stevie_d Posted March 31, 2007 Report Share Posted March 31, 2007 I guess I am well qualified to write a bit about these cars as I've owned both fairly recently. Now I'll start off by saying I was surprised by both these cars. I expected the Audi to be the more sophisticated, the better cruiser, but infact it's the Golf that's more comfortable on the motorway and smoothes the bumps better. Lets jump out of the drivers seat and have a look around the cars; Personally I think they both look great. I still think the alloys on the GTI are the best on any production car, it's fair to say I love them. It's interesting to note that the Audi has come in for a lot of stick due to its conservative looks and although I partly agree (especially from side on), it does have fantastic road presence. This is supported by the sight of cars moving out the way very rapidly on the motorway! So looks wise I think it's fairly even, with both cars being understated but with a certain menance lurking deep down... Lets jump back into the drivers seat. Speaking of seats, both sets are very supportive and offer a great driving position, although the Audi doesn't cater for the large folks due to a lack height between the wheel and the seat. Aside from that minor gripe the Audi wins hands down. You can really see where the extra money has been spend. Now, don't get me wrong, the GTI is a very nice plcae to be, but the S3 really steps it up another level. Both cars came high specced to start and to this was added sat nav and a few other bits and bobs. Overall the Audi satnav is the better of the pair, being faster and featuring better graphics. However, the GTI nav unit never let me down, so I can have few complaints. Interior wise the Audi is the better bet, although the Golf still shows off a quality cabin. Right, all of this has been important, but the most important thing with a hothatch, to me at least, is how it drives. Both cars have a decent amount of power and grip to the tarmac like a footballers wife to her Luis Vuitton handbag. However, it's the Audi that goes the fastest, stops the quickest and hangs on more in the corners. Therefore the Audi is the better car in the handling stakes...nearly. The Golf is just more fun to drive, its limit is lower and is a lot more easy to adjust with the throttle. I assume this is a trait of FWD over Quattro, but at the end of the road you're more likely to turn around and do it again in the Golf. Noise wise the Golf disappoints slightly, whereas the Audi has a very addictive, if 80's, stylee whine and an almost chav dumpvalve whoosh. I love it. In the handling and speed stakes the honours are even, the Audi maybe the quicker but the Golf is the more fun sibbling. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
farmerpalmer Posted April 1, 2007 Report Share Posted April 1, 2007 Nice review stevie_d. I test drove and S3 and GTI and enjoyed both. but the golf was more fun and I felt more in control, if you know what I mean. I found the gti seats are more supportive. In the end, went for a gti 30 edition -just took delivery on friday will be running in gently off course Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Scotty Posted April 1, 2007 Report Share Posted April 1, 2007 [ QUOTE ] went for a gti 30 edition -just took delivery on friday [/ QUOTE ] Best change your sig then Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RedRobin Posted April 1, 2007 Report Share Posted April 1, 2007 Excellent review, stevie - Very well written indeed - Well balanced and objective . I must admit that I would have found it virtually impossible to resist the oettinger Audi A3 sportback had it been available when I was considering my GTI. Mind you, one test drive in the GTI was enough to make me place an order immediately and I'm still enjoying her - Even more, now she's modded. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stevie_d Posted April 1, 2007 Author Report Share Posted April 1, 2007 RR> you showed me that Oettinger at the Windsor meet and I was very impressed. I don't generally like aftermarket bodykits, but that looks very decent Alloys are stunning too imho Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sbgwz Posted April 1, 2007 Report Share Posted April 1, 2007 so robin are you actually thinking about the A3? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RedRobin Posted April 1, 2007 Report Share Posted April 1, 2007 ....The only A3 I would consider would be this oettinger version - 240bhp turbo 6-speed DSG - It's the only A3 which would match my modded GTI in performance. I love this Audi's style but the Sportback still doesn't quite have the stowage room I sometimes need. Being a 5-door is very important to my needs too. The Audi's interior quality is far better than the Golf but I'm still in love with my particular GTI overall. An APS Mk5 R32 would also be a contender for a next car but I have no current plans to change. I also like what the Mitsu Evo Concept X is promising, but it has four Recaros and so wouldn't suit. I'm not impressed by the interior/cabin feel of the Scubies and Evos though. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Vagabond Posted April 1, 2007 Report Share Posted April 1, 2007 good review stevie If someone offered me the keys to these two cars, i'd be a long time deciding which one to take. I think i'd eventually plump for the VW because i'm a golf afficianado Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fergy Posted April 1, 2007 Report Share Posted April 1, 2007 great review there. Did you spec Sat NAv from factory on the GTi or retrofit? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stevie_d Posted April 1, 2007 Author Report Share Posted April 1, 2007 Cheers guys, just thought I'd post my feelings over the two cars. Both nav's were factory fit options. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ian_C Posted April 1, 2007 Report Share Posted April 1, 2007 [ QUOTE ] [/ QUOTE ] Looks like you are seriously going for it in this shot. Ian Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stevie_d Posted April 1, 2007 Author Report Share Posted April 1, 2007 That was one of my days out with a police driving instructor... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
encee Posted April 2, 2007 Report Share Posted April 2, 2007 Nice review Stevie. Looks as though you have made the perfect choice in the S3. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sparkzz Posted April 2, 2007 Report Share Posted April 2, 2007 wow, that would be a very tough call choosing between then cars.. as i bought a GTI and love it, but that S3 is lovely. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shadowman Posted April 3, 2007 Report Share Posted April 3, 2007 Good review Stevie!... an enjoyable read and great pics too. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NewNiceMrMe Posted April 14, 2007 Report Share Posted April 14, 2007 Tell me that the S3 doesn't come as standard with that level of rear window tint? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Oli Posted April 14, 2007 Report Share Posted April 14, 2007 That is sun protect glass!!!!, an option Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NewNiceMrMe Posted April 14, 2007 Report Share Posted April 14, 2007 Hmm. Its very dark. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stevie_d Posted April 17, 2007 Author Report Share Posted April 17, 2007 [ QUOTE ] Tell me that the S3 doesn't come as standard with that level of rear window tint? [/ QUOTE ] No it doesn't and it's the main thing I don't like tbh. My car was a showroom demo and therefore I had no choice over spec. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NewNiceMrMe Posted April 17, 2007 Report Share Posted April 17, 2007 Aha. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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