Does the Audi S3 make the WRX STI look overpriced?

[WolfpackS2k]

What do you guys think? MSRP of the S3 is 41k. 296 hp Quattro and 200lbs lighter than an STI with a far superior interior.

Limited STI starts at $38,500.


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[tahdizzle]

Eh. the maintenance on an STI would be cheaper.

But the type of person that usually buys the "S" series audi. Performance is secondary, and more of a bragging right.

In my opinion, a performance minded driver would buy an m4 over an RS5.

[Roadcone]

The STi IS overpriced...

[n2oinferno]

Hold up here. If you want to compare base model to base model, do it. Not limited to base S3. Compare the base model STI at 34k to the base model S3 at 41k. You forgot to mention that the S3 Prestige starts at 47 grand, which is over 8 grand more than the STI.

So no, it doesn't.

[DarkSunrise]

Not all AWD systems are the same.

STI = lockable electronically controlled planetary gear center diff + torsen/helical FR LSDs (+ brake torque vectoring)

Last I checked, Audi's Quattro was three open differentials (+ brake torque vectoring).

It's been a while since I've looked into this, so this could be out-dated, but the differentials on the STI are impressive (and expensive).

[tahdizzle]

Originally Posted by n2oinferno

Hold up here. If you want to compare base model to base model, do it. Not limited to base S3. Compare the base model STI at 34k to the base model S3 at 41k. You forgot to mention that the S3 Prestige starts at 47 grand, which is over 8 grand more than the STI.

So no, it doesn't.

I think its a fair comparison.

Limited STi vs. S3

If you wanted to compare base v. base than STi Vs. a3. One could also argue that a WRX is a base STI, but for arguments sake I'm keeping it STi.

[f0rge]

Nearly 40 large for an STi is definitely overpriced.

[n2oinferno]

Originally Posted by tahdizzle

I think its a fair comparison.

Limited STi vs. S3

If you wanted to compare base v. base than STi Vs. a3. One could also argue that a WRX is a base STI, but for arguments sake I'm keeping it STi.

It's about as fair a comparison as anyone can make when they just want to consider price point only and not what the vehicles base price actually is. So I guess they're both overpriced compared to other options in the 40-45k range.

I mean, we can stir up a hornet's nest and say that a BRZ Limited or FRS Flavorofthemonth Edition is overpriced too. But then I imagine you'll have people coming out of the woodwork saying that the base model isn't overpriced, and you don't have to have all that extra stuff, etc. But that's not the question..

tl;dr if you want unbiased judgment put the conditions as apples:apples as possible

[f0rge]

Originally Posted by n2oinferno

It's about as fair a comparison as anyone can make when they just want to consider price point only and not what the vehicles base price actually is. So I guess they're both overpriced compared to other options in the 40-45k range.

I mean, we can stir up a hornet's nest and say that a BRZ Limited or FRS Flavorofthemonth Edition is overpriced too. But then I imagine you'll have people coming out of the woodwork saying that the base model isn't overpriced, and you don't have to have all that extra stuff, etc. But that's not the question..

tl;dr if you want unbiased judgment put the conditions as apples:apples as possible

I think he's trying to compare similarly equipped models. The base STi does not have the same level of equipment as an S3.

If you're shopping a nicely equipped STi and then all of a sudden you're bumping up against S3 pricing, you're damn right most people are going to think twice about it. How many people who go to look at the S3 are still going to buy the STi?

[juliog]

The 2015 Golf R will make the S3 look overpriced

[n2oinferno]

Originally Posted by f0rge

I think he's trying to compare similarly equipped models. The base STi does not have the same level of equipment as an S3.

If you're shopping a nicely equipped STi and then all of a sudden you're bumping up against S3 pricing, you're damn right most people are going to think twice about it. How many people who go to look at the S3 are still going to buy the STi?

I would reason that those people who care about performance will stick with the STI. Which would mean probably a majority of people that want an STI to begin with.

The S3 looks great on paper. So did the MKVI Golf R.

Originally Posted by juliog

The 2015 Golf R will make the S3 look overpriced

lol.. I didn't want to be the one to say this, but yeah. Pretty much.

[f0rge]

Originally Posted by n2oinferno

I would reason that those people who care about performance will stick with the STI. Which would mean probably a majority of people that want an STI to begin with.

That kind of logic can only be stretched so far. Why would anyone buy an M3 when you can get an Exige for a similar price? Because the M3 is better everywhere that's not a track. An S3 would be better than the STi on your daily drive, aka. 80-90% of the time you're driving and then still competent on the track.

[tahdizzle]

I agree about the golf R.

[n2oinferno]

Originally Posted by f0rge

That kind of logic can only be stretched so far. Why would anyone buy an M3 when you can get an Exige for a similar price? Because the M3 is better everywhere that's not a track. An S3 would be better than the STi on your daily drive, aka. 80-90% of the time you're driving and then still competent on the track.

Not everyone is afraid of every little bump or jolt in the road. Plenty of people DD their STI and have no issues with it. And using the Exige as a comparison for a daily driver? Why didn't you just go for the horse cart with the wagon wheels?