You should have known this test was useless in the wet with each car running different tires and varying wetness for each cars run! RS3 comes with shit tires from the factory, unlike the Benz!!
For me, the Audi wins the car park test. As you walk away from parking it, would you turn M back and look at it. Audi yes, Merc, nah, it’s just not a looker.
The Audi engine originates from the Canadian Jetta of 2012. 2.5L 5 cylinder. Just as the Lambo v10 5.2 originates from 2 x 5 pots joined at the crank in a diff block. VW engines.
I had the Merc for 3 years, now have the RS3. Mine has the RS Dynamic pack, so carbon ceramics and top end of 180mph. I think the Audi is a lot better looking (mine is a carbon sportback in Goodwood Green), it's sounds better, has better tech and the interior is better - but quality wise the Merc edges it. The RS3 is more comfortable and nicer to drive, but the Merc is better when you want to take on a fast B road. The RS3 is I think the better car, like I said, I've owned both. I'd also add that the RS3 is quicker. I've had a few A45s try it with me and I always pull away from them. If you search the net for dyno tests, typically the RS3 8Y is showing 430bhp or thereabouts. But what lets the RS3 down are the tyres. Mine came with Bridgestones and the other option are P Zero, both not great. I changed my tyres after just 5,000 miles to PS4s and the handling/grip is way better. The Merc I had came with PS4s. Overall, the Merc feels like a step behind the RS3 now, but the face lift RS3 is now £70k in top spec, with very high finance rates and zero deals on offer. The Merc with all boxes ticked is £7k less and they are offering a decent deposit contribution, dropping it to around £60k, plus better finance rates. Ergo if I was buying today, I'd get the Merc. Audi have got greedy and £70k for an RS3 is just too much, even if you can afford I wouldn't pay it.
Interesting what you said about the tires, mine came with the P Zeros and I’ve been thinking about changing them but was told the P Zeros on the RS3 were specifically made for it because of the different width wheels they made the tires the same overall size otherwise it messes with the awd system and in the previous model numerous people complained they had warning lights after changing their tires because of this
This was not just a win for the Mercedes. It was a DEMOLITION. It is a result that will surprise lots of people. The sound of that RS3 engine though is truly divine.
Err, every single time these two cars are compared, the RS is quicker. The difference here, the tyres. The Audi comes with Bridgestones or P Zero, both shit. I have the RS£ and mine came with Bridgestones, in the wet they're useless, next to no grip when you start to push it. The Merc has PS4's, so much better and easily worth a chunk of time in the wet. Put those tyres on the RS3 and it wins. I know as I have now put them on my car and the difference is night and day. So mate, I would consider an edit to your comments as this race was flawed.
You never get a true comparison between cars when it’s wet and you could see the Merc had a slightly dryer line on the track, put them in dry conditions and let’s see the result
@@speeddemon311 you do realise with just an induction kit, downpipe and Stage 1 tune it hits 500bhp. Now add TCU, CPC tuning it can hit 550bhp. I'd say that's quite impressive tbh
People just cant see past this ‘but it’s a 5 cylinder’. Yes, it is. But the A45S is simply a stunning car both inside and out. I have one and that little 4 cyclinder is a beauty. The gearbox is decent, the interior is lovely and it turns heads. The RS3 is pretty cool too but there’s not that same excitement.
A45S is by far better, sounds better handles better and looks great and don’t get me started on off set tyres on the Audi laughable and still oversteers more , drove both and bought the latest A45S Love it 🤙🏻
I did the same thing and came from a revo mapped car and you won't regret it , the 4 wheel drive system is so much more lively in the A45S. Always puts a smile on my face
Id still take the rs3, you can't beat a 5 pot. I can't begin to imagine the stress the Merc 4 cylinder is being put under to make so much power. They already have massive issues with the heat degrading the plastic cooling components.
Well said 👏 I completely agree, and the 5 cylinder sounds much better and isn't stressed out badly from the factory, leaving a lot of meat left on the table for tuning!!
