VW Golf R v Audi S3 - review & 0-60mph, 1/4-mile and brake comparison!
Need help buying your next car? Click www.carwow.co.uk/-help-me-car... my team and I will help you choose your ideal car at a fair price - from Mat Watson!
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It's time for a VW Golf R vs Audi S3 group test!
As we all know, both the Golf R & S3 are part of VW Group, so as a result, they’re both very similar under the skin - and that's no more evident when you check out the engine stats! They’re both packing 2-litre 4 cylinder engines, although while the Audi can produce 310hp & 400Nm, the Golf R edges it with the ability to put down 320hp & 420Nm!
So on the face of it, you’d expect them to be pretty similar, but will that be the case once Mat gets his hands on them? Will the Golf's slight increase in power be noticeable once he's on track? And even if it is, would he rather find himself sat in the S3's cabin?
You'll have to stay tuned as he walks you through all the key details you need to know, from thoughts on the exterior design through to the boot capacity! Oh, and of course, make sure you stick around for the launch & brake tests!
Chapters
00:00 Intro
00:31 Price
01:11 Exterior Design
02:02 Interior
03:58 Back Seats
04:58 Boot
05:51 Drivetrain & Brakes
06:54 Engines
07:45 Audi S3 - 0-60mph & Brake Test
08:24 Audi S3 - Driving
11:18 Golf R - Driving
13:54 Golf R - 0-60mph & Brake Test
15:16 Verdict
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Hi Mat here: if I was to give you either of these cars for free which would you take?
Golf
Audi
Neither.
The golf
Golf r
4 seconds from 0 to 60... in a Golf. When I was young that was Ferrari territory.
GMC Syclone did 0-60 in 4.3 seconds 30 years ago
@@Big.W. 5.4 stock. But still super fast
Yeah I remember having an quartet card game as a kid and 3.9 seconds was basically the fastet, I think it was held by the 911 GT2
@@michaeltuomenoksa3605 car and driver did 0-60 in 4.3 seconds and 1/4 mile in 13.4 at 98 mph. With a top speed of 166 mph. In 1991.
T - Roc R does 0to60 in 4.3 so slips nicely inbetween these two,pretty good I'd say😯
Did anyone notice that Mat didn't get kicked for mentioning "Nürburgring"
yes very disappointing if I do say myself
I agree, disappointing indeed.
@@bencarview9979 Lol give his butt some rest.
@@waleed172 😂
He gets kicked if he mentions nürburgring lap time of that said car and not for a feature named after it.
Mat : Paddles are too small VW : Makes bigger paddles Mat : Paddles are too big. VW : ........ XD
Hi, How is your day going ?
The "XD" was unnecessary
That's motoring Journalist for ya
Looking at this now so I know what to buy in 10 years.
Why wouldn't you just buy a new car with less power and cheaper price? These things after 10 years of use are not worth buying. The previous owner(s) will have revved the shit out of that engine...
@@disadadi8958 because not everyone can afford a £35k car
@@drjmediauk Nobody said you should buy a £35k car. I said you should buy a cheaper, less powerful model. Learn to read.
@@disadadi8958 maybe he wants have a fun car to drive not a fiat 500
I second this. because with all the same bad comments about the new R I’m getting turned off and thinking about just buying a older one
Who could imagine 30 years back, that a Golf will be as fast as an F40 at 0-60.
Take lada put 2 liter turbo engine and it will be fast as now days ferrari. But box on the wheels is not realy a car isnt it ? 😁
@@Rimviuxx I'm not saying that Golf is better than an F40, but nowadays you can get similar numbers from ordinary cars. This is evolution.
30 years on F40 will be worth more millions than it is now...golf owners will be hunting bits like in Alita battle angel to get to work pmsl
@@Lakisleon and here, i gotta give you a +1 because its true but for the sound i'd rather have a F40
The f 40 would exist in that time
Matt not getting kicked after the “N Word” felt weird
i was thinking the same 😂
I was waiting for it
They've gotta make up for it in the next video 😂
Where is it lmao
Were did he do that?
Golf Team secretly gave the R a better tune as revenge for Audi not letting them use the 5 cylinder engine lol
Hahahaha good one!
@40 Roller they own but don’t have any power in decision making, like when vw asked to use the 5 cyl in the golf an audi said fuck off 😂
@@-matt Audi asked vw for a new 5 cyl but they said no so Audi asked Lamborghini instead and got the 07k
@@pageee1 ah.. Not quite.
@@johnsnow5239 you know nothing John snow
"i'd have an audi s3 that drove like a golf R" RS3- Am I a joke to you?
