1st Generation Specific (1979-1985) 1979-1985 Discussion including performance modifications and technical support sections

Aussie S3 vs USA GSL-SE... Differences?

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Old 09-29-04 | 09:08 AM
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Pele's Avatar
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Aussie S3 vs USA GSL-SE... Differences?

I know the Australians didn't get the 13B GSL-SE, nor the newer interior, but what about the rear axle?

Are the Offsets and lug pattern the same? Or are they still 4 x 110mm with the 12A offset?
Old 09-29-04 | 10:48 AM
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im perdy sure that we got the 4x114.3 not too sure about offsets (not a tire guy, yet)

and the interior didnt change coz we got the good interior in our series 2's
Old 09-29-04 | 11:14 AM
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What about your rear brakes? Vented discs or solid discs? And 9 or 10 inch diameter... That'd be what, 22.8 cm or 25.4 cm?

Last edited by Pele; 09-29-04 at 11:16 AM.
Old 09-29-04 | 07:52 PM
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Mechanically they are the same except for the engine.
Old 09-29-04 | 09:24 PM
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Every S3 in the world outside the US got the 4x114.3 bold pattern STANDARD

For us it was only the gsl-se that got it
Old 09-29-04 | 09:57 PM
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Originally Posted by REVHED
Mechanically they are the same except for the engine.

Yup.

Zac
Old 09-29-04 | 10:21 PM
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and we get the better front turn signals
Old 09-30-04 | 01:10 AM
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Huh,so 114.3mm is common everywhere else?I wonder why SelectMaz doesnt offer their brake kits with a 114.3mm lug pattern?
I recommended to them when I bought my kit,that offering the 114.3mm pattern instead of the 110mm would gain them more buyers in the States,since we have so few wheels availible here with the 110mm pattern.
Old 09-30-04 | 02:00 AM
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again 114.3 was only standard on S3 cars, nothing else outside the US
Old 09-30-04 | 02:10 AM
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The S3 is the 84-85 ones right? The only ones in Japan to get the 4x114.3 were the GT-X(turbo). The rest were 4x110. I think I read on here that all 1st gens in europe or England(can't remember which) got only 4x114.3.
Old 09-30-04 | 03:53 PM
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114.3 and front and rear rotors are vented...
Old 09-30-04 | 05:33 PM
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Differences: Aussie "S3" (84-85).

Did not have the GSL-SE instrument cluster, used the earlier 81+ dash but with a graphic equaliser in place of the analogue clock.

Very obviously did not have the 13B 6-port EFI engine. Used the 12A with "beehive" oil cooler. Engine was a "N" type with very large inlet ports and no EGR valve in the centre plate. Emissions were almost always removed by about the third owner, who was typically a 17 y/o male.

Used the 4x114.3 stud with vented front and rear disks.

Used the larger clutch

Australian and New Zealand assembled models did not have the "valance" panel between the rear tailights, the number plate was used there instead and the rear bumper did not have the "cutout" for the plate. We also did not have shock absorbers in the rear bumpers.

No cold start unit.

Cruise control was an option from '84 on.

AFAIK all Aussie S3's had a factory sunroof.

Clear turn signals

Locally made tinted glass (Australian Autoglass)

All Australian models I've seen had amber backlit gauges, not sure if US models were different. We obviously have the 210kph speedometer as well.

I've never seen an Australian assembled model with a leather interior either, not sure if that's just coincidence or if it was never offered outside the US or Japan.

There are lots of little cosmetic differences as well, most are too small to really matter, and could be the result of the new owner customising various things when ordering the car new.
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