Both are great do it all cars, daily driver, visit a DIY store for medium to large items, insert the car seat and carry your children in safety, can be driven spiritedly on the country lanes, etc. Ignoring the lap times, it has to be stated that the A45 will decouple the rear wheels to improve mpg when not ‘on it’. You can drive both to the shops, but the A45 wins out on mpg. The RS3 wins on engine sound and general build quality. Oh, and I recall the cracks ‘n pops being on the upshift of the A45 and downshift on the RS3, so you could get the RS3 _sounds_ when not ‘on it’ too…
Can you still call it hot hatches when those things have almost the power and performance level of a 959 or F40 (AMG A45 is 88% the power level of a F40 and 94% of a 959 and 0-60 or 0-1 km times are almost the same) ?
My fav car at the moment & my all time favourite driver - Plato I test drove both, admittedly was 2020 plates not the latest rs3, the difference between the 2 models I drove was night & day difference imo , A45s has much better weight distribution, albeit Rs3 to much weight on front end. I was trading from a Fk2 type r updated to 400bhp which I still miss dearly. The A45 is piece of piss to drive , very controlled drift, but it does it all for you, driving a front wheel drive 400 brake hot hatch with a bit of toe n heel , you had to control the balance, thus it was me getting the best out of the car. Just getting used to auto/paddle shift but must admit launch control is nuts , Plato the Main man proved me right on my choice and thoughts on the day 👍
Anyone would be happy to have either but for me it’s the RS3, better looking and the engine alone makes it the winner plus it is the quicker car as most other videos out there have shown it to be
Very odd result, I wonder which tyres were on each because this kind of result on two very similar car especially in the rain would suggest one was on rubber better suited to the conditions on the day than the other. Currently the A45S has lapped the Nurburgring in 7:48.8s which is a seriously quick time but the new RS3 has done it in 7:33.1s, the only logical explanation has to be the tyres on that wet track.
First person to work it out, well done! RS3 has either Bridgestones or P Zero, both shit in the wet. I know, I had Bridgestones on my RS3. The Merc has PS4's. I now have Michelins on my RS3 and they are night and day better, especially in the wet. If Jason had used my car he'd have won this race, as mine also has ceramic brakes and 180 top end.
Excellent video Jason, its a no brainer, for 2 grand more and 3.96 seconds faster the Mercedes A45 4Matic all day long, I have also heard what you said about the RS3 gearbox being slow to downshift from a buddy that works for a Porsche Audi dealer here in Canada , and in the end both cars will be a bit pricey to repair, so buy the Mercedes 👍
Wrong. It shifts down like lightening in RS Sport mode, which he wasn't in. Also, Merc was on better tyres. Merc is not a great car to own, I had one. Seats are uncomfortable and it looks a bit odd. I now have the RS3, so much better.
@ericvermeulen9853 Do some research of record lap time by a large margin set at the ring in Germany with the RS3!!! 5 seconds faster than the second faster car, which was the M2! This wet race was completely useless and you should know that with common sense!!Lol
Why would the wet race be senseless? Both cars are 4wd? , both cars tested by a very competent driver, Audisteer is the problem here nothing new, listen carefully to what Jason says and you can fill the dotted lines
No you're wrong. It depends on the spec. 155 is standard, then what you saw here and then my car, which has the RS Dynamic Pack taking it to 180 and then the RS3 Performance that you can't get in the UK and that's 187.
Both cars for people that don’t like driving or should I say can’t drive Audis been boring for about 30 years still nothing has changed other than they break down more than any other brand
If he and vicky henderson were capable of losing the hyperbolic commentary style desired of mainstream corporations they could do quite well, sadly they can't. Something chris harris has never had a problem with.
Both sick cars. Funny reading the bitchy comments 😂 lads that’s why we got different flavour ice cream coz we all prefer different. N yea there both not worth the price there asking but what is these days . 👍
Not enough content on interior pics and info ,, better on the rds as a test as proves nothing,, after test driving an rsq3 on sat the 5 pot engine in stock form didn’t impress me
I drove one those Merc’s I took it back to the showroom after about 5 minutes. Huge turbo lag and crappy road manners. I bought a new Q3RS. For me much better, if I want to go on the track I use a Triumph triple from the 1970’s.
@@sv-rh4dz I did and it was very noticeable. Not surprising as I have been building race engines since 1966. I can instantly notice changes in carburettor setting, valve springs, cams etc. Turbo lag was the reason I did not buy it. The RSQ3 is much better, not perfect but better.
