MUG3N

Techinally not, it was a production model so therefore it was not 'heavily modified' it was standard

Boab01

No there was more to it, it just felt too raw, the ride was really harsh but the interior was flimsy and the noise level was high. It's not an every day car but as a focused track car it's better than the S2000. Yes a set of Ohlins (nitron don't do an FD2 coilover) would probably have sorted out the ride and very likely some of the road noise but it really didn't do what I needed it to.

On the track it was brilliant and for B road blasts on your own it was also brilliant but in truth my S2k with the nitrons and cusco braces etc. and the S3 is a better combination for me As it would be for most people

So I say again, for the driver the FD2 is better for going fast. The S2000 is a better owners prospect because it's less brutal when you don't want to be driving like your hair is on fire.

Chris111R owns the FD2RR (I'm convinced of it at least )

m1bjr

Whatever

MUG3N

Lets see after 3 months if you still like the S3, quite shocked you plumped for a new one in this market. My only experience with the S3 was the previous generation car, very quick if chipped, but the brakes and handling were not upto it, and need quite a fair bit of money spent in that department. I havent seen the same critisim of the RS4 or S3 for that matter so maybe Audi have fixed the issue?

m1bjr

The S3 at nearly 1500KG is a fat bastard and takes some stopping.

Boab01

The brakes on the S3 are huge, it stops very well. Handling is good although you do notice the weight under heavy cornering but that's not why I bought it I wavered a bit on the RS4 but after a lengthy chat with the dealer I decided not to, the running costs are absolutely off the chart and this isn't my fun car So I figured I'd save some money and spend it on brakes, exhaust and a turbo kit for the S2k

I wouldn't have any interest in putting it on track, it's a practical runabout for me which is what the FD2 was supposed to be but it turned out to be designed solely with the person in the drivers seat in mind . It didn't suit my needs, as Martin says it's good if you're prepared for it .

Buying cars for me isn't really about sense, if it was I'd be driving around in a Polo bluemotion it's an indulgence, an expensive one at that

chrisr111

That's what I thought Danny, I couldn't understand m1bjr's comment:

I've driven my brother-in-law's S3 and never thought the brakes were lacking or that the car took 'some stopping'.

Chris.

Boab01

The S-Tronic gearbox really completes the car, it's excellent with that engine. The problem I found with the manual was that it was a bit rough on you when you shifted down so it wasn't a particularly smooth drive. When you change to auto it all makes sense .

MUG3N

I don't think you are the only one who can't understand his comments

Glad you are happy with S3 Danny at the end of the day that is all that matters. It would seem that that both Audi, VW, Merc and BMW have spent so much time and investment into R&D of Auto boxes, no real surprise that it surpasses their currently manual offerings. My E60 5 Series is manual, but that is only because the the emissions are lower so therefore I pay less company car tax, I would never describe it as a good manual box either.