Avert your eyes, Michael...

Hey. You and the million and one other M3 owners!

Where's the exclusivity. Where's the M3 gone in my mirror through the twisty bits?

Face it, driving an M3 in the UK projects a very distinct image.
 
It's a shame to rubbish the engineering accomplishment of the M3 just because it's popular these days.
 
The M3 is a good car, I can't see how buying one makes you a twat in the same way that buying a poverty spec 318i just for the badge does.

Do the same stereotypes being made here also apply to the M3 CSL, which happens to be one of the best drivers cars of the past 5 years?
 
Will, try living in South Bucks!

Anyway, an S4 is quicker, and I've yet to find an M3 that can keep up on country lanes around here, so why is the M3 such an engineering feat if I might ask?
 
Stereo Mic said:
Will, try living in South Bucks!

Anyway, an S4 is quicker, and I've yet to find an M3 that can keep up on country lanes around here, so why is the M3 such an engineering feat if I might ask?
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An S4 is not a better car than an M3 IME and is not quicker.

The new RS4 on the other hand is a heavyweight. I that expect will prove to be a more serious choice (though costlier).
 
Stereo Mic said:
so why is the M3 such an engineering feat if I might ask?
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I didnt say a feat of engineering. I just think for a four seater it has proved a compelling package for several years. Great engine, great balance, excellent handling, hasnt resorted to using a turbo or supercharger so somewhat purist, nice size, appealing looks, good spec (ignoring the paddle shift nonsense). Yep they're very common around here too which puts me off wanting one, but regardless they are a proven car.

Audi have tried all sorts to deliver something more compelling, but have always (until the new RS4) struggled regards getting the right "feel" to the ride and handling. Apparently the new RS4 really delivers in this area and with its compact V8 I think it's a more appealing choice (finally) than the M3, but then its quite a lot more expensive too.
 
Standard M3 vs Standard S4, it was just after the new S4 was launched. S4 was, I seem to remember, about 1.5 secs quicker over the lap, but I'm sure someone here will have the full facts.

Of course, the S4 isn't a driver's car. It's quicker but not a "driver's car". Not that that is quantifiable IMO. If there is any real example of marketing BS it's not in hifi cables but in BMW and it's driver's car image.

There is absolutely no proof at all that this is the case, and in most tests, their cars have turned out to be slower than the competition. Yet still people believe it!
 
Pretty balanced statement IMO. Eg. a lover of RWD wont necessarily love the feel of a Quattro platform. Though a great drivers car isnt all about A to B speed.

The Clio 182 would be smirked at by many in context of this discussion yet IMO it's far more rewarding than these heavy German sports exec cars around the country lanes.

Review comments regards the new RS4 chime with your point above. They start with the M3 benchmark and their initial experience of the RS4 is recounted as not quite "there" regards corner exits, etc. However over the test drive the driver came to prefer the feel based on a shift to what the RS4 was aiming to deliver and away from the notion that the RWD M3 is necessarily the benchmark any longer. Though Quattro have shifted the distribution to 60% RW 40% FW in normal conditions so that does demonstrate somewhat of a rethink on their part.
 
Stereo Mic said:
M3 vs S4. Top Gear. The Stig. Winner S4. Anymore proof required?
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Wasn't that in the wet though (where the Audis 4WD gives a tremendous advantage)? :)
 
117596536.jpg
 
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bub, i feel your pain, i'm currently driving the only other vehicle to approach the image of a bmw - a white van. however i do that because i have to not through choice. ;)
cheers


julian
 
yes - the unbelieving looks and suprised waves i get as a white van acts in a courteous manner is giving me strength.... i've even figgured out how to use the indicators!
 

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