just test drove an S3

[jojo]

My logbook says 1466 kg

The logbook weight will include your optional extra's. If you ever saw an original price and optional extra's list, they quote weights for each optional extra on them, and total it up dependant on what you have ticked... so heavier car, more spec. lol.

 

[Cossie_boy]

I do however highly rate the grip of the car and genuinely beleive it grips better than my impreza ever did - the ride and brakes are also better.

I can relate to that, the 1.8T Quattro and TDi Quattro both felt really planted, but the Scobby I drove the other week seemed to be all over show, maybe because it was so light but it just didnt feel the car i would be wanting to go quickly in, its a shame as I like the look and sound of these but when actually driving one they didnt seem all that, i must say though i drove a P1 a few years ago and that was a totally different kettle of fish!

So after a re-map, where does the power seem to be on an S3?

 

[MattS5]

I've owned both an Ecutek'd scoob (00MY turbo) and now own a Revo'd (02MY) S3.

The performance 0-60 is almost identical.

From 50-100mph the S3 is quicker, due to the fact its got more torque, and thats where it really counts.

Get yourself in a remapped car and you'll be amazed at the difference.

 

[campbell]

so your saying a remapped S3 is quicker to 120mph (private road of course) than scooby?

 

[Stewart]

so your saying a remapped S3 is quicker to 120mph (private road of course) than scooby?

He is saying that it was quicker than the Scooby HE owned.

There are so many different models and variations of Scoobs that it would be impossible to definitively say that "A remapped S3 is quicker than a Scooby".

I know from personal experience that I have absolutely mullared every Scooby THAT I HAVE come across in a point to point...
However, a decent driver in a lightweight STi (Spec C ?) might be a different thing altogether...

 

[MattS5]

so your saying a remapped S3 is quicker to 120mph (private road of course) than scooby?

No. I said my remapped S3 was quicker were it mattered, between 50 to 100mph+

From a standing start the scoob "may" have been quicker to 100, but only by a fraction of a second. (My scooby was a Turbo 2000 model, with an Ecutek remap)
From 50mph onwards, the S3 is quicker without a doubt.

The S3 will also be able to run at 130 for a sustained period, whereas my classic scoob, due to the ineffciency of the top munted intercooler scoop, would be at risk of engine failure at anything more than 115mph due to air being deflected over the scoop at those sorts of speeds, thus higher intake temps causing issues.

To sum it up:
The scoob went well, handled well, sounded great, but you do run the risk of getting mistaken for a chav.
The S3 goes better once rolling, handles better than the standard car with ARB's uprated, doesn't sound great, but doesn't attract attention either. It is also miles ahead in terms of fit and finish. Overall, a lot more classy.

 

[jcb]

the KO4 turbo is no match for the IHI's in a Subaru.
Squeezing 225bhp out of a 1.8l is never going to compare to 230-240bhp out of a bigger engine with a bigger turbo.

Add that to a harder suspension set up, a better drive train and a lighter body weight and the perception of power in a subaru is greatly exaggerated.

I just had the suspension changed and swapped all the OEM bushes in my 1.8t A4 for powerflex and the car feels like it has a different engine. more power through corners, faster on pulling away, better turn in and braking, holds more power in every way.....

simple things affect the "sense" of power....much more important than bar stool BHP.

Also your insurance on a chipped S3 would be less than an impreza, (less likely to be nicked for a drive by shooting and getaway...) as would the running costs etc (subaru parts and service costs are famously harsh whereas there are more AVG specific specialist and more competition for business).

 

[james0808]

He is saying that it was quicker than the Scooby HE owned.

There are so many different models and variations of Scoobs that it would be impossible to definitively say that "A remapped S3 is quicker than a Scooby".

I know from personal experience that I have absolutely mullared every Scooby THAT I HAVE come across in a point to point...
However, a decent driver in a lightweight STi (Spec C ?) might be a different thing altogether...

Im coming up to Blackpool Weds to Fri,any chance you can take me for a quick blast???

 

[leonski]

i know what your saying about my scooby feeling faster but really its not just the feeling. i set off in the s3 the engine sounding like its screaming, then into second for what felt like ages with that same screaming engine noise and eventually into third (still not even at 60) then up to 70 and had to slow down, like i said it was a straight country road with no motorways around so maybe after that it will pull like a train but i enjoy the little off roundabout blasts onto slip roads and dual carriage ways not just the 70 - 120 games with the sales reps.
My scooby is nothing special just a uk turbo 2000 with exhaust and filter and 249 bhp at the flywheel, but when you put your foot down and get pulled back in your seat it just is faster. It flies through each gear at 30 mph at a time till 120 in 4th and then maybe i could say the power tails off in 5th but will still get to 150 on a good stretch (of runway).
Maybe this car was down on power because it really did feel that much underpowered and initially i excpected everyone to say it was probably knackered but not many on here have said that. I really would like to try a remapped version as well now.
Does an exhaust make any noticable difference to the standard car without a remap?

