M3 E92 or RS4???
Discussion
Hi All,
I am looking for some advice please.. I am looking at changing my car within the next few months and have narrowed my choice down to a 2007 M3 Coupe or RS4.
Currently I drive a Z4M Coupe and do around 15k per year as I use it as my daily driver.
Would be interested in your real world opinions as to wether it's easier to live with a M3 or RS4 in term or performance, comfort when crusing and around town, cost to maintain and economy?
Cheers
Ben
I am looking for some advice please.. I am looking at changing my car within the next few months and have narrowed my choice down to a 2007 M3 Coupe or RS4.
Currently I drive a Z4M Coupe and do around 15k per year as I use it as my daily driver.
Would be interested in your real world opinions as to wether it's easier to live with a M3 or RS4 in term or performance, comfort when crusing and around town, cost to maintain and economy?
Cheers
Ben
Hmm, this should be an interesting debate.................
I looked at the RS4 at the start of the year when I found out I needed a 4 door and did like it, but the back is very cramped with the bucket seats and the interior felt dated. It does drive well, but nothing compared to the M5, which is why I am sat in what I am!
I didn't consider the M3 4 door because they were in short supply and expensive, and the price of them is only going to go one way!
I will look forward in hearing people's opinion on this. I'm guessing it will be M3 for fun and looks and RS4 for B road madness! lol
I looked at the RS4 at the start of the year when I found out I needed a 4 door and did like it, but the back is very cramped with the bucket seats and the interior felt dated. It does drive well, but nothing compared to the M5, which is why I am sat in what I am!
I didn't consider the M3 4 door because they were in short supply and expensive, and the price of them is only going to go one way!
I will look forward in hearing people's opinion on this. I'm guessing it will be M3 for fun and looks and RS4 for B road madness! lol
Maintainance costs, insurance, servicing etc I would expect to be larger similar, Obviously you need a warranty and Full Dealer History on either car.
I had a (B7) RS4, got about 12 mpg with my commute but the noise
!!! That said, I was not afraid of the sport button or the pedal on the right.
Haven't had the chance to give an E92 any onions unfortunately, I've only driven it INSIDE the RR factory.
15K per year should see you getting around 20 mpg I guess... I would imagine the M3 would pip the RS on fuel economy overall, but other could confirm that...
The cabin of the RS4 is a VERY nice place to be, the seats are delightful, the BOSE is awesome but got switched off when the sport button was engaged !!
Having said that I haven't driven the M3 in anger I can imagine that it is a far more rewarding and 'pure' driving experience. The RS4 is an amazing piece of kit but I always felt a bit disconnected with it, unlike any focused beemer I had and I've had a few...
For me it would come down to two things really:
Depreciation of the M3 over say three years - Would that bother you much?
The 'driver involvment' factor - Would that bother you much?
If the answers are no and yes - Get the M3
If they're the other way round - Get the RS4.
There is of course the fact that you could save £15K on the car with an '06 RS4, which hints at what you will lose on the M3 over three years....
Last thing, I wish I had your problem !!!
I had a (B7) RS4, got about 12 mpg with my commute but the noise
!!! That said, I was not afraid of the sport button or the pedal on the right. Haven't had the chance to give an E92 any onions unfortunately, I've only driven it INSIDE the RR factory.
15K per year should see you getting around 20 mpg I guess... I would imagine the M3 would pip the RS on fuel economy overall, but other could confirm that...
The cabin of the RS4 is a VERY nice place to be, the seats are delightful, the BOSE is awesome but got switched off when the sport button was engaged !!
Having said that I haven't driven the M3 in anger I can imagine that it is a far more rewarding and 'pure' driving experience. The RS4 is an amazing piece of kit but I always felt a bit disconnected with it, unlike any focused beemer I had and I've had a few...
For me it would come down to two things really:
Depreciation of the M3 over say three years - Would that bother you much?
The 'driver involvment' factor - Would that bother you much?
If the answers are no and yes - Get the M3
If they're the other way round - Get the RS4.
There is of course the fact that you could save £15K on the car with an '06 RS4, which hints at what you will lose on the M3 over three years....
Last thing, I wish I had your problem !!!
I am in exactly the same boat.
I have an E90 325i m sport for my work car and want a second car mainly for getting into track days. I was going to get a GTR but its totally overkill so its back to the brands I love.
I think I may go for an RS4 purely as sitting inside an M3 although faster/sportier wont seem any different from the my 325 with idrive etc and I think the 4WD will be better for me on the track as I'm not a good driver yet...
