dabe Posted June 12, 2003 Report Share Posted June 12, 2003 Just had a very quick question, I've got my heart set on an S3, however i was just reading some articles and noticed a mention of a '1.8T quattro'. Now if I can't get my hands on (or the insurance premium is to high, being 21 and all... ) an S3 then i guess the next best thing would be the one of these 1.8T's? Correct me if I’m wrong but isn't the S3 a 1.8T quattro? So my next question is there any major difference between the two cars? Please excuse my ignorance (if I am indeed being ignorant!). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Woppum Posted June 12, 2003 Report Share Posted June 12, 2003 I think the biggest diffeance is the engine. The standatd 1.8T has a 180 bhp engine. The S3 has the same egine bu tunned to 225bhp. There is also a differant suspenchion (very bad sp) set up and of course the badge diffishancy and twin tail pipe differance. I have to say i have driven the S3 but not the 1.8T. Hope i helped somewhat Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Drillslinger Posted June 12, 2003 Report Share Posted June 12, 2003 Let's also not forget that the S3 engine has a K04 turbo, and is twin intercooled. Dabe, as a 1.8TQ driver, I can tell you, you can get close, but I don't think you can match the performance / feel of an S3 vs the A3. Whoops, gotta go, but I might add more later, Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jem2768 Posted June 12, 2003 Report Share Posted June 12, 2003 Yup, you'll not make an S3 out of a 1.8Tquattro. The TQ is quick, but it has a different feel - it has a slightly narrower track (same as standard A3) and is missing the flared arches. The suspension isn't quite so firm and, if you're looking for a quick car as opposed to a sports car it's the one to go for. If you're looking for all-out performance then the S3 wins every time. Incidentally if you're looking an immaculate A3 TQS.. hint hint... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dabe Posted June 12, 2003 Author Report Share Posted June 12, 2003 Ah right! so its quite a different car then! great thanks I'll have to see how things go, whether I get the 1.8TQ or the S3, either way It has to have the 18" RS4 alloys! they're just so nice! When i first started looking around; can you belive i was just going to get the 1.6!? lol how things change p.s. Jem, love the mods you done to your car </sarcasm> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sidicks Posted June 12, 2003 Report Share Posted June 12, 2003 The engine differences are just a small part of the differences between an S3 and an A3 1.8T (or T quattro). Things I've thought of are: More powerful engine on S3 (210bhp or on 225 bhp (later cars)) 6-speed gearbox (???) Different suspension Bigger Alloys S3 badges (although you could buy these for your 1.8T........... ) Xenon Headlights Flared wheel arches to accomodate wider track Electric Recaro seats (lovely !) Black Piano Wood interior S3 Instrumentation Twin tailpipes Subtle sideskirts If you can't afford the S3 then you'll enjoy the 1.8T, but don't think that the only differences are the power output). Hopefully someone will correct if any of this is wrong. Hope this helps. Cheers sidicks Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jem2768 Posted June 12, 2003 Report Share Posted June 12, 2003 6-speed gearbox is standard on A3TQS from '01 onwards. And out of the rest of the list the following are all options: Bigger Alloys Xenon Headlights Electric Recaro seats (lovely !) As to S3 Instrumentation what are you referring to? AFAIK there's no more instrumentation on an S3 than a TQS????? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Woppum Posted June 12, 2003 Report Share Posted June 12, 2003 [ QUOTE ] S3 badges (although you could buy these for your 1.8T........... ) [/ QUOTE ] Dont mention that, it all we need more fakes on the road. Dabe if you get an A3, dont make it look like the S3, just ruins it. I definatly agree with the 18" wheel they are the dogs dangels Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Drillslinger Posted June 12, 2003 Report Share Posted June 12, 2003 Although if you DO get the TQ, you can always drop an S3 suspension under it If you find a slightly used one, you can get them cheaper than aftermarket sets Only paid 65 Euros for mine Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sidicks Posted June 12, 2003 Report Share Posted June 12, 2003 [ QUOTE ] [ QUOTE ] S3 badges (although you could buy these for your 1.8T........... ) [/ QUOTE ] Dont mention that, it all we need more fakes on the road. Dabe if you get an A3, dont make it look like the S3, just ruins it. I definatly agree with the 18" wheel they are the dogs dangels [/ QUOTE ] Much sarcasm intended (hence the wagging finger)!