New RS3 Article

[F80Dreamer]

Interesting article...not sure why there is such a stigma on paying $60k+ on a small car...if that was the case the 911 would be a terrible buy. Thoughts?



http://www.thedrive.com/new-cars/151...ve-small-sedan

[lalalaprise]

Painful to read...especially the 'Thanks Mom and Dad' part...i paid for this thing myself, thank you

[speeddemon69]

For real no help from Mom and dad. Though I wish lol

Comparing It to a mustang? Ewwwwwwwwwwwwww.
You tune this thing and a lot of cars out there can't touch it. Shit even stock it's impressive. Take that mustang out in the rain and you got a death trap. M2 don't make power or grip like this. They should compare it to the m3 if anything.


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[flavormonkey]

DAMN. That is brutal and so completely off-base.....It more like the Mom & Dad saying 'thanks for GrttingTFO kids, we're the getting sport sedan we always wanted....but, don't worry, we still have room to pick up the grandkid every now and then'

Those successful grown-ups aren't interested in driving such a little squirt themselves, because an Audi Q7 is more their speed and status—or a real sports car if they're looking for weekend fun

[Morbo]

Classic clickbait.

[rmarchigiani]

They should compare it to the m3 if anything.

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Couldn't agree more. It may be at the starting price point of a M2, but it competes with the M3...in fact, its close to being faster if you consider grip. And once you modify it, stage 1, forget it. Plus, 4 doors. The one thing the M3 lacks is good tuning. Dinan is known to be great, but I don't think they have been as successful on these new platforms despite being warrantied by the dealer.

They are only getting a few tenths faster with stage 1, and more grip problems


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[Micronaught]

The reviewer can stick his sideways thumb up his empty Wallet. 😜

[michael818]

I don't think you can compare a 911 with an RS3. The 911 is an iconic vehicle with years of development behind it. It is a sports/GT type car and not a small sedan. People do not buy 911 for their 0-60 times, they buy them for balance, handling, ride and, sometimes, prestige. I don't believe that the 911 is a bargain but it is a near exotic for a lot less than the competition in that segment.

The RS3 comes with none of that. Like it or not the RS3 is a small sedan with a big price. It has no real history and brings little prestige to the owner. It is an entry level car into the world of Audi Sport. In all honesty, other than to the multitude of fanboys, the car is hardly distinguishable from a run of the mill A3 or S3.

Than being said, I traded my 911CS 2 for a 2018 RS3. I do not bemoan the cramped back seats because they weren't a factor in my decision. I wanted a practical, small sedan with AWD and a kick ass engine and I believe it delivers that. The 911 certainly out handled the RS3 and was way faster beyond 60 but those were not my concerns. For a daily driver that is fun to drive, it is hard to beat - maybe 90% of the performance for half the price.

As to the M2, the writer is being less disingenuous at his price comparison. Option the M2 to the same level as the RS3, including the DCT, and the price is almost the same.

As to other posters, the RS3 does not compete with the M3 - completely different size and segment. Modifications are okay but that's apples and oranges, the article is to the stock setup. If you are only looking at numbers, the RS3 is faster to 60 than a lot of cars but that's using launch control. If you simply use that as your comparison you might be comparing the RS3 to the Aston Martin or other high end cars. People are not buying those cars because of 0-60 times using launch control.

In closing, the RS3 is a great car, I think the price could have been slightly lower but I also think a car purchase is very subjective. The RS3 fits my current needs and the price was okay with me. However, if the 911 was the same price, I would still be driving a Porsche.

Not everyone is goingg to like your car or your decision but, as long as you're happy, that's what matters.

Interesting article...not sure why there is such a stigma on paying $60k+ on a small car...if that was the case the 911 would be a terrible buy. Thoughts?



http://www.thedrive.com/new-cars/151...ve-small-sedan

[OE2]

I have a very difficult time seeing the RS3 and M2 comparison. I don't see how you compare a coupe to a sedan. I am 100% fine with the CLA45 and the maybe even stretching to a Q50 red sport given the price and size. But i still think M2 is just as apples to oranges as the M3.

[speeddemon69]

I don't think you can compare a 911 with an RS3. The 911 is an iconic vehicle with years of development behind it. It is a sports/GT type car and not a small sedan. People do not buy 911 for their 0-60 times, they buy them for balance, handling, ride and, sometimes, prestige. I don't believe that the 911 is a bargain but it is a near exotic for a lot less than the competition in that segment.

The RS3 comes with none of that. Like it or not the RS3 is a small sedan with a big price. It has no real history and brings little prestige to the owner. It is an entry level car into the world of Audi Sport. In all honesty, other than to the multitude of fanboys, the car is hardly distinguishable from a run of the mill A3 or S3.

