Hot hatches

tommitch

Hi all,

So I've been thinking recently that as soon as I hit the halfway mark on my current Clio PCP contract (in about a years time, but I want to get some money put aside in preparation), I'll give it back and look to get something a lot meatier.
I've been reading reviews for the Audi S3 and the Golf R - the looks of the S3 are much better than the R in my opinion, but its a little more expensive and apparently to drive it isn't that exciting.

So what I'm really asking is anyone that's had or has an S3 or a Golf R, whats your opinions on them? and your real world experiences, considering I'm not planning to whizz it round a track.

Are there any others I should be considering? I'm not interested in the Merc AMG and I'm not that keen on the M series BMW either, I seem to see one every time I turn around, but if its worth it I could consider it.

Appreciate any feedback you guys have.

rousetafarian

Had an Audi S5 with a 3.0l supercharged petrol engine last time, now sat in a 18 plate 2.0l turbo Golf R 7.5 as my daily car.

I thought the Audi was the complete car but the R is a different beast, even at stock without Mods it’s 4.5/6 seconds to 62mph so no slouch.

It’s not perfect and little things annoy me, which I’ll expand upon later but after 5 months of owning I’m very, very happy.

tommitch

I was always interested in one day getting an a5 or similar, but now i just think they're a bit big for my liking and prefer a hot hatch. So its interesting you seem to much prefer the Golf R over the S5.

Yeah it'd be good to hear the little things that annoy you in the R, as reviews/ review videos are all well and good, but they don't get down into the little details that you would pick up on if using it daily.

dts_boy

I'm just in the process of moving from a golf gti pp to a bmw m140i.
The Golf R and S3 are great cars but imo the awd makes them feel a little too safe/boring.
I love my GTI's handling, my friend has an R and although its definitely quicker we both agree the gti is a much more rewarding drive.
The M140 is a bit of an older school bruiser in comparison.  Rear wheel drive, short wheel base and 340bhp is a recipe for fun and possible regular trips to the petrol station!!!
I really like the S3 saloon, its a classy looking thing.
Haven't driven the S3 but would guess its very similar to drive to vs the R but I think if you spec them up the same you will find there is not as much - by the time you include leather, etc...

tommitch

Yeah i think the S3 and R share the same engine, so are probably quite similar, and apparently the S3 doesn't get as much feedback through the wheel so probably also contributes to the dull drive.

The saloon does look good I must admit, but as the roof slopes towards the rear, the sportback actually has more headroom for rear passengers than the saloon.

I might have a look into the BMW, but I've just never fancied it really, and I see them about quite a bit.

Also, this may seem stupid, when you say the GTI is a more rewarding drive, what exactly do you mean?

gibbsy

It's probably the predictability of the four wheel drive grip making the front wheel drive GTI feeling more alive in your hands. I have a GTD just coming up to one year old and even with that lump of an engine upfront it is really a lovely handling car with great grip and poise.

That's not to say that the Golf R is super grippy on the road. My son's mate has just stuffed his brand new R with just 300 miles on the clock.

dts_boy

I didn't fancy the BMW until I saw the deals available and then had a play in one!
re my gti rewarding comments - The R is a powerful point and shoot drive but the gti feels that bit more nimble and you can feel the grip more as well as the Performance Pack adding a LSD helping it massively.
I would suggest trying a gti and r for yourself to see what you think.  They are launching a special TCR addition GTI which adds more power (286bhp i think) as well as more aggressive looks and a few other tweaks.

tommitch

Ah gotcha

Ooh i bet that was gutting, hope he's all good

tommitch

And do you necessarily feel the grip differences in normal urban driving? Or would you have to rag it around a bit to actually notice the difference?

I'll definitely be doing some test drives at some point aswell

dts_boy

I would say I probably do notice the difference day to day - I am a spirited driver, don't have an R to try back to back on normal drives though.
I don't think I cut it describing things well enough, try them both and see which you prefer!