No but the price is pretty funny 😃
@@nirvanpillay price isn’t that bad for what you get. I see used ones that are cheap around $48k
@@killer_vette351 how is that cheap lol, you can get a model 3 for that money, so much more car for the money
@@manaspradhan8041 if you take a Tesla over a RS3.... you have issues or you just aren’t a car enthusiast which is understandable.
@@manaspradhan8041 And 48k is cheap for what you get in that RS3. You get a damn near bulletproof engine, great looking car and runs 10s with just a few mods.
That R is making way more power than advertised lol
Yeah, VW is super cautious with their marketing right now, people going anal and criticizing everything VAG does.
lmao its a press car, probably stage 1 ECU tune
@@e4y34zdfg not true, you can watch plenty of other drag races with different golf R’s or watch Archie Hamilton’s video where he puts his own car on a dyno. The cars just ridiculous in a straight line
@@e4y34zdfg Press cars are stock...are you butthurt Audi fan? Check youtube, the Golf is faster in many videos.
Yeah it also has a 12.3 1/4 time which is INSANE. There's no way its only making 320hp
The thumbnail perfectly shows how I would describe Mat
That’s the Mat from the other “...tube” site
@@SergCarReviews lol
@@SergCarReviews Thanks for supporting our channel. Don't forget to click the like and make sure to subscribe our channel. I'm Mat Watson and you're watching carwow.
@@danielross5931 Thanks for supporting our channel. Don't forget to click the like and make sure to subscribe our channel. I'm Mat Watson and you're watching carwow.
@@FordMustangEcoboost nah
The interior of the S3 just makes it 100x better, even if they are using the same engine, the interior is worth every penny
yknow, i'll be honest. having worked at both Audi and VW dealers, test driving both the S3 and Golf R... i gotta say the R was hands down the choice. i felt almost the exact opposite of what mat felt in the R. the material made it feel more rigid and not like it'll break on you or like you have to be gentle with it. it may look it, but it honestly feels better built, they know people are going to track them because that's what the R is for, it's the tip top golf trim, period. where the S3 is like "yeah it's got a better engine now, so it can keep up with the R but... we all know there's an RS3 or hell, a TTRS." every time i got into an a/s3, the interior felt so... mute. it felt downplayed and less like a luxury car than the upper tiers or even dare i say, the Golf R. the S3 feels like a GTI in a way, as it feels like its gonna be trying to do what it's siblings can, but it just can't. there's no real reason to pick an s3 over a golf R. it's still 60/40 front bias 4wd VW 4motion, not quattro, don't let the badges confuse you. that engine is transverse, not longitudinal. an a4 is actual quattro and you can feel the difference. heck even an RS3 isnt quattro. it's still AWD i guess but not to the same degree as quattro. the only thing i really DONT like about the R is the haptic buttons. WHY THE HAPTIC BUTTONS, CMON PLEASE GUYS NOT LIKE THIS. oh well, it's not a dealbreaker. the ambient lighting is fantastic in the R. the S3... less so. the infotainment systems i'll ignore cuz most people just use carplay or android auto anyway. steering wheel feels better and thicker on the R than the S... overall, there's really no question in my mind as to which i would pick.
Editors are really having fun on a whole another level these days...🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣
It’s soo good 😂😂😂
ots a little too much
So are social media account managers.. eg Redbull and Ryan air trolling back on comments
The consistent 4 second, 0-60 times is awesome. Im currently on the reservation list for one, just waiting for the purchase portal to open and I can begin the ordering process with the dealership. I'm truly hoping this thing comes under $43k USD. If it does it will be the newest bang for your buck car in my opinion.
If you like 0-60, why not get a Tesla or a Polestar?
@@lucadreier22 those are out of my budget
@@lucadreier22 because teslas polestars handle like shit compared to this.
Thanks for comparing these two hot hatches! I'm sold on the R That's crazy fast
Not just fast, but it can also handle.
🤣”Why have we got a Ford?? What happened?” Ace. Top quality episode
So then... What exactly happened?
Subtle way to tell the missus you got demoted at work
@@smush1414 or that you suddenly developed an interest in more nuanced, dynamic driving…
Small paddleshifts: Mat is not Happy Big paddleshifts: Mat is still not happy! He doesn't like the Golf, no matter what! Lol
Hahha and he’s acting like he doesn’t know how to use the air conditioner!!! I’m like you’ve reviewed like 1000 of them stop pretending! 😂
It's more to do with the size of the car. A big performance car with tiny paddles isn't right, nor is a small car like this with big paddles
Bcz he has audi Rs6 lol...carwow has to change him
he doesn’t like it? he’s a volkshit fanboy
@@sketchmoon3333 ok what fanboy is he now?? Some say BMW, Some say vw, Some say Audi, Etc... I get the feeling he is a fanboy of whatever people don't like...
