E92 M3 vs B8 RS4
Discussion
Toying with the idea of a v8 saloon, My love of cars developed throuough my teens with the B7 RS4 vs E92 M3 vs C63 battle.
The B7 is a little too old now and the c63 is just a little bit too daft when I think about it, so choice comes down to a B8 or a e92.
Currently running a Mk7 Golf R and only seeing 26 mpg average so fuel isnt that much of a concern, and due to circumstances I dont think I want to hold onto the R (nothing wrong with the car, great car)
The things pushing me toward an RS4 is the 4wd and the extra boot space could come in handy, and its also a bit of a sleeper. I spend half my year in Manchester and dont always have secure parking on hand so to many regular joes its just a 2.0 diesel estate. I dont do a huge ammount of miles but do travel across the m62 in winter alot when it can be dumping half the Irish sea on the road, so quattro would be a big tick.
Ive got a handful of questions to ask that would help me on my way
1) most importantly how bad is the e92 in the wet, can you still push on or does rain really nerf its capabilitys. bearing in mind how wet Manchester is.
2) on runs can you get anywhere near 30mpg? Im a bit heavy footed so even in the R cant get over 30 on a run from Newcastle to Manchester. Have been used to getting 44+ mpg from the Scirocco I had before the R though.
3) Torque... weve all heard the storys of mapped 330d laying waste to m3s in the wrong gear... and coming from 2 Turboed engines prior to this im used to getting quite useable torque about town, Will the M3 be noticably less torquey about town and cruising along a motorway?
4) Any spec I should look for and/or avoid? DCT EDC and H&K speakers will be my priority but is there anything else I should look out for.
Man maths is really weighing in favour of the E92 at the minute. Decent age/spec/milage are appearing around 29-34k nowadays, where as a RS4 with buckets and a sports pack im realistically going to have to look at spending 43k+ I can see the RS4 holding its value for some time, then again the e92 has probably has most of its depretiation behind it. Lets say I save 10k on the M3 that could go into a decent set of winters and looking at some uprated brakes and an exhaust with money to spare. Im going to be paying through my teeth for insurance for a v8 anyway so that wont really come into play.
The M3 has instant cool car factor, I guess this can be both a pro and a con being a young driver. I can see I would get a little bit more flack with the M3, and I would be happier leaving the RS4 parked about even though its more of an expensive car. I need you guys need to keep me away from that mad fast 4wd wagon and save me some cash haha.
The B7 is a little too old now and the c63 is just a little bit too daft when I think about it, so choice comes down to a B8 or a e92.
Currently running a Mk7 Golf R and only seeing 26 mpg average so fuel isnt that much of a concern, and due to circumstances I dont think I want to hold onto the R (nothing wrong with the car, great car)
The things pushing me toward an RS4 is the 4wd and the extra boot space could come in handy, and its also a bit of a sleeper. I spend half my year in Manchester and dont always have secure parking on hand so to many regular joes its just a 2.0 diesel estate. I dont do a huge ammount of miles but do travel across the m62 in winter alot when it can be dumping half the Irish sea on the road, so quattro would be a big tick.
Ive got a handful of questions to ask that would help me on my way
1) most importantly how bad is the e92 in the wet, can you still push on or does rain really nerf its capabilitys. bearing in mind how wet Manchester is.
2) on runs can you get anywhere near 30mpg? Im a bit heavy footed so even in the R cant get over 30 on a run from Newcastle to Manchester. Have been used to getting 44+ mpg from the Scirocco I had before the R though.
3) Torque... weve all heard the storys of mapped 330d laying waste to m3s in the wrong gear... and coming from 2 Turboed engines prior to this im used to getting quite useable torque about town, Will the M3 be noticably less torquey about town and cruising along a motorway?
4) Any spec I should look for and/or avoid? DCT EDC and H&K speakers will be my priority but is there anything else I should look out for.
Man maths is really weighing in favour of the E92 at the minute. Decent age/spec/milage are appearing around 29-34k nowadays, where as a RS4 with buckets and a sports pack im realistically going to have to look at spending 43k+ I can see the RS4 holding its value for some time, then again the e92 has probably has most of its depretiation behind it. Lets say I save 10k on the M3 that could go into a decent set of winters and looking at some uprated brakes and an exhaust with money to spare. Im going to be paying through my teeth for insurance for a v8 anyway so that wont really come into play.
The M3 has instant cool car factor, I guess this can be both a pro and a con being a young driver. I can see I would get a little bit more flack with the M3, and I would be happier leaving the RS4 parked about even though its more of an expensive car. I need you guys need to keep me away from that mad fast 4wd wagon and save me some cash haha.
Why do you think the c63 is too daft? It's a direct competitor to both the e92 and the rs4.
