[bimmer456]

So which BMW compares closest to the RS3? 5 cylinder 2.5 Litre front drive based Quattro with 400 horsepower and 0-60 in 3.7 seconds?

[Shiza]

I'd say the M2 Competition is comparable

[Red Bread]

M2 is a heavier, but more direct feeling car. I'd say the X2 35i is probably the closest direct comparison. While VW has the best version of Haldex, the RS3 still very much feels like a fwd car, and has the typical Audi / VW engine placement out ahead of the front axle.

The engine sounds great, the straight line potential with an APR tune is huge and you can do some pretty good work with the suspension to dial out the understeer, but it's never going to be as direct as a rwd car, or even an awd one with a longitudinal motor.

We own a GTI and a Q5, so I'm not hating on the RS3, but I'd take an M2c over one in a second.

[bimmer456]

Originally Posted by Reed

I'd say the M2 Competition is comparable

M2C is 2 door and RWD but the upcoming GCx might be if they can tune the B48 to 400 horsepower.

[1MOREMOD]

Is this a trick question, fwd and 5 cylinder?

[bimmer456]

Originally Posted by 1MOREMOD

Is this a trick question, fwd and 5 cylinder?

It's actually Quattro.

[1MOREMOD]

BMW front drive biased not based got it.

[bimmer456]

Originally Posted by 1MOREMOD

BMW front drive biased not based got it.

It is kinda strange that the bigger tires are in the front. It is front drive biased vs x drive and s drive where the bigger tires are in back

[Rk-d]

Never driven the M2 Comp, but I used to own an RS3

This is a fantastic car. It sounds great - a lot better than the M5. Good, zippy power and quick turn in. Lots more personality than any other Audi I've owned. Great little car.

[Red Bread]

Originally Posted by bimmer456

It's actually Quattro.

There's a colossal difference in quattro systems based on transverse engines and those based on longitudinal engines. The Golf R, A/S/RS3 all use a Haldex based system that sends "over 10%" of the power to the rear at all times and more based on slip, up to 50%. And if it were 20% or more, they wouldn't call it "over 10%."

Meanwhile the other Audii send 60% to the rear full time and up to 90% under slip. So an RS3 with full traction loss is still sending less power to the rear than a regular quattro car in the dry with no traction loss.

Worth mentioning that BMW and MB (and others) with transverse engines send no power to the back until there's a traction loss.

[baege]

I picked an m240i xdrive over the rs3 for what that's worth

[bimmer456]

Originally Posted by baege

I picked an m240i xdrive over the rs3 for what that's worth

Good choice just put a tune on it to match M2 power plus x drive.

[bimmer456]

An enterprising car company should be able to put this drivetrain into a Corolla and sell it at a lower price point at volume. This would be a hit with consumers and force all automakers to up their game. Basically the muscle car formula but in a subcompact FWD based form factor with great handling.

[pz619]

I think it compares the M2C. I drove one when considering which car to get, obviously I ended up with the M2C. I drove the RS3 twice and while I wanted to love it, I just couldn't. In fact I really soured on it the second time I drove it. It feels like the car is fundamentally compromised. The motor is facing the wrong way, the AWD is front biased, and for God's sake they put the larger tires in the front instead of the rear to reduce understeer. Is it fast? Yes. But it also feels weirdly clinical and not very engaging in anything that isn't a straight line.

On the positive side, the interior was very nice and modern. Also the 5 cylinder had a unique sound that was very cool. Those were my impressions, but obviously subjective. I don't think anyone would fault you for purchasing the car, but as far as my list of priorities, I couldn't do it.

[Red Bread]

Excellent summary. Feels very similar to how I feel about it. I need four doors and find the F80 too large. Kind of leaves me no options.

[Lifted07Duramax]

If we’re talking the new RS3. How can any of you say any 2 series compares? Lol

Does an M2 come close to running 9s after a turbo upgrade?

[pz619]

Originally Posted by Lifted07Duramax

If we’re talking the new RS3. How can any of you say any 2 series compares? Lol

Does an M2 come close to running 9s after a turbo upgrade?

Yeah but I don't care about running 9s. Fast in a straight line =/= good car. Much prefer handling of a RWD car, 6MT, and great LSD. None of which is available on the RS3.

[XMetal]

Originally Posted by pz619

Yeah but I don't care about running 9s. Fast in a straight line =/= good car. Much prefer handling of a RWD car, 6MT, and great LSD. None of which is available on the RS3.

But an M2 doesn't come in 4 doors. We can argue all we want, but it all comes down to personal preferences

[Dthltm]

Originally Posted by robotk

Never driven the M2 Comp, but I used to own an RS3

This is a fantastic car. It sounds great - a lot better than the M5. Good, zippy power and quick turn in. Lots more personality than any other Audi I've owned. Great little car.

Something is weird about this. The cars are not even a year old. So it was great but you got rid of it?

[GoneIn4Secs]

Old M2 is better than RS3.

The backseats on m2 are very useful, a person 6 ft 5in can sit comfortably.

[Red Bread]

Originally Posted by GoneIn4Secs

The backseats on m2 are very useful, a person 6 ft 5in can sit comfortably

Yeah, but how about my 78 year old dad? Or getting my four year old in and out? And what about letting my dog put her head out of the back window?

We had a 135i as our "practical" car beside my M Coupe. I know it can work, but four/five doors just work better for my current needs.

There's a dad at my kid's daycare with a BRZ, it takes him an amusing amount of yoga to make it work.

[10"]

RS3 = sounds like a glorious Group B rally car

M2C = sounds like 3 ducks farting