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sidicks Posted June 12, 2003 Report Share Posted June 12, 2003 [ QUOTE ] 6-speed gearbox is standard on A3TQS from '01 onwards. And out of the rest of the list the following are all options: Bigger Alloys Xenon Headlights Electric Recaro seats (lovely !) As to S3 Instrumentation what are you referring to? AFAIK there's no more instrumentation on an S3 than a TQS????? [/ QUOTE ] I meant the grey-faced dials with S3 badging (but it's not going to make you choose one car over the other !) sidicks Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sidicks Posted June 12, 2003 Report Share Posted June 12, 2003 [ QUOTE ] Although if you DO get the TQ, you can always drop an S3 suspension under it If you find a slightly used one, you can get them cheaper than aftermarket sets Only paid 65 Euros for mine [/ QUOTE ] Presumably fitting is extra (and difficult ?)???!!!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
A3Floyd Posted June 12, 2003 Report Share Posted June 12, 2003 I've just got an S3 from an A3t and i've found the two cars to be very different. The missus actually prefers my old 1.8t to the S3 cos its less jerky and a slightly more comfortable ride. i can see where she's coming from. I found the A3 much easier to drive 'normally'. The S3 always seems 'on edge' - a bit like holding back a nutty dog, it just wants to be driven fast all the time and sometimes i just dont want to do that. I think it's cos the boost comes in a lot stronger and more harsher whereas in the A3, the boost comes in very smooth and gradual - so much that you'd be hard pressed to notice it has a turbo at all. The best thing that i like about the S3 is the grip and the subtle styling. If i couldn't get an S3 then i'd probably settle for an A3t (non-quattro) cos you can pick them up so much cheaper and they are more plentiful. Also, you'll not find 'that' much difference between the TQ and the S3 when it comes to insurance. I love the S3 loads but as an everyday car, i found the A3 slightly easier to live with... but not as much fun, of course Hope this helps!!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Drillslinger Posted June 12, 2003 Report Share Posted June 12, 2003 Yeah, parts were 65 Euros, fitting and subsequent alignmet were all together 280 or so Euros. Still cheaper than most aftermarket suspensions (Don't mind my ranting... I'm poor ) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jem2768 Posted June 12, 2003 Report Share Posted June 12, 2003 When I got quotes for an S3 and an A3TQS the difference was in the region of 200 quid for where I live. I currently pay just under 700 for the TQS. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
A3Floyd Posted June 12, 2003 Report Share Posted June 12, 2003 only £60 difference for me - but then i've never managed to understand how these underwriting systems work - i just program the buggers! Honestly though, underwriting systems now are extremely complexed and the silliest things can load/unload your policy. If you can put a woman on your policy, it actually reduces the cost! just a shame my missus doesn't drive Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ari Posted June 12, 2003 Report Share Posted June 12, 2003 Had a 1.8T quattro and driven and been in an S3. Everything stated above as far as spec goes is correct, but to be honest the best way I can describe the difference is think of a BMW 330i Coupe and a BMW M3. On paper the M3 is just a quicker 330i, same bodywork, basic shape etc but actually a quite different character. Wouldn't talk you out of a 1.8TQ, but if you can stretch to the S3 it is more than worth the difference. Hope that helps! