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Why the RS 3 handles so badly

Posted: Thu Apr 10, 2014 9:50 pm
by HYFR

Re: Why the RS 3 handles so badly

Posted: Thu Apr 10, 2014 10:40 pm
by bam_bam
60/40 weight distro is one thing, Haldex is another. A few tweaks to the Haldex brain and beefier rear components could make something 'interesting' but it'll never be a 1M.
Still like it, just wish it was three door with 100kg less.

Re: Why the RS 3 handles so badly

Posted: Thu Apr 10, 2014 11:00 pm
by HYFR
The engine might as well be in another post code!

Re: Why the RS 3 handles so badly

Posted: Thu Apr 10, 2014 11:18 pm
by bam_bam
Like a Porker reversing.

Re: Why the RS 3 handles so badly

Posted: Fri Apr 11, 2014 12:44 am
by Mr V10
M3 for comparison, couldn't find a 1M.

Image

Re: Why the RS 3 handles so badly

Posted: Fri Apr 11, 2014 9:06 am
by marc1
And the A45 AMG for an even closer like for like rival http://www.automobilemag.com/features/n ... to_00.html apparently handles considerably better with its similar haldex system but better engine placement.

Re: Why the RS 3 handles so badly

Posted: Fri Apr 11, 2014 9:33 am
by Nickyboy
The A45 didn't feel that quick though. According to the speedo it was going quickly but it just didn't feel it. Very nimble though.

Interesting pics.

Re: Why the RS 3 handles so badly

Posted: Sun Apr 13, 2014 7:12 am
by P_G
Lol, I saw that pic on PH as part of the RS3 handling is poor because of the boat anchor of an engine out front and just laughed because obviously the rest of the car weighs absolutely nothing and has no compensatory effect. Not for one minute saying the RS3 is the ultimate handling car but a little perspective.....

Re: Why the RS 3 handles so badly

Posted: Sun Apr 13, 2014 8:32 am
by Ian_C
To be fair the C5 and B6 (and B7) are far worse for weight distribution - the entire V8 hanging forward of the front axle line

Re: Why the RS 3 handles so badly

Posted: Sun Apr 13, 2014 11:44 am
by RSoul
Porker reversing at high speed was exactly my first thought also

Re: Why the RS 3 handles so badly

Posted: Sun Apr 13, 2014 3:09 pm
by HYFR
Ian_C wrote:To be fair the C5 and B6 (and B7) are far worse for weight distribution - the entire V8 hanging forward of the front axle line
And that's why they handle <beep> as well!

At least the B7 made the effort in Alu wings and bonnet and 60:40 rear torque bias

Actually, aren't the RS 3 front wings made from carbon fibre?

Re: Why the RS 3 handles so badly

Posted: Sun Apr 13, 2014 7:18 pm
by Ian_C
I'd imagine alu wings and bonnet and battery in the boot help, but not as much as the hydraulic suspension and the wider lower stance on the RS4. Although to be fair Clarkson loved the way the B6 S4 handled when driven back-to-back with the M3 saying it was 'sublime'. There's no disguising the weight though - and that goes for the B8 too. The current A3 floorpan is unbelievably light by comparison - as you've already mentioned Dave the forthcoming RS3 has the potential to be superb *IF* Audi do it properly this time

Re: Why the RS 3 handles so badly

Posted: Sun Apr 13, 2014 7:44 pm
by John Johnson
Some one mentioned plastic to me once , either way I have never even remotely had the desire to own one which says it all with many who have flogging em sharpish given the chance , yet I look at mist other Rs/R cars which some sort of respect or an inkling of desire

Re: Why the RS 3 handles so badly

Posted: Sun Apr 13, 2014 8:04 pm
by adsgreen
Problem with things like stuffing the battery in the boot is that yes it does help weight distribution but it can make things worse.
Weight distribution doesn't tell you about polar moment of inertia.

Re: Why the RS 3 handles so badly

Posted: Sun Apr 13, 2014 10:19 pm
by Mr V10
Had a TT quattro today, a few months old and it had really accurate and precise steering I thought, really well balanced, too. Best handling Audi I've driven, admitadley I wasn't booting it but was going quick enough, loved the low down driving position, and interior. Does the TT RS drive well?