"High performance" hatchback/saloons. Worth the premium?

[ZX10R NIN]

In the whole I'd say they're worth the premium but it depends on the models below/price/does it stand out as the top model just by catching a glimpse (for me the M4 falls down on that one but the M3 doesn't) performance/ability to feel special at normal speeds.

Those are the reasons to buy the top model (Mercedes have done themselves no favours with the A35/45) also they tend to depreciate at a slower rate than the diet versions which can offset the higher running costs.

[Sheetmaself]

Every day a journey said:

My Mum used to have a M240i cabriolet.

It was fking ste.

Halo model my arse.

Over engineered pice of crap.

engine was good and it went like stink but just SUCH a horrible car.

Can i ask why you didn’t like it? I had one for three years and thought it was lovely for what it was. Definitely an engine strapped to a wobbly chassis but then its a convertible so I expected that.

[Baldchap]

white_goodman said:

Fair enough. The thing that I'm wondering though is that are the inevitable compromises of the high performance version of those kind of cars worth the compromise? Take an Audi A4 Avant. On the face of it, it's a practical, comfortable family car with the added security of quattro four wheel drive traction. I'll pick the B8 generation, as there is a clearer distinction between the top line models. The B8 RS4 (last one to have the 4.2 NA V8) has long been a car that I've lusted after. Some prefer the B7 but I prefer the B8 because I think it looks better, is more modern inside and is usefully bigger, so more practical, whereas the B7 Avant is pretty tiny, so not a massive boot and a bit cramped in the back. Inevitably the RS4 will be faster, sound better, look better and drive better when you're on it but then you have the compromise of significantly higher running costs, a relatively torque-lite power delivery, 20mpg on a good day, less comfortable ride and potentially a magnet for thieves/vandals. In terms of desirability it's absolutely there but is it actually a better practical, comfortable family car than the S4 (supercharged V6?) or 3.0 TDI, which in themselves aren't slow and won't cost you a fortune to drive anywhere and blend in a bit more. The RS4 is for sure a more "special" car but is it a "better" car?

Funny you should choose the B8 as the one with the clearer distinction between models, as I'd say the B9 generation is clearer. Coincidentally, I have a B9 RS4. For me, the requirement was a Dogbus that has a sufficiently decent engine to make a regular (ish) drive to Spain fully loaded up and sit happily at high speeds for hours on end.

The twin turbo 2.9 V6 (as used in the Panamera) doesn't have the V8 soundtrack of the B8, but it's in every other way a massively superior engine. The S4, on the other hand, is a diesel - something I don't want.

A 2.0 petrol would do the job, albeit more slowly, but I'd much rather spend the time in the RS4. Economy doesn't bother me, so why wouldn't I?

Is the RS4 "better" than any of the other A4-based models? Yes. Absolutely.

Edited by Baldchap on Tuesday 4th May 22:48

[white_goodman]

Baldchap said:

Funny you should choose the B8 as the one with the clearer distinction between models, as I'd say the B9 generation is clearer. Coincidentally, I have a B9 RS4. For me, the requirement was a Dogbus that has a sufficiently decent engine to make a regular (ish) drive to Spain fully loaded up and sit happily at high speeds for hours on end.

The twin turbo 2.9 V6 (as used in the Panamera) doesn't have the V8 soundtrack of the B8, but it's in every other way a massively superior engine. The S4, on the other hand, is a diesel - something I don't want.

A 2.0 petrol would do the job, albeit more slowly, but I'd much rather spend the time in the RS4. Economy doesn't bother me, so why wouldn't I?

Is the RS4 "better" than any of the other A4-based models? Yes. Absolutely.

Edited by Baldchap on Tuesday 4th May 22:48

Yeah I forgot the S4 had gone diesel now. I was thinking the S4 was still a turbocharged V6 and the RS4 a faster turbocharged V6 etc. You've kind of answered my question there. I'm guessing that BMW would offer a closer match between their M models and the next tier down (plus you get the Touring model option).

[Trailhead]

This is an interesting thread, since I am considering changing my mid range C Class (AMG Line) for a Halo model Golf.

The Golf is very fast, but is ultimately a Hatchback and the Mercedes does everything asked of it and is pretty much always faster than the car in front, whilst also being more comfortable and feel special.

First world problems !!