M4 vs. RS5 faceoff

[Ketzer7]

Consider the source (a BMW blog), but still thought you guys might find this interesting. Whatever technical stuff they trot out still doesn't discount the fact that the RS5 has a V8 and the M4 doesn't

http://www.bmwblog.com/2014/06/25/bm...-track-battle/

[kevinnijjar23]

I swear between the RS guys and the M guys is basically a dick size contest....but we have a V8 so we are better

[trinim3]

I swear between the RS guys and the M guys is basically a dick size contest....but we have a V8 so we are better

Yeah I had to remove myself from this thread: http://f80.bimmerpost.com/forums/sho....php?t=1002708

The amount of fanboyism going on over there is insane.

[Racedoc11]

I noticed. I try to stay away for these kids

Yeah I had to remove myself from this thread: http://f80.bimmerpost.com/forums/sho....php?t=1002708

The amount of fanboyism going on over there is insane.

[trinim3]

I noticed. I try to stay away for these kids

Haha thanks racedoc for being a voice of reason in both forums!

[Steve_K]

I've personally owned BMW's and Audi's, I only buy German cars.

The last BMW that I owned was a E46 M3. I have driven the newer E90(whatever) V8 M3 and it was impressive, but I still preferred the E46 for some reason. Oh, did I also mention that I was fortunate to drive a 2004 E46 M3 CSL too? I have also driven the new BMW 435i, The M4's have not arrived in South Africa yet, and was truly not impressed. Sure, it's very quick and has loads of torque, but it just seemed lifeless. I would assume the new M3/M4 will be pretty similar. So, in my opinion, the E46 M3, and M3 CSL, was one of the best M3 cars and it's going to take a lot to beat them.

Now that I'm driving Audi, and very happily I might add, I would most definitely invest in a RS5, if I could. Right now, I'm more than happy with my S5, but I've driven the RS5 and she's a different animal all together. Maybe in a year or so, I might trade up to a used RS5, the V8 version.

[Mops@Nemesis]

Hi

[Steve_K]

Hi

Mops not feeling well.....?

[Mops@Nemesis]

I'm great. Hi:)

[essfour]

The M3/4 are really well done. I'd buy one for sure.

Just a few flaws in the comparison - traction control can of course be turned fully off in the RS5 as it can in all audi's I believe. As you guys know, just have to hold the button down long enough. Also, the M4 had ceramic brakes... not exactly apples to apples. But I would have been pretty upset if the M4 didnt win... that would have been negative progress.

[demonmk2]

All the test I've seen the M4 performs better ( I hate to say that )
But it is what it is......for now. >:-)

If Audi could find a way to shed some weight of it ( 300-400 lbs.) It would help.

[Racedoc11]

I found out from a lot of the discussions that it is worthless to make sense to a lot of them. They take their information from car reviews in which if the car doesn't drift it is not good!!!! as if this is something that we are required to do on public roads. To be honest with you I like the M4 but I wont be trading the RS5 for it. May be I will trade the M3 when the competition package is offered.

Haha thanks racedoc for being a voice of reason in both forums!

[Phoebusvh]

I found out from a lot of the discussions that it is worthless to make sense to a lot of them. They take their information from car reviews in which if the car doesn't drift it is not good!!!! as if this is something that we are required to do on public roads. To be honest with you I like the M4 but I wont be trading the RS5 for it. May be I will trade the M3 when the competition package is offered.

Since you own both the M3 and the RS5, could you comment on the ride quality of both? I find my 3 series coupe too harsh compared to the A5 S-line. Both are stiff but everytime I hit a pothole (even small one) it's like a gunshot in my car.

[Racedoc11]

The ride in both the M3 (I have) and the new M4 is much better than RS5. Both The M3 and M4 have adaptive suspension while the RS doesn't and that makes a big difference. If I was to choose between any of them based only on the ride comfort I will pick the M3 and the M4 any day.

Since you own both the M3 and the RS5, could you comment on the ride quality of both? I find my 3 series coupe too harsh compared to the A5 S-line. Both are stiff but everytime I hit a pothole (even small one) it's like a gunshot in my car.

[AirmattRS5]

Honestly, I'd be shock if the m4 didn't come out on top. New platform, New everything vs a 4yo awd porker. Good thing not all of us live next to a track, go sideways through every street intersection otherwise we'd all be driving m3/m4s.

In the same token, I expect the weight loss B9 to return the favor as well.

[superswiss]

The M3/4 are really well done. I'd buy one for sure.

Just a few flaws in the comparison - traction control can of course be turned fully off in the RS5 as it can in all audi's I believe. As you guys know, just have to hold the button down long enough. Also, the M4 had ceramic brakes... not exactly apples to apples. But I would have been pretty upset if the M4 didnt win... that would have been negative progress.

