There is a few RS3's knocking about work. For me they sound terrible, the noise is comparable to a 1200 Corsa. When they are idling away or moving about the yard you.can just hear a loud BOOOOOOOOOOOORRRRRRRRREEEE. Ive not driven one yet so I cant comment on the sound inside etc. They do look smart on the outside and the front discs will make people look twice at them.
As for the Golf R yes they are quite good and the pick up on them is very impressive for a standard car but the RS3 would be in a different league in performance as its approx 60-70 bhp more.