2018 Audi RS3 Sedan

ryem3 · 05-17-2017, 06:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Perp

With Audi, sent an email, 3 or 4 emails later they found an Aug production build open (3rd on their list), and discounted . He will hold that allocation for me till end of May with no deposit required.

I know the specs are different in Canada. In the US, you can't get the black optics on a 2017. I'm going to see when the 2018s are available. Supposedly, there won't be very many 2017s.

Perp · 05-17-2017, 06:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ryem3

I know the specs are different in Canada. In the US, you can't get the black optics on a 2017. I'm going to see when the 2018s are available. Supposedly, there won't be very many 2017s.

My dealer says 2018 model launch is late June/early July. They are getting a "pre-specified" launch vehicle that will be produced next week. He sent me the 2018 product guide (again, Canadian) if you wanted to know anything.

12eb3L · 05-30-2017, 01:41 PM

Coming from a current 2015 S3 Sedan owner these are the reasons why I will pick the M2 over the new RS3

- Aside from the engine, the RS3 isn't much more special than the S3
- Similar DSG transmission (DQ500, same as the Euro FL S3...which is an updated 7-seed version of the 6-speed DQ250) with tweaked software
- Same Haldex V AWD system that can only send a maximum of 50% power to the rear wheels due to the transverse engine placement causing the lack of center differential; it may be more prone to shifting power to the rear due to software changes
- Audi's marketing department will tell you it will send 100% power to the rear; not true, it's only sending 100% of usable power to the rear when the fronts are receiving 0 traction
- The drifting/oversteering as seen in review videos are due to the wider front tracks and front-staggered wheel/tire setup that helps to kick the rear out. Also the factory tire sizes have a slightly smaller diameter in the front which also helps to mitigate understeer. It is still just like any other Audi, engine placed before the front axles.........nose heavy!
- The stock 8-piston front brakes off of the B7 RS4; is this really necessary? Paired with the single-piston rears, you can tell how much of an overkill the 8-pots are. You can't even fit 18" wheels on them! (maybe selective ones that are 18x9 with a wide offset, similar to the B7 RS4, but unsure if the fenders can take it); would've much rather had a 6-piston option or the 4-piston option off of the previous RS3/TTRS so 18" wheels will easily fit
- The wheels are DAMN ugly..........and they're heavy! Even the S3 has a 19" forged option that is lightweight. Although here in Canada we do have the option of the "Rotor" wheels but those are heavy as well!

The new RS3 is beast, and I love that engine. It is sooooooooooo fast, in a straight line.
But to a current S3 owner, it's just not worth the extra $20K.
Also, I no longer daily drive my car anymore, so why need an automatic, AWD, sedan?

S1monQc · 05-30-2017, 01:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by reyoasian

Coming from a current 2015 S3 Sedan owner these are the reasons why I will pick the M2 over the new RS3

- Aside from the engine, the RS3 isn't much more special than the S3
- Similar DSG transmission (DQ500, same as the Euro FL S3...which is an updated 7-seed version of the 6-speed DQ250) with tweaked software
- Same Haldex V AWD system that can only send a maximum of 50% power to the rear wheels due to the transverse engine placement causing the lack of center differential; it may be more prone to shifting power to the rear due to software changes
- Audi's marketing department will tell you it will send 100% power to the rear; not true, it's only sending 100% of usable power to the rear when the fronts are receiving 0 traction
- The drifting/oversteering as seen in review videos are due to the wider front tracks and front-staggered wheel/tire setup that helps to kick the rear out. Also the factory tire sizes have a slightly smaller diameter in the front which also helps to mitigate understeer. It is still just like any other Audi, engine placed before the front axles.........nose heavy!
- The stock 8-piston front brakes off of the B7 RS4; is this really necessary? Paired with the single-piston rears, you can tell how much of an overkill the 8-pots are. You can't even fit 18" wheels on them! (maybe selective ones that are 18x9 with a wide offset, similar to the B7 RS4, but unsure if the fenders can take it); would've much rather had a 6-piston option or the 4-piston option off of the previous RS3/TTRS so 18" wheels will easily fit
- The wheels are DAMN ugly..........and they're heavy! Even the S3 has a 19" forged option that is lightweight. Although here in Canada we do have the option of the "Rotor" wheels but those are heavy as well!

