tjacoby

I upgraded from an S3 to the RS3, and would do it again. I do think the RS3 with the fixed suspension is a good sports sedan. Compared to a GT3, you'd be frustrated, It's still an A3 at heart, a good A3, but still a small 'entry-level' car. there's no heads-up display, there's no rear heating controls and no rear heated seats for the kids, the AWD setup is still a Haldex setup. the windows take a long time to clear in winter, the side windows freeze up at nothing. it tries to be a sports car and a GT, and doesn't pull either off. Depends how you want to use the car and what you need. I wanted AWD for heavy winter mountain driving. I'm keeping it for at least 3 years, where I upgraded my S3 as soon as possible. The Alfa would be an interesting cross comparison if you live next to the dealer, along with the M2 Comp, C63, A45, and maybe stretch for an M5/E63? I liked the RS3 concept car with the 600hp electric motors - it's a great time to be into cars.

Juggernaut

I'm not expecting it to handle like my 991.2 GT3 RS at all, I'm looking for a DD hot hatch, short wheel base, torquey and nimble, not a track beast, something that makes me hearken back to my youth and my Stage 2 B5 S4.

I had an M4, modded it, tracked it, never loved it. I've had the NA 6.2L C63, pondered the new 4L turbo one but not that interested in it either, too heavy. I have little to no interest in M5/E63....overpowered, heavy, numb mid size sedans, been there, done that.

I'm prolly going to put a deposit down on an RS3 allocation tomorrow (build locks in next few weeks, estimated May delivery). I can always back out, and I'll keep doing a little hunting, but I think it's what I'm looking for based on what I've read. Just wish I could test drive one lol

Spinnetti

I had a couple 3 B5's. I think the A/S/RS 3's are a good spiritual successor to the B5, but much faster and not as good handling

Juggernaut

Would you say the RS3 is as nose heavy and understeery as the B5 S4?

Honestly though anything would probably feel nimble c/w the GLE43C, I tried to turn myself into a middle aged SUV guy but I just can't lol.

superswiss

Where did you get these dates from? My understanding is the RS3 is currently on production hold until later this year. Orders being put in based on some other threads here are getting production dates of August with a possible September/October delivery the earliest. Word is that Audi can't make the current engine comply with WLTP and they are working on a new compliant engine.

I've never driven a B5, but yes, the RS3 understeers, courtesy of the FWD biased haldex quattro system. It's mechanically limited and can't send more than 50% of torque to the rear, unless the front tires have less traction. You'll find that it doesn't rotate under throttle in corners and needs to be driven like an FWD car. Foot off throttle to shift the weight to the front and make the tail light, rotate and then get back on the throttle. I really recommend you drive one first, but I understand that might be difficult. I did a comparison thread between the TTRS and RS3 a while back and the TTRS drives much better, while still suffering from the Haldex system. But it all depends on what you are really looking for. The RS3 is a nice DD if you don't plan on pushing it. It rides very comfortable. Also, my experience is with the magnetic suspension, which is part of the problem. With the fixed suspension it supposedly handles better, but will be less comfortable as a DD.

Juggernaut

That's what I was told by my Brand Specialist, gonna chat w/ him in an hour or two and will post anything different. He may of course find out when he goes to submit it that it's on production hold, lol.

I was just curious about the handling, honestly I don't plan on pushing it much in corners on the street so it isn't a big concern for me. Def sticking w/ the mag suspension.

Spinnetti

Yeah, its pretty nose heavy. I've got an S3, but the RS3 is even heavier in the nose. As a daily driver it won't matter really. You don't notice it until you get past 8/10ths but when you really flog it in the corners its just not very cooperative. You can tune some of that out. Definitely go for the staggered tires as 235 is nowhere near enough tire up front. I added camber plates up front (actually pretty much the whole 034 catalog), a stiffer rear bar with heim jointed end links and next step will be wider front tires (will go up from 255 to 265 at least) and toe out the rear tires a bit from the stock setting. I also changed the haldex setting to maximum rear traction which I really like. Took off hard this morning and the rear end wiggled struggling for grip (Stage II+). Not sure if I'll get an RS3 in a few years, or skip and go right to the eTron GT

tjacoby

I haven't found anything else I want more yet either. I did prefer the feel of the TTRS over the RS3 by more of a margin than I'd of thought - it felt much tighter, but I already have a 2 seater and believe 2 seaters should be more intense imo. There's far too many very front-heavy sports sedans out there. as some of said, I went with the staggered 255's up front which probably helped some. Coming form an S3, driving the S3 like a fwd car wasn't such a change. a stage 2 RS3 would be an impressive beast, after 18 months I'm pretty much used to the factory setup.

Wiscoaudi

I went from a 2017 S3 to a 2018 RS3 DD in November, after my husband picked up a 2018 TT RS in April. The S3 is no slouch, but the engine always ran hotter (234 vs 198). There are some minor irritations like no homelink on the RS3, and manual seats, but personally I haven't missed either from the S3 at all. I can't get enough of the 5 cylinder engine, it is totally a blast! I'm not tracking it or modding it, but since you asked for S3 to RS3 comparison, I personally feel like it's a step up from the S3.

Every time I start up the engine, it puts a big grin on my face. There are a few other 5 cyls in town, and I can recognize the engine by sound across parking lots on startup, LOL! Like others have said, the TTRS definitely has a more sports car feel, and we get more looks with it, but I love the stealth feel of the RS3. On ramps are hilarious! Lag seem to be highly dependent on what drive mode you're in, but that engine....

And FWIW I test drove an S5 with the intention of ordering an RS5 sportback, but the steering felt soooo disconnected and bloaty that we immediately ruled it out. Both the RS3 and TT RS feel totally nimble and precise; we have all sorts of fun on the back roads here on weekends!

tigerhonaker

Wiscoaudi,



Thanks for sharing with us I currently have the 2019 RS3 on order.

I did look into the TTRS but the RS3 sedan seems to me to be the more usable vehicle especially if one is not tracking it.

Below is the exact RS3 on order.



Terry