Was looking at porsches etc but for what i want to spend in this climate the RS4 looks better for what I want it for ie bucket seats, 4wd and better brakes than the M3
PS, im not a hater and love both brands. I have done 99k in the 325 and will be wanting to keep it for 100k more. this is why my budget came down so I could run both cars. M3 and 325 sport or Rs4 and 325 sport. tough choice....
Any thoughts ?
I have an E90 325i m sport for my work car and want a second car mainly for getting into track days. I was going to get a GTR but its totally overkill so its back to the brands I love.
I think I may go for an RS4 purely as sitting inside an M3 although faster/sportier wont seem any different from the my 325 with idrive etc and I think the 4WD will be better for me on the track as I'm not a good driver yet...
Was looking at porsches etc but for what i want to spend in this climate the RS4 looks better for what I want it for ie bucket seats, 4wd and better brakes than the M3
PS, im not a hater and love both brands. I have done 99k in the 325 and will be wanting to keep it for 100k more. this is why my budget came down so I could run both cars. M3 and 325 sport or Rs4 and 325 sport. tough choice....
Any thoughts ?
Edited by jrinns on Tuesday 11th August 10:47
Need an estate car... then RS4. I also think it looks better than the saloon.
No need for the extra room, then get the M3. If the back seats are occasional use only then the coupe should be fine. You can sit four adults very cmofortably, the only pain (and reason to get a saloon) would be handling child seats.
For M3
- More modern car
- Who needs 4WD?
- Audi steering... though the M3 isn't that much better in the straight ahead
- Drives like a 325i when pottering around town
- Markedly quicker point-to-point, though maybe that's because I'm more heroic than my mate who has one
Against
- M3 sounds better outside than inside, RS4 sounds great inside
- RS4 residuals might hold up better
No need for the extra room, then get the M3. If the back seats are occasional use only then the coupe should be fine. You can sit four adults very cmofortably, the only pain (and reason to get a saloon) would be handling child seats.
For M3
- More modern car
- Who needs 4WD?
- Audi steering... though the M3 isn't that much better in the straight ahead
- Drives like a 325i when pottering around town
- Markedly quicker point-to-point, though maybe that's because I'm more heroic than my mate who has one
Against
- M3 sounds better outside than inside, RS4 sounds great inside
- RS4 residuals might hold up better
I had an RS4 for over a yr and it is a cracking piece of kit but they do go wrong, issues with DRC for eg so get yourself a good warranty if you go down that route. The interior is nice but is also dates, this is the 'old' A4 body now. Heavy clutch on it too, nice to drive but not much fun on track.
I would go M3, test drove one and if they had had a estate i would have gone for that instead. Much more fun on track, more modern and roomy in the back and boot. I would also get DCT.
ETA - have a look on www.rs246.com for info on the RS and mtorque for the M3.
I would go M3, test drove one and if they had had a estate i would have gone for that instead. Much more fun on track, more modern and roomy in the back and boot. I would also get DCT.
ETA - have a look on www.rs246.com for info on the RS and mtorque for the M3.
Edited by Thorny on Tuesday 11th August 13:04
130R said:
An M3 with EDC.
+1Engine is a masterpiece. I seriously considered an RS4 but the problems with active suspension I'd read about put me off, then I drove one and found it less involving than the M3.
I would also go for the Avant if the RS proved to be my choice (in your shoes).
I had the same dilemma at the beginning of the year. Test drove an RS4 with only 1500 miles on the clock - it really was amazing, fast comfortable, special and ridiculously easy to drive. After driving around for about 10mins, I felt totally secure wringing it's neck, I really liked it in fact I was certain that I was going to buy it.
Then I drove an M3 saloon - weather was crap, so I couldn't get the most out of it but on balance still preferred the RS4.
Then I drove an M3 coupe - weather was good and the car was amazing, the engine noise was incredible, the car felt utterly unhinged past 6500RPM, it was just an awesome car and I loved it.
In the end I bought an E92 M3, the reasons were that I felt the M3 was a more rewarding drive, that it would take longer to learn properly, so I wouldn't get bored with it but most of all because the RS4 had a damping issue (DRC), which was guaranteed for 5 years at one point but for which Audi has no permament fix. A friend of mine had an RS6 with this issue and it caused him no end of grief, sometimes taking up to 2 or 3 weeks to resolve only for it to happen again. I knew that if I was unlucky enough to have a car where DRC raised it's ugly head, it would really sour the ownership experience for me, so I decided against the RS4 - good car that it undoubtedly is!
