RS4 v M3

[andrewparker]

I think it's testament to the E90 M3 that it is still beating new competition in group tests even though it's reaching the end of it's life. I'd have one in an instance.

[berg]

Good points, had not thought about an S4. Maybe I can string the Golf out for longer as Matt says should be ok for one child.

I think the only real benefits of the RS4 over the M3 are - cheaper to buy, slightly cheaper to run, you can get an avant shape, as still in VAG group perhaps you can still interchange some parts eg put R8 or RS6 bits on it.

[tony_danza]

It's a very tough call, as to what is going to suit your needs.

I decided a 2.0tdi A6 avant and a fast coupe was the way forward 

[Ifti]

BMW M3 Competition Pack = 

[berg]

It's a very tough call, as to what is going to suit your needs.

I decided a 2.0tdi A6 avant and a fast coupe was the way forward 

yeah dont think will be able to run 2 cars hence why i need a great all rounder with 4 drs and a decent boot. i dont really do enough miles to warrant a diesel. Will have a look see at the BMW touring estates too they look pretty cool..

[sub39h]

the S3's boot will be smaller than the GTI's because of the rear diff. it'll still be a practical car tho, with the rear seats down i managed to get my ENTIRE LIFE into a 3dr A3 FWD and back to my parents' house when i was at uni.

ignoring the 8P for a second, i'm not a fan of the M3's styling compared with the RS4. i'd get a Mugello Blue RS4 Avant all day long. it's just my personal preference - i don't really think one is better than the other just that with your little one in the back it'd be nice knowing you can't crash it in the snow etc.

[WhiteGTI]

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.

Couldn't have put it better myself!!

[tony_danza]

Fast wardrobes on wheels are generally German - 335i touring, S4 avant. Both good and no M/RS tax.

Left field, an R36 estate?

[WhiteGTI]

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.

If you find a decent specialist then the servicing cost is pretty much the same as the GTI, actually mine has been cheaper thus far! Petrol...yes you're right it drinks it! Rear tyres, again yeah @£280 a corner it does get a bit tedious! Having said that though, i don't find myself replacing them any more frequently that i did the GTI's front tyres.

Well mapped VAG turbo cars are absolutely fantastic, but I'm surprised to hear that you don't miss screaming up to an 8000rpm redline with an engine that sounds like a race car!  

[tony_danza]

....... just that with your little one in the back it'd be nice knowing you can't crash it in the snow etc.

WHAT?

You think 4WD in a 4xxHP car running 255/30/19 tyres is going to save you in the snow??? Believe me, you'll stack one just as fast as any other car.

The entire population of the world doesn't just abandon their RWD cars for the snow season, they use winter tyres. Something this country is way behind on.

Watch this

[rich83]

If your on snow and your going sideways then quattro will not save you, nor will it help you when your braking.

[WhiteGTI]

The problem is, on a VAG-orientated forum such as this, if you post a question about any other car manufacturer you'll get the majority of people dismissing it and pushing the VAG equivalent. And vice versa if it was posted on a BMW/Merc forum etc....

You'll never get a completely objective view!

[wigit]

i'd take the 4 door of the current incarnation M3, nice and descreet, rarer and cheaper and superb family motor, just look pure class 

[andrewparker]

...just that with your little one in the back it'd be nice knowing you can't crash it in the snow etc.

Bloody hell, do you work for the Daily Mail?

[MAT ED30]

Get an m3 and some silly cheap 4wd for the snow simple