Insideline did a comparison of cars that aren't really competitors at all. The BMW M3 compared with the Audi RS4 cabriolet instead of saloon, the Audi R8 everyday supercar with the Porsche 911 GT3 track-oriented star and a Volkswagen Golf GTI.
The results are the usual: The Porsche 911 GT3 is clearly the best car to drive and offers thrills and capabilities that the other cars, including the Audi R8 and BMW M3 can't come close to matching.
The BMW M3 could learn a thing or two from Audi RS4 cabriolet about creating luxurious interiors, even though the Audi's interior is a bit dated and the Audi was even the sharper handler which is something you would never have read about the E46 M3 when compared to the RS4 sedan. The BMW M3 was chosen ahead of the Audi RS4 cabriolet only because when in cabriolet form the RS4 loses its rigidity and becomes a much less precise and more wobbly car.
Insideline clearly mentions though that it is probable the RS4 sedan would have had the M3's number and would have been chosen ahead of the BMW and it was BMW who was monitoring Audi's choice of horsepower and engine size when creating its new M3. Audi was clearly not following BMW's blueprints in terms of horsepower and V8 engine size when creating the RS4.
The Audi R8 offers the exotic looks, ergonomic and luxurious interior and everyday driving capabilitites the Porsche 911 GT3 wishes it had. However, the R8 is no match for the GT3 in handling, steering, braking or other key track statistics. The R8 provides an incredible driving experience which inspires confidence behind the wheel and the V10 version will up the heat on the Porsche 911 Turbo even further.
If you want a blast in the mountains the 911 GT3 is clearly the winner of this test. It's capabilities are in another stratosphere when compared to these other brilliant cars. The Gt3 would be your choice if it was only two people travelling, but if you have kids, a holiday weekend worth of stuff and need more than two seats....the M3 was the winner.
Although if there was a proper apples to apples comparison test with the M3 and the RS4 sedan instead of cabriolet it likely would have been the RS4 sedan getting the nod for the family hauler sports car.
It proves Audi has created a wonderful car in the RS4 and the R8 and Porsche continues to create what it is known best for and that would be impeccably balanced and focused sports-cars that can thrill those with budgets short of Ferrari territory.
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