Help me decide: BMW 335d Xdrive or Audi S3

[S3or335D]

Hi everyone,

just joined and this is my first post. Hoping to get some feedback on this choice. Test drove both this weekend and now have to make a decision. I've had a number of BMWs in the past, inc. an E46 M3. Want something with 'a bit of go' but also some creature comforts and not quite as raw as an RS or (real) M car. As I'm getting old and more aware of my mortality I'm also quite taken with having 4WD vs RWD in the winter.

Initial impressions:

S3 - Fresher interior - Virtual Cockpit looks very good. Sounds better than the 335d (but to be honest neither sound particularly 'sporty').
335D xDrive - more comfortable ride (maybe it was just the seats), steering felt more precise.

Both handled better than I expected and whilst neither are out and out exhilarating drives, I feel that both could serve their purpose and be happy places to spend the next few motoring years.

If I'm honest i'm kinda leaning towards the BMW - More space, better steering, better mpg. Offers being negotiated are comparable so price is not a factor. I'm probably going to have to go back for a 2nd test drive to get a better impression of both - but was keen to get some feedback on what others might think of these choices? I've never owned an Audi, and the S3, especially in saloon guise is a great looking car. So struggling to make a final decision lol

Thanks for any advice.

[anonymous-user]

Id go with a 335d touring or a 340i touring

[ALawson]

The S3 are prone to interest from undesirables it would appear.

I would go x35d as either 3 series tourer or 4 series.

[cheeky_chops]

my OH was all set on a S3 (moving up from a 10yo A3) but i got her to test a load of different cars inc m140,435d, golf R, even a A45 amg! In the end she went for a 435d conv m on a stupid cheap lease £3k + £325pm over 24 months. Great spec, frugal, fast, auto is fab so no regrets, she loves it and wont want to give it back.