is based back to 2005. Newer S3's do look much better than the older style ones, but still don't look as sporty as the GolfR. I've driven both and the R feels better, I know there shouldn't be much difference, but there is.

The main factor is a Golf R is cool, the S3 isn't bad, but not really a cool car with the Audi stigma attached to it

[sub39h]

The R has newer electrical architecture. The S3 is stuck with the old RNS-E as a result.

100% agree

The red dash lighting on the S3 doesn't look high quality like the Golf R's white and blue.

100% disagree

but as above i still think the R is better 

[Hurdy]

The R has newer electrical architecture. The S3 is stuck with the old RNS-E as a result.

100% agree

The red dash lighting on the S3 doesn't look high quality like the Golf R's white and blue.

100% disagree

but as above i still think the R is better 

You actually like the monotone red lighting? 

[sub39h]

genuinely love the red glow from the switchgear in my 8P 

[Chris92]

Like the s3, love the R. The R just looks a lot more sporty than the s3 IMO s3 just doesn't stand out enough on the road. As another member has said its drives better so another plus and there just isn't as many on the road, I've seen one since they were released one! Maybes I need to get out more 

[Greeners]

Golf R! 

I can honestly say the difference between the Pirelli and the R was night and day! Not just the driving experience (especially getting the power down in all weathers) but just the general feeling of the car! The standard spec is awesome and it just feels like a much more special place to be than any MK5 I have owned.

Even though the R doesn't shout too much with it's styling I've always found the S3 to be a bit bland and didn't even consider one when looking for my R.