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Woppum Posted June 12, 2003 Report Share Posted June 12, 2003 [ QUOTE ] I can describe the difference is think of a BMW 330i Coupe and a BMW M3. On paper the M3 is just a quicker 330i, same bodywork, basic shape etc but actually a quite different character. [/ QUOTE ] Another example would be the differance between the R32 and the 4-motion Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sidicks Posted June 12, 2003 Report Share Posted June 12, 2003 [ QUOTE ] [ QUOTE ] I can describe the difference is think of a BMW 330i Coupe and a BMW M3. On paper the M3 is just a quicker 330i, same bodywork, basic shape etc but actually a quite different character. [/ QUOTE ] Another example would be the differance between the R32 and the 4-motion [/ QUOTE ] OK, but which is better, 4-motion or R32 ?? (duccks for cover) sidicks Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ari Posted June 12, 2003 Report Share Posted June 12, 2003 [ QUOTE ] [ QUOTE ] I can describe the difference is think of a BMW 330i Coupe and a BMW M3. On paper the M3 is just a quicker 330i, same bodywork, basic shape etc but actually a quite different character. [/ QUOTE ] Another example would be the differance between the R32 and the 4-motion [/ QUOTE ] No it isn't, the R32 replaced the 4 motion and is essentially a better version, the 330i - M3, and the A3 - S3 run side by side with the higher model being a quite different charactor. Not suggesting that the R32 isn't a huge improvement over the 4 Motion you understand, but one replaced the other... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Woppum Posted June 12, 2003 Report Share Posted June 12, 2003 What do you mean the R32 is a totally differant charicter than the 4-motion isnt it. Look at al the differances, let alone the power increase. The S3 is 45bhp more than the standard 1.8T and the R32 is 40bhp more than the 4 motion. Give me 20 munites and.... i will be back Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ari Posted June 12, 2003 Report Share Posted June 12, 2003 Yeah, no, you're missing my point mate. The R32 is a huge improvement over the 4-motion, no question, but it was kind of a replacement for it. The M3 is sort of a seperate model from the normal 3 series in a way, same as the S3 is kind of a seperate model to the A3. I suppose the best way you could use the R32 as an example is to say that there are lots of Golf models culminating in the GTI, with the R32 as a distinct high performance version in its own right, rather than just a quicker better spec version of the lesser models. D'ya see? (Crikey I'm going back to the A4 forum where I belong, everyone argues with me in here!! ) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Woppum Posted June 12, 2003 Report Share Posted June 12, 2003 There we go all done. What about: The much furmer sports supenchion (like the S3) The nice noisy exhaust (which might i add the S3 dosent have) The standard 18" wheels The big chunky steering wheel which gives the driver the atmosphere of sporty/performance heaven All the aluminium on the inside The big powerful 13"!! discs on the front the blue brake calipers The R badging, which might i add stand for racing The foot pedals are even designed with performance in mind And the massive bodykit Now this is all what the 4-motion dosent have. This is becasue the 4-motion was not a performance car, whereas the R32 is... If anything more than the S3 is, and would be more closer identified with likes of the M3 compared to the 330. Thanks for listening Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Woppum Posted June 12, 2003 Report Share Posted June 12, 2003 [ QUOTE ] Yeah, no, you're missing my point mate. The R32 is a huge improvement over the 4-motion, no question, but it was kind of a replacement for it. The M3 is sort of a seperate model from the normal 3 series in a way, same as the S3 is kind of a seperate model to the A3. I suppose the best way you could use the R32 as an example is to say that there are lots of Golf models culminating in the GTI, with the R32 as a distinct high performance version in its own right, rather than just a quicker better spec version of the lesser models. D'ya see? (Crikey I'm going back to the A4 forum where I belong, everyone argues with me in here!! ) [/ QUOTE ] Ok right i see what you are talking about, the S3 is differant to the 1.8T yes... The R32 is now the replacement of the 4-motion yes. But the fact is they are totally differant models. I bet the majority of owners of the R32 were not 4-motion customers, they would probablyhave been more ex WRX customers or S3 drivers. The bottom line is that i wouldnt buy a 4-motion if the R32 wasnt around, i would have bought the S3. I want a performance hatch with loads of power and body/reputation to match. Get ma drift Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ari Posted June 12, 2003 Report Share Posted June 12, 2003 Yes! Get mine!? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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