The new RS3 is beast, and I love that engine. It is sooooooooooo fast, in a straight line.
But to a current S3 owner, it's just not worth the extra $20K.
Also, I no longer daily drive my car anymore, so why need an automatic, AWD, sedan?

My feelings aswell

M2 '18 on order

StefanV · 05-31-2017, 03:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 12eb3L

Coming from a current 2015 S3 Sedan owner these are the reasons why I will pick the M2 over the new RS3

- Aside from the engine, the RS3 isn't much more special than the S3
- Similar DSG transmission (DQ500, same as the Euro FL S3...which is an updated 7-seed version of the 6-speed DQ250) with tweaked software
- Same Haldex V AWD system that can only send a maximum of 50% power to the rear wheels due to the transverse engine placement causing the lack of center differential; it may be more prone to shifting power to the rear due to software changes
- Audi's marketing department will tell you it will send 100% power to the rear; not true, it's only sending 100% of usable power to the rear when the fronts are receiving 0 traction
- The drifting/oversteering as seen in review videos are due to the wider front tracks and front-staggered wheel/tire setup that helps to kick the rear out. Also the factory tire sizes have a slightly smaller diameter in the front which also helps to mitigate understeer. It is still just like any other Audi, engine placed before the front axles.........nose heavy!
- The stock 8-piston front brakes off of the B7 RS4; is this really necessary? Paired with the single-piston rears, you can tell how much of an overkill the 8-pots are. You can't even fit 18" wheels on them! (maybe selective ones that are 18x9 with a wide offset, similar to the B7 RS4, but unsure if the fenders can take it); would've much rather had a 6-piston option or the 4-piston option off of the previous RS3/TTRS so 18" wheels will easily fit
- The wheels are DAMN ugly..........and they're heavy! Even the S3 has a 19" forged option that is lightweight. Although here in Canada we do have the option of the "Rotor" wheels but those are heavy as well!

The new RS3 is beast, and I love that engine. It is sooooooooooo fast, in a straight line.
But to a current S3 owner, it's just not worth the extra $20K.
Also, I no longer daily drive my car anymore, so why need an automatic, AWD, sedan?

Went from almost ordering a Golf R to ordering a M2 for the same exact reasons.
Except the Focus RS all the awd alternatives have bad driving dynamics, prone to unsatisfying understeer due to the haldex way of doing things...
If this is acceptable to me for a 30-40k euros car in the 50k range this is a completely turnoff.

rusky · 06-16-2017, 04:05 PM

I almost ordered an RS3 myself. Then opened my eyes to the glory which is the M2. Now have a 2018 on order

No Boost · 06-17-2017, 01:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rusky

I almost ordered an RS3 myself. Then opened my eyes to the glory which is the M2. Now have a 2018 on order

Oh what a feeling.

AndyinHou · 06-18-2017, 01:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rusky

I almost ordered an RS3 myself. Then opened my eyes to the glory which is the M2. Now have a 2018 on order

I'll be able to compare them side by side!

My wife is getting an RS3, and I've got an M2 on the way

Prodigy. · 06-21-2017, 06:15 AM

Drove the RS3 sedan today, makes an incredible noise, virtual cockpit is sensation and it's damn quick in a straight line, also the steering wheel has convinced me i NEED the M Performance Alcantara wheel in my car.

Exterior is plain and boring though apart from the front end which is quite nice, wheels are hideous.

I don't think it's special enough to get me out of the M2.

BEM-S4 · 06-21-2017, 07:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Prodigy.

Drove the RS3 sedan today, makes an incredible noise, virtual cockpit is sensation and it's damn quick in a straight line, also the steering wheel has convinced me i NEED the M Performance Alcantara wheel in my car.

Exterior is plain and boring though apart from the front end which is quite nice, wheels are hideous.

I don't think it's special enough to get me out of the M2.

Spot on. I've driven it as well. I think it's the perfect car if you're doing more highway driving and need AWD and benefit from rear doors for kids or whatever - specifically if you want an understated exterior. The interior is lovely.

It's a great practical option if you value stealth.

I'd take the RS3 for a cannonball attempt as opposed to the M2 for example.

