52 Votes

RS4 beats M3. Again!

rg12345 submitted on 7/18/2007 Official Bell & Ross Timestamp: 2:17:06 PM

87 user comments | Category: Spy Shots | Source: | SOURCE: www.autocar.co.uk

Tag Links: rs4, m3

"RS4 beats M3

Closest-ever twin test between Germany's new V8 super saloons.

"

Well, there is not much to say yet, since I do not have the magazine in my hand to provide with any more details. I just found the title on their page (left lower corner) with a small image(magazine cover) picturing the M3 and RS4.

There was another UK magazine in the news about the same subject last few days, that was autoexpress.co.uk. As you can see this is a different magazine testing both cars.

Hopefully someone can post more informations about this article soon.

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About the Author

— rg12345 (View Profile)

User Comments

yes lovely :P not on a race track though.
— M53R (View Profile)

Posted on 7/18/2007 2:59:20 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: -5

How do you know that? Cause I have no idea :)
— rg12345 (View Profile)

Posted on 7/18/2007 3:05:18 PM | | Votes: 2

He has ESP.
— jmrA480 (View Profile)

Posted on 7/18/2007 3:59:49 PM | | Votes: 0

If you really wanted to spend 60 large on a track car, wouldn't you get an Exige S? The new M3 obviously compromises track worthiness for comfort...it just happens that most magazine writers think the RS4 does a better job of it overall.
— budfrogS4 (View Profile)

Posted on 7/18/2007 3:02:17 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 6

I think I like the Corvette more than the Lotus.
— rg12345 (View Profile)

Posted on 7/18/2007 3:07:49 PM | | Votes: 2

Good point. Exige S is regarded as one of the (if not THE) best track cars in the world. But never, ever, drive it as a everyday car.
— henbmw (View Profile)

Posted on 7/18/2007 10:16:25 PM | | Votes: 2

dont forget the fact that a 4 door is beating a 2 door
— Audi4Life (View Profile)

Posted on 7/18/2007 3:14:26 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 6

Whoa...bmw got it butt kick again by Audi.
— jon21 (View Profile)

Posted on 7/18/2007 3:21:06 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 13

everyone remember what the bmw representative was saying that audi isnt a threat for bmw and a not worthy competitor...well i guess all this just speaks for itself: Vorsprung durch technik
— Audi4Life (View Profile)

Posted on 7/19/2007 1:12:30 PM | | Votes: 3

These kinds of tests are worthless. They only proof that the driver drove the RS4 faster on that specific track than the he did with the M3 and that does not mean that the RS4 is faster or even better than the M3.
— BelgianGuy (View Profile)

Posted on 7/18/2007 3:22:15 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: -7

all i can say is that the rs4 shouldnt be compared to a coupe and instead let everyone wait for the rs5. with the s5 already doin under 5 sec the m3 stands no chance... where is the ultimate driving machine?
— Audi4Life (View Profile)

Posted on 7/18/2007 3:33:22 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 6

Well...don't forget that the RS5 will prob come at a $70-75 base price tag...a few grand more than the M3. But I can't wait till it comes out!
— budfrogS4 (View Profile)

Posted on 7/18/2007 3:37:10 PM | | Votes: 5

If a saloon car can outperform a coupe, then more power to the saloon, because it will probably trump the sedan; it's a fair comparison. Now if a coupe beats the saloon, well then I could understand the comparison not being fair.

It's pretty obvious what the outcome of an RS5/M3 comparison will be. The M3 will be annihilated by the RS5. And you can't let price be an issue; look at the Corvette Z06. It's the only car of it's caliber in it's price bracket. And the closest REAL competition is well over $100k.
— Bmw8ter (View Profile)

Posted on 7/18/2007 7:51:59 PM | | Votes: 2

....*trump the M3 sedan*
— Bmw8ter (View Profile)

Posted on 7/18/2007 7:57:04 PM | | Votes: 2

bmw8tr, if the engines are the same the S4 and RS4 will likely outperform the S5 and RS5. Why? Weight. The 5's are built on A6 platforms, not A4 platforms. Bigger usually means heavier. Also, BMW's 335i sedans are slightly better performing than their coupes. As such I'd expect the new M3 sedan to be slightly better performing than the M3 coupe and thus be a more direct comparison.

