Audi RS3 vs. Volkswagen R

2015 saw the release of two very hot hatches from the mostly loved group Volkswagen Audi Group. With the release of these models then lead to the great divide between die hard Audi and VW fan boys and owners.

Audi RS3 2015

Powered by a 5 cylinder 2.5 TFSI (Turbo) delivering 270KW (that’s 362HP) and a peak torque of 465 Nm coupled to the 7 speed “S Tronic” dual clutch gear box in which powers the full time AWD hot hatch from 0-100km/h in a boggling 4.3 seconds. That’s power to take on the Porsche Cayman GT4 2015.

The Quattro system gives the RS3 capabilities to power all torque to the rear axle making this hot hatch a little bit tail happy (who doesn’t love slipping the rear out?), However though mighty fast latest news is that the wave ventilated disc brakes overheat around the track which as seen in the latest EVO review does slow the RS3 lap times due to the underperforming of the brakes.

The aggressive radiator grille and the flanges on the outside of the grille that draws whopping amounts of air as well as little children crossing city streets. Somewhat nothing is gentle at all about the RS3, note to self-Quattro is wacked on the lower section of the radiator grille. With surprisingly large hips 19” rotor design wheels sit aggressively inside the infamous RS flare arches that swamp the side portfolio of this hot hatch. Twin tail pipe amongst the cars subtle diffuser is a glorious sight as 5 cylinders fire away leaving a raspy hallows throughout the city walls. At a base rate of $99,900 NZD you can get your hands on your very own RS3.

The interior of the Audi RS3 is hot. Audi RS bucket seats that have an aggressive side portfolio, a large Quattro badge is plastered upon the passenger dash and a very track focused steering wheel holstering the paddle shift system and elegantly the in-house electronics at the touch of your thumb.
But where is the hand brake… or should I say, E-Brake. Now the hated hand brake has been replaced with a pull button behind a fitting circular toggle.
We shall get to the dreaded electric brakes in another discussion.

RS3 Interior

The Volkswagen Golf R powered by a 4 pot 2L TSI (Turbo) engine delivering 221kW (300HP) coupled to a 6-speed DSG gear box (Dual-clutch gearbox) or a 6 speed manual gear box. The combination of the 6 speed DSG gear box enables the zippy hatch to power from 0-100KM/H in 4.9 seconds. With 300hp to play with the Golf R is one of few to have AWD or in Volkswagen terms “4MOTION”.

Volkswagen Golf R 2015

The 4MOTION system is delivers power to individual wheels when required significantly reducing the under steer faced by the GTI and other front wheel drive cars. The rear axle has some capability to enable the back end to slide out via driver input. Compared to the GTI the R and the advantage of the 4MOTION is a treat worth the bump up cost of around $10,000 NZD as the R feels as if on rails when climaxing upon the apex.

With aggressive styling the Golf R has much more refined lines and a noticeably chunkier appearance compared to previous generations such as Mrk5 and Mrk6 Golf R’s. The radiator grille has a ‘pained’ look about it that gives the feeling of wanting to let loose. However a key feature is the intercooler ports of the front bumper that stands the Golf R from any other Golf series on the road.

The R sport suspension lowers the center of gravity 20mm that has a great road feel and fantastic for city and open road driving. With the option of DCC (adaptive chassis control) in which the suspension stiffness and feeling through the steering rack can be enhanced for a personal feel or set modes to maximize the vehicles power and road control. Now back to the exterior. With optional 19” wheels as a base model on 18” wheels the Golf’s arches are fulfilled and have a subtle flare. The golf R body is somewhat simplicity at its finest that serves a purpose. Noticeably the rear bumper has aggressive skirts that lead to a mild diffuser to add a sporty touch as well as performance benefits. 4 cylinders for 4 tail pipes? Yes I like that. For aesthetically purposes as well as to let the 300HP beast breathe this is a long awaited feature to be seen upon Golf models.

The interior of the Golf R is somewhat simple due to the availability of technology to be cramped onto the touch screen situated in the middle of the console panel. The leather Golf R ‘Bucket’ seats are a key highlight once we move pass the scuff plate when opening the door and the ‘Golf Blue’ mood lighting that illuminates the cabin. A very cool touch I thought. The dashboard wraps around the drivers seat giving the Golf R an engaging feel and look. This is coupled with the speedometer and tachometer gauge illuminated needles also match the ‘Golf Blue’. The combination of polished surfaces, carbon fiber trim and leather stitching’s is very to taste. Just like the Audi RS3 we are faced with a electric hand brake.

The steering wheel feels very nimble to the grip and molds nicely around the palms. The foot of the steering wheel is a gradual flat point of the wheel. With a round horn casing the “VW” logo on either side symmetrical bits and knobs line the apposing ‘T’ of the steering wheel. The flappy paddles are tucked away which is a disappointment as I feel the Golf R should shine light to enhance the performance side of the vehicle. The overall space of the Golf still withstands its infamous headspace for a small car. The golf R you can get your hands on for a base rate of $69,490 NZD for 6 speed manual or $71,990 for TSI Auto.

R Interior

Now time to put them head to head. With 62HP between the Audi RS3 boosting 362HP and the Golf R with 300HP. The 5 cylinder Audi does sound fantastic and very aggressive however with half a liter more was this 5 cylinder turbo engine really a success story compared to the 4 pot 2L engine from the Golf?
The RS3 and Golf R when put head to head around the track as seen in the special by “EVO” on YouTube the RS3 brakes overheat and do not step up to the plate like the Golf R brakes do in which are utilized to make up for entering the corner at a higher velocity other than the straight line capacity that the RS3 holds.

RS3 Heart

Golf R Heart

Both boast AWD systems with the Audi having the availability to send all power to the rear whilst the Golf R 4MOTION is much more playful around town. Aesthetically the Audi RS3 takes the cake. Come on, who doesn’t love that big greedy smile of the RS3. The general composure of the RS3 is much more appealing as it is daunting. However the interior of the Golf R and the Audi RS3 both share qualities one another does not. The RS bucket seats from the Audi are simply, fantastic. A huge feature that the Golf R just couldn’t pull off but, in defense of the Golf the polished dashboard and the subtle wrap around dash and center console are a huge leap in front of the RS3 we cant forget that blue mood lighting though. Very cool touch.

With the Golf R in the option of 6 Speed Manual aswel as the hot DSG gear box. Thought the RS3 let all our manual freaks down the 7 speed gearbox does have one more gear to squeeze the horse power out however is a slower and sloppier system compared to the DSG of the Golf R.

This battle leaves us with another questions. Is the RS3 worth $27,910 NZD more than the Golf R? No. The Golf R is a much more interactive engaging hatch regardless of price tags. The R is faster around a track however the RS3 boasting 362HP is an astonishing feature.

Overall the R is “Open Throttle” car of choice over the RS3 but for die-hard Audi and VW fans the debate will be an endless war.