Help me decide: RS3 (8V Pre-facelift vs Facelift) or A45? (Building a rival for an M2 Competition)
I’m planning to build a weekend car for spirited driving on winding roads and occasional track days. My ultimate goal is to keep up with a friend’s light-tuned M2 Competition.
I’m currently debating between the RS3 (8V Pre-facelift), RS3 (8V Facelift), and the A45 AMG (W176). Since I’m using AI to translate this, I apologize if some parts sound a bit off!
Here is my dilemma regarding the budget:
RS3 8V Facelift: Would be mostly stock.
RS3 8V Pre-facelift: Allows room for exhaust (I really want that iconic 5-cylinder sound!), coilovers, and a Stage 1 tune.
A45 AMG: Allows for Stage 2 mods.
I am leaning towards the RS3 8V Pre-facelift because I’m really excited about the exhaust modification and the unique 5-cylinder engine note.
My questions for you guys:
Given my goal of chasing an M2 Comp, is the lighter weight and refined chassis of the 8V Facelift worth sacrificing the mods?
If I go with the Pre-facelift RS3 with the planned mods, will it be competitive enough against an M2 Comp on a track?
Any reliability concerns with pushing the Pre-facelift RS3 or A45 to these stages for track use?
Any advice from owners or track enthusiasts would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!