Besides, the real question is how will the CSL perform and how much will it cost? There's an $8-10k price difference here between an RS4 and new M3 sedan or RS5 and M3 coupe, so it wouldn't be that surprising if BMW priced the CSL right there.
— JRobUSC (View Profile)

Posted on 7/19/2007 6:54:07 PM | | Votes: 1

JRob, you're wrong on two points:

1. A5/S5 is very well lighter than the A4/S4, and I doubt the weight of the new B8 A4 will go down by much.

2. The RS5 will have an updated 4.2L V8 producing 450hp; that's more than the current RS4's 420hp, but I'm sure the B8 sedan will have the same engine.

Also, the 335i coupe performs better than the 335i sedan.
— S4cabriofoxone (View Profile)

Posted on 7/19/2007 9:34:22 PM | | Votes: 2

A 335 sedan outperforms a 335 coupe according to edmunds.
— Tyronn (View Profile)

Posted on 7/19/2007 11:51:22 PM | | Votes: 1

Audi fans so desperate for attention post a story on a magazine cover no text to discuss
— Larry (View Profile)

Posted on 7/18/2007 3:37:48 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: -11

I actually posted it to find out more about this article. Maybe somebody has the magazine, I do not live in UK.
— rg12345 (View Profile)

Posted on 7/18/2007 11:06:42 PM | | Votes: 3

hoh,hoh, I send my sincere sympathy to BMW boys. ;)

— SupraNeverBack (View Profile)

Posted on 7/18/2007 3:50:09 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 3

Well the RS4 is a spectacular car.. but beating the E92 M3? It has to be very good! I'm really starting to think BMW has made the M3 softer to make more room for the CSL.
— SevorbeupstryIsBack (View Profile)

Posted on 7/18/2007 4:08:37 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 0

If they did, then that was stupid. How can you compare a fully loaded sedan/Coupe(RS4/RS5) to a stripped down version of the M3. The previous CSl came with out A/C and a radio, they were options if you wanted , but were not stock.

You would not buy that CSl for everyday use.
— jmrA480 (View Profile)

Posted on 7/18/2007 5:16:02 PM | | Votes: 2

"Hatelexus":

I just read the article TODAY, in the magazine, in a walmart:) They clearly say they choose the G37 as the better car, with a small margin. Small, but still, it's something, enough the give the FIRST place to the G37 and only the second place to 335i.
— rg12345 (View Profile)

Posted on 7/18/2007 11:09:25 PM | | Votes: 1

"you are missing the point that nobody has actually tested the m3. the real tests will come when the m3 is shipped for to dealers. these are just ways to sell magazines. motortrend said the king was dead on their cover between g37 and 335i. if you read the article, you would of seen that they liked the 335i more in spite of the cover :)"

That is definitely true. The Infiniti won because of its price. And the fact the BMW overheated also plays a role. MT said in the videos the BMW feels more solid, more expensive and better engineering. Less jumpy and twitchy as the Infiniti. Also more expensive. Give the 335i the M-sport package (sadly not available in the USA) and you have one of the best cars in the world.
— SevorbeupstryIsBack (View Profile)

Posted on 7/19/2007 4:10:55 AM | | Votes: 2

Wouldn't a more worthy competitor to the M3 be the RS5? Wouldn't a more worth competitor to the RS4 be the M3 Sedan?