You are on point on the S3 and the client base👍🏻 Aaaaand we all know Golf R sandbagged the actual hp
In South Africa you hit a pothole in any of those ... You lose a tyre and alloy ... And the dealership smiles... At you ... 😂😂😂
That's south Africa for you. I know from experience 😂
Yup you are right my friend. We kak off while they smile to the bank lol
Even elsewhere, smaller rims and more sidewall are the way to go
You guys still have those..😆
@Suki Mi Dong 🤣accuracy
Matt- "Where as the Golf puts out 320hp" Everyone else : ALLEGEDLY!!
4 seconds to 60 is insane 😳
Dyno'd at 340
I'd say that might be lower than real life hp. These are magical German horsepowers... They always under promise, over deliver
@@SergCarReviews yup that Rs3 time
@@Deathstaroya the rs3 is 3.6-3.5....
I watch your videos so often with my son, I swear if his first words are “Carwow”.
😅 I can relate!!
"So what exactly happened" will be more like it xD
Hey Mat, I do love your channel. You are the most entertaining motor journalist on YT. And you are a German car fanboy... That is what I like most. (As a German)
Nicely done, as always. Quite torn because the new R seems like an absolutely wonderful driver's car, but that interior does look quite cheap and the touchscreen is a major turnoff. May just have to wait to see what the new RS3 has to offer. Oh man, my wife is going to be so mad at me!
8:08 The transition 🥰
I thought I was the only one who noticed
Lijepo ti ime 😭🤣🤣
@@FK-ds9rc hvala hvala 🥰😘
For a stock 2.0L engine, 4 seconds is impressive. Imagine what numbers the Golf R would make with few basic mods and a tune!!
At least with my MK7 and a few mods.... 2.6 sec 0-60
@@donavongrotts5671 mod list?
IE Downpipe, APR intercooler, Cobb Stage 2 ECU tune, Cobb aggressive DSG tune, Pirelli P Zero tires, APR complete hose replacements, Cobb Redline carbon fiber intake and a turbo muffler delete which doesn't matter. Lol. And probably a few more things but they don't generate more HP.
@@donavongrotts5671 I bet that car is a damn rocket! Thanks for the info sir!
I also kept the exhaust cat back. I just like the stock look and sound.
I so in love with your videos. 🌻❤️
Please do a review about the Jaguar F-Pace SVR 2021🔥🔥
Really regretting the sale of my 7.5 R now. I thought the Mk 8 might grow on me, but it hasn't... and it's looking to be way more expensive here in Australia. Can't say I'm blown away by the S3 either
I can't believe he complained about the bigger shifting paddles, that was the most pointless thing I ever heard. I mean I always knew he is a bit biased like all journalist, but c'mon. Last gen had small terrible paddles, volkswagen improved and now it's bad because they're big.
I agree. All car reviews are biased no matter what.
Just imagine this with a Stage 1 or Stage 2 APR tune? A real sleeper. Even the APR Plus which is covered by the factory warranty will make this a mid 3 second 0-60 car. That torque vectoring AWD works miracles.
Brilliant review 👍thanx
Audi's interior game is a force to be reckoned with.
Yeah i personally prefer the golf R buy that s3 interior is amazing compared to the golf
The wannabee Urus interior of the A3...
@@sylvaind.6786 Audi owns lamborghini, they did the interior design of the Urus. Look the documentary. And it was already known that they would use some of that designs in future audi's.
@TwinTurbo Ray yeah the exterior really let’s it down the old s3 was much more mature and better looking
@@bravosava yes and? Does it mean that this interior suits a A3??? I would say no imo
I love how carwows just makes a video for almost every combination so whenever your looking for it they always have it
The only thing that they could add is modem American muscle cars versus their older counterparts. Cheers.
Brilliant episode love it . But that mk8 R is absolutely brilliant those numbers suss tho
Who want's an episode of Mat doing a review in German accent?
He sounded more like a gay Swedish Bond villain. Like that chef off the muppets. Much better than his Brumwegian though.
The only Auto Blogger on YT qualified for German accents is Alex from Car Throttle.
As a german no
You can only have ONE - so which are you choosing, the Golf R, or the S3? VOTE below!