Than being said, I traded my 911CS 2 for a 2018 RS3. I do not bemoan the cramped back seats because they weren't a factor in my decision. I wanted a practical, small sedan with AWD and a kick ass engine and I believe it delivers that. The 911 certainly out handled the RS3 and was way faster beyond 60 but those were not my concerns. For a daily driver that is fun to drive, it is hard to beat - maybe 90% of the performance for half the price.

As to the M2, the writer is being less disingenuous at his price comparison. Option the M2 to the same level as the RS3, including the DCT, and the price is almost the same.

As to other posters, the RS3 does not compete with the M3 - completely different size and segment. Modifications are okay but that's apples and oranges, the article is to the stock setup. If you are only looking at numbers, the RS3 is faster to 60 than a lot of cars but that's using launch control. If you simply use that as your comparison you might be comparing the RS3 to the Aston Martin or other high end cars. People are not buying those cars because of 0-60 times using launch control.

In closing, the RS3 is a great car, I think the price could have been slightly lower but I also think a car purchase is very subjective. The RS3 fits my current needs and the price was okay with me. However, if the 911 was the same price, I would still be driving a Porsche.

Not everyone is goingg to like your car or your decision but, as long as you're happy, that's what matters.

its not only 0-60 but 1/4 mile time and trap speeds that are better than the m2, hence why it should be compared to the m3 in power. Overall the power is there and like you said if you price the m2 with all the features compared to the Audi it will be just as expensive and with less performance and grip.

and in regards to modifications, some people like me take that into consideration when buying a car. 80-100hp almost with just a tune? crazy! m2 you tune it and it wont get that much power. it's like Audi said the beast is sleeping but you have to pay to unlock gobs of power. that something I've always liked about VW/Audi.

in regards to the RS3 price if i was Audi, AT LEAST I would of included the Tech package into the price. Do I consider the RS3 overpriced? not really its like a mini GTR in performance. but if you not looking into performance then yes it slightly overpriced. Audi interiors are better than bmw too!

- - - Updated - - -

I have a very difficult time seeing the RS3 and M2 comparison. I don't see how you compare a coupe to a sedan. I am 100% fine with the CLA45 and the maybe even stretching to a Q50 red sport given the price and size. But i still think M2 is just as apples to oranges as the M3.

Agreed! thats what i'm saying lol

[gaspam]

the author sounds like an old dude wannabe hipster with his constant rwd and manual praises... and his self described "Detroit native and Brooklyn gentrifier" .... so post-modern cool guy :P

[Saracen]

As to the M2, the writer is being less disingenuous at his price comparison. Option the M2 to the same level as the RS3, including the DCT, and the price is almost the same.

Huh? A fully loaded M2 doesn't even crack $60k.

[OE2]

M2 is cheaper and smaller and can be had in manual and it will be slower than the DCT. I have also seen some supply issues and some serious mark ups. Coworker had one for a while it's a sharp looking car and I don't doubt the dynamics. I saw recently he traded it in for a new M550i.

I wouldn't begruge anyone picking up an M2 I am just not in a place in my life where a coupe would be practical, I also really don't like coupes. If I could see myself getting into a 2 door it would be a Camaro SS 1LE with a tune and long tubes. Despite how some people buy cars the moddability is a big factor in every car i purchase for me.

[lalalaprise]

Huh? A fully loaded M2 doesn't even crack $60k.

In Canada they are within $1300 MSRP apples to apples...

[lalalaprise]

I just checked autotrader... M2's are going for 78k with a stick, new...priced at dealers...i paid 64k for my rs3

Over the summer there was a local barely used M2 with carbon exterior pack, M competition exhaust with stick at the bimmer dealer and they were asking 67k ... sat there for 6 weeks, reduced it to 64k...looks like s bargain now

[irablumberg]

If you need a functional back seat or AWD, there is nothing that compares to the RS3. If you don't need either, then there are competitors.

For me, when winter comes, I know what I want for driving my family around.

[gaspam]

If you need a functional back seat or AWD, there is nothing that compares to the RS3. If you don't need either, then there are competitors.

For me, when winter comes, I know what I want for driving my family around.

+1... also if you want modify your car beyond 650whp (which i do) then have fun daily driving a rwd with that much power... i have and its not that fun unless riding on drag radials all the time and then that's only fun when its warm and dry :) awd is the way to go on big power daily drivers

[Saracen]

I just checked autotrader... M2's are going for 78k with a stick, new...priced at dealers...i paid 64k for my rs3

Over the summer there was a local barely used M2 with carbon exterior pack, M competition exhaust with stick at the bimmer dealer and they were asking 67k ... sat there for 6 weeks, reduced it to 64k...looks like s bargain now

Apples to oranges. M2's can be had for sticker. And I don't live in Canadia.