..or not?
— Will_ (View Profile)

Posted on 7/18/2007 4:41:42 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 2

Why bother?
— SupraNeverBack (View Profile)

Posted on 7/18/2007 4:49:09 PM | | Votes: -3

I don't know...
— Will_ (View Profile)

Posted on 7/18/2007 5:05:13 PM | | Votes: 2

Yes it would be, but the M3 sedan isnt out yet and either is the RS5, so why would the mag wait till then when they can make money on comparing these 2. They will eventually have those comparos too, and yes they will be better comparisons.
— jmrA480 (View Profile)

Posted on 7/18/2007 5:19:02 PM | | Votes: 2

Like I have said before, the differences between sedan and coupe are minuscule. The weight difference will most likely be withing 40-50lbs.
— henbmw (View Profile)

Posted on 7/19/2007 12:58:27 PM | | Votes: 1

Grasping at straws Audi fanboys?. How about we wait for a good article that we can all read before we jump to conclusions. Most of these sites are giving better acceleration times for the M3 despite the smaller engine.
Compare http://www.autozine.org/html/BMW/M3_E92.html
http://www.autozine.org/html/Audi/A4.html#RS4
Good quote In straight line acceleration, the 420 horsepower RS4 is inevitably slower than the 507 horsepower M5 (0-60 mph: 4.7 sec vs 4.6 sec; 0-124 mph: 16.6 sec vs 14.9 sec), but it should eclipse the standard M3 and run neck to neck with M3 CSL. Whether it can match the CSL in real world is debatable. BMW claims the M5 can lap Nurburgring in about 8 minutes and M3 CSL can even break within the 8 minutes barrier. In contrast, Audi did not say anything. You can guess why. However, it is without doubt that if the driver is not working at 100% effort, or if his driving technique is average, he will be quicker in the RS4. This is also what we can refer as "real world performance".
— M316 (View Profile)

Posted on 7/18/2007 5:32:59 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: -6

7:58 --- 156.652 km/h -- Audi RS4 4.2 V8 FSI, 420 PS/ 1650 kg, Frank Stippler

8:09 --- 151.656 km/h – Audi RS4, 420 PS/1728 kg (sport auto 06/06)

there's your RS4 times
— jmrA480 (View Profile)

Posted on 7/18/2007 5:47:46 PM | | Votes: 4

Why you people keep bringing up this RS4 vs. M3 articles. You are opening a window for Buckshot and other lexus trolls to breathe. I understand RS4 was born to aim M3 and Audi one-shotted, I give credit to that :)

Can't wait to see "the new M3 kills sluggish boring IS-F" article.

— MrGunFun (View Profile)

Posted on 7/18/2007 5:58:57 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: -4

hehe, you wish.

The M3 has been kicked out the competition by the RS4. The next round will be IS-F vs. RS4 and C63.

— SupraNeverBack (View Profile)

Posted on 7/18/2007 6:40:12 PM | | Votes: 4

Nice, more truth. It's hard to continue to deny truth.
— chewy (View Profile)

Posted on 7/18/2007 6:02:56 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 4

how are audi fanboys grasping at straws. thus far, i think most reviews have admitted that the bmw is a faster car on the track or even off. yet, the fact is it is still losing in comparisons.

does it make you feel better than i am a huge bmw fanboy and ive had purchased only bmws until only recently?
— minimalist (View Profile)

Posted on 7/18/2007 6:16:46 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: -4

vroom vroom go audi!
— Treeman888 (View Profile)

Posted on 7/18/2007 6:45:50 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 2

Wow! this the second time the new BMW M3 got beaten by the Audi RS4. I think it going to hurt the new BMW M3 sales figure. If I was in market to get sport sedan, I would likely be persuade to buy the Audi RS4.

BMW this is the second time you lose a comparison to the 2 or 3 years old Audi RS4. Imagine what the new RS4 will do the M3?

I wonder what will be BMW response to this?
— Lexus (View Profile)

Posted on 7/18/2007 6:46:36 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 3

I am an Audi fan, but your going a liitle too far.
This will not hurt the sales of the M3, not at all. The M3 is an Icon and has many loyal enthusiats who don't care what the mags say.