I picked up on that as well. He was going on about how he put everything in the highest sport settings on the M4, but no word about what mode Audi Drive Select was in and whether he had ESC in Sport mode. He clearly didn't know how to turn it off completely, but even putting it in Sport mode would probably have made quite a difference. He did manage to throw the tail out around that quick left/right corner, but I can get the tail to step out in normal ESC mode as well, so that's not a clear indication that he had it in sport mode. Having said that, though, it would have been quite a disappointment if the M4 didn't come out ahead.

[antoff83]

not adequate! B8 vs E92 M3 and B9 vs M4..just wait for B9

[dgszweda]

I thought the following was funny. In the article it states, "But how do they fare against each other in real life?", and then it commences to show a video of an evaluation of the cars on the track. I am not sure that is really real life, except for a select few. In addition, it is interesting to see the Audi flying around the track in the video with the tail hanging out. Again, goes to show that you can do that in the Audi, it just isn't the best way to drive it.

I am not surprised by the results. I really don't think that is the target that Audi is going for. It would be easy for Audi to build a car to beat the M4, but in reality they are totally different target audiences. Just go down to your local Cars & Coffee and see the consumers for both of the cars. That isn't to take anything away from the BMW, but I think Audi has been successful in building what they build. I have driven and owned a number of BMWs. Great cars, and I won't knock them, but for on the street and what I do 99% of the time, the Audi RS5 is a superior car for me.

[Nastybutler]

I am not surprised by the results. I really don't think that is the target that Audi is going for. It would be easy for Audi to build a car to beat the M4, but in reality they are totally different target audiences.

They have built a car that will beat the M4. It's the V10 R8...

[Zee Dgerman]

Sooooooo I showed my GF the BMW M4 and asked her if she liked it. This was her answer:

''I like your audi better. Besides, only Douchebags drive BMWs''

I thought that was funny. Considering I also have a X3 LOL.

[trinim3]

I found out from a lot of the discussions that it is worthless to make sense to a lot of them. They take their information from car reviews in which if the car doesn't drift it is not good!!!! as if this is something that we are required to do on public roads. To be honest with you I like the M4 but I wont be trading the RS5 for it. May be I will trade the M3 when the competition package is offered.

After test-driving the M4 I wanted to cancel my order not because it wasn't good but because it just wasn't a big improvement over the RS5 to warrant me switching. But my sakhir orange on sakhir orange m4 already went into production so the BMW SA advised me to just go through with it and wait till I see it in person to decide if I didn't want it at that point. 90% sure I won't but hey why not at least see how orange on orange will turn out lol.

[rasetsu]

"Real world"....ha...how many of these see the track versus how many see public roads with bumps and potholes and rain and snow?

I've driven a couple of older M3s and they are a blast but in terms of daily comfort, Audi is just a little better at that. With the M being newer, it better be faster. It's like buying a TV. There is always something a little better on the horizon.

For the weight difference, does the BMW have an adjustable suspension? I'm sure those bits in the trunk of the Euro-spec RS add to the weight penalty. And why wouldn't they test a RS 5 with carbon ceramics brakes?

[BoostEasy]

The M4 is designed to be different than an RS5. So it's no surprise different strokes for different folks.

The audi 4 and 5 series cars have release cycles smack in the middle of the BMW 3 and 4 series cycles so it's going to (hopefully) be constant one-upsmanship. I'm sure the next gen S5 and RS5 will be bad ass, but for now, the F80/82 M3/4s are faster, lighter and more powerful.

I still love the RS5's looks more than the M3/4 but I favor refined vs edgy at 40yrs of age. I've yet to drive the new M3 nor an RS5 and I think it'd be a toss-up as to which one I'd go for.

The M4 is just brutally fast stock, laying down 420WHP, and a tune is already in Alpha stages making 480WHP and trapping 124mph on vbox on 93 octane gas. That's nuts considering you can get one MSRP for a little under $70k with a 6MT.

I'm really interested in how well the F80/82 M3/4 daily drives, takes potholes etc. My S5 was great on 18s for ride quality, 19s is ok and still a lot better than either of my 335XIs.

[trinim3]

This guy already has a broken M4 after 400 miles and it looks like BMW's customer service is AWFUL...now I know this is just one incident...but who knows how many problems the M4 will have. There's already a really long thread of people complaining that the hood doesn't latch properly. Now I'm not saying Audi is perfect either (if they ever try to tell you that your radiator was hit by a rock --- they are trying to screw you over)...but at least for the most part all of the production woes of the B8/B8.5 have been worked out.

http://f80.bimmerpost.com/forums/sho....php?t=1003637

[Raser]

The B8.5 are still having problems.

http://www.audizine.com/forum/showth...S5-dead-engine

http://www.audizine.com/forum/showth...-CEL-already!!

