Audi S3 vs. Golf R: which hot hatch is better? (2024)

FAQs

Audi S3 vs. Golf R: which hot hatch is better? ›

The Golf R's crowning glory is a 315hp turbocharged 2.0-litre engine that can get from 0-62mph in 4.7 seconds. Better yet, it's getting a 2025 update that will provide even more power. The S3 gets a similar engine – a 2.0-litre four-cylinder model that delivers up to 333hp and can shoot from 0-62mph in 4.7 seconds.

For the past 11 of the 15 years the twins have shared an engine, the S3 has always produced the same or more power than its Golf R counterpart, owing to Audi's higher rank – and higher prices – in the VW Group hierarchy.

With the available Performance Pack, the 2025 Golf R can hit a top speed of 167 mph, which matches the available top speed of the European Arteon R Shooting Brake model, which now both share the title of "World's Fastest Volkswagen." Optional wheels include the so-called 19-inch Warmenau forged alloys, which are named ...

That sedan form factor is one of the biggest differentiators of the Audi S3 over its closely-related platform-sharing cousin – the Volkswagen Golf R. These two cars are deeply similar, mechanically, though the Audi outclasses the Volkswagen by a country mile inside and by a slimmer margin on the road.

Volkswagen — in the broader VW Group sense — sells three of them: the Volkswagen Golf GTI, the Volkswagen Golf R and the closely-related Audi S3. All three are new for 2022. All three run on VW's MQB Evo platform. All three use mildly tweaked variants of VW's EA888 turbocharged 2.0-liter engine.

The RS3 is extremely fast and sounds great. The Golf R is surefooted, nimble and while not as fast as the RS3 it won't shy away from a good old traffic light dash. It would be the Golf R that gets our vote as it remains a Golf at the end of the day.

In terms of reliability ratings, Audi has the advantage in 4 out of 6 comparisons. Volkswagen has better safety ratings in 1 out of 8 comparisons while Audi has better safety ratings in 1 out of 8 comparisons. Audi and Volkswagen tie for safety in 6 comparisons.

Does the Volkswagen Golf R hold its value? Yes, the R holds its value pretty well. Give or take a few percent, it should be worth around half the original price after three years on the road.

But it isn't just the cabin that helped the Golf win the Best Family Hatch crown at our New Car Awards. It's the way it drives that makes it an accomplished all-rounder. With composed and vice-free handling, it's an incredibly easy and relaxing car to drive.

The difference is that the S3 is the high-performance version. The normal A3 is available with a choice of petrol or diesel engines with up to 150hp. The S3 has a turbocharged 2.0-litre engine with 333hp, as well as standard quattro four-wheel drive, lower and sportier suspension, and a sports exhaust.

What cars compare to the Golf R? ›

2023 Honda Civic Type R vs. 2023 Toyota GR Corolla Circuit vs. 2022 VW Golf R. These three teeth-baring four-doors are among the hottest hatchbacks ever, and they represent a sweet spot at the intersection of usable performance, practicality, and pure driving joy.

Is a used Volkswagen Golf R hatchback reliable? The Volkswagen Golf R is generally reliable, but it isn't without its faults. In our 2023 What Car? Reliability Survey, the standard, petrol Golf came 18th out of 29 cars in the family car category, with a reliability score of 90.4%.

The S3 comes in at a 0-60mph time of 4.7 seconds and the Golf R only coming in short 0.2 seconds slower at 4.9 seconds, as stated from an online source. This will be to do with the very so slight weight difference between the two.

The Audi A3 is best suited for driving in urban and suburban areas. It is also a good car for long-distance driving, as it is comfortable and well-equipped. The Volkswagen Golf is also a fun car to drive. It has a slightly softer suspension than the Audi A3, which makes it more comfortable over bumps.

Which Automaker Owns Audi? Audi manufactures luxury cars under the Volkswagen Group. In 1965, VW took over Audi, itself a merger of four brands from the German state of Saxony. The Audi 100, a landmark car for the brand, debuted in late 1968.

In comparing the Audi A3's and the Volkswagen Golf R's specifications and ratings, the Audi A3 has the advantage in the areas of new vehicle base pricing, typical lower range of pricing for one- to five-year-old used cars, and fuel efficiency.

The A3 and the Golf feel very similar on the road. They're both easy to drive – pros at handling tight corners and nippy even with the smaller engines. Golfs come with a choice of petrol and diesel set-ups, including the 1.0-litre eTSI mild hybrid to take the edge of running costs.

Performance Specs. The Volkswagen Golf GTI and the Audi A3 both use 2.0L turbocharged I-4 engines in their base trims. The VW Golf GTI produces up to 228 horsepower for a powerful boost when you're trying to accelerate from a stop sign/red light or merge with faster traffic.