Audi RS3 to ZL1?

Purekoryo · 10-03-2018, 06:11 PM

My RS3 has been through a hail storm and repaired, but having this on the record just bothers my OCD. So I test drove and negotiated a price on the ZL1($8000 off MSRP). It was a blast to drive! Keep in mind my modded RS3 is extremely fast as well (low 11's, 121mph).

My question to you guys is for those coming from a similar car, how did you feel about the transition and long term enjoyment?

By the way my RS3 is my daily and so will the ZL1 if I get it. I live in Dallas, TX. It's funny because I used to own a moddd 2015 Audi S3 then switched to 2016 Camaro SS because it was more fun to drive and then traded that one for the RS3 just because I can go crazy fast with some simple bolt one and tunes while having traction. If it wasn't for the hailstorm history, I would definitely keep it 100%.

TRZ06 · 10-03-2018, 06:36 PM

ZL1 will have much higher handling and G limits. The RS3 is a straight line car, it does ok in the corners with help from Quattro.

The ZL1 is a natural corner carver, despite its weight.

You will have a more neutral front end with greater front-end bite, however going from a AWD to a RWD, you will not have the same out of corner traction as you get with Quattro.

Scraps0f · 10-03-2018, 06:44 PM

I think it more depends on how bad the weather can be in St. Louis, and if you have another vehicle for inclement weather or if it is your DD.

Vtor_ZL1 · 10-03-2018, 06:47 PM

Less back seat.. and less hideous front seats

Dethsupp0rt · 10-03-2018, 07:44 PM

I was looking hard at the RS3 before getting the ZL1. If it was my only car, then I'd certainly go RS3. Otherwise, the ZL1 is quite the machine.

BMWM.D. · 10-03-2018, 08:17 PM

While I haven’t owned an RS3, I’ve pretty much always had a German car as my daily driver, with a V8 powered GM vehicle for fun. I currently have a modified 335i that put down 480 rwtq / 425 rwhp on the dyno. It’s a lot of fun and a great daily car, but it’s not the monster the ZL1 is. Mine just ran a 10.79 @ almost 133 mph with just a few bolt ones.

I suppose I’d probably get something like the RS3 if I could only have one car and lived somewhere there was weather. I’m not going to lie, my BMW is the better overall car vs my ZL1 — it’s quieter on freeway trips, is easier to see out of, has 4 doors and usable back seats, and is low key. But I think I would very much regret it if I decided to replace my ZL1 with an RS3, M4, etc.

Agent K · 10-03-2018, 10:02 PM

I had an Audi A3 Sportsback when they first came out. Of course I modded it with REVO and other things. It was an absolute blast to drive. IF they made the new RS3 with a manual, it most definitely would have been on top of my list. But since they don't offer a manual, I bought a ZL1. Of course, the ZL1 handles way better than my old A3 but I do miss that turbo feel.

GT-ER · 10-03-2018, 10:11 PM

Hey, we're close. I live in FW.

I had ordered an RS3 and it took so long that I kinda lost interest in it and purchased a ZL1 instead. My heart still beats a little for that RS3 cause I love how they look but the ZL1 is such a beast that it's hard to justify the RS3.

Keep in mind though, I have an A6 as a daily driver. If I were to depend on the ZL1 as a daily then the RS3 would likely have had more weight. Getting in and out of the ZL1 isn't easy...lol.

Putting the hurt on a Lamborghini Huracan Performante though is pretty nice. ;-)

Purekoryo · 10-04-2018, 12:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GT-ER

Hey, we're close. I live in FW.

I had ordered an RS3 and it took so long that I kinda lost interest in it and purchased a ZL1 instead. My heart still beats a little for that RS3 cause I love how they look but the ZL1 is such a beast that it's hard to justify the RS3.

Keep in mind though, I have an A6 as a daily driver. If I were to depend on the ZL1 as a daily then the RS3 would likely have had more weight. Getting in and out of the ZL1 isn't easy...lol.

Putting the hurt on a Lamborghini Huracan Performante though is pretty nice. ;-)

Yeah, its getting tougher and tougher as I reach the stage of trading in the RS3. That car and I have been through so much together in such a short period of time and it's blisteringly fast from 0-60 (3.1 seconds)!

Mr Carrots · 10-04-2018, 01:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Purekoryo

Yeah, its getting tougher and tougher as I reach the stage of trading in the RS3. That car and I have been through so much together in such a short period of time and it's blisteringly fast from 0-60 (3.1 seconds)!

whats that number without launch control?