VOTE: VW Golf R
VOTE: Audi S3
GOLF RRRRRRR
Golf R 😉😉😉
S3.
Mat didn't get kicked for saying nurburgring. Justice must be served! 06:20
What is wrong with saying it?
@@mikeuk8486 in all his previous videos, he would get kicked for it because it's a very common journalist saying and seen as lazy journalism
It would be good to see brake fade tests. This is where large diameter ventilated discs can really make a difference.
I’d have either of these VWs. Love them both
german car: *exists* Mat: "YAAA!!!"
Now Mat's german accent is in my head
@@lingeshjr ikr
I'm loving these track tests
Thank god, someone is pushing for physical analogue switches back in cars!! out of the 2, I would choose the Alpine a110
Nice, Great review!
Great Video as always buddy. Inspired😎❤️
Subscribed to you 👍
@@SergCarReviews thanks mate. Subbed too. Great channel. ✅
@@TorqueDriven cheers mate 👌
I think MAT can probably TWERK. that THUMBNAIL *_Hilarious_* 😂😂😂
I didn't expect to find you here😅. Even on the internet the world is small
@Mfundo Dladla 😂😂true
I’m not sure because my uncle has the 66 reg s3 and it grips really well when going round corners and you can tell it puts you in your seat
Lost it when Mat went like"other motoring journalists wil be like wa! wa! wa!"😭
the Golf, especially R looks good as well, it really grew on me. Also faster and sounds better. But the S3 looks even better and has the way better interior!
Really? It looks really out of proportion to me...in the flesh it looks even worse. The last gen was the best shape imo
Now these two cars are the closest to super cars most of us subs can afford to buy lol
Have you watched Mighty Car mods modding a golf r to beat an Audi R8?
@@SergCarReviews Its crazy what they can get out of the Golf R, but the amount they spend on modding it is absurd for most people
@@space3646 yup something like 20 thousand dollars
@@SergCarReviews I don’t believe in remapping cars. It’s a cheat in my eyes lol
@@space3646 here in Australia it’s not that much, about $5-7k for a stage 2, exhaust,etc and power usually 30% more or thereabouts.... not bad considering the car costs $65k
Hey mat, could we see a comparison between the a45s and the golf r?
The Golf R, for sure. Like you said, it may not be as aesthetically pleasing BUT the drive is what its all about. You clearly enjoyed the R alot more. I myself would really like to upgrade from my MK5 Golf GTDI to any R model, rather than an Audi S series.
*The outro should be there for more Carwow videos it was priceless* 🤣🤣🤣🤣
Hey Mat, can you race the Merc GT 4 doors against a BMW M8 4 doors, you can add an RS7 just for fun😅
could you please do a drag race between this golf R and a Mercedes-AMG A45s?
Interesting seeing the User Experience difference in both.
perfect thumbnail doesn't exi-
I'm actually surprised at how much they've cheapened the MK8 Golf R. Both the 7 & 7.5 have full leather seats, nice interior materials and both still have the gas strut assisted hood. Good thing the drive makes up for the various short comings it has both inside and outside.
Leather was an option on the Mk7/7.5 and it’s still an option on the 8. However, when you add that you get electric, memory, heated and ventilated seats and not sure if you get a massage function too
Us spec cars come fully loaded with heated and vent leather seats. Only option is the transmission. Its a shade under $45k- which is 40k pounds, 46k euro. Yes the price cutting is sad. I would have paid $50k for a better quality interior. But with everything skyrocketing in price, its not a bad deal. Especially since the fixed the biggest issue with the r, understeer. Seen a lot of track reviews of these, and people are blown away. Drift mode doesn't really work (50/50 split still not enough, definately not focus rs), but people can feel the rear rotate out of a corner.
Cloth is a bit better for comfort. Not freezing in winter or searing in summer.
Matt I would highly recommend if possible that you try and get a mk8 R dressed in the new stunning 19s. Makes the car look much more aggressive and high-end than these standard 18s.
Nice one Matt you mentioned nordschleife instead of Nürburgring and Escaped being kicked lol.
Personally I prefer the golf r. I prefer the front face and the rear. I prefer the steering wheel also in terms of design not material. + the golf has nicer dials rather than a rev thing in the s3. Yes I know the the Audis interior is a step above in terms of quality and it’s the higher spec car. I just prefer the golf r/s overall looks. But that’s personal opinion! Both great cars 👍
I love the quarter mile race❤
The point you made was right. More contact patch on the Audi for the stopping power.
