S3 gone.. K1 or R32?

[sjahLCR]

Been away from here for a while..

Have sold the 8P S3 after 2 fantastic years and 15k miles ownership due to a need for 5 drs. But now on the hunt for a replacement, which means car shopping time!

Considering either a K1 or R32 for ~17k..

Additional styling on K1 looks much better than the Cupra (IMO!) and in white with black wheels really hits the mark for me. Took one for an extended test drive yesterday and really enjoyed it. Not quite as quick as the S3 but didn't expect it to be. Still plenty quick enough for what I need (good x-country blat and occasional trip into central London) though and the brakes.. OMG . I thought the stoppers on the Audi were good but the K1's were in a different league. Only problem was trying to find one with a decent spec (need bluetooth, xenons.. unless good aftermarket kits are available as a min). Nav would be preferred but finding one with on a used K1 isn't easy!

Now the R32.. first thing - the sound! Even on idle, that V6 sounds fantastic. Quite a few used ones about and well within budget for a good spec car (again Nav, bluetooth, xenons etc). Drove a DSG car and have to say was a little disappointed. Really liked the blip on downchanges, interior quality (simple if a little bland) but DSG just didn't give the level of flexibility that I'd want from a car. Added to that it just didn't seem that quick. I'm sure it was, but didn't really have any kinda shove in the back although the salesman did move back in his chair and stayed very quiet whilst I was giving it beans! .

Hmmmm... decisions, decisions.

Any comments, opinions, experiences welcome..

-Sal-

 

[n_olympios]

Warning: the following is not helpful in any way.

If I could stretch it a bit (too much), I'd get an S3 Sportback. In fact, the Sportback was my second option before buying my FR DSG, but I couldn't go that high and didn't want to get the 1.8l 160BHP Sportback (still more expensive than the FR, by a lot).

Between the two though, I'd say get the R32. V6 engine, 4WD (even with the Haldex it does make a difference) and you may lose less money when reselling it.

 

[Carr20vt]

I test drove both and found the Cupra a bit more exciting to drive. Don't think build quality on either is as good as they used to be.

 

[robdf2]

think its a simple choice m8
do u want 4 wheel drive and be safe ? or live by the seat of your pants and have fun?

4wheel drive = point and drive
2 wheel drive = change underwear after quick blast along hills andd crests.

 

[sjahLCR]

Thanks for the comments.. both helpful and non (n_olympios.. although that's got me searching for an early one now.. ).

Leon driving experience was better overall and there's just so few of them on the road that they're real sleepers esp when remapped! . Ohh.. and did I mention the brakes .

R32 was very well spec'd and reasonably priced with soundtrack to boot but quite a few around plus that band G road tax! £400... dammmn.

Decisions, decisions..

-Sal-

 

[InfernalBadger]

Doesn't the R32 have the same brakes?

 

[Chan_P1_TDi_FR]

both r32 and cupra have the same brakes. if your going to modify the cupra will be your better bet with the turbo. Cupra's will map to over 300bhp. as for the R32 you won't get cupra like gains unless u start strapping a supercharger on the block. But, from standard the R32 has a far superior exhaust note. I believe the R32 has a milltek exhaust as standard. correct me if i'm wrong.

Driving wise if all depends on if you are going to modify it and what kind of roads your will be driving on.

 

[Carr20vt]

Na R32 doesn't have Miltek as std.

 

[Al]

If you want the most common version of the Cupra, a white K1 with black wheels is the way ahead .

R32's by comparison are really rare, and given the price they are selling for just now, it would be very tempting especially if you can get a fully loaded one.

Be aware that the C02 output for the R32 puts it in to a more expensive road tax bracket than the Cupra.

 

[BagFullOfLeon]

Sounds like your mind is already made up! you don't sound that excited about the R32. At the end of the day you're the one that has to drive it. It's the difference between driving a car you really like and one you just settled for

 

[Al]

Doesn't the R32 have the same brakes?

Yes. Cupra and R32 brakes are the same.

 

[n_olympios]

Doesn't the R32 have the same brakes?

It is heavier by 220 kg or so (according to cars-of-europe.com).

 

[JD_SCN]

R32 Pro's: Exhaust note, 4wd, interior quality...fast standard.
Leon pro's: tuneable, more involving, visually beter (the concealed rear door handles)

 

[Daffy]

Had the Mk4 R32 and currently have an fr DSG so not quite the same as you are after but have driven Cupra, S3 and Mk5 R32. To be honest if I were in the same boat again it would be R32 all the way. Not so keen on the Mk5 styling but over the K1 it wins for me. The interior is a nicer place and then you have the noise. On the downside tuning is more expensive but the best thing you can do with an R32 is change the exhaust, for some reason VW squash it just behind the cats and it chokes the engine. Get a Blueflame or Miltek and it frees the breathing up and makes the noise even better. Admittedly it will not give you the same bhp increase a re-map but every time you push the loud pedal the corners of your mouth will turn and you will not help but grin.

 

[Kevo]

Been away from here for a while..

Have sold the 8P S3 after 2 fantastic years and 15k miles ownership due to a need for 5 drs. But now on the hunt for a replacement, which means car shopping time!

Considering either a K1 or R32 for ~17k..

Additional styling on K1 looks much better than the Cupra (IMO!) and in white with black wheels really hits the mark for me. Took one for an extended test drive yesterday and really enjoyed it. Not quite as quick as the S3 but didn't expect it to be. Still plenty quick enough for what I need (good x-country blat and occasional trip into central London) though and the brakes.. OMG . I thought the stoppers on the Audi were good but the K1's were in a different league. Only problem was trying to find one with a decent spec (need bluetooth, xenons.. unless good aftermarket kits are available as a min). Nav would be preferred but finding one with on a used K1 isn't easy!

Now the R32.. first thing - the sound! Even on idle, that V6 sounds fantastic. Quite a few used ones about and well within budget for a good spec car (again Nav, bluetooth, xenons etc). Drove a DSG car and have to say was a little disappointed. Really liked the blip on downchanges, interior quality (simple if a little bland) but DSG just didn't give the level of flexibility that I'd want from a car. Added to that it just didn't seem that quick. I'm sure it was, but didn't really have any kinda shove in the back although the salesman did move back in his chair and stayed very quiet whilst I was giving it beans! .

Hmmmm... decisions, decisions.

Any comments, opinions, experiences welcome..

-Sal-

Sal

You mailed me aerlier today through my pistonheads ad..

I will pm you.

Kev

 

[Kevo]

I had an R32 before the K1 and it was an awsome car but would say that the K1 is slightly quicker...

 

[MB4225R]

K1 for looks and fun....

R32 for incredible traction and if nothing else for the fantastic sound (has to have a Milltek)

 

[Poverty]

K1 for looks and fun....

R32 for incredible traction and if nothing else for the fantastic sound (has to have a Milltek)

S3 for best of both.

 

[sjahLCR]

Sold it!

That's what I've just sold due to lack of space..

-Sal-

S3 for best of both.

 

[n_olympios]

If it's space you lack, then you won't be better off with the R32. Remember, it too like the S3 has the rear diff so the boot space is quite limited. Having said that, the Leon doesn't have the biggest boot available

Have you considered of the Octavia RS?