I personally would go with the RS4 or RS5 when it comes out, but thats just my preference. I can't afford to have 2 cars for myself and one for my fiance, and I need AWD living in the Northeast(USA). I go Sking alot, So the RS4 would be Ideal.
— jmrA480 (View Profile)

Posted on 7/18/2007 10:26:05 PM | | Votes: -1

Actually, if you go on different BMW forums you will see some M3 fans are even taking their deposit back, some are really thinking to do it and some are still considering buying the car. So, at least 25% of the M3 fans are having difficulties taking these reviews to their heart, dropping the M3 for now. Still, M3 will sell pretty good I guess, why not sell ?
— rg12345 (View Profile)

Posted on 7/18/2007 11:13:12 PM | | Votes: 3

This is just an educated guess, but for the U.S. market I'd say BMW's response will be:

1) to release the M3 sedan that we already know is coming. The 3-series sedans typically slightly outperform the 3-series coupes, so the new M3 sedan will probably be slightly quicker and better handling than the M3 coupe. And cost less ($3k less than the M3 coupe, $8-10k less than the RS4/5). Then

2) they'll release the M3 CSL, which will likely be priced just above the RS4/5 but be the hardcore racer some people want and likely obliterate the Audi's performance. And finally

3) they'll sell every one they make regardless and rake in the cash, because people will buy the M3 for no other reason than it's an M3, and the M3 always sells in much higher numbers than Audi's RS models just like every other BMW model versus the Audi equivalent.

— JRobUSC (View Profile)

Posted on 7/19/2007 7:02:58 PM | | Votes: 0

Jobursc:

you are right, with one small comment: in USA. otherwise, BMW doesn't do anything better than Audi. Just cause they got US doesn't mean much. Here are 350 mil people, in China they are 2,000 millions. Guess what: Audi is the luxury car maker of China.

Not that I care much about China anyway, but just to prove you are wrong considering BMW sell much more than Audi. Globally they are just a few % away.
— rg12345 (View Profile)

Posted on 7/19/2007 8:13:06 PM | | Votes: 0

Its a good story but did you catch the pics of the Panamera???
T
— TauronB2G (View Profile)

Posted on 7/18/2007 7:07:24 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 0

Wow! If the Audi RS4 does this to the M3 then imagine the Lexus IS-F with its superb 8-speed automatic and unrivaled handling. The M3 will be mincemeat (and so will the Audi and Benz).
— david989 (View Profile)

Posted on 7/18/2007 7:37:36 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: -6

Wow to your comment. you are senseless.
— MrGunFun (View Profile)

Posted on 7/18/2007 8:02:13 PM | | Votes: 3

Plz...Lexus has nothing on audi, bmw, or mercedes.
— Treeman888 (View Profile)

Posted on 7/18/2007 9:11:50 PM | | Votes: 2

thats a funny comment, the IS-F will clearly be in last place in evey comparo between the 4 cars, just on looks alone. On looks alone,it should be compared to its fellow ricers, the EVO and WRX
— jmrA480 (View Profile)

Posted on 7/18/2007 10:34:24 PM | | Votes: 2

Wow david989, yet again you amaze me with your automotive clairvoyance...
— Kinger (View Profile)

Posted on 7/19/2007 5:08:32 AM | | Votes: 2

New M3 = Major step backward.
— MunichRob (View Profile)

Posted on 7/18/2007 9:03:52 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 6

BTW the M3 referred to in the previous article was the old M3. The new one obviously is faster than the RS4.
— M316 (View Profile)

Posted on 7/18/2007 9:34:44 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: -2

How is it obvious? And what kind of faster, Straight line or track use? I love your comments that have no proof
— jmrA480 (View Profile)

Posted on 7/18/2007 10:36:01 PM | | Votes: 2

Fake! Wrong! whatever!

Previous article was about the NEW m3 against the current RS4, same this one here!
— rg12345 (View Profile)

Posted on 7/18/2007 11:13:57 PM | | Votes: 2

IS-F
— johnct (View Profile)

Posted on 7/18/2007 10:10:11 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 2

Sorry M316: The car on the cover is the new M3, sorry for you...
— Yonder7 (View Profile)

Posted on 7/18/2007 10:38:34 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 4

Larry, 0 for 2 now.....