I've just bought an e92 m3 - couldn't find a c63 coupe in my budget and coming from a v10 rs6 I didn't want another audi. If I could have found a decent c63 coupe for £30k I'd probably have gone for it although auto-only which isn't ideal...
I've just bought an e92 m3 - couldn't find a c63 coupe in my budget and coming from a v10 rs6 I didn't want another audi. If I could have found a decent c63 coupe for £30k I'd probably have gone for it although auto-only which isn't ideal...
I love it, its my favorite out of the 3 in terms of character and personality, but it is a bit of a brute. I know a few people with them and have been told they dont even bother going to use them when its been raining. Plus they said they do 12-16 mpg, I know I said fuel costs are not deal breaking but c63 seems a little too far on the thristy side. I also dont really get on with Mercs interior/interface. Auto doesnt really bother me as ive come from two DSG cars and found them very easy to get along with. (mercs dual clutch is noted to be a little dumb witted though) I love it, but I dont know if id like to live with it everyday.
t and it'll bite you. Drive according to the conditions and you'll have a lot more fun in the M3. 
I haven't driven a b8 but the b7 by most accounts is meant to be a much better drive.
I'd still go for the m3, as you say, you'll get a nice one for £30k and can get a spare set of wheels and winters plus the m-performance exhaust and some decent pads and still have some cash in your pocket...
I'd still go for the m3, as you say, you'll get a nice one for £30k and can get a spare set of wheels and winters plus the m-performance exhaust and some decent pads and still have some cash in your pocket...
Chella said:
Currently running a Mk7 Golf R and only seeing 26 mpg average so fuel isnt that much of a concern, and due to circumstances I dont think I want to hold onto the R (nothing wrong with the car, great car)
The things pushing me toward an RS4 is the 4wd and the extra boot space could come in handy, and its also a bit of a sleeper. I spend half my year in Manchester and dont always have secure parking on hand so to many regular joes its just a 2.0 diesel estate. I dont do a huge ammount of miles but do travel across the m62 in winter alot when it can be dumping half the Irish sea on the road, so quattro would be a big tick.
Ive got a handful of questions to ask that would help me on my way
1) most importantly how bad is the e92 in the wet, can you still push on or does rain really nerf its capabilitys. bearing in mind how wet Manchester is.
2) on runs can you get anywhere near 30mpg? Im a bit heavy footed so even in the R cant get over 30 on a run from Newcastle to Manchester. Have been used to getting 44+ mpg from the Scirocco I had before the R though.
3) Torque... weve all heard the storys of mapped 330d laying waste to m3s in the wrong gear... and coming from 2 Turboed engines prior to this im used to getting quite useable torque about town, Will the M3 be noticably less torquey about town and cruising along a motorway?
4) Any spec I should look for and/or avoid? DCT EDC and H&K speakers will be my priority but is there anything else I should look out for.
Man maths is really weighing in favour of the E92 at the minute. Decent age/spec/milage are appearing around 29-34k nowadays, where as a RS4 with buckets and a sports pack im realistically going to have to look at spending 43k+ I can see the RS4 holding its value for some time, then again the e92 has probably has most of its depretiation behind it. Lets say I save 10k on the M3 that could go into a decent set of winters and looking at some uprated brakes and an exhaust with money to spare. Im going to be paying through my teeth for insurance for a v8 anyway so that wont really come into play.
The M3 has instant cool car factor, I guess this can be both a pro and a con being a young driver. I can see I would get a little bit more flack with the M3, and I would be happier leaving the RS4 parked about even though its more of an expensive car. I need you guys need to keep me away from that mad fast 4wd wagon and save me some cash haha.
I've just bought an E92....they're awesome. 27mpg in your Golf R will seem a dim and distant memory though The things pushing me toward an RS4 is the 4wd and the extra boot space could come in handy, and its also a bit of a sleeper. I spend half my year in Manchester and dont always have secure parking on hand so to many regular joes its just a 2.0 diesel estate. I dont do a huge ammount of miles but do travel across the m62 in winter alot when it can be dumping half the Irish sea on the road, so quattro would be a big tick.
Ive got a handful of questions to ask that would help me on my way
1) most importantly how bad is the e92 in the wet, can you still push on or does rain really nerf its capabilitys. bearing in mind how wet Manchester is.
2) on runs can you get anywhere near 30mpg? Im a bit heavy footed so even in the R cant get over 30 on a run from Newcastle to Manchester. Have been used to getting 44+ mpg from the Scirocco I had before the R though.
3) Torque... weve all heard the storys of mapped 330d laying waste to m3s in the wrong gear... and coming from 2 Turboed engines prior to this im used to getting quite useable torque about town, Will the M3 be noticably less torquey about town and cruising along a motorway?