 

[leonski]

cheers for all the replies by the way and understanding im not coming on here to slate your cars in any way.

 

[jojo]

Exhaust,sports cats and air filter/inducrion kit makes little difference to ower, maybe quicker turbo spool up and a flatter wallet, which is why I still have standard airbox and exhaust.

 

[rodenal]

The car may well have been a bit messed up, maf could have been out which would make it feel aloooottt slower than it should have been

- I have only ever been in a newish STI scoob, and the S3 is nothing compared to that(in feeling at least), a turbo 2000 i have no idea.

 

[MattS5]

Whereabouts are you located Leon ?

I'd take you out for a spin if you're local

 

[leonski]

from rossendale mate. very good of you that fella!

 

[MattS5]

I have no idea where Rosendale is, which would suggest its nowhere near Norwich

I'd have travelled 40 miles either direction, buit I don think thats any use is it?

(unless you're at the Nurburgring over the weekend ?)

 

[dultanur]

i felt the same after driving my s3. the thing is they ARE quite slow when std., but they feel even slower. after a remap, everything changes.
btw, a std. S3 should do 0-60 in mid to high 6s easily. but you have to be a bit brutal with the clutch.

and IMO the S3 is quite laggy, but the K03 cars are pretty good.

 

[mad max]

remapping the s3 improves the car immensly as does uprated arb,car feels a lot more responsive.have you considered an s2 might be more what you are looking for performance wise huge potential or better still an rs2

 

[Stewart]

Leon, I'm in Blackpool if you want to see/feel what an S3 should be like

 

[jojo]

Leon, I'm in Blackpool if you want to see/feel what an S3 should be like

Please not the word 'should', If you buy one, it won't feel anything like Stewarts one lol.

 

[Aky]

Before I purchased my S3 I had a go in a year 2000 WRX STI and it went like stink. Much better handling and the performance was blistering. Think that would have been about 276bhp possibly closer to 300bhp but even my remapped 265ish S3 wouldn't come close.

 

[MattS5]

Sti is a different beast than a UK turbo spec impreza.
Short ratio gearbox, higher RPM, and smaller wheels and adjustable diff.

Always gonna feeel very quick, but with the engine at 5k revs at around 90-100 mph, it will do you head in on a journey.

Great tool for weekends though

 

[leonski]

maybe the s3 isnt for me then. Got to say im gutted really cos i really fancied one of these but i know the fascination of the nice interior will soon wear off and ill be left with a slow car that costs more or less the same to run than my subaru which is great fun every time i get in it. Whats this s2 then?

 

[SonicDeathmonkey]

As a biturbo owner, I think you may want to try one out. Very little lag, boot-loads or torque. And of course, once you start to mod it....

Oh, and it will cruise at however fast you want all day long.

 

[james0808]

maybe the s3 isnt for me then.

Im going to try a remapped one before i decide if the S3 is for me.

 

[mad max]

think you should test drive a remapped one first before you decide.awell sorted one might just change your opinion

 

[james0808]

I hope so.

 

[Ess_Three]

As a biturbo owner, I think you may want to try one out. Very little lag, boot-loads or torque. And of course, once you start to mod it....

Oh, and it will cruise at however fast you want all day long.

...but it won't go round corners...
The S3 was dire as standard...but it was still streets ahead of the S4 on twisty roads.

At least the S3 can me made to handle...the S4, with all that weight out front...can't.

 

[leonski]

i hope so too. im going to try another couple of s3`s before i give up completely and hopefully a remapped one as well. Not really looking for a car that needs modding though to be honest, could live with a remap but thats about it.
Where you from james?

 

[madvw]

there are many many s3's that are dogs out there. Mostly due to the fact that key parts can fail, and not trigger the check engine light. They can be real paranoia machines.

You said that the novelty of the interior would wear off - it doesn't. Its solid, comfy and supportive. Long journeys are a breeze. The trouble is that you'd only ever discover this after driving another car for a substantial distance.

it sounds like the car you want doesn’t exist for the price you want really. Unless you compromise somewhere. Considered a new focus ST?

 

[mad max]

maybe the s3 isnt for me then. Got to say im gutted really cos i really fancied one of these but i know the fascination of the nice interior will soon wear off and ill be left with a slow car that costs more or less the same to run than my subaru which is great fun every time i get in it. Whats this s2 then?

cant help thinking you have got to be taking the **** with this type of remark.you would be left with a slow car ? a remapped one isnt a suzuki leanna you know.also cant believe you have not heard of audi rs2 they are over ten years old an are still subaru bashers visit www.s2forum.com for more info

looks like i just joined the cottonwool club

 

[leonski]

im not sure what i want any more mate. I want the same feeling i get from the impreza but with a more mature image i suppose. If i was to get an s3 id at least like the running costs to be lower but so far the insurance quotes are higher than the scooby (quoted today at £1300, 26 7 years ncb) i pay 850 at the minute with a- plan. Even tesco said £970.