[BoostEasy]

The only things more trouble prone than a German car is a new model (just released) of German car or one that is out of warranty.

When the B9's hit, I'm sure they'll have their share of problems too.

Personally, if I really was going to get an M3/M4, I think I'd wait for at least the first year to iron out some of the bugs. The LCI should be released in about that time anyways and will probably have some better stuff (LED taillights, who knows).

The BMW DCT in particular is all new 8 speed so I'd have to throw my 25c as it being one part for significant chance of failures.

[Racedoc11]

So does the M4....it took this one only 400 miles
http://f80.bimmerpost.com/forums/sho....php?t=1003637

The B8.5 are still having problems.

http://www.audizine.com/forum/showth...S5-dead-engine

http://www.audizine.com/forum/showth...-CEL-already!!

[Raser]

I was replying to that particular post. My point was that the B8.5 still has problems unlike what the previous poster stated.

[Racedoc11]

Got it...these cars are always going to have issues. Mine had a fuel pump issue at 180 miles

I was replying to that particular post. My point was that the B8.5 still has problems unlike what the previous poster stated.

[Friendofcoal]

Had a 2009 E92 M3, got my RS5 couple months ago.. no comparison.. not only is the RS5 a mans car, but the looks blow it away. Top Gear UK said it best , the m3 looks like something a man with spiked up hair, sunglasses and a bluetooth earpiece would drive. Not so interested in the m4 dropping to a v6, feels like NA V8's are disappearing, I'll stick with my V8

[trinim3]

So does the M4....it took this one only 400 miles
http://f80.bimmerpost.com/forums/sho....php?t=1003637

That forum has the BIGGEST pricks/fanboys I've ever seen in my life. They actually had the nerve to accuse the guy of fabricating the whole story. He subsequently produces photos and talks about his pregnant wife and put them all to shame.

[Zee Dgerman]

LOOOOOOOOL yeah they're pretty funny over there (in a sad way)

That forum has the BIGGEST pricks/fanboys I've ever seen in my life. They actually had the nerve to accuse the guy of fabricating the whole story. He subsequently produces photos and talks about his pregnant wife and put them all to shame.

[Racedoc11]

I agree! there are kids on that forum who need to get banned. I only read that guy's story I didn't bother by the comments. Poor guy had to stay 6 hours on the highway until he got the car towed. I'm sure it something simple but I think he should have been treated better by BMW road assistance. I'm really wondering what kind of issues the M4/M3 will have. I remember I had to deal with the DCT lag for almost 6 months. So far I'm happy with the RS5 except of the fuel pump and the stuck fuel door everything seems to be OK.

That forum has the BIGGEST pricks/fanboys I've ever seen in my life. They actually had the nerve to accuse the guy of fabricating the whole story. He subsequently produces photos and talks about his pregnant wife and put them all to shame.

[battlestar]

Both The M3 and M4 have adaptive suspension while the RS doesn't and that makes a big difference.

what now? my rs5 respectfully disagrees. :) with ads set to dynamic I feel like im in a chariot, and on comfort its like riding on a uh... very comfortable chariot

[Raser]

what now? my rs5 respectfully disagrees. :) with ads set to dynamic I feel like im in a chariot, and on comfort its like riding on a uh... very comfortable chariot

That is because you live in Europe where they have adaptive suspension. It was not included in the RS5 here in North America.

[battlestar]

ah, I apologise in that case. us Europeans are such lucky bastards with drc and having to pay almost twice the moniez for the same car :)

[Raser]

Yup, you have to take the good with the bad.

[Liberation]

That forum has the BIGGEST pricks/fanboys I've ever seen in my life. They actually had the nerve to accuse the guy of fabricating the whole story. He subsequently produces photos and talks about his pregnant wife and put them all to shame.

Yes indeed! A lot of those guys are dicks for sure.

I was just reading through that thread and his update says the dealer told him it would need a new transfer case.

I'm just confused (as some others are) as to what they mean. Since when is a RWD car engineered with a transfer case?

[Azula]

Might I add, exclusivity. At least in my area (West Palm Beach, FL), I see M3's all over the place. I've seen 1 RS5 in the last month. I'm sure nothing will change with the M4. I'll happily take a better looking, 2 second slower car over a car that I will see every other day. IJS.

[trinim3]

I officially change my stance. After driving both for a few weeks now, the M4 is the better car to drive. Though the RS5 is still the better looking car in person and more unique. When I was at Monterey Car week I saw about 6 F8X M3s/M4s and only one RS5. The M4's iDrive is infuriating to use...I really dislike it, particularly the navigation...the Audi's controls are designed better...for instance the a/c on the M4 defaults on no matter what! But the M4 is also MUCH louder than the RS5 (in a good way). Wish there was a way to combine the best features of both cars.

Still undecided what I'll do with both of them