4) Any spec I should look for and/or avoid? DCT EDC and H&K speakers will be my priority but is there anything else I should look out for.
Man maths is really weighing in favour of the E92 at the minute. Decent age/spec/milage are appearing around 29-34k nowadays, where as a RS4 with buckets and a sports pack im realistically going to have to look at spending 43k+ I can see the RS4 holding its value for some time, then again the e92 has probably has most of its depretiation behind it. Lets say I save 10k on the M3 that could go into a decent set of winters and looking at some uprated brakes and an exhaust with money to spare. Im going to be paying through my teeth for insurance for a v8 anyway so that wont really come into play.
The M3 has instant cool car factor, I guess this can be both a pro and a con being a young driver. I can see I would get a little bit more flack with the M3, and I would be happier leaving the RS4 parked about even though its more of an expensive car. I need you guys need to keep me away from that mad fast 4wd wagon and save me some cash haha.
I'm averaging 18mpg at the moment after a week and in all honesty about 70% of that was tootling along on the motorway. I'm sure you're well aware how thirsty these are but its worth crunching the numbers to see how much you'd be paying a year....I'm guessing you get some kind of company car (?) allowance so maybe not so much an issue for you. The boot is pretty decent to be fair and one of the things I like about the car is its relative anonymity: it's interesting and aggressive enough to me and those in the know, but most scrotes will likely only see another 3 series parked up. I'm not sure I'd leave a 911 or anything more exotic abandoned in the airport carpark for half the year.....anyway, to answer your questions:1) Not driven a huge amount in the wet yet but felt great to me, it feels planted and heavy and the driver stability aids are excellent....I've had the traction control light flashing a few times on bumpy roads but it never felt twitchy or unstable.
2) Most I've seen is 25mpg in normal use, although a period in roadworks at 50mph had it hovering around 35. There's plenty of info on M3cutters and a thread I read recently said most people were averaging 15-25. I must admit it's the one thing that's shocked me coming from a fun hot hatch (Mini Cooper S) that returned 35-45mpg whether it was caned or cruised
3) I'm not that impressed by the Torque (or lack of it!), it's a tractable and powerful engine but I think it would be destroyed in mid-range by something like a 335d, especially a remapped one. However, it is torquey enough for normal driving and absolutely flies when it's being revved. It loves revs.....absolutely loves them
So, it is an engine that is at its best when it's being thrashed and boy, does it love it....an absolute peach of an engine.4) DCT is amazing....EDC is a bit Meh IMHO but seems to add value, I can't really tell the difference but I believe in the competition pack cars it actually makes a difference. I would look for a mid-2009 model on with the improved sat Nav (CIC) which is a country mile better than the old ccc one. Bluetooth is really good aswell, I have the business loudspeaker (iirc) setup which is really good but the sound is a step behind the Harmon Kardon in my old Mini.
Good luck. I've had a few nice cars and driven a lot more and the M3 is really very, very very good indeed. It's as usable and comfortable as a diesel auto in heavy traffic, as fun as a revvy track car when the roads are clear, as entertaining as a V8 muscle car and with looks that bore the majority of the 'wrong' people and entertain the 'right' people.
Drive the RS4, by all accounts they are quite a dull drive as a drivers car. Nose heavy and understeery being 4WD. C63 is just about the noise, lack of LSD and poor gearbox ruins the experience plus they look a bit dated next to the new model, especially the rear.
As you can tell I went for the E92 two years ago and I'm yet to find a suitable replacement without spending a lot more on something like a 911C2 S.
As you can tell I went for the E92 two years ago and I'm yet to find a suitable replacement without spending a lot more on something like a 911C2 S.
NORTS said:
Drive the RS4, by all accounts they are quite a dull drive as a drivers car. Nose heavy and understeery being 4WD. C63 is just about the noise, lack of LSD and poor gearbox ruins the experience plus they look a bit dated next to the new model, especially the rear.
As you can tell I went for the E92 two years ago and I'm yet to find a suitable replacement without spending a lot more on something like a 911C2 S.
It's not the 4wd that makes it nose heavy and understeery, it's the engine ahead of the front axle!As you can tell I went for the E92 two years ago and I'm yet to find a suitable replacement without spending a lot more on something like a 911C2 S.
M3 is fine in the wet and a set of winter wheels will mean you can drive it anywhere. I once saw over 30mpg on a long slow Autobahn run but my average over 3.5 years was 18. C63 is great fun to drive (I needed to have a manual car) but if you are going for DCT then have a test drive but look for the PP and LSD options.
RS4 will be quicker over wet and damp roads but the M3 is more engaging and the engine is fantastic. The lack of torque is really nonsense as it is fine for everyday use.
RS4 will be quicker over wet and damp roads but the M3 is more engaging and the engine is fantastic. The lack of torque is really nonsense as it is fine for everyday use.
