Hey everybody.

So I'm definitely going to be getting one of these cars and not considering price I'm curious as to which is the better buy and why?

Or just what makes each better in it's own way.

I know this is the Audi forums lol but I'm hoping for unbiased opinions.

 

Dear Snackeyg,
I have an S3 and compared with a Golf R it is the same car but the golf costs more in the same 5 dr DSG spec.
I love my car as it is subtle and understated, so much so that I took the S3 badge off and put a diesel one on.
The golf is more agressive looking. So from outside you can choose aggresive or understated.
Inside I think the Audi is a nicer place to spend time with the plastics being more tactile ie nicer to touch.
The snob value also says the Audi but the resale value of the Golf is excellent.
More people would envy you having to make this decision so take your time and enjoy the experience.
Drive both and the one you get out that makes you look back is the one to get.
There job sorted.

Enjoy

 

I liked the feel of the A3 more than the GTI and think it looks better, but it was several thousand more and for me price was an issue. Fortuantly I stalled long enough to find a nice used A3.

 

i didn't look at the GTI but i did compare the GOLF TDI to the A3 2.0T (didn't want to pay a premium for the A3 TDI). i test drove and looked at both quite a bit before my purchase.

though the GOLF TDI was nicely appointed, i still thought the A3 was much more cleaner yet simple. i love the fact that the interior is very straight forward but with a very nice quality touch.

i liked the appearance of the exterior on A3 much more than the GOLF TDI. big difference in my oppinion.

i'm 41. so, the A3 2.0T was the fit for me.

if money is not an issue, go with the more refined A3.