@@classicraceruk1337I have had one for nearly a year and don't notice turbo lag . You shouldn't go to test drive a performance car and then say it's got bad road manners !
@@Howellsy1978 No I did not, I ain’t stupid. Turbo lag it certainly has. I have built racing engines since the mid 60’s I know engines. If you have driven the AMG 45s as I have and have any real feel for engines you would feel it. You might be fooled by electronics I am not.
Welcome to 2024. I lust for real materials, clicky buttons, the smell of wood and leather... "To hell with ambient lighting!" Let that be our battle cry!!
Tyres. In Germany you can spec the RS3 with semi slicks and here, that car is on Bridgestones or P Zero, shit in the wet. The Merc was on PS4's, good in the wet. If both on same tyres, RS3 will be quicker.
Watch the new series, in full, on Discovery+ www.discoveryplus.com/gb/show/fifth-gear
You should have known this test was useless in the wet with each car running different tires and varying wetness for each cars run! RS3 comes with shit tires from the factory, unlike the Benz!!
So good to see this content being uploaded by the rightful owner and not having to be ‘mirrored’ to avoid the copyright police!
1:21.02 vs 1:24.98 are not 3s but almost 4...
For me, the Audi wins the car park test. As you walk away from parking it, would you turn M back and look at it. Audi yes, Merc, nah, it’s just not a looker.
AMG FOREVER
A45S Merc all day for me when driving far better than RS3 seems like a race car when being driven and it looks better in my opinion .
Just wanna point out it was a soaking wet lap for the audi and a relatively dried up track for the mercedes
Tires play huge role in this. Soaking wet road doesnt work the same with p zeros or contis or even ps4.
🤣 any excuse
@Howellsy1978 RS3 blew away the Benz on the ring in Germany, holding the record for its class by 5 seconds over the new M2! Lol
@@speeddemon311 you mean the race prepped Audi
@@Howellsy1978 You poor guys call Trofeo R optional tire a mod! Whatever helps you sleep better 😆 🤣
RS3 all the way- this is not VW engine. Original 5 cil audi gold. The MB is not nad at all , but that kind of engines dont last long.
you are joking right. Do you know anything about the AMG engine 🤣
@@Howellsy1978 who cares, just another turbo 4 cylinder
fine, if you like the slower option????
@@richardbailey754 who cares about speed when most EVs can take you off the line, its all about personality, that A45 engine is dull
The Audi engine originates from the Canadian Jetta of 2012. 2.5L 5 cylinder. Just as the Lambo v10 5.2 originates from 2 x 5 pots joined at the crank in a diff block. VW engines.
Just an awesome video of one of the last hot hatches, and just awesome too see the Fifth Gear team back :)
I had the Merc for 3 years, now have the RS3. Mine has the RS Dynamic pack, so carbon ceramics and top end of 180mph. I think the Audi is a lot better looking (mine is a carbon sportback in Goodwood Green), it's sounds better, has better tech and the interior is better - but quality wise the Merc edges it. The RS3 is more comfortable and nicer to drive, but the Merc is better when you want to take on a fast B road. The RS3 is I think the better car, like I said, I've owned both. I'd also add that the RS3 is quicker. I've had a few A45s try it with me and I always pull away from them. If you search the net for dyno tests, typically the RS3 8Y is showing 430bhp or thereabouts. But what lets the RS3 down are the tyres. Mine came with Bridgestones and the other option are P Zero, both not great. I changed my tyres after just 5,000 miles to PS4s and the handling/grip is way better. The Merc I had came with PS4s. Overall, the Merc feels like a step behind the RS3 now, but the face lift RS3 is now £70k in top spec, with very high finance rates and zero deals on offer. The Merc with all boxes ticked is £7k less and they are offering a decent deposit contribution, dropping it to around £60k, plus better finance rates. Ergo if I was buying today, I'd get the Merc. Audi have got greedy and £70k for an RS3 is just too much, even if you can afford I wouldn't pay it.
Interesting what you said about the tires, mine came with the P Zeros and I’ve been thinking about changing them but was told the P Zeros on the RS3 were specifically made for it because of the different width wheels they made the tires the same overall size otherwise it messes with the awd system and in the previous model numerous people complained they had warning lights after changing their tires because of this
Audi fanboys crying so loud I cant watch the episode in peace 😂 wtf is wrong with you lads it is a citizen car at the end.
