Differences between 3 dr and 5 dr R32?

[gareth_oau]

When I was considering purchasing a car, I considered a MkIV R32, but was too expensive at the time. i picked out a nice 8L S3, which was about $12k cheaper.

I love the S3, but the R32 seems a lot more aggressive in appearance

If they were both the same price, i'm not sure which one I'd take

[bailey78]

You have the 2 cars I want to own right now I'd probably prefer an MKIV R32 (but only if it was brand new).

Those mk4's do look pretty wild, but I needed a new car and am super happy with the mk5. You are right though, those Mk4's do look pretty amazing.

[bailey78]

Steve,

I don't believe (hang on...yes I do)...I have the EXACT same rattles as you. Sunroof, and rear centre armrest.

Hi Steve,

I have read on the other forums that there is a pretty simple fix for the centre rear armrest. I find it helps to place it in the lowered position and have done this until i get around to getting my car to the dealership again.

The tilted sunroof rattle is actually not a rattle at all. Its the rubber seals rubbing up against eachother and is a known design flaw. I have been told that applying a little vaseline along the length of the rubber helps the situation. Haven't tried it but its only cos i'm too lazy

[bailey78]

When I was considering purchasing a car, I considered a MkIV R32, but was too expensive at the time. i picked out a nice 8L S3, which was about $12k cheaper.

I love the S3, but the R32 seems a lot more aggressive in appearance

If they were both the same price, i'm not sure which one I'd take

Sounds like a great car mate. This has been my first VAG cars and have found they are just brilliant. Both are brilliant cars.

[Zed!]

from the sounds of it....you have done your work.

Congratulations....hope all goes well with the new arrival.

Cool thanks!

[Zed!]

Hi mate,

To be honest I prefer the R32 to the S3. S3 is such a sweet ride, but the exhaust isn't loud enough (probably because I am continually comparing it to the R32).

Performance wise, both are stock, R32 feels meatier in everyday driving, but the S3 is definitely alot quicker when you are hammering it. R32 kinda runs out of breath. Its plenty quick for me though and I prefer it as the (small) turbo lag in the S3 gives me the $hits.

Wish the interior was as well put together as the S3 though. The Audi is BULLETPROOF and just feels so solid without rattles. My R32 isn't too bad, but has a few minor issues like the rattle from the rear centre armrest (fixed at next service) and the tilted sunroof rattle (fixed with vaseline but I have to get around to it). R32 has plenty of room though and well thought out storage spaces. The S3 interior is tighter and only has ONE cupholder....no room for gym bottles etc.

R32 steering wheel is alot better too. We have the S3 optioned up with the flat bottomed sports wheel and its not as good as the R32 one. Too thin for mine.

Anyway, could go on and on, both are great cars and its really just personal preference between FI and NA. I personally prefer the R32.

Sorry for getting off topic.



PS 5Dr FTW

Yeah our budget is arounf 50k which pretty much rules out a second hand S3. Also there are very few around for sale. So R32 it is. Narrowed it to down to 2 and will probs put a deposit down on one tomorrow.

[bailey78]

Hi Zed,

Well done mate, you definitely won't be disappointed.

[DUBING]

R32 5dr... big no no! doesn't look right!