Golf R Observations and Questions

[Corey_R]

I’ve just come back from longer 2nd drives of both cars (S3 and Golf R) and driving one after the other I think I prefer the Golf to drive; it seemed tighter and more responsive to me, but I guess it’s a fairly subjective thing. I also found the S3 to be a bit more ‘crashy’ over bumps and rough spots.
The actual pricing, once you add all the other bits (taxes etc.) shows a fairly substantial difference. I am purchasing on corporate plans. With VW this gets you a discount up front and a few minor benefits, the Audi is the same but it also adds 3 years servicing into the mix.
The Golf R is $66370 and the Audi S3 is $94169, just under $30K more.
Specs are similar with only minor differences
- Audi has a better range of colours, including a nice Red which I would love to see on the Golf
- The Audi Sunroof is also a lot better; it extends to the rear of the car.
- The leather in the Audi seems a higher quality than the Golf
- The VW Sat Nav is light years ahead of the Audi S3 but yes, the Audi does have BT as standard.
- There are no factory 19” wheels on the Audi, they’d be a dealer fit option.
- The park assist\sensors on the Golf are front and rear as standard, whereas the Audi is rear only, but does offer full Park Assist [but having the car park itself, has, in my opinion little actual value]
- There is no rear view camera option on the Audi
- There is a neat storage package available on the Audi @ $314, but for about $230 I can buy the OEM under seat drawers from a few places.
- The sports steering wheel (flat bottomed) is standard on the Golf, but a $520 option on the Audi. Also the trip computer works off the wiper stalk on the Audi rather than the steering wheel.
- The Audi has the option of Folding Mirrors (which are also auto dimming) for $489
- Despite the differences in leather, IMO the Golf has more comfortable seats.
Delivery times are much the same, looking @ delivery December (if I order real soon) or March 2011 for the Audi.
So, based on this and the info I’ve gathered here, I’ll be ordering a Golf before the end of the week. The real issue of course is just how hard is the wait going to be.....

Thanks for everyone's replies and advice.

Thanks for the write-up mate!
Btw, I would just mention that the better sunroof you mention on the Audi is only available on the 5-door Sportback model. The 3 door Audi has a similar size to the Golf. BUT, due to the S3's lower roof-line, the sunroof in the 3 door lowers the rear seat headroom, so that when I sit in the back I feel rather uncomfortable (I'm 5'10") - my taller friends would have no chance. I presume that there is more headroom in the rear seat of the Sportback, but cannot comment as I haven't personally been in a sportback with the sunroof

[Prodigy]

Just found this R advertised on Carsales at a dealer in QLD, i must admit it looks damn good in United Grey and the black rims. Not sure about the number plate though "R GTI"

If anyone is looking to get one straight away this may be a good choice...

[Mr_Bob]

Thanks for the write-up mate!
Btw, I would just mention that the better sunroof you mention on the Audi is only available on the 5-door Sportback model. The 3 door Audi has a similar size to the Golf. BUT, due to the S3's lower roof-line, the sunroof in the 3 door lowers the rear seat headroom, so that when I sit in the back I feel rather uncomfortable (I'm 5'10") - my taller friends would have no chance. I presume that there is more headroom in the rear seat of the Sportback, but cannot comment as I haven't personally been in a sportback with the sunroof

I sat in the back of the 5dr with skyroof when the saleman was driving before I test drove the S3,
I noticed the roof was low, but never made contact with it.
wasn't so impressed with the bulge that hangs down though, it seemed a little unfinished.

my 6'2" mate wasn't so happy about the clearance when he rode in the back.
commented that he would be riding upfront if he was getting a lift...

[G-rig]

Just found this R advertised on Carsales at a dealer in QLD, i must admit it looks damn good in United Grey and the black rims. Not sure about the number plate though "R GTI"

If anyone is looking to get one straight away this may be a good choice...

What dealer is that at? A mate could be interested in checking it out..

[Prodigy]

What dealer is that at? A mate could be interested in checking it out..

Not sure mate, just found it on carsales.com.au

2010 VOLKSWAGEN GOLF R DSG 4-MOTION VI MY10 Cars For Sale in QLD - carsales.com.au - carsales.com.au

[HPSOV]

When using launch control is it meant to limit revs itself? I thought I could just floor it and it would hold 3200rpm until I let go of the brake. But it doesn't look like it controls revs at all, not sure why I thought it did.
Also when using launch control the subsequent gear changes did not make the farting noise and felt slower than normal. Hard acceleration without having used launch and all is normal. Tried it 3 times and it was the same every time. All done using manual mode.

[REXman]

Still a bit of a gimmick IMO, but more necessary on the GTI with 18" from all reports (and having it personally the ride is good).

There is a noticeable difference between the settings and on bad roads the comfort setting is plush however handling may suffer slightly too.

I just like coilovers but ACC is good if you think you'll never go for aftermarket suspension.

Hey G-Rig, SO is that true about what I have been reading regarding the springs on ACC? I have ordered the ACC (also a gadget whore ) but does this mean pains in the backside when trying to drop the car 1.5inches on other springs?

[G-rig]

Hey G-Rig, SO is that true about what I have been reading regarding the springs on ACC? I have ordered the ACC (also a gadget whore ) but does this mean pains in the backside when trying to drop the car 1.5inches on other springs?

Wj seems to think you can drop it 1" or so on other springs without affecting the ACC system too much, but not sure. Someone in the US has.

[Corey_R]

When using launch control is it meant to limit revs itself? I thought I could just floor it and it would hold 3200rpm until I let go of the brake. But it doesn't look like it controls revs at all, not sure why I thought it did.
Also when using launch control the subsequent gear changes did not make the farting noise and felt slower than normal. Hard acceleration without having used launch and all is normal. Tried it 3 times and it was the same every time. All done using manual mode.

We've actually be discussing the R's launch control feature over in this other thread.

[Lima]

Just some notes on the differences between the Audi S3 & the Golf R



The Golf R cuts a lot of costs in comparison to the S3 (in hardware).

ACC is a much more cost effective solution compared to the Audi Magnetic drive. The Audi System seems to be way ahead - but costs more.

Golf R has cast steel control arms & hub carriers (front) The S3 is all lightweight alloy (lots less unsprung weight).

Added: The S3's rear subframe is also girder construction alloy, The Golf R simple pressed steel.

The Golf R intercooler is way smaller than the S3 (might be also why they rate the power as less).

Fit & finish is good, not to the Audi standard.

Audi's stereo is way better (and blue tooth standard) - but the RNS510 is a far better nav unit than the end of the generation RNSE in the S3.

Leather is also standard in the S3.

Worth more for the S3? - depends on what you want, but components alone almost stack up to the price difference - so there is a clear difference in the vehicles.

If actual bang for your buck is what you are after (not the nice bits listed above) the Golf R wins.



Personally not for me - I did a lot of running around, pot holes, round abouts, smooth highway & even a corrugated dirt road (road into Mount Cotton hill climb) - the difference is subtle & often hard to differentiate depending on the conditions, I would personally spend the $1500 elsewhere.

That's interesting info. Helps soften the $15K price premium a little bit, haha.