I have the merc but the audi is better, only idiots would disagree
Nope, RS3 was on shit tyres. Simple as that. It destroys the Merc if you run PS4s.
@@rolexaddict4344 Stay salty 🧂 🤣
This was not just a win for the Mercedes. It was a DEMOLITION. It is a result that will surprise lots of people. The sound of that RS3 engine though is truly divine.
Err, every single time these two cars are compared, the RS is quicker. The difference here, the tyres. The Audi comes with Bridgestones or P Zero, both shit. I have the RS£ and mine came with Bridgestones, in the wet they're useless, next to no grip when you start to push it. The Merc has PS4's, so much better and easily worth a chunk of time in the wet. Put those tyres on the RS3 and it wins. I know as I have now put them on my car and the difference is night and day. So mate, I would consider an edit to your comments as this race was flawed.
You never get a true comparison between cars when it’s wet and you could see the Merc had a slightly dryer line on the track, put them in dry conditions and let’s see the result
The amg will keep its value both great cats though lucky to have both
Nice 😎 get Fifth Gear back on TV
Yes to both!
2.5L > 2.0L
208bhp per litre. I don't think so
@@Howellsy1978You know engines have progressed, will last if taken care
@Howellsy1978 Stressed out with no tuning potential junk 4 banger get over it son!!😂🤣
@@speeddemon311 you do realise with just an induction kit, downpipe and Stage 1 tune it hits 500bhp. Now add TCU, CPC tuning it can hit 550bhp. I'd say that's quite impressive tbh
People just cant see past this ‘but it’s a 5 cylinder’. Yes, it is. But the A45S is simply a stunning car both inside and out. I have one and that little 4 cyclinder is a beauty. The gearbox is decent, the interior is lovely and it turns heads. The RS3 is pretty cool too but there’s not that same excitement.
I had the Merc, now have the RS3. The Audi is the better car is almost every department.
@crocoman776 RS3 is way better overall especially as a daily driver! Nice try!!😂🤣
A45S is by far better, sounds better handles better and looks great and don’t get me started on off set tyres on the Audi laughable and still oversteers more , drove both and bought the latest A45S Love it 🤙🏻
@mountain33x they are pure junk! Benz is unreliable poj! Look up all sources!😂🤣
@mountain33x It's a poj I feel bad for you bro!!😁
I have the Golf R, but im thinking of chopping it in for the AMG
I did the same thing and came from a revo mapped car and you won't regret it , the 4 wheel drive system is so much more lively in the A45S. Always puts a smile on my face
Both are great cars but the A45s is so underrated. The engine is just a serious feat of engineering
@Howellsy1978 Keep dreaming they break all the time because of so much boost pressure! STRESSED ENGINE LOL
@@speeddemon311 show me some proof as theirs zero reports on the internet and the engine is built for 500bhp. Just ask the C63
Almost 4 second, impressive!
Tyres
Id still take the rs3, you can't beat a 5 pot. I can't begin to imagine the stress the Merc 4 cylinder is being put under to make so much power. They already have massive issues with the heat degrading the plastic cooling components.
Well said 👏 I completely agree, and the 5 cylinder sounds much better and isn't stressed out badly from the factory, leaving a lot of meat left on the table for tuning!!
What are these massive issues ? I doubt they suffer more problems than equivalent manufacturers engines
Can you show some examples of this? Ask Hamza how his RS3 went
@@sv-rh4dz I've seen petrol turbo charged mercs only 3-4 years old with headgasket failure.
@@awaisdon2868 A45. Not these new 45s. Completely different engines
Thank you for bringing back IC engine cars!!
This is what we want... No Eee Vee`s
Both are great do it all cars, daily driver, visit a DIY store for medium to large items, insert the car seat and carry your children in safety, can be driven spiritedly on the country lanes, etc.
Ignoring the lap times, it has to be stated that the A45 will decouple the rear wheels to improve mpg when not ‘on it’. You can drive both to the shops, but the A45 wins out on mpg.
The RS3 wins on engine sound and general build quality.