Then I drove an M3 saloon - weather was crap, so I couldn't get the most out of it but on balance still preferred the RS4.
Then I drove an M3 coupe - weather was good and the car was amazing, the engine noise was incredible, the car felt utterly unhinged past 6500RPM, it was just an awesome car and I loved it.
In the end I bought an E92 M3, the reasons were that I felt the M3 was a more rewarding drive, that it would take longer to learn properly, so I wouldn't get bored with it but most of all because the RS4 had a damping issue (DRC), which was guaranteed for 5 years at one point but for which Audi has no permament fix. A friend of mine had an RS6 with this issue and it caused him no end of grief, sometimes taking up to 2 or 3 weeks to resolve only for it to happen again. I knew that if I was unlucky enough to have a car where DRC raised it's ugly head, it would really sour the ownership experience for me, so I decided against the RS4 - good car that it undoubtedly is!
I had the pleasure of a weekend in Wales last year with M3, RS4 and C63. All three cars offered stunning: Engine, Chassis, Safety, Refinement, Space, and Comfort. Differences between them were less significant than the similarities, allowing each owner to think they had made the right choice.
Strengths of the M3: the engine has a particular thirst for high revs, to me it sounds better in the mid-range, definitely better for track visits, and the car has a more modern feeling interior. Strenths of the RS4 - particularly good front seats, suspension even more compliant than M3 EDC, 4WD available for really bad conditions. One significant difference in character is the in your face use of electronics in the M3 - if you are a technophile you will love that aspect, if not you might find it a bit irritating.
Strengths of the M3: the engine has a particular thirst for high revs, to me it sounds better in the mid-range, definitely better for track visits, and the car has a more modern feeling interior. Strenths of the RS4 - particularly good front seats, suspension even more compliant than M3 EDC, 4WD available for really bad conditions. One significant difference in character is the in your face use of electronics in the M3 - if you are a technophile you will love that aspect, if not you might find it a bit irritating.
My brother has an RS4 and I have an E92 M3 so maybe I can help a bit.
The RS4 is an amazing machine and will give you the confidence to drive quickly and it will flatter you no end. Grip is uninpeachable in the dry and it will run rings around an M3 when it is damp or wet. The buckets are some of the best seats ever fitted to a car of this class.
But,
After driving the M3, the engine in the Audi feels like it is lacking in revs. It has an amazing engine in isolation but after the M3 I thought it felt 'flat'. The handing of the M3 is much more engaging. The car does not feel very special until it is up on its toes. The car goads you to go faster and faster. Everything just gels so perfectally at speed and the car shrugs off its weight (the coupe is 5kg heavier than the RS4).
If you are after a car that is easy to drive and will make you smile from day one then get the Audi but if you want to get to know the car and learn how to drive it over the course of time then get the M3.
Both cars are fantastic, so drive both and see what you prefer.
Oh, the RS4 is surprisingly good fun on track but (and I am still waiting to take my M3 on track) I expext the M3 to be sublime.
Pete
The RS4 is an amazing machine and will give you the confidence to drive quickly and it will flatter you no end. Grip is uninpeachable in the dry and it will run rings around an M3 when it is damp or wet. The buckets are some of the best seats ever fitted to a car of this class.
But,
After driving the M3, the engine in the Audi feels like it is lacking in revs. It has an amazing engine in isolation but after the M3 I thought it felt 'flat'. The handing of the M3 is much more engaging. The car does not feel very special until it is up on its toes. The car goads you to go faster and faster. Everything just gels so perfectally at speed and the car shrugs off its weight (the coupe is 5kg heavier than the RS4).
If you are after a car that is easy to drive and will make you smile from day one then get the Audi but if you want to get to know the car and learn how to drive it over the course of time then get the M3.
Both cars are fantastic, so drive both and see what you prefer.
Oh, the RS4 is surprisingly good fun on track but (and I am still waiting to take my M3 on track) I expext the M3 to be sublime.
Pete
Excellent guys.. thanks for the feedback.
Still a tough choice, although M3 seems to have the edge for me as it's more modern and will take some time to master.
I'm a little worried about the fuel consumption as work pays for my fuel. The Z4M averages around 23MPG which is acceptable as a comparison with mixed driving but 60% motorway what do you think I should expect from the M3/RS4?
