Newbie with some questions

[RN]

Newbie just saying hi.

I'm currently looking at upgrading my car in a few years, when insurance comes down a little, I was going down the M3 route but the thought of all that power in the ice concerned me & with the knowledge that they rot too it has all but nailed it dead.
So then onto the Seat Cupra, geat looking goes well, but a 4 door & I'm not a fan of 4 doors. Naturally that left the Golf or Audi.
Now I think the Audi will be the better bet.
I have some questions I wonder if anyone could answer.
(these are all S3 questions BTW)

1) Is the for wheel drive full time? If not can some please just quickly explain how it works.
2) Is the S3 lighter than the equivalent Golf? (it looks it)
3) Are they Galvanized?
4) What sort of insurance bracket are they in?
5) Is there a tech spec sheet around that details exactly what equipment they have & what were options?

There's bound to be more but I think that'll do for now.

Cheers

Ross

[graemep]

Hi

You say that you are looking at upgrading in a few years - be aware that there will be a new S3 by that time - I've tried to answer your questions based on the current model.

The S3 and the 4WD Golf's all use a haldex 4WD system - this is not full time as power is typically sent to the front wheels, but directed backwards as required. This is only noticable near the cars limits where you can feel the cars line tightening from understeer to more neutral behaviour. There is also a modified controller which provides more of a rear wheel drive bias. The first time I drove in snow made me realise I had made the right decision.

Compared to the equivalent MK4 Golf's, such as the R32, which share the same platform they are about 100kg lighter, and are about the same weight as the current GTi.

I believe they are galvanised and have a 12 year anti perforation warranty.

Early 210bhp cars were group 17, and the later 2002-2003 cars with 225 bhp are group 18 - there are a few companies who will only insure over 30's on the car but the main point is just to shop around.

Most equipment was standard on the S3's which was why I considered buying one new, but ended up buying an ex-demo car - 18inch wheels, Bose, CD autochangers, centre arm rests were among the options.

You're best option would be to have a test drive of both the S3 and Golf - you will probably find the interior of the S3 is finished better than the Golf's. Also if possible test drive a remapped S3 - a basic remap will have 255-265bhp - these will feel sportier and more responsive.

[RN]

Thanks for the info.
I won't be buyin new. Although I love the look of the latest shap my budget will not stretch. I'm thinking more of a 1999, 2000 model, maybe a 2002 so I move into the 225 brake.
Do we know what the power split is front / rear?
Are they not aluminum? I didn't think you could galvanise alu?
I think I'm almost set on a S3 over the Golf/Cupra.
I'm stuggling to find any resource's for them, no deadicated owners clubs, tuning people etc, anyone point me in the right direction?
What do we think out of interest is the best colour for the S3, I'm thinking Black or Yellow?

[harry]

imola yellow, silver, or blue (nogaro)

Audi/VW/Seat all part of VAG group so any VAG tuner will do, like the ones used on here.

[graemep]

Power split depends on the conditions although the haldex unit means the car has a bias to the front wheels - power is directed to the rear only when required.

The S3 is a steel body - bigger Audis and the A2 used aluminium. The fact they are galvanised means you have to make sure they have been repaired properly if they hav had any body damage.

The better known tuners are the likes of AMD, QSTuning, Revo, and MRCTuning - and Star Performance in Scotland - if you do go for a 99/2000 model, a remap will usually take these and later cars to the same power levels. The early cars were essentially limited to only 210bhp so they didnt take attention away from the TT.

[RN]

Hi thanks for the info so far.
I have found the Haldex website which has some interesting stuff but also found this, which people may also find useful?

http://www.autozine.org/technical_schoo ... 4wd_21.htm

It mentions the split can be 50:50 or need needs be, completely shifted.

EDIT:

In fact the whole site is very interesting esp this page: http://www.autozine.org/technical_schoo ... index.html