Oh, and I recall the cracks ‘n pops being on the upshift of the A45 and downshift on the RS3, so you could get the RS3 _sounds_ when not ‘on it’ too…
That’s not the latest RS3 version. that’s the 8Y pre facelift
Wet track time means nothing, show us dry on nurburgring 😂
We both already know how that looks (hint, the RS3 broke a record)!
show is road cars on the ring and not a race prepped version as the RS3 was (slicks, roll cage, weight removal)
What do you mean? You don't drive your vehicle in the wet? Tell us why bother with fwd if wet lap times don't count then?
@Howellsy1978 Cry harder salty boy!!😂
@@Howellsy1978mind telling us what mods were done that made it race prepped?
Hopefully can get the new Golf R black edition on here soon also. Great watch 👍
Can you still call it hot hatches when those things have almost the power and performance level of a 959 or F40 (AMG A45 is 88% the power level of a F40 and 94% of a 959 and 0-60 or 0-1 km times are almost the same) ?
My fav car at the moment & my all time favourite driver - Plato
I test drove both, admittedly was 2020 plates not the latest rs3, the difference between the 2 models I drove was night & day difference imo , A45s has much better weight distribution, albeit Rs3 to much weight on front end. I was trading from a Fk2 type r updated to 400bhp which I still miss dearly. The A45 is piece of piss to drive , very controlled drift, but it does it all for you, driving a front wheel drive 400 brake hot hatch with a bit of toe n heel , you had to control the balance, thus it was me getting the best out of the car. Just getting used to auto/paddle shift but must admit launch control is nuts , Plato the Main man proved me right on my choice and thoughts on the day 👍
I would like the RS3 engine in the Merc, the perfect hot hatch
Love an Rs3 hatch and miss fifth gear!
Anyone would be happy to have either but for me it’s the RS3, better looking and the engine alone makes it the winner plus it is the quicker car as most other videos out there have shown it to be
Did the Audi have the Trofeo R tyres on it? Would’ve been bad on a particularly wet circuit
No, because that's not a UK option. It would have had Bridgestones or P Zero, both shit in the wet. It it had PS4s it would have edged the Merc.
Very odd result, I wonder which tyres were on each because this kind of result on two very similar car especially in the rain would suggest one was on rubber better suited to the conditions on the day than the other. Currently the A45S has lapped the Nurburgring in 7:48.8s which is a seriously quick time but the new RS3 has done it in 7:33.1s, the only logical explanation has to be the tyres on that wet track.
First person to work it out, well done! RS3 has either Bridgestones or P Zero, both shit in the wet. I know, I had Bridgestones on my RS3. The Merc has PS4's. I now have Michelins on my RS3 and they are night and day better, especially in the wet. If Jason had used my car he'd have won this race, as mine also has ceramic brakes and 180 top end.
Steering wheel on the RS3 really lets it down
@Jack-fr9bk ⬅️🤡
One problem with the MB amg a45s.
The engine is part renault and the timing beld problems. Nice fast but no thanks.
This is the old RS3 ( pre facelift)
Really ? Looks like the 8y to me
lol the 8Y facelift isn’t release yet
@@NForce211 so it's the current model , not the old model
Why wasn't the BMW M2 in that comparison?
It's the class above, 6 cylinders, more power and a whole lot more expensive.
It's a not a hot hatch dummy.
Excellent video Jason, its a no brainer, for 2 grand more and 3.96 seconds faster the Mercedes A45 4Matic all day long, I have also heard what you said about the RS3 gearbox being slow to downshift from a buddy that works for a Porsche Audi dealer here in Canada , and in the end both cars will be a bit pricey to repair, so buy the Mercedes 👍
Wrong. It shifts down like lightening in RS Sport mode, which he wasn't in. Also, Merc was on better tyres. Merc is not a great car to own, I had one. Seats are uncomfortable and it looks a bit odd. I now have the RS3, so much better.
Mercs looks better too but the RS3 engine would have me pick it every time.
The merc does not look better 😂😂
Strange to think Audi claims they have the fastest hot hatch around the ring🤔🤔🤔🤔🤔
@ericvermeulen9853 Do some research of record lap time by a large margin set at the ring in Germany with the RS3!!! 5 seconds faster than the second faster car, which was the M2! This wet race was completely useless and you should know that with common sense!!Lol
Why would the wet race be senseless? Both cars are 4wd? , both cars tested by a very competent driver, Audisteer is the problem here nothing new, listen carefully to what Jason says and you can fill the dotted lines
@ericvermeulen9853 Running different tires biggest factor! Second is varying track wetness, and Audi went first, and the track was drenched!