AGM2 · 06-21-2017, 07:22 AM

Look this car body lines !!!! The M2 is like the First VW R32 2004 amazing body lines
The RS3 Exterior is plain and boring

BEM-S4 · 06-21-2017, 03:50 PM

The first gen S5 is the sexiest car Audi made, the RS4 you referenced is the best looking. If that makes any sense.

ryem3 · 06-21-2017, 06:52 PM

July Sportauto did an intial test of the car and crapped all over it. None of the drifting people had experienced in Oman. Very poor impression of the handling on the track and overall weak imperession, even compared to the prior generation rs3. I think I'll take my name off the waiting list.

S1monQc · 06-21-2017, 09:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ryem3

July Sportauto did an intial test of the car and crapped all over it. None of the drifting people had experienced in Oman. Very poor impression of the handling on the track and overall weak imperession, even compared to the prior generation rs3. I think I'll take my name off the waiting list.

Link?

Spinnetti · 06-26-2017, 02:47 PM

Toured the factory where they make the RS3 today. Brakes are massive. Fair number on the assembly line, but not single one for the US (no sedans)

ryem3 · 06-27-2017, 05:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by S1monQc

Link?

Sorry not online, only in print

quikM2 · 06-27-2017, 08:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AGM2

Look this car body lines !!!! The M2 is like the First VW R32 2004 amazing body lines
The RS3 Exterior is plain and boring

Wow what a gorgeous pic. If only LBB actually looked like that.. I would have ordered it in a heart beat.

I had an S4 previous to the M2 and truth is above, the drive itself will always be handicapped in an Audi because of that stupid engine hanging over the front of the car. Inside absolutely gorgeous. Outside boring as ever.

M2 pure opposite. gorgeous outside and while ok on the inside its definitely not an audi. But drive the thing and everything else becomes irrelevant.

Corinne · 06-30-2017, 12:07 PM

Here in France, Audi A3's are almost as common as Dacia Dusters. The S3 looks exactly like the A3. The RS3 looks exactly like the S3. Verdict: totally, utterly butterly BORING, even if it does sound great. I really can't see the point in spending that amount of money on a machine that looks bland. Gimme an M2 any day !

No Boost · 06-30-2017, 02:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Corinne

Here in France, Audi A3's are almost as common as Dacia Dusters. The S3 looks exactly like the A3. The RS3 looks exactly like the S3. Verdict: totally, utterly butterly BORING, even if it does sound great. I really can't see the point in spending that amount of money on a machine that looks bland. Gimme an M2 any day !

Looks boring and apparently drives boring. R8 or bust regarding any Audi.

Transfer · 06-30-2017, 08:30 PM

lol yikes

BEM-S4 · 06-30-2017, 08:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Stage IV

Quote:

Originally Posted by Corinne

Here in France, Audi A3's are almost as common as Dacia Dusters. The S3 looks exactly like the A3. The RS3 looks exactly like the S3. Verdict: totally, utterly butterly BORING, even if it does sound great. I really can't see the point in spending that amount of money on a machine that looks bland. Gimme an M2 any day !

Looks boring and apparently drives boring. R8 or bust regarding any Audi.

For a highway beast I'd take a 7 any day of the week, S or RS. Lots of fake coupes out there but that car is striking. And for what it's intended for (i.e. Not a track rat) it's brilliant.

Nortdort · 07-04-2017, 09:53 PM

I have been trying to choose between the two. While the engine and high tech interior of the Audi are very persuasive, ultimately I think the M2 will be my next car.

Currently have a 2015 Golf R. So it made total sense to move into an RS3: 4 doors, faster than my R, high tech options .... very much a direct improvement to my R but in sedan form. However that's the issue I am having: that like my GTI before to my R now to an RS3 it's literally driving the same car but with a better interior and a better engine.

Furthermore with the RS3 you need to add the tech package to get nav/cockpit/sound system and you tick a few other boxes and it quickly becomes a 62k car.

Also. It really does look exactly like an S3 with different rims and a better front lip. The sound of the 5cyl is INTOXICATING though.

For the M2 I have always wanted a RWD sports coupe and a M car. It is sufficiently different from the hatches I have driven for nearly 10 years and it looks very good to boot. Also it sounds rather good as well (but maybe less exotic than the RS3). It can also be had with a manual, something I have very much been looking to get again.

With all its positives it's biggest drawback is that it's not very family friendly. My main concern with the M2 is that I have a 1.5 year old son and getting him in and out of the coupe will be a PIA.