Purekoryo · 10-04-2018, 02:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mr Carrots

whats that number without launch control?

That's with launch control on stage 1 tune only. Without, probably 3.5.

likerage · 10-04-2018, 02:15 PM

I can offer a bit here as my wife owns an s3 and I canceled my order on my RS3 the day it arrived and purchased the Zl1.

The gadgets on the RS3 are laughably sparse considering the price point and when comparing to the ZL1. The turbo lag/torque on the RS3 is irritating when driving in normal traffic after DD'n the Zl1. Due to visibility and high seating, the RS3 is way easier to get through traffic and to park than the ZL1 and the seating position makes it far easier to get in and out than the ZL1. The ZL1 is a far better road track car, to be honest the two shouldn't even be spoken in the same breath when speaking about tracking. In my area, the ZL1 gets way more attention than the RS3.

joe944 · 10-04-2018, 02:16 PM

I came from a slightly modified Golf R, which is almost as fast as a stock RS3. I'd still love to have that car as a DD.

The ZL1 is way more fun though. Ze Germans make very capable cars that are just too easy/boring to drive.

I'll likely get something else as a DD soon before I put too many miles on my ZL1 but for now I'm enjoying it.

avalonandl · 10-04-2018, 02:36 PM

I came from a Pontiac G8 GT which is about the size of a BMW 540. I LOVE my SS M6. But in DFW traffic I would get an A10.....

View Poll Results: Should I get the ZL1 or stick with RS3?
RS3	9	15.25%
ZL1	50	84.75%
Voters: 59. You may not vote on this poll

10-03-2018, 06:11 PM	#1
Purekoryo Drives: 2016 Camaro 2SS Join Date: Sep 2016 Location: DFW Posts: 43	Audi RS3 to ZL1? My RS3 has been through a hail storm and repaired, but having this on the record just bothers my OCD. So I test drove and negotiated a price on the ZL1($8000 off MSRP). It was a blast to drive! Keep in mind my modded RS3 is extremely fast as well (low 11's, 121mph). My question to you guys is for those coming from a similar car, how did you feel about the transition and long term enjoyment? By the way my RS3 is my daily and so will the ZL1 if I get it. I live in Dallas, TX. It's funny because I used to own a moddd 2015 Audi S3 then switched to 2016 Camaro SS because it was more fun to drive and then traded that one for the RS3 just because I can go crazy fast with some simple bolt one and tunes while having traction. If it wasn't for the hailstorm history, I would definitely keep it 100%. Last edited by Purekoryo; 10-03-2018 at 08:54 PM.

10-03-2018, 06:36 PM	#2
TRZ06 Drives: 22' Porsche PDK GT4 Join Date: Mar 2018 Location: Bay Area Posts: 2,020	ZL1 will have much higher handling and G limits. The RS3 is a straight line car, it does ok in the corners with help from Quattro. The ZL1 is a natural corner carver, despite its weight. You will have a more neutral front end with greater front-end bite, however going from a AWD to a RWD, you will not have the same out of corner traction as you get with Quattro. __________________ Current: 22' Porsche PDK GT4 (MCS 2-way remote dampers) Previous: 18' NFG 2SS *1LE* (ZL1 1LE solid rear cradle bushings & Corsa Exhaust) 16' F80 M3 (Ohlin R/T Coilovers) 13' Audi TTRS (APR Stage 1, MSS Springs) 09' C6 Z06 08' E90 M3 06' 335i (KW V2 Coilovers) 03' C5 Z06

10-03-2018, 06:47 PM	#4
Vtor_ZL1 Who Needs to KNOW? Drives: 18 ZLE Join Date: May 2018 Location: Left Side of the Moon Posts: 1,775	Less back seat.. and less hideous front seats __________________ ing for grip. Are you in the NY/NJ/PA/CT region? Join us for autox fun at MetLife Stadium. HUGE lots, tons of runs. http://www.motorsportsne.com/

10-03-2018, 10:02 PM	#7
Agent K Drives: 2017 ZL1 6MT Join Date: Feb 2018 Location: Memphis, TN Posts: 190	I had an Audi A3 Sportsback when they first came out. Of course I modded it with REVO and other things. It was an absolute blast to drive. IF they made the new RS3 with a manual, it most definitely would have been on top of my list. But since they don't offer a manual, I bought a ZL1. Of course, the ZL1 handles way better than my old A3 but I do miss that turbo feel. __________________ 2017 ZL1 Arctic Blue Metallic / 6MT / sunroof / NAV / PDR / RotoFab CAI + dry filter / Tony Mamo TB V1 / Skip Shift Eliminator / Hurst Short Throw Shifter / ZL1 floor mats / Dead Pedal cover (to match other pedals) / ARH Catless 1-7/8" headers + ARH X-pipe + AWE Touring Axle-Back / Diode Dynamic smoked side markers / American Authority tow hook

10-03-2018, 06:44 PM	#3
Scraps0f Drives: 2018 NGM ZL1 Join Date: Jul 2018 Location: Buffalo Posts: 145	I think it more depends on how bad the weather can be in St. Louis, and if you have another vehicle for inclement weather or if it is your DD.

10-03-2018, 07:44 PM	#5
Dethsupp0rt Drives: None Join Date: May 2017 Location: Chicago, IL Posts: 462	I was looking hard at the RS3 before getting the ZL1. If it was my only car, then I'd certainly go RS3. Otherwise, the ZL1 is quite the machine.

10-03-2018, 08:17 PM	#6
BMWM.D. Drives: ZL1/335i Join Date: Apr 2014 Location: Santa Barbara Posts: 870	While I haven’t owned an RS3, I’ve pretty much always had a German car as my daily driver, with a V8 powered GM vehicle for fun. I currently have a modified 335i that put down 480 rwtq / 425 rwhp on the dyno. It’s a lot of fun and a great daily car, but it’s not the monster the ZL1 is. Mine just ran a 10.79 @ almost 133 mph with just a few bolt ones. I suppose I’d probably get something like the RS3 if I could only have one car and lived somewhere there was weather. I’m not going to lie, my BMW is the better overall car vs my ZL1 — it’s quieter on freeway trips, is easier to see out of, has 4 doors and usable back seats, and is low key. But I think I would very much regret it if I decided to replace my ZL1 with an RS3, M4, etc.

10-03-2018, 10:11 PM	#8
GT-ER Drives: 2018 Camaro ZL1 Join Date: Feb 2018 Location: FW TX Posts: 384	Hey, we're close. I live in FW. I had ordered an RS3 and it took so long that I kinda lost interest in it and purchased a ZL1 instead. My heart still beats a little for that RS3 cause I love how they look but the ZL1 is such a beast that it's hard to justify the RS3. Keep in mind though, I have an A6 as a daily driver. If I were to depend on the ZL1 as a daily then the RS3 would likely have had more weight. Getting in and out of the ZL1 isn't easy...lol. Putting the hurt on a Lamborghini Huracan Performante though is pretty nice. ;-)

10-04-2018, 02:15 PM	#12
likerage Drives: 2018 Camaro ZL1 Join Date: Dec 2017 Location: Denver Posts: 75	I can offer a bit here as my wife owns an s3 and I canceled my order on my RS3 the day it arrived and purchased the Zl1. The gadgets on the RS3 are laughably sparse considering the price point and when comparing to the ZL1. The turbo lag/torque on the RS3 is irritating when driving in normal traffic after DD'n the Zl1. Due to visibility and high seating, the RS3 is way easier to get through traffic and to park than the ZL1 and the seating position makes it far easier to get in and out than the ZL1. The ZL1 is a far better road track car, to be honest the two shouldn't even be spoken in the same breath when speaking about tracking. In my area, the ZL1 gets way more attention than the RS3.

10-04-2018, 02:16 PM	#13
joe944 Drives: 18' A10 ZL1 , 18' F150, 04' MSM Join Date: May 2018 Location: Bay Area, California Posts: 178	I came from a slightly modified Golf R, which is almost as fast as a stock RS3. I'd still love to have that car as a DD. The ZL1 is way more fun though. Ze Germans make very capable cars that are just too easy/boring to drive. I'll likely get something else as a DD soon before I put too many miles on my ZL1 but for now I'm enjoying it.

10-04-2018, 02:36 PM	#14
avalonandl Drives: 2019 ZL-1 Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Troy, MI & Naples, FL Posts: 2,019	I came from a Pontiac G8 GT which is about the size of a BMW 540. I LOVE my SS M6. But in DFW traffic I would get an A10..... __________________ 2019 ZL-1 Acquired 4/23/21 at 6300 miles. Riverside Blue, A10, PDR. Traded in 2017 2SS with 6M and 32k miles. Continental Extreme Contact Sports. Now has 10,000 miles... 2012 Yukon XL Denali w/ 6.2 AWD

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