NORTS said:
Drive the RS4, by all accounts they are quite a dull drive as a drivers car. Nose heavy and understeery being 4WD. C63 is just about the noise, lack of LSD and poor gearbox ruins the experience plus they look a bit dated next to the new model, especially the rear.
As you can tell I went for the E92 two years ago and I'm yet to find a suitable replacement without spending a lot more on something like a 911C2 S.
This is exactly the same as me with my 2012 dct M3. Test drove the new RCF at the weekend and it did nothing for me.As you can tell I went for the E92 two years ago and I'm yet to find a suitable replacement without spending a lot more on something like a 911C2 S.
I have always lusted after a RS4 but as others have said some owners have been left disappointed by it, the E92 M3 will get very lively in the wet if you don't respect it but drive it to the conditions and all will be well.
I quite liked EDC on mine but found the sport setting pretty hard on bumpy back roads and the cars without EDC ride lovely anyway so its far from a deal breaker.
I quite liked EDC on mine but found the sport setting pretty hard on bumpy back roads and the cars without EDC ride lovely anyway so its far from a deal breaker.
I would certainly recommend the M3, and with winter tyres it should have no problem getting through winter either.
However, if you really favour the 4WD and estate aspect of the RS4, but would rather spend less than 30K how about an S4? See Chris Harris' comparison between the RS4 and S4 with a REVO (IIRC) tune. That would also give you the stealth aspect, if you need that.
However, if you really favour the 4WD and estate aspect of the RS4, but would rather spend less than 30K how about an S4? See Chris Harris' comparison between the RS4 and S4 with a REVO (IIRC) tune. That would also give you the stealth aspect, if you need that.
krallicious said:
RS4 will be quicker over wet and damp roads but the M3 is more engaging and the engine is fantastic. The lack of torque is really nonsense as it is fine for everyday use.
Although this is true, I can't imagine that the difference along a wet and twisty B-road would be anything more than a few seconds at most. The difference would be that the M3 driver would get out with more of a grin or with whiter knuckles. I drove an M3 at Bedford Autodrome on some of the most spectacularly deep standing water after heavy rain that I've ever driven in and with the DSC on (they wouldn't let me turn it off) it never got close to spinning, it just felt like the DSC light was getting involved in its own disco for most of the lap. The aquaplaning on braking though was spectacular, but the Audi would be no better in that area.
krallicious said:
The lack of torque is really nonsense as it is fine for everyday use.
So true - I had a manual saloon for 3 years and c 35,000 miles. If I wanted to be lazy and punt around between 2,000 and 5,000 revs in highish gears, the E9X had plenty enough torque for 95% of my driving and could still keep pace with most cars being driven in a spirited fashion. If I really want it the car to fly, then it takes a bit more effort but then rewards the driver accordingly.
Although my M5 is great all round car, I really miss the involvement of my M3 which IMO was a more fun car to drive.
RS4 would be the most likely to be broken into if you are worried about where you park - top of the list of stolen to order cars or broken into to steal the interior (to fit into the dull 2lr diesel). If you are worried about fuel and parking you might want to look at a 335i hybrid (can get 40mpg on a run and still a decent jump up from your golf). E46 M3 will get high 20s on a run and is a bit more raw and fun than the E90 m3 plus money left for fuel.
If we're getting into the "how about a xxxx instead" type responses, may I suggest a 1M Coupe?
A bit less civilised than an e92 (in a raw and engaging way), mid-20s mpg achievable without dawdling, plenty of low/mid-range torque, rarity contributing to strong residuals, etc etc.
Admittedly, smaller than the e92, but still decent boot space and useable back seats.
A bit less civilised than an e92 (in a raw and engaging way), mid-20s mpg achievable without dawdling, plenty of low/mid-range torque, rarity contributing to strong residuals, etc etc.
Admittedly, smaller than the e92, but still decent boot space and useable back seats.
Why not buy an M6 V10 instead? Its around £5000 cheaper than the M3
It'll destroy both in a straight line (believe me, I have whooped both)
Fuel economy is similar to the E92 on a run (ie 25mpg on the motorway)
Sounds awesome at full chat
Running costs similar...or get a warrantied one and dont worry about the costs of upkeep.
There are a few good ones on Autotrader still with warranty and important work done.
The E92 for hoologanism.....the M6 for posing!
It'll destroy both in a straight line (believe me, I have whooped both)
Fuel economy is similar to the E92 on a run (ie 25mpg on the motorway)
Sounds awesome at full chat
Running costs similar...or get a warrantied one and dont worry about the costs of upkeep.
There are a few good ones on Autotrader still with warranty and important work done.
The E92 for hoologanism.....the M6 for posing!
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