So when I weighed the pros/cons of the M2:

Pros:
RWD Sports Coupe
Manual
Looks great
Sounds great
Can use my USAA 2k incentive
5k cheaper than a RS3 before discounts
3 years maintenance included

Cons:
Basic interior(still looks good but no one will argue that Audi wins in this department)
Not family friendly
Less HP

Vs the pros/cons of the Audi:

Pros:
4 doors
400hp (rocket ship in a straight line)
AWD
7speed DSG
High tech/ nicer interior (virtual cockpit is really nice)
That 5cyl sound

Cons:
No USAA incentives
5k more
Sedan
Less appealing exterior
Same platform as my current car

So it boiled down to one question for me:
Is the engine sound, 35hp, 4 doors and the high tech/more refined interior worth 7k more than the M2?

As of this writing the answer is NO and I am in for the M2. The kid thing will be interesting but he is in my wife's car 90% of the time. So should be fine.

However, once I start to see the RS3s in person..... who knows what will happen. But then again 7k is 7k, hell of a lot of money.

05-30-2017, 01:41 PM	#201
12eb3L Enlisted Member 31 Rep 30 Posts Drives: BMW Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Earth iTrader: (0)	Coming from a current 2015 S3 Sedan owner these are the reasons why I will pick the M2 over the new RS3 - Aside from the engine, the RS3 isn't much more special than the S3 - Similar DSG transmission (DQ500, same as the Euro FL S3...which is an updated 7-seed version of the 6-speed DQ250) with tweaked software - Same Haldex V AWD system that can only send a maximum of 50% power to the rear wheels due to the transverse engine placement causing the lack of center differential; it may be more prone to shifting power to the rear due to software changes - Audi's marketing department will tell you it will send 100% power to the rear; not true, it's only sending 100% of usable power to the rear when the fronts are receiving 0 traction - The drifting/oversteering as seen in review videos are due to the wider front tracks and front-staggered wheel/tire setup that helps to kick the rear out. Also the factory tire sizes have a slightly smaller diameter in the front which also helps to mitigate understeer. It is still just like any other Audi, engine placed before the front axles.........nose heavy! - The stock 8-piston front brakes off of the B7 RS4; is this really necessary? Paired with the single-piston rears, you can tell how much of an overkill the 8-pots are. You can't even fit 18" wheels on them! (maybe selective ones that are 18x9 with a wide offset, similar to the B7 RS4, but unsure if the fenders can take it); would've much rather had a 6-piston option or the 4-piston option off of the previous RS3/TTRS so 18" wheels will easily fit - The wheels are DAMN ugly..........and they're heavy! Even the S3 has a 19" forged option that is lightweight. Although here in Canada we do have the option of the "Rotor" wheels but those are heavy as well! The new RS3 is beast, and I love that engine. It is sooooooooooo fast, in a straight line. But to a current S3 owner, it's just not worth the extra $20K. Also, I no longer daily drive my car anymore, so why need an automatic, AWD, sedan?
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06-16-2017, 04:05 PM	#204
rusky Enlisted Member 21 Rep 30 Posts Drives: 2018 M2 LBB 6-speed (deposit) Join Date: Jun 2017 Location: Seattle iTrader: (0)	I almost ordered an RS3 myself. Then opened my eyes to the glory which is the M2. Now have a 2018 on order
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06-21-2017, 06:15 AM	#207
Prodigy. Lieutenant Colonel 698 Rep 1,514 Posts Drives: ///M2 Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Australia iTrader: (0)	Drove the RS3 sedan today, makes an incredible noise, virtual cockpit is sensation and it's damn quick in a straight line, also the steering wheel has convinced me i NEED the M Performance Alcantara wheel in my car. Exterior is plain and boring though apart from the front end which is quite nice, wheels are hideous. I don't think it's special enough to get me out of the M2.
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06-21-2017, 07:22 AM	#209
AGM2 Lieutenant 298 Rep 471 Posts Drives: M2 LBB 17 Join Date: Jul 2016 Location: Land O Lakes FL iTrader: (0)	Look this car body lines !!!! The M2 is like the First VW R32 2004 amazing body lines The RS3 Exterior is plain and boring Last edited by AGM2; 06-21-2017 at 09:37 AM..
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06-21-2017, 03:50 PM	#210