@@ericvermeulen9853 Do you not understand there's no major variables on a dry track! What is wrong with you?
Shoot out what happened to the drag race??????
Audi fans seem to be the biggest viewer of fifth gear.
Ok AUDI IS THE BEST. NEVER BREAKS ITS ENGINE OR GEARBOX.
Why but these when for the same price you can buy a second hand Porsche, Ferrari, Lamborghini or Maserati?
Pointless.
RS3 goes 187 MPH. Automann on TH-cam has a video of it
No you're wrong. It depends on the spec. 155 is standard, then what you saw here and then my car, which has the RS Dynamic Pack taking it to 180 and then the RS3 Performance that you can't get in the UK and that's 187.
@@luciussander8217 no in the video he had the RS dynamic package. Video was made before the RS3 performance was even announced
@@luciussander8217 RS3 performance came out this year. He did that in a 2022 RS3. He also hit 170 mph in the standard 2022 RS3
Why’s Jason dressed like a grandad ?
Both cars for people that don’t like driving or should I say can’t drive Audis been boring for about 30 years still nothing has changed other than they break down more than any other brand
If he and vicky henderson were capable of losing the hyperbolic commentary style desired of mainstream corporations they could do quite well, sadly they can't. Something chris harris has never had a problem with.
Nice Car 😀👍
rs3 >> a45s
Jesus... rs3 got absolutely rinsed! Shame the mercedes has that stupid spoiler stuck on the back.
Tyres
Audi make brilliant 5cyl engines which is what p***** me off that they wont put morr in there line up.
Both sick cars. Funny reading the bitchy comments 😂 lads that’s why we got different flavour ice cream coz we all prefer different. N yea there both not worth the price there asking but what is these days . 👍
Mercedes at its best!
Not enough content on interior pics and info ,, better on the rds as a test as proves nothing,, after test driving an rsq3 on sat the 5 pot engine in stock form didn’t impress me
i love my merc...
Audi Quattro power RS3 all day long
rs3 dnt handle that well and they got no legs on a roll
Why the hat? Why? Why? Why?
I drove one those Merc’s I took it back to the showroom after about 5 minutes. Huge turbo lag and crappy road manners. I bought a new Q3RS. For me much better, if I want to go on the track I use a Triumph triple from the 1970’s.
One of its attributes is that it is a very responsive engine . I never notice any lag !
@@sv-rh4dz I did and it was very noticeable. Not surprising as I have been building race engines since 1966. I can instantly notice changes in carburettor setting, valve springs, cams etc. Turbo lag was the reason I did not buy it. The RSQ3 is much better, not perfect but better.
@@classicraceruk1337I have had one for nearly a year and don't notice turbo lag . You shouldn't go to test drive a performance car and then say it's got bad road manners !
The Merc has zero turbo lag. You must have driven the A35
@@Howellsy1978 No I did not, I ain’t stupid. Turbo lag it certainly has. I have built racing engines since the mid 60’s I know engines. If you have driven the AMG 45s as I have and have any real feel for engines you would feel it. You might be fooled by electronics I am not.
RS3...
Audi is on shit tyres, if on the same Michelins, would be faster than the Merc.
Plastic junk
Welcome to 2024. I lust for real materials, clicky buttons, the smell of wood and leather... "To hell with ambient lighting!" Let that be our battle cry!!
@realkingtv7885 You can't afford them apparently lmfao!! Sorry kid!😂🤣
Fiesta ST driver alert.
And yet it’s slower around the Nuremberg ring. Why’s that?
And it’s ugly.
Audi all the way for me.
Tyres. In Germany you can spec the RS3 with semi slicks and here, that car is on Bridgestones or P Zero, shit in the wet. The Merc was on PS4's, good in the wet. If both on same tyres, RS3 will be quicker.
@luciussander8217 RS3 is in another league, and I have a 24 model year in my garage!!
The quality of the Mercedes interior is awful for a £40k car it’s ridiculous nonsense at a higher price point..
Come on JP