I'm waiting for your lower sales figures for Audi, lower price tag (even though its higher than the M3's) and heavy weight and slower track times.

At the end of the day, Larry, the new M3 still hasn't taken down the Audi RS4.

Unfortunayely, the E46 M3 took down this very car on at least two comparison tests.

amazibBimmer, I'm sure BMW has truly progressed when the E46 lost just once to the RS4, meanwhile this new M3 is already 0 for 2 and likely to go 0 for at least 5.

it maybe chunky, it maybe a cheap car ith a pricetag higher than the M3s and it maybe AWD, but at the end of the day it still is a better car overall than the BMW M3
— GermanNut (View Profile)

Posted on 7/18/2007 11:15:52 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 3

"Unfortunayely, the E46 M3 took down this very car on at least two comparison tests."

what car are you talking about? The RS4 never lost to the OLD M3, at least I never read any article saying that.
— jmrA480 (View Profile)

Posted on 7/18/2007 11:57:33 PM | | Votes: 0

Time to take the 0-60 in 4.5 seconds S5 and turn it into the BMW M3 coupe and sedan slaying monster we all know it will be........RS5.

No S4 ever did 0-60 in 4.5. No regular A4 handled as well as the A5.

Built on a better handling platform than the A4, with quicker 0-60 times from its "S" variant, less weight than its RS4 counterpart and more horsepower along with even more torque than its RS4 sedan counterpart and you think the M3 coupe, much less sedan will stand a chance against the RS5 considering it (the M3 coupe) already lost to the RS4.....looks like we knnow what will happen when Audi's RS division waves its magic wand over the S5.
— GermanNut (View Profile)

Posted on 7/18/2007 11:34:14 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 2

cheap? Look for the RS5 to start north of $70K
— GermanNut (View Profile)

Posted on 7/18/2007 11:35:22 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 2

OK, I believe that you have to be able to drive the cars yourself in order to make an opinion.

For those of you who goes by magazine covers and stories, you guys lack a lot of experience in the automotive industry, when it comes to judging cars. Judge for yourself, and don't let a magazine do it.

I have driven the RS4, and its a tremendous vehicle. I have yet to drive the M3 bc its not released in the US yet, and neither is the C63. So I cannot judge. Don't get me wrong, I am an Audi fan, but I cannot make a fair assessment until I give BMW its fair share of driving.

btw, magazine covers are mostly there to sell the issue, nothing else.
— ThierryHenry14 (View Profile)

Posted on 7/18/2007 11:36:21 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 2

not to mention nobody knows even whether the next rs4 or rs5 will be better than the current rs5. the new m3 proves that sometimes newer does not mean improved.

sure, a car should be driven in order to give a complete & fully informed opinion, but opinions can still be given on magazines alone. why not?
— minimalist (View Profile)

Posted on 7/18/2007 11:54:35 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 2

i meant better than the current rs4 for you anally correct people.
— minimalist (View Profile)

Posted on 7/18/2007 11:55:23 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 3

AUDi RS4 Beat M3!. Buh M3 definitely going to beat RS4 in sales. After all, no one give to shit about RS4

Just like da Audi Q7 and X5.
How many audi Q7 do you see, compare to the new X5

X5 dominated the market on the Luxury SUV

— printhan (View Profile)

Posted on 7/19/2007 9:22:26 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 0

of course it will due to the simple fact that the RS4 is LIMITED PRODUCTION and only has less than a year left.
— AlexR06 (View Profile)

Posted on 7/19/2007 12:39:18 PM | | Votes: 1

The Audi trolling will stop when they see TRACK NUMBERS. Not a pre-production model against the Audi.

