RS4 v M3

[berg]

Have been looking at these on autotrader and pistonheads, probably not going to happen but you never know.

Which one would you plump for and why? Does anyone have experience of driving/owning both?

Both V8, 414bhp - I look at the Avant and think I would have that as nice and understated and pretty cool, but then you look at the M3 saloon and I cant think of a BMW I would rather have - and that included the M5 and 1M. Running costs should be similiar or am I right in thinking that BMW servicing and parts more expensive than Audi? Also can only get the Avant up t a 57 reg so is cheaper to buy.

[rich83]

Id take the M3 

[WolverineMAc]

M3

[tony_danza]

E9x M3?

Having spent time driving both, deffo the M3. Both are superb on the road, but when turning up to 11 the M3 shows its class and rewards being pushed.

[Tamiyoman]

RS4 all day long, 4wd traction with understated looks and its more tuneable, plus unless your an Oakley wearing Barrow Boy the M3 wont be for you  

I have driven a BMW M3 CSL (04 plate) and an Audi RS4 (07 plate) and preferred the Audi for all round, the CSL sounds like a Spitfire in max attack mode, but unless you drive fast all the time the audi is more comfortable and just as quick!

Plus we all know what Top Gear Team think of M3 drivers (and the masses too) 

[rich83]

And we all know what Audi drivers are like too...

Why is the RS4 more tuneable?

[tony_danza]

Oh dear, Tamiyoman....

Step away from your VAG loyalty and what you've been spoonfed by 3rd hand info, let's just deal with facts, eh?

RS4 is better than an E46 but not a CSL, E9x is better than an RS4. Tunable?? There's (by comparison) nothing on the M3 aftermarket, simply because it doesn't need it...

The very same source of your stupid opinion also puts the E9x leagues ahead of the RS4.

If you're calling M3 owners Barrow boys, then RS4s are drug dealers cars.

[jedi-knight83]

I went from an audi S3 to an E46 m3 a few years ago... it was the biggest mistake I've made (in car terms).

Its sooooo much more expensive to run. Fuel, its constant hunger for rear tyres at about £280 each, Dealership costs (I had a warranty but even then there was the excess each time it went in and the servicing with the local dealer charging £110 an hr plus VAT, parts and accessories way more than VAG.

It was fun and I'm glad I had an M3... but i've finally got back into a VAG turbo hatch after a couple of years of paying for the money I lost on the M3 and I'm much happier... on our roads you cant really use an M3 and without a turbo... a few times it felt pretty slow in comparison to a well mapped VAG turbo actually. Not a lot of torque on those things.

Anyway I know your not talking about an E46 but if you are looking at that shape get the CSL. It wont lose money. At the time the CSL was about £4k more than my high spec M3 but 6 months later my M3 had dropped £4k and the CSL had gone up about £3k... They constantly trade for £26k-£30k now and are a pretty good investment.

I've driven a couple of E90 M3s and they are nicer to drive, better built, and quicker but still hideously expensive to run and own compared to a GTI and are still losing a fair bit of money.

[ConeKiller]

RS4 hands down 

[berg]

Tony - I meant the latest M3 - sorry I dont know the current subcode.

We need a bigger car and my wife is fed up of my modding and taking the ED30 to Stg 2+ with stiff mounts etc.

I have said that will get a bigger car and not modify it as long as I consider it to be a step up from the Gti - otherwise have told her will have to make do  

I only work 3 miles from home so 6 miles a day, so I might be able to afford to run one as am not finding the Gti expensive to run at all on v power due to my annual mileage being about 8-10k.

[Jussa]

What's wrong with a stage 2+ S3 sportback 

[berg]

What's wrong with a stage 2+ S3 sportback 

I dont think the boot capacity on a sportback is better than a Gti? Was looking at RS3 boot and pretty sure it is smaller than a Gti? I dont want to part with the ED30 - but first born is on the way next summer and not convinced will get all the baby gear into the gti which my wife has her eye on!

At jedi knight - yes am concerned about the thirst for fuel.

Am I missing another alternative - I need a fast, practical car which is more practical than a 5 dr ED30? Octavia VRS estate? Impreza Sti could be an option I suppose...

[tony_danza]

Yeah, latest shape is E90/2 depending on how many doors it has.

To be honest you won't go wrong with either car, the M3 has the DCT option (BMW's DSG) if you fancy a change from manual - but both are going to be equally bad on parts, insurance, tyres, fuel.... they're a £50k+ car with £50k+ running costs, never mind how much they've depreciated.

Drive both, make your own mind up.  

You might get into a new shape S4, the V6 Bi-turbo is a belting engine and the car is very nice.

[MAT ED30]

If your having a baby the golf just takes everything you can throw at it kids wise and if it's a 5 door life could not be easier. The Gti ticks too many boxes for a family car but is still fun to drive

[Bernhard30]

I'll just second what TonyD has just posted, newer shape S4 would be my punt at what might do the trick.
Obviously depending on what you want to spend.

As a pointer we bought a new shape A4 TDi 170 Avant this year (changed from a 5dr Mk5 Golf) and whilst you'll not get a wardrobe in the back the car is big enough, for our 11 month old and both dogs.
The car feels very planted and can actually be hustled along as a fair old pace and seems to shrink round you.
To me it feels like a slightly wider Golf. Even taking into account the diesel engine.
I'd think the petrol engined S4 with maybe a S-tronic box would be all the car you'd need and likely be quite tunable too.

Plus like the S-line it has the Audi 'tart lights' on the front..drl's etc