 

[stapo69]

I've recently test driven a few S3s, a standard 210 and 225, couldn't really tell the difference between the 2 to be honest, then drove an MTM tuned 210 and a superchipped 210, way way better, seriously drive a mapped one, should be around 265 bhp, the difference is really noticeable, tranforms the car. Don't knock it till you've tried it!

However I also used to own an 330bhp EVO 6, you won't match that for shear power and grip, awesome car, same with a Impreza P1 I drove, different league, however with those you lose out with build quality, rattley, plasticey, cheap feeling, don't get that with an Audi, so the impression of speed seems subdued, so much more comfy and quiet, don't rely just on what it feels like, your prob used to that big hit of turbo lag, watch the speedo it'll tell you different.

I felt the same when I was looking but the more you drive them the more you realise there's not much in it, I eventually bought an S4 (my mate bought the superchipped S3! couldn't be out done there!) and now loving it, build quality is 2nd to none, comfortable, quiet, (I must be getting old!)smooth as f@#k! Delivers the power in a totally different way, but it's there, believe me!

Insurance was shed loads cheaper too, £1100 for my evo, £860 on my skyline, £500 on my S4, £400 on an S3!

In short I see your reservations, but drive more of them, different specs, for longer. I wouldn't go back.

 

[leonski]

no youre right ive never heard of the rs2 but the pictures ive seen of them now dont really do anything for me. You think im taking the **** but like i said before im saying it as it is and if you read through all these posts about 80% of s3 owners seem to be agreeing with me which i did not excpect. I thought when i first posted that you lot would jump to defend the s3 and convince me that the one i looked at was knackered.
I hope that when i test another or even a remapped one if i find one then my mind will be changed again but at the minute from that one test drive i stand by my quote "slow car".
By the way subarus are also well over 10 years old so its not really a case of a 10 year old audi beats your modern impreza is it?
This is exactly what i was afraid of happening when i first said lets not make this a vs thread.

 

[leonski]

@ stapo. Whos your insurance with for £400? i like the sound of that. Are you older than me? Im 26 with 7 years ncb.
Dont worry im not giving up on it yet i really like these cars and im going to do all i can to convince myself. I just need a good test drive i think.

 

[RussUK]

Just over a year ago I went with a friend to test drive a few S3's, some of them felt so slow compared to others we were amazed, all of them were standar - must have had faults....?

I now own a modified S3 myself, been in the family since new, and it is a really good example.

Some days the car really surprises me with how quick it can be, you don't realise until you look in the rear view mirror how far back cars are, which I think reinforces what Stapo69 says re looking at the speedo.

Seems to respond better the more I learn how to drive it.

What I like about it I can pick the girlfirend up in it, drive normaly with all the comforts - drop her off and blast it.

Where are you based leonski?

 

[jcb]

" screaming and not even at 60mph in third"...I would say you drove a poor example

 

[jojo]

Some crazy insurance quotes you have there leon, I had my S3 when I was 24 going onto 25, and it was around 700 to insure, now it costs me 650ish with all my mods(remap, suspension, alloys etc.) declared! 29 with maximum no claims... should be expensive next year though, I've now got 6 points!

 

[Cossie_boy]

Another thing, sometimes when you goto look at a supoosed 'fast car' you can sometimes have great expecations they it may not live up to, just the other week I started looking at the new shape Scoobys and the figures and prices, got all excited, then when I drove one I was really dissapointed, performance wise it may of been a bad example but was really crap, but it was more the build quality that put me off and the lightness on the road....

sounds funny, but ive driven a lot of quick cars, and times when ive gone just to test drive them without expecting much, ive ended up buying them, lol

I personally cant stand lag, i luv just having power on tap, which is why i like the ol' dervs so much cos for me its usable power

I would be very interested to know what an S4 drives like though, i would imagine with the 2 turbos there is little or no lag, I think the S3 looks better, didnt know about the handling what someone mentiomned though!

 

[JamS3]

Iv'e found alot of the time if you drive a car expecting it to be fast, waiting for it to be fast when you plant your foot in 2nd gear it won't be!

If you are expecting the power it does not come as a shock or surprise and can feel quite slow.

I had 2 8L (older version) S3's and I remapped both of them, the second one I got was not remapped and it was the first thing I did when i got it to make it like my first as it was really slow.

There is alot of experience on this forum, take a remapped one for a test drive. It would be best to take a offer from someone on here as there will be no salesperson pressure and it would be difficult finding one for sale at a garage with a remap anyway, you will be pleasantly surprised!!

 

[leonski]

I meant it wasnt even at 60 when i changed to third mate. Cheers for all the replies and im going to keep looking and test drive a few more. If anyone is near rossendale lancs with a mapped version i wouldnt mind a quick look into that option. Is there any insurance companys you all recomend for a quote?