Modded S3 v RS3

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Stu.h

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So … Looking at getting a 3 as an everyday car. Currently have a 1.4TFSI and a Mk1 Focus RS for weekends which is running 300bhp/360ftlb
So would like to get something that ticks boxes as well as having a decent amount of power.
I’m torn between getting an S3 and stage it or get an RS3. In stuck with the 3 model as I would insist on putting it in the garage and a 3 model is really the limit due to length.
How ‘safe’ with the standard components are the S3 when they are introduced to more power?
What is their limit and is the standard S3 turbo pretty ok at more boost?
What’s the auto box like with holding more power?
Are the components in the RS3 that much better than the S?
Sorry for all the questions ☺️
 
I have a Stage 3+ tuned S3 which I have daily driven for the last 4 years - we have had our ups and downs this last year but nothing related to the tune, just some misfortune with dirty fuel, a failed alternator pulley and some battery issues.

I think I was Stage 2 when I considered selling it to buy a RS3 but at the time it was cheaper for me to Stage 3+ my S3 than the buy a RS3 (would have been an extra £10-12k)

However, if you can afford a RS3, I would go for it but then again, hardly anything touches my S3. Would need a Stage 2 RS3 to be quicker.
 
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I haven't driven an RS3 but would take one for its exclusivity and presumably its great soundtrack.

I, too, keep my S3 in a small garage and just wanted to add that the RS3 does have a wider front track and wings (but no wider at the wing mirrors or overall, so it shows as the same I think). That's something to bear in mind depending on how you manoeuvre into the garage.
 
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The Cardinal said:
I haven't driven an RS3 but would take one for its exclusivity and presumably its great soundtrack.

I, too, keep my S3 in a small garage and just wanted to add that the RS3 does have a wider front track and wings (but no wider at the wing mirrors or overall, so it shows as the same I think). That's something to bear in mind depending on how you manoeuvre into the garage.
Click to expand...
Thanks. Yeah the Focus RS is about 20cm wider than an RS3 anyway so no problem in that regard.
 
Boydie said:
I have a Stage 3+ tuned S3 which I have daily driven for the last 4 years - we have had our ups and downs this last year but nothing related to the tune, just some misfortune with dirty fuel, a failed alternator pulley and some battery issues.

I think I was Stage 2 when I considered selling it to buy a RS3 but at the time it was cheaper for me to Stage 3+ my S3 than the buy a RS3 (would have been an extra £10-12k)

However, if you can afford a RS3, I would go for it but then again, hardly anything touches my S3. Would need a Stage 2 RS3 to be quicker.
Click to expand...
What tuner did you use?
Audi tuning is new ground to me, but would rather steer clear of generic maps in favour of getting all the mods on there and get it live mapped.
I take it the stage 3 required a bigger turbo, but internals untouched, maybe bigger FMIC etc?
Are there companies that do a drive in drive out?
 
@Stu.h I am with Revo and havent had an issue with them since I started using them across various cars since 2009

Stage 3 is a hybrid turbo for me - their IS38ETR V1 coupled with a Forgemotorsport FMIC

Revo offer a performance package so you can buy everything in a bundle and within a day of fitting, be 450-520 bhp better off

They have since revised their turbo to V2 which produces more power FYI
 
Boydie said:
@Stu.h I am with Revo and havent had an issue with them since I started using them across various cars since 2009

Stage 3 is a hybrid turbo for me - their IS38ETR V1 coupled with a Forgemotorsport FMIC

Revo offer a performance package so you can buy everything in a bundle and within a day of fitting, be 450-520 bhp better off

They have since revised their turbo to V2 which produces more power FYI
Click to expand...

Thanks for advice and help.... I've since decided to go RS3 and stage 1/2 it so will see if Revo offer any packages for that car.

:beermug:
 
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Stu.h said:
Thanks for advice and help.... I've since decided to go RS3 and stage 1/2 it so will see if Revo offer any packages for that car.

:beermug:
Click to expand...
yeah, I too have been contemplating this. that is a 2017+ RS3 400ps and stage 2 it -> about 520, 530bhp. Either this or take my S3 to stage 3 which would cost a lot less to do so.

Pros of RS3: That sound track is amazing. Way more exclusivity. Less likely to blow the engine over a stage 3 s3. Will have a car 4 years newer than mine. Would probably be marginally quicker than mine at stage 3 .
Cons: More expensive running costs (tax, insurance, repairs, service, lower mpg). I already know my car (better the devil). Huge amount of additional upfront cost for the car. More likely to be nicked, perhaps? Much more harsh ride for day to day driving?
 
Damo S said:
yeah, I too have been contemplating this. that is a 2017+ RS3 400ps and stage 2 it -> about 520, 530bhp. Either this or take my S3 to stage 3 which would cost a lot less to do so.

Pros of RS3: That sound track is amazing. Way more exclusivity. Less likely to blow the engine over a stage 3 s3. Will have a car 4 years newer than mine. Would probably be marginally quicker than mine at stage 3 .
Cons: More expensive running costs (tax, insurance, repairs, service, lower mpg). I already know my car (better the devil). Huge amount of additional upfront cost for the car. More likely to be nicked, perhaps? Much more harsh ride for day to day driving?
Click to expand...
I would have contemplated a RS5 etc or a newer RS3 but I’m really constrained by garage space length (not leaving things like this on the drive)
Kind of suits due to cost so going for a 2015/2016 RS3 Sportback as they are a bit shorter and saves a bit of cash as well.
The hard bit will be getting rid of my Focus RS Mk1 that I’ve had for around 6years and the prices are going north. Just a pain having 3 cars in the household and having to store, tax, insure and MoT them each year.
I did 150 miles in the FRS over the last year.
Need to move house :)
 
Hi.
If you need any help with insurance at all then please feel free to drop me a line.
Regards,
Dan.
 
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