BEM-S4 Major General 4516 Rep 8,942 Posts Drives: Dinan M235, Dinan Sport Wagon Join Date: Oct 2012 Location: Philadelphia iTrader: (5)	The first gen S5 is the sexiest car Audi made, the RS4 you referenced is the best looking. If that makes any sense. __________________ 2022 Macan S 2016 F31 328i xDrive Sport Wagon 2006 E46 330ci ZHP Convertible
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06-21-2017, 06:52 PM	#211
ryem3 Major 1042 Rep 1,345 Posts Drives: 2020 MB M2 CS Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Rye, NY iTrader: (0)	July Sportauto did an intial test of the car and crapped all over it. None of the drifting people had experienced in Oman. Very poor impression of the handling on the track and overall weak imperession, even compared to the prior generation rs3. I think I'll take my name off the waiting list.
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06-26-2017, 02:47 PM	#213
Spinnetti Private First Class 96 Rep 185 Posts Drives: Various Join Date: Jun 2016 Location: Frisco, TX iTrader: (0)	Toured the factory where they make the RS3 today. Brakes are massive. Fair number on the assembly line, but not single one for the US (no sedans)
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06-30-2017, 12:07 PM	#216
Corinne Captain 1171 Rep 709 Posts Drives: M2 2018 LBB 6MT Join Date: Feb 2015 Location: French Alps iTrader: (0)	Here in France, Audi A3's are almost as common as Dacia Dusters. The S3 looks exactly like the A3. The RS3 looks exactly like the S3. Verdict: totally, utterly butterly BORING, even if it does sound great. I really can't see the point in spending that amount of money on a machine that looks bland. Gimme an M2 any day ! __________________ 2011 Lotus Elise SC, 2002 BMW 330d, 1990 Caterham Super 7 HPC (sold), 1985 Porsche 911 Carrera SC (sold), 1978 Caterham Super 7 (sold), 1972 Triumph TR6 (sold), 1972 Jensen Healey (sold), 1965 Triumph TR4A (sold)
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06-30-2017, 08:30 PM	#218
Transfer Major General 5250 Rep 5,874 Posts Drives: Bronco Wildtrak, Tesla MYP Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Issaquah, WA iTrader: (1)	lol yikes
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07-04-2017, 09:53 PM	#220
Nortdort New Member 2 Rep 18 Posts Drives: 2015 WV Golf R Join Date: Mar 2017 Location: San Diego, CA iTrader: (0)	I have been trying to choose between the two. While the engine and high tech interior of the Audi are very persuasive, ultimately I think the M2 will be my next car. Currently have a 2015 Golf R. So it made total sense to move into an RS3: 4 doors, faster than my R, high tech options .... very much a direct improvement to my R but in sedan form. However that's the issue I am having: that like my GTI before to my R now to an RS3 it's literally driving the same car but with a better interior and a better engine. Furthermore with the RS3 you need to add the tech package to get nav/cockpit/sound system and you tick a few other boxes and it quickly becomes a 62k car. Also. It really does look exactly like an S3 with different rims and a better front lip. The sound of the 5cyl is INTOXICATING though. For the M2 I have always wanted a RWD sports coupe and a M car. It is sufficiently different from the hatches I have driven for nearly 10 years and it looks very good to boot. Also it sounds rather good as well (but maybe less exotic than the RS3). It can also be had with a manual, something I have very much been looking to get again. With all its positives it's biggest drawback is that it's not very family friendly. My main concern with the M2 is that I have a 1.5 year old son and getting him in and out of the coupe will be a PIA. So when I weighed the pros/cons of the M2: Pros: RWD Sports Coupe Manual Looks great Sounds great Can use my USAA 2k incentive 5k cheaper than a RS3 before discounts 3 years maintenance included Cons: Basic interior(still looks good but no one will argue that Audi wins in this department) Not family friendly Less HP Vs the pros/cons of the Audi: Pros: 4 doors 400hp (rocket ship in a straight line) AWD 7speed DSG High tech/ nicer interior (virtual cockpit is really nice) That 5cyl sound Cons: No USAA incentives 5k more Sedan Less appealing exterior Same platform as my current car So it boiled down to one question for me: Is the engine sound, 35hp, 4 doors and the high tech/more refined interior worth 7k more than the M2? As of this writing the answer is NO and I am in for the M2. The kid thing will be interesting but he is in my wife's car 90% of the time. So should be fine. However, once I start to see the RS3s in person..... who knows what will happen. But then again 7k is 7k, hell of a lot of money.
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