Definitely one of my end of day highlights is opening YT app and see a Thumbnail of Carwow review video
I'm not first I'm not last But when the video came I clicked fast
Golf 8 R 0-60mph: 4.05s !!! whaouh that's insane with just a 320hp hatchback 😲
im in the market for a new car and moving everything into the infotainment + the capacitive steering wheel "buttons" was a dealbreaker for me when it came to the VW.
I have a Mk3 S3 now (albeit with the mag-ride suspension, tech pack etc) but was thinking Golf R next... Strangely, this has made the decision harder... 🤔
How on earth did you evade the kick in aRSe for mentioning the Nirburgring? 😂
Nice to hear that you make huge progresses with the German language. 🇩🇪👍 Go on please!
The color grading and lens quality is superb on this video on the A roll. Cheers!
Audi has better grille at front but i love the look of the golf r better, both inside and out, the blue effect seats look amazing too 👌👍
“Don’t know where the extra liters in the Golf R” bet you didn’t catch that
This is the best thumbnail ever😂😂
Hahhaa mate! If I knew showing booty was a good idea, all my thumbnails would be like that! 😂
Awesome video Mat! Also, you guys forgot to kick him for saying Nurburgring!😸
The launch on that VW GOLF R is DREAMY!!!
I think they just underpower the S3 on purpose since there is an option with more power (RS3) just to make you all the way to that
That VW is doing 0-60 mph faster than a Porsche 996 Turbo. Crazy.
Like joke
Hatchbacks back in the day didn't really have turbos, they were as you'd expect them, small cars for affordable families. Now they are being kitted out with all sorts of tech and huge turbos wacked onto them (Some even as standard). As a sport option to those acceleration lovers who don't want big family cars, hatchbacks are becoming more powerful day by day. Its the same with small 1.0ltr cars, they are reducing them to 1.0ltr to save economy costs and just wacking turbos onto them.
Please do a review for RS3 and say if it is worth paying for over the Golf R when it comes to driving and handling. Thanks :)
We need to get the G.O.A.T Matt's Channel to a million subs guys! I think he deserves more~!
13:38 - for Mat’s amazing German accent antics 😂😂😂😂
These thumbnails are becoming better with every video
Mate if I knew people wanted to see my bottom, all my thumbnails would be like that 😂
Hi Mat, kindly do a review (drag race ) on the Audi Q3 vrs Tiguan both 2ltr
Don't follow the crowd. A hatch/car/bicycle is mutch better/cooler
Okay so, I've already noticed substantial differences. Between the Golf R UK and NA versions. NA version can have a 6-speed manual or 7spd DSG. NA also only has one package option that has everything. NA has leather Seats. As well as rear disc slip differential. How are all R-line and GTI made in Wolfsburg and they ship the good ones to NA?
I love the person who edits these videos... Has got a good sense of humor... 😂😂
Your right mate I second that. ✅
I'd always take the S3, its a much better looking car regardless of any other factor.
True fax But its not slower in straight lane it would demolish r by a mile
Yeah exactly for 20 less horsepower the it’s worth it because it’s got better interior and looks
That Golf looks promising with the engine warning light on
You're like the Russel Brand of car comparers! I say that with the utmost respect. Also, I' a Golf girl and LOVE my car.
In summery, the things these cars do well are the reasons why you'd buy them! good review.
The things they do bad sadly hinder us from buying them. Golf interior is embarrising.
I want to have Mat energy when I get to his age its impressive 🔥
He's not old lol
Is he like 45?
@@alirocker2837 37 according to the net.
He looks 50
@@eddyhernandes2357 Had a rough paper round haha
Please do the drag race of Golf R vs A45s Vs RS3 ♥️ Please🙏🙏🙏😇
Whaat is that bonnet lift on the golf R, we back in 1995? My golf GTE from 2017 has gas lifted bonnet lol
I would go with the insane optics of the s3 and let the .1 comparisons be what they are 😃
How did u get that thumbnail lol😂
Great video!
I wish the interior of the VW Golf R was more like the Audi S3 - actual climate control button and leather seats. I also wish the new Golf R Model did not have the pan sunroof - it wasn't a feature I missed in the MK7.
First time seen Matt hasn't been kicked in the butt when mentioning Nurbergring. God I am lucky!
So about the plasticy cheap thing: I drive a Golf mk6 and even the back door panels are not cheap plastic. So they definitely got cheaper.
Same with mk7 its hard plastic
@@hiiiofficial8306 so starting from mk7 hard plastic in the back apparently
Which on has the more quiet cabin and which one would be the best on a long road trip?
I love all the adverts.