RS3 or RS5?

[Chrishumes]

If you had approx. 38k to buy either of the above, which would you go for and why? I need a 4 seater, just to get the kids in once and a while, so both would be fine. not really into modding as they both have enough power.......maybe a exhaust and remap, but that's it. I guess both would hold the values the same....

[HYFR]

As far as I am aware there are only 2 regular forum members who have owned both.

And I think we would both wholeheartedly say RS 5

Tbh, a £38k RS 5 makes an RS 3 look about £15k overpriced for what it is.

Really like the RS 5

[TimDogg]

+1 Most guys from RS4s would probably opt for RS5s, the RS3 is just a little too small and guys have reported early electric issues but you'll have to speak to the owners. I'm not a huge fan of either but the RS5 is what I may well step to in a year or so having looked at both. NA vs Turbo I suppose.

[Nickyboy]

On looks alone, RS5. I haven't driven either but I already can't wait to change my S5 to an RS5.

I am a sucker for feel and quality of interiors and having been in many A3 and A5 variants ince RS' then the 5 wins so very comfotably. In my opinion a 38k car should be a nicer place to be than the RS3 is.

[gilford]

I had a B7 RS4 and moved to an RS3 but did consider the RS5 for a while.

The RS5 is beautiful, but I did feel it was big on footprint and not so in interior space, not ideal for me as we have a 3 year old. I only test drove one, a Suzuka grey one in my local dealership and it did feel very similar the the RS4 it was replacing.

I opted for the RS3 because of the 4 doors, boot space, and the phenomenal low down grunt it has compared to the RS4/5. I live in rural Wales and travel mostly on B roads, the RS3 is so quick on these type of roads and you don't need to hammer the crap out of it like with the V8's.

As DK says though, if you don't need the space they arer similar money so its a nice problem to have picking between the two!

The only car I would consider swapping the RS3 for at the moment is an RS5 (as a straight swap, no cash injection needed) but I feel Macy is just too young to be struggling with a coupe, for about 6 months anyway

[adsgreen]

once they are able to have a group 2 car seat it becomes much easier to fit the kids in.

[Chrishumes]

Ads, please explain! I expect both have isofix points and all seats fit in both cars?

[Nickyboy]

I have a three year old in my S5 coupe and we have had no problems at all. She can get herself in and out, all we need to do is strap her in and we're off. Boot space is also pretty good for a week away.

[gilford]

I've got the stage 2 Recaro, it will fit but the leg room isn't great in the back of the RS5 and Macy is quite tall for her age. I may try again though!

I did go and test drive a 997 Turbo as well, the owner and I spent 20 mins trying to get the baby seat to fit as I desperately wanted to buy the car but it just wasn't working, no leg room at all, I could have cried!

Children eh, who'd av em

[RSphantom]

Having owned both if I was doing a breakdown of what's best in what category it would be as follows;

Performance - Depends on where and how, B road blast the RS3 (as long as its not cold and slippy), everything else RS5

Handling - RS5

Refinement - RS5

Practicality - RS3 (it was a bit tight in the RS5 in the back)

Interior - RS5 by a mile

Noise - RS5 (although the RS3 sounds good but not a V8 roar)

Ownership costs - RS3 (mpg was about 3-4 better in the RS3 although expect to go through a set of front tyres in about 8000 miles)

Looks - RS5

Depreciation - Tough one but at the moment I would say RS3 will hold the best, might change when the new RS3 comes out

Overall, the RS3 is a great car but in my humble opinion its not in the same league to the RS5 and buying a good used 11 plate for £38k is great value in my opinion.

[HYFR]

Especially in Imola yellow

Having owned both if I was doing a breakdown of what's best in what category it would be as follows;

Performance - Depends on where and how, B road blast the RS3 (as long as its not cold and slippy), everything else RS5

Handling - RS5

Refinement - RS5

Practicality - RS3 (it was a bit tight in the RS5 in the back)

Interior - RS5 by a mile

Noise - RS5 (although the RS3 sounds good but not a V8 roar)

Ownership costs - RS3 (mpg was about 3-4 better in the RS3 although expect to go through a set of front tyres in about 8000 miles)

Looks - RS5

Depreciation - Tough one but at the moment I would say RS3 will hold the best, might change when the new RS3 comes out

Overall, the RS3 is a great car but in my humble opinion its not in the same league to the RS5 and buying a good used 11 plate for £38k is great value in my opinion.

[Chrishumes]

Cheers guys. Might have a good deal on a black rs5, but higher mileage...will see.

Yellow not my colour, and i need to part ex!

[HYFR]

Have you not seen the sprint blue one with buckets for £38k?

[Chrishumes]

Yeah, but the salesman wasnt playing ball on any discount so i didnt persue it, whereas the one i have my eye on the salesman is spot on, hope to get it for more like mid 30's.

[Chrishumes]

Reading alot about issues with the rs3....prop shaft etc.....