Just for preference, I dont hate Audis at all, and I dont mind buying one.
— M53R (View Profile)

Posted on 7/19/2007 9:46:24 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1

what trolling, all we are doing is talking about what the cover says, unfortunitly there is no article along with it to discuss. Some idiots are talking nonsense, but its alot of the BMW haters(lexus Lovers) not the Audi lovers.
— jmrA480 (View Profile)

Posted on 7/19/2007 11:41:40 AM | | Votes: 1

Who cares about Audi really,
M3 will sell more and RS4 will be gone soon from our hearts.
— MrGunFun (View Profile)

Posted on 7/19/2007 12:06:33 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: -2

In that case, your M3 will be outsold 100x times to the Honda Civics. And if you can forget your M3 because there are more cars sold out there, than you will also forget your way home, one day: cause so many more houses sell than yours.
— rg12345 (View Profile)

Posted on 7/19/2007 8:17:43 PM | | Votes: 1

actually guys i was referring to the link and quotes I gave
— M316 (View Profile)

Posted on 7/19/2007 1:08:44 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1

As i said Audi fanboys jumping all over this stuff but many of these articles saw quoted it look like the guys didnt drive the cars even. As i said before lets wait to we get some good comparos with facts including accel time braking lap times etc.
— M316 (View Profile)

Posted on 7/19/2007 1:13:25 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: -1

RS4 beating the M3 is truly amazing since the RS4 is a fat bastard! The only draw back to Audi sport sedans are the weight. If the RS4 could have been a 3500 pounder it would be a beast!
— Porschinator (View Profile)

Posted on 7/19/2007 2:40:06 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 2

heavy or not, its still a beast, but I wish it was lighter, hell i wish every car could be lighter.
— jmrA480 (View Profile)

Posted on 7/19/2007 5:48:51 PM | | Votes: 2

The RS5 will be much lighter than the RS4. It will have more horsepower, more torque, the same excellent grip and traction and will be more nimble and have a more sporting drive when compared to the RS4, which has already defeated the new M3 coupe on two occasions and likely more to come considering the negative reviews of this new M3 when compared to the E46 variant.

Can you say goodbye BMW M3 because Audi is in the process of saying just that.
— GermanNut (View Profile)

Posted on 7/19/2007 3:14:11 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 2

Example of trolling ^^^^
— M53R (View Profile)

Posted on 7/20/2007 11:22:57 AM | | Votes: 0

people are critising the M3 and it isnt even out yet. know one nows what the car is like untill its out of production and sold to the public. i personally think u have to wait to hear the M3 owner reviews. these magazines are trying to give the M3 a bad name. cant wait till jeremy clarkson reviews this car.
— bmwpowerf1 (View Profile)

Posted on 7/20/2007 3:06:58 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 0

The performance of those 2 are very alike it seems.
Would you buy a car because its 0.1 faster from 0-60 ?
I know i wouldent..Lets face it folks, these are both very nice and good cars. Im happy to see that new Audi´s actually are fun to drive. The former understeering boreness is gone, and now you can go sideways with 4wd to, congrats to Audi for coming so long in a few years, beemer has been there for 25
— alfistiDK (View Profile)

Posted on 7/20/2007 10:41:11 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 2

Nothing more stupid than a BMW fanboy who drives a shit lineup of BMWs criticizing Audi fanboys for loving a car that cost more than its respective competitor, the BMW M3 and saying those Audi fanboys can't afford the BMW.....

Now THAT'S AMUSING......
— GermanNut (View Profile)

Posted on 7/22/2007 12:21:05 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1

nothing more amusing than a VW owner taking down their respective BMW counterparts in the second comparison test in a ROW.
— GermanNut (View Profile)

Posted on 7/22/2007 12:21:55 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1

Hmm... MT? C&D?
— M53R (View Profile)

Posted on 7/22/2007 9:02:18 AM | | Votes: 1

Autoexpress and Autocar to be exact. The RS4 defeated the new BMW M3 in both magazine tests.
— GermanNut (View Profile)

Posted on 7/22/2007 9:15:57 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1

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RS4 beats M3. Again!

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