watchjohnny

Hey everyone,

First post so go easy on me if there's existing info/threads on this that I haven't found. If there are, please link.

Proud 2009 Nissan 370Z owner here for the last 9 years and now seriously considering a new car. While looking around, I was considering what's important to me (awd, power, 4 doors) and I started falling in love with the new RS3. I've read a lot of posts about the crazy wait times for folks who've already ordered theirs (8-12 months) and that's a bummer. Which leads me to my next big question:

What are the major differences between the '17, '18, and '19 models? From what I've gathered from dealer photos, it can't be much. Are they just trim differences? The red bezels on the dashboard vents?

Any help is appreciated.

Spinnetti

No major differences... Just be aware the RS3 is not a car that "hoons" well if that's your thing, but is way faster. Being quick with zero drama isn't quite as fun as slower but more dramatic.

tigerhonaker

Johnny,

To answer your question on the real world differences between the 2018 & 2019 RS3.

Nate, summed that up nicely on the other Thread on this site.
Not sure about the 2017, but the 2018 to 2019 differences are:

• No more ceramic brakes option available
• Direct TPMS is standard now (used to have to get the ceramic brakes to get this)
• Switch from Catalunya Red (2018) to Tango Red (2019)

I think that's it actually.

Also as I recall and I could be wrong but I don't think so.
The 2017 RS3 had the older display not the new 12" Plus Display the 18 & 19 RS3s have.

Just so you know what your going to find IMO looking at the left-over 2018 RS3 is High-Pricing.
Especially if they are New units.
Even the Pre-Owned with low-miles if loaded are costly.
Unless you just don't care my (Suggestion) is place an order for the 2019 and Build it to your Preference buddy.

Terry

Up-Dated at 10.30 am Central Time Zone:

Below is an example of a Left-Over-New Loaded-Up 2018 RS3.
2018 Audi RS 3 2.5T quattro AWD - $73,710

https://www.cargurus.com/Cars/inventorylisting/viewDetailsFilterViewInventoryListing.action?entit ySelectingHelper.selectedEntity=t74187&distance=75 &zip=43017&sourceContext=listingExpire&sntEmlId=24 71178560&type=expiredListings&subscriberId=1648140 8&source=email&utm_source=listingExpire&utm_medium =email&utm_campaign=default&utm_term=2019-01-17&utm_content=bSimilarListingButton#listing=21134 6490

PITBOY

watchjohnny

Yeah, I've never been a "hoonigan" I just enjoy fast cars, but a 2dr 2 seater just isn't gonna cut it soon.

watchjohnny

Hmm... I've been finding some leftover '18s and lightly used '18s in the mid/high 50s. Am I missing some key performance packages not included in these? (I've been looking for a few things in particular: Dynamic package, Tech package, and the red stitching.) Are there other things I should be looking for on the '18s?
Here's one I found that appears legit: https://www.cargurus.com/Cars/invent...sModified=true

Rans09vert

All years are the same. The display is identical in the 17, and 18. As Spinetti said, "no drama" with this car, just fast, sounds good. You may be bored vs your 370Z. Some cars "feel fast" but aren't. I had a 2013 mini cooper John Cooper Works, that felt extremely quick, but 0-60 was quoted at 5.9 seconds. The RS3, to me, doesn't feel that quick, but does 0-60 in 3.5 or so. You take off from a stop light and give it moderate throttle, and then notice how far back all of the cars at the light that were next to you are, and then realize, wow this car is fast. Its a mature, small 4 door sedan, that has a lot of potential to be seriously quick with light mods.

XMetal00

Didn't the 2019 got a slight power dropped?

Rans09vert

You might be correct, I saw it is rated at 394hp, my 18 is rated at 400hp. You wont be able to notice the difference that's for sure.

tigerhonaker

Johnny,

I think if I were giving advise it would be the following.
Go to the Audi Home Page and go through the BUILD for the 2019.
Vary that build for the different options/packages and see what you come away with ???
Then and only then just maybe consider a Pre-owned RS3.
Sometimes the Up-Front-Savings in the Long-Run COST (Actually-More) buddy.

Terry