[speeddemon69]

Here are both configured almost the same and here are the prices? One has more power and better grip better brakes and virtual cockpit. It's really a no brainer. I think also the audi weighs less?







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[lalalaprise]

Apples to oranges. M2's can be had for sticker. And I don't live in Canadia.

What is sticker for an M2 in the states, with DCT? It's 70k here... 68k for an RS3 ... maybe it's different in the states? I'm curious

[Morbo]

Here are both configured almost the same and here are the prices? One has more power and better grip better brakes and virtual cockpit. It's really a no brainer. I think also the audi weighs less?







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And that's before the M performance package with the sport exhaust.

[speeddemon69]

And that's before the M performance package with the sport exhaust.

I'm not seeing that option


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[lalalaprise]

I'm not seeing that option


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$3500 option up here

[Morbo]

I'm not seeing that option


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It's not on online configurator. It's on the build sheet though if you order one, and just about ALL cars here in california ordered by dealers have the full M performance package, which adds like another 10k easy

[Morbo]

$3500 option up here

Edit. Nope you're right, it's 3500 in US with carbon fibre tips.


Don't look at the prices for mirror caps or kidney grills unless you want your credit card to commit seppuku. hah

[lalalaprise]

Edit. Nope you're right, it's 3500 in US with carbon fibre tips.


Don't look at the prices for mirror caps or kidney grills unless you want your credit card to commit seppuku. hah

Lol yea... that's just exhaust and tips. I think the Audi Sport Exhaust by Akrapovic will be more than that though

[Morbo]

Memory is a bit fuzzy, but found this on bimmerpost.

http://f87.bimmerpost.com/forums/sho....php?t=1299524

5100 for M2 m performance package, includes exhaust+tips, kidney grill, spoiler and stickers (stickers add +10hp haha)

That's not including the individual stuff you can order from the M performance package, like door sill lighting, mirror caps, front diffuse, rear diffuser, etc.

I haven't looked at M2 prices in about a year since i decided on 5 cylinder aural magic , so i may be wrong. but I'd be surprised if you can order MSRP M2 in Socal/Norcal even now. Back at launch, the few dealers who were offering MSRP were REQUIRING you to order the full boat of M performance catalog parts, so you were looking at 75k easy.

[lalalaprise]

Memory is a bit fuzzy, but found this on bimmerpost.

http://f87.bimmerpost.com/forums/sho....php?t=1299524

5100 for M2 m performance package, includes exhaust+tips, kidney grill, spoiler and stickers (stickers add +10hp haha)

That's not including the individual stuff you can order from the M performance package, like door sill lighting, mirror caps, front diffuse, rear diffuser, etc.

The M2 that was for sale here had carbon diffuser, carbon mirrors, carbon spoiler, black grilles, alcantara shift boot, alcantara steering wheel and only 9000 kms ... I kind of wish I bought it back in May and traded it on the RS in August...doubt I would have lost anything and the price was ridiculous considering what's out there now

[Jadar]

What is sticker for an M2 in the states, with DCT? It's 70k here... 68k for an RS3 ... maybe it's different in the states? I'm curious

If you just tick the DCT option box its $56,400. There aren't too many options for the M2. there's literally like 3 things to opt for maybe 4. RS3 is the best of the two for value if you compare it with an M2 and both cars equipped with automatics, rs3 still ends up being less in base form but with awd.

Both superb cars can't go wrong with either, just depends on needs. I love 4 doors so I'd choose an RS3 or M3.


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[Jadar]

And that's before the M performance package with the sport exhaust.

IMO you don't need all that junk it's just dealer ripoff I mean the exhaust by-itself is like $2500. To me sounds perfect stock as it is just throw on a down pipe and its glorious I6 sound.


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[lalalaprise]

If you just tick the DCT option box its $56,400. There aren't too many options for the M2. there's literally like 3 things to opt for maybe 4. RS3 is the best of the two for value if you compare it with an M2 and both cars equipped with automatics, rs3 still ends up being less in base form but with awd.

Both superb cars can't go wrong with either, just depends on needs. I love 4 doors so I'd choose an RS3 or M3.


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Yup...cant go wrong. Too many good options ...good problem to have

[Micronaught]

Hey, doesn’t the M2 come with the no cost “offset drivers seat” option? You can’t get that in any Audi.

[speeddemon69]

Hey, doesn’t the M2 come with the no cost “offset drivers seat” option? You can’t get that in any Audi.

