Thinking of Getting an S3

[chancer514]

I currently have an immaculate 1997 A4 1.8T Sport and am now considering changing it for an S3 around 2000 to 2002 reg. I have a few questions.
Does this car use the same engine as the A4 I have (Upgraded obviously)?
Does the 4WD hack off some of the performance to a noticeable extent?
What sort of performance increase from my A4 can I reasonably expect?
Would a better bet be to throw some money into the A4 and modify it?
If I get an S3 should I just be aware of the usual stuff that affects the A4 or are there other common pitfalls waiting?
I am just looking really for some general opinions on how good the S3 is by comparison. If the car is a flyer and good reports then i will make it my choice and start the search.
Cheers if you can help with any of these queries. Most of the stuff i read seems to address the 2004+ version of this car.

[SEMKY]

I currently have an immaculate 1997 A4 1.8T Sport and am now considering changing it for an S3 around 2000 to 2002 reg. I have a few questions.
Does this car use the same engine as the A4 I have (Upgraded obviously)?
Does the 4WD hack off some of the performance to a noticeable extent?
What sort of performance increase from my A4 can I reasonably expect?
Would a better bet be to throw some money into the A4 and modify it?
If I get an S3 should I just be aware of the usual stuff that affects the A4 or are there other common pitfalls waiting?
I am just looking really for some general opinions on how good the S3 is by comparison. If the car is a flyer and good reports then i will make it my choice and start the search.
Cheers if you can help with any of these queries. Most of the stuff i read seems to address the 2004+ version of this car.

Hi Mate, I love my S3 so I will try to be un-biased...

The 1.8T engine in the A3, A4, A6, S3 etc etc are all 'Similar' engines, in different stages of tune (turbo, head, ecu etc). S3s will be APY, AMK, BAM engine codes, 210 bhp to 225 bhp.
The 4WD system adds weight to the car for sure, but the car remains front wheel drive until there is a difference in speed between the front and rear wheels.....which means optimum traction for getting the power down quickly and safely in all conditions.

A 500 quid remap will take the S3 to around the 265BHP mark, with a massive torque increase, and a 0-60 time in the upper 5s....all well within Audi tolerances.................

AND that makes it one hell of a car to drive!!!

Hope this helps!!
James

[chancer514]

Cheers I was hoping to hear they were good cars. my friend is trying to sway me into getting a Seat Leon Cupra R, but my A4 has been such a great car that I really want to stick with the Audi but something a little more powerful.

[SEMKY]

Cheers I was hoping to hear they were good cars. my friend is trying to sway me into getting a Seat Leon Cupra R, but my A4 has been such a great car that I really want to stick with the Audi but something a little more powerful.

The Cupra R is a great car too, with the same engine. As I am sure you are aware, they are 2 wheel drive, which in itself isnt a bad thing...they handle the power very well.
You will see from the Autotrader that you would get a newer lower mileage Cupra than you would S3 for the same money.....consequently they depreciate faster than an S3.....if thats a consideration for you?

PERSONALLY, I would opt for the S3 having driven both. Think the Audi does feel something special too!

HTH

[chancer514]

Depreciation is not really a problem as I will keep the car for 5 years or so anyway. I have a company car so the Audi is just the pleasure car.
I know the build quality of the Audi is good but I am not convinced about the Cupra in that respect. I also heard the Cupra version of the engine is detuned compared to the S3.
I may go the S3 route and then have a remap as suggested