Cheers
Still a tough choice, although M3 seems to have the edge for me as it's more modern and will take some time to master.
I'm a little worried about the fuel consumption as work pays for my fuel. The Z4M averages around 23MPG which is acceptable as a comparison with mixed driving but 60% motorway what do you think I should expect from the M3/RS4?
Cheers
BensZ4MC said:
Excellent guys.. thanks for the feedback.
Still a tough choice, although M3 seems to have the edge for me as it's more modern and will take some time to master.
I'm a little worried about the fuel consumption as work pays for my fuel. The Z4M averages around 23MPG which is acceptable as a comparison with mixed driving but 60% motorway what do you think I should expect from the M3/RS4?
Cheers
If you want to learn the car, then definitely go for the M3. The RS4 is a much easier car to drive and confidence-inspiring car, so you'll gel with it in a few hours. The M3 will take longer to get under your skin but that engine noise is utterly sensational!!Still a tough choice, although M3 seems to have the edge for me as it's more modern and will take some time to master.
I'm a little worried about the fuel consumption as work pays for my fuel. The Z4M averages around 23MPG which is acceptable as a comparison with mixed driving but 60% motorway what do you think I should expect from the M3/RS4?
Cheers
I've averaged 22.6MPG for the last 5,000 miles, there was a thread on here about a month ago asking owners to confirm MPG - it ranged from high teens to about 23MPG if I remember correctly - I've done plenty of motorway driving but I always hoon around in it when I'm not on the motorway - after all that's what the car's designed for. It's a stunning bit of kit the M3, I plan to take it on a track day soon, where I'm sure it will behave impeccably.
I have considered the RS4 but was quite surprised at the limited space in the back, so for a family car it didn't cut it for me.
I have a manual E90 saloon and have to echo comments about involving drive and needing to take time to learn the car. I have just clicked over 5,000 miles in four months and finally feel confident enough to lean on the car.
It is a real event to drive every time and will certainly keep me engaged for some time to come
I have a manual E90 saloon and have to echo comments about involving drive and needing to take time to learn the car. I have just clicked over 5,000 miles in four months and finally feel confident enough to lean on the car.
It is a real event to drive every time and will certainly keep me engaged for some time to come
Mmm. I choose the E90 over the RS4 partly because it was possible to buy the BMW at a good price last year but more significantly RWD with 414BHP is good fun. No regrets to date and 8,000 miles of driving enjoyment whether pressing on or not. Still would not claim to have got to grips with the cars considerable capability, but the rear tyres don't last long!!
I'm averaging 20.8mpg (no motorway driving) and 23mpg on a motorway (cruising 80mph and the odd stretch of the limiter). Cup tyres only come with 4mm of tread, I've had 11,500 miles out of mine so far and may have another 1k-2k before they have to be changed. Doubtful if I put cups on again (grip is second to none but I would prefer longer life at a grand+ for 4 corners - might consider a spare set of wheels with cups on)
I've not driven an RS4 - never considered one after being in an A4 when I thought the cabin was a little tight for the driver (I'm 6'2").
Love the M3. Effortless acceleration, keeps pulling right up to the redline in every gear - no doubt you know how far that redline is! Earlier post is right about the noise - quite muted in the cabin, sounds much better at 5000+.
Loads of room in the back. Good boot space. Modern interior
The only thing I can knock is the poor paintwork. This is worse on dark colours (mines black). Can be corrected and I'm considering this as I intend to keep the car for several years.
I've not driven an RS4 - never considered one after being in an A4 when I thought the cabin was a little tight for the driver (I'm 6'2").
Love the M3. Effortless acceleration, keeps pulling right up to the redline in every gear - no doubt you know how far that redline is! Earlier post is right about the noise - quite muted in the cabin, sounds much better at 5000+.
Loads of room in the back. Good boot space. Modern interior
The only thing I can knock is the poor paintwork. This is worse on dark colours (mines black). Can be corrected and I'm considering this as I intend to keep the car for several years.
macca said:
The only thing I can knock is the poor paintwork. This is worse on dark colours (mines black). Can be corrected and I'm considering this as I intend to keep the car for several years.
totally agree, mine is dark grey and the ornage peel was awful on it. You should definitely do it - I got mine done by KDS Keltec (there's a thread on here about it), Kelly did an excellent job, my car looks stunning - cleaned it myself yesterday and was reminded of what an amazing machine I own!If your car is black, it'll look even more amazing once it has been done!
Gassing Station | M Power | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff