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[Audi A3/S3] What is the difference between Mk 1 and 2 S3's?


Andrew
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I know there are some cosmetic changes like new stereo, facia and badging but can you tell the difference when you drive? Is the Mk2 a much better bet than the original?

Company car has gone back now it's time to start looking for an S3 to buy in 3 months time and I don't know how much difference the variants make and how much you really would notice the difference.

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I've not had both but IIRC they revised the suspension for 2002 aswell as changed the engine to the 225 BAM variant. The 2001MY was just a facelift I think. People still chip and change the suspension in the later cars so they can't be a great deal better (different). From the years that I've been following the scene ( ha.gif) I don't recall anyone saying that one was better than the other, apart from Evos write ups.

If I was you I'd hunt around for the spec you want and forget about which year it is, but it all depends on budget I guess.

Good luck,

Ben

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There is no such thing as a Mk1 and Mk2. There was a facelift around November 2000 where the light clusters were changed (in my opinion an improvement). The newer model has one piece headlight glass and a larger segment for the reversing light.

Later there was an upgrade to the audio options for the 2002 model where the single CD single height Concert and 6 CD changer Symphony were introduced. In November 2001 there was an engine upgrade to 225bhp.

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I have had both "variants" and there are quite a few differences.

1-headlights changed to single enclosure - good change.

2-BAM engine gives 225hp/280NM vs 210/270. After chipping both the same. Main diff in engines therefore engine mapping.

3-suspension upgrade - firmer ride with more damping (somewhat over-damped on some road surfaces leading to jiggly ride at times)

4-substantial reduction in road noise and less harshness over sharp bumps - this makes the later car seem much more refined - this is in fact quite noticeable.

5-interior: different steering wheel trim and gear lever has metal sleeve. Backlit air vent knobs (WOW!!). Change to Symphony II in dash 6CD changer.

6-electric bootlid lock - total waste of time and a PITA - only way to open boot is via remote and relocks itself unless you press the open button twice - NO interior release button so have to stop engine and remove key to open boot - stupid design (not like Audi - its not like its going to fly open if inadvertantly pressed on the move!).

All in all MkII bigger improvement than perhaps given credit for.

Cheers

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[ QUOTE ]

6-electric bootlid lock - total waste of time and a PITA - only way to open boot is via remote and relocks itself unless you press the open button twice - NO interior release button so have to stop engine and remove key to open boot - stupid design (not like Audi - its not like its going to fly open if inadvertantly pressed on the move!).

[/ QUOTE ]

Exqueegee? Something wrong with your boot then - there's the soft touch button hidden in the recess above the numberplate that opens the boot! It's not remote control only y'know! Hence no need for an interior boot release cos you just touch the button.

Go down your dealer and make him suffer a PITA til he gets it fixed jump.gif

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[ QUOTE ]

[ QUOTE ]

6-electric bootlid lock - total waste of time and a PITA - only way to open boot is via remote and relocks itself unless you press the open button twice - NO interior release button so have to stop engine and remove key to open boot - stupid design (not like Audi - its not like its going to fly open if inadvertantly pressed on the move!).

[/ QUOTE ]

Exqueegee? Something wrong with your boot then - there's the soft touch button hidden in the recess above the numberplate that opens the boot! It's not remote control only y'know! Hence no need for an interior boot release cos you just touch the button.

Go down your dealer and make him suffer a PITA til he gets it fixed jump.gif

[/ QUOTE ]

If you have two touch locking, the boot button doesnt work. Unless you have pressed the unlock twice.(unlocking the whole car)

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[ QUOTE ]

[ QUOTE ]

[ QUOTE ]

6-electric bootlid lock - total waste of time and a PITA - only way to open boot is via remote and relocks itself unless you press the open button twice - NO interior release button so have to stop engine and remove key to open boot - stupid design (not like Audi - its not like its going to fly open if inadvertantly pressed on the move!).

[/ QUOTE ]

Exqueegee? Something wrong with your boot then - there's the soft touch button hidden in the recess above the numberplate that opens the boot! It's not remote control only y'know! Hence no need for an interior boot release cos you just touch the button.

Go down your dealer and make him suffer a PITA til he gets it fixed jump.gif

[/ QUOTE ]

If you have two touch locking, the boot button doesnt work. Unless you have pressed the unlock twice.(unlocking the whole car)

[/ QUOTE ]

OMG What a nightmare! Righto I see the problem now, suicide.gif and Audi's are meant to be all about design aren't they? smashfreakB.gif

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