Audi RS3 8Y or VW Golf R Mk8? They share a platform, with different power. Here's how far each one goes, using the makers' and tuners' own figures from our two guides.
At a glance
| Audi RS3 8Y | VW Golf R Mk8 | |
|---|---|---|
| Years | 2021– (Sportback and Saloon) | 2021– |
| Engine | 2.5 TFSI five-cylinder (EA855 evo) | 2.0 TSI EA888 Gen 4 |
| Stock power | 401 hp / 369 lb-ft (US) | 315 hp / 310 lb-ft (US) |
Power by stage
| Audi RS3 8Y | VW Golf R Mk8 | |
|---|---|---|
| Stock | 401 hp | 315 hp |
| Stage 1 | 446–561 hp | 386–442 hp |
| Stage 2 | 467–565 hp | 410–455 hp |
| Stage 3 | 585–613 hp | 500+ hp |
| Stage 4 | 650–800+ hp | 600+ hp |
Figures are the tuners' own claims from each guide, on the fuel each tuner states.
Typical parts cost
| Audi RS3 8Y | VW Golf R Mk8 | |
|---|---|---|
| Stage 1 | APR $1,200 plus a $1,000 unlock; Unitronic's unlock alone $560 (software through dealers); plug-in modules €479–€609 (RaceChip), $679 (JB4) and $1,499–$1,949 (MTM); HGP €5,800 and ABT Power S €6,090 including VAT. | APR $600, or $1,600 as APR Plus with a powertrain warranty; Unitronic CAD 700 at a Canadian dealer (its gearbox tune and intercooler are extra). |
| Stage 2 | APR $1,300 plus the unlock; HGP €8,500 plus €1,000 fitting; ABT Power R €9,151 including VAT. | the same APR file ($600); Unitronic Stage 2 CAD 750; APR intake $450. |
| Stage 3 | HGP turbo kits €13,500–€15,500 plus €1,500 fitting; the TTE600 turbo alone €1,791 before VAT. | — |
List prices from the guides, before shipping, import tax and fitting. "—" means that guide has no cost line for the stage.
Where each one ends up
At Stage 4 the Audi RS3 8Y reaches 650–800+ hp and the VW Golf R Mk8 600+ hp.
Read the full guides
- The Audi RS3 8Y guide
- The VW Golf R Mk8 guide
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