Lol I heard about that one. No one can do interiors right like Audi I guess lol


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[Remi28]

Well if you guys want to talk prices.. Here in the great land of overpriced cars we call Australia.. M2 go for around $115k and RS3 go for around $100k. In actual fact right now there are a few demo RS3 that are going for around $105 to $110k!

[OE2]

$100k AUD = $78k USD

You guys are definitely paying a princely sum. It sounds like you get cool swag though.

[Morbo]

IMO you don't need all that junk it's just dealer ripoff I mean the exhaust by-itself is like $2500. To me sounds perfect stock as it is just throw on a down pipe and its glorious I6 sound.


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Poster above asked for apples vs apples price comparison.
You want to spec out a M2 with the exact same equipment the RS3 comes with, then you'll need the M performance package and the extras on the M performance catalog.

If you don't want the extras that's fine, but let's not be disingenuous and say M2 is some super bargain on price compared to RS3 in the real world.
I love when internet "journalists" who get a free car every 2 weeks complain about pricing when doing comparisons of cars. Most of these guys haven't bought a car themselves in years and have no idea what market demands are for cars in the real world.

[tg74]

I don't get it when people say the M2 is more fun because you can slide the tail out. Where the hell am I going to drive on a city street where I'm going to be hanging the tail out like that. I want a car that is going to stick to the road not wiggle its ass end around when I step on the throttle, and behaves like I want it to when the weather isn't so great. My worst memory with my tuned 135 was being pushed down the highway by a state trooper, his front bumper on my rear one during a snow storm. Yes the 135 was not an all weather car and that was painfully oblivious to be by the end of three east coast winters. Even in a track situation, wouldn't it be better to have a car that is compliant in corners, not breaking the rear end loose. To me breaking the rear end loose on the streets is reckless, I don't get where reckless equals fun. Maybe I am getting too old. The only thing I like about the M2 more is its aggressive looks and you can get it with a manual

[tg74]

saw one up at Fresno BMW a few weeks ago going for 57K and change, no mark-up. Had non of the M-performance parts, which I might add do nothing for performance. Even the exhaust is documented to add nothing, other than sound. I'm a big BMW fan, I have owned 5 of them and still own a X5. I love the M2 but to me the RS3 is a no brainer for what you get out of the box and the ability to drive the car year round.

[Jadar]

Poster above asked for apples vs apples price comparison.
You want to spec out a M2 with the exact same equipment the RS3 comes with, then you'll need the M performance package and the extras on the M performance catalog.

If you don't want the extras that's fine, but let's not be disingenuous and say M2 is some super bargain on price compared to RS3 in the real world.
I love when internet "journalists" who get a free car every 2 weeks complain about pricing when doing comparisons of cars. Most of these guys haven't bought a car themselves in years and have no idea what market demands are for cars in the real world.

No doubt true what you wrote and a bargain is far from it with stupid markups like 5k! I’ve even seen 10k markups. It’s ridiculous. You can get a deal on an M2 if you know what you’re doing and do a euro delivery which I must say from what I’ve seen BMW beats all the German rivals in this experience and discount pricing.

You really can’t compare the two IMHO just because I feel like you get more in the RS3 just with the awd in base form and every day usability.

But to sum up the comparison pricing wise it’s pretty much on the RS3 side. BMW has always changed hella insane money for a damn exhaust even vs AMG competitors it’s insane. Hell an M3 muffler is like $5500. Just stupid.

I suppose you can spin it a few ways M2 vs RS3 since they technically are aimed at each other as far as market competition. I like both cars and I’m in with the poster above wish I could have both lol. To choose one in a must situation I need the RS3.


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[F80Dreamer]

I don't get it when people say the M2 is more fun because you can slide the tail out. Where the hell am I going to drive on a city street where I'm going to be hanging the tail out like that. I want a car that is going to stick to the road not wiggle its ass end around when I step on the throttle, and behaves like I want it to when the weather isn't so great. My worst memory with my tuned 135 was being pushed down the highway by a state trooper, his front bumper on my rear one during a snow storm. Yes the 135 was not an all weather car and that was painfully oblivious to be by the end of three east coast winters. Even in a track situation, wouldn't it be better to have a car that is compliant in corners, not breaking the rear end loose. To me breaking the rear end loose on the streets is reckless, I don't get where reckless equals fun. Maybe I am getting too old. The only thing I like about the M2 more is its aggressive looks and you can get it with a manual

Very well said...I used to own the current gen F80 M3 and while it was an overall great car it was incredibly tail happy to the point of being a bit dangerous on a public road. Just had a lot of trouble putting the power down...