Pros and Cons 2022 RS3 vs 2022 XDrive M3?

[allerum]

I am definitely have been enjoying my 19' RS3 for a while got about 34k on it so far.

Probably within the next year or two before we all switch to electrics I will need to either pick up the 8Y or try the new Xdrive M3.

I don't think there is any other cars that are comparable being released.

Pros for RS3:
-Price: Now I am guessing based on what I paid for mine in 19 on what 23 would be, plus a few things. But specced the way I want it I think an 8Y will be $75k ish (Exclusive color) vs Specced how I want the m3 is $87k,
-Weight: They seem to be about 3600lbs vs M3 is at 3900lbs
-Going past bolt ons. Now its hard to say with the S58 but S55 Never really got built aftermarket to take 1000 hp+
-MPG I think the RS3 will still out do the m3 on mpgs
-Sound System I think BandO has more Watts than the Harmen Kardon
-Parts carryover. I don't have much but they would fit the new car it seems.

Cons for RS3
-Driving Position is much lower in the M3
-Trunk Space. These two are within 2 inches wide and almost all the difference is in the trunk space and wheelbase getting an additonal 10 inches in length on the M3.
-FWD Based AWD. M3 is RWD first and then AWD when needed. Both the 8Y and the M3 have drift modes.
-Brakes I think BMW has much better steel brakes but they have worse carbons. I'd be going steels on the m3 and Carbons on the RS3 probably.
-Remote Start is factory on M3
- M3 has more leather as I would be getting the Merino full leather package that puts it on the dashboard upper and lower and upper doors.
- 500+ hp stock. Looks like mid 600s tuned. I really don't think I'd need much more. The m3 is as fast as my stage 1 RS3 now stock.
-Chassis Dynamics are better in the M3.

[o1turbo30v]

If you can tolerate the size and price, M3 all day everyday. It is a BIG car, more of a grand touring then backroad sport touring. I personally wouldnt buy anything for ~2 years, you'll get ripped off, especially on an enthusiast car.

[trinite7787]

I test drove a M340X/M3 shortly after selling my Uni1+ E85 RS3

The M3 was a Manual RWD but it did not seam anywhere near as fast as the RS3 up to 100 ish

Also, I though it seamed much smaller than I thought it would being that the reason I got out of it was because i needed room for a car seat. I did joke with the salesman that the back seat seemed way larger in the M3 vs the M340

That said, other than a strait line on a short test dive in the M3 and multiple drives in an X3M, the BMW (M'S) seem in another class vs the outgoing RS3. The New AWD and tech in the 22/23 could bring it closer. But the bigger difference was the overall feel of the car, steering and fit and finish.

The same can also be said for the M340/X3 M40 vs the True M car. I would probably take a Audi A/S over the regular BMW or M340/X3 M40, But the M badge seems to raise the bar more than the RS dose.

Its near impossible around here to find an M3, BMW Silver spring has 2 used M3's low mileage marked up 10K. They had 3 when I was looking at the X3M so I guess people are paying for them.

Its a bit easier to find an X3M to test dive, they are very similar inside and to drive believe it or not. Obviously the M3 handles better but the X3M really surprised me.

[Cool_Breeze]

This video can give you somewhat an of an idea how the cars compare. The RS3 is stock power, with handling mods. The M240xi has a tune with stock handling. Driver skills aside, the M240xi has better weight distribution, rear power bias, and with some basic suspension upgrades I think it's better on the track. RS3 is more well rounded, doing great on the track but also an amazing DD with tons of space for family, cargo, etc.
Check it out: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ldn98LxiNLM

[RS3TP]

I drove and M3 Competition and stock it is faster than my 18 RS3. Simply stated, the M3 is too big and feels heavier ... not my cup of tea

[TheContrarian]

One thing I'd add, the RS3 is quite reliable, while the M3 is a bit of an unknown. I'm personally terrified of owning a BMW because of cost of ownership.

An the 8Y is really $75k USD? That's just nuts. I would never.

[benc5]

One thing I'd add, the RS3 is quite reliable, while the M3 is a bit of an unknown. I'm personally terrified of owning a BMW because of cost of ownership.

An the 8Y is really $75k USD? That's just nuts. I would never.

I don't see any way the 8Y is $75k for most builds. Unless Audi completely abandons pricing trends of the S3/TTRS, I would expect it to fall somewhere between $58,900 - $60,900 in base form. You might be able to touch $75k if you go exclusive paint/interior, carbon ceramics, carbon add-ons, launch edition, etc. Or I suppose if you have a shitty dealer that puts a huge mark-up on the car.

[Hollingsworth]

My 2011 BMW 335i E92 incurred over $29K in repair costs while under BMW extended warranty (fortunately, my only costs were $2600 for the warranty, and five copays of $50 each) Anyway, I have a bad taste in my mouth when it comes to BMWs.


Ironically, my Chevy - a 2018 Corvette Grand Sport, over 4 yrs old and with over 26K miles, had not one, repeat, one single problem while I owned it.

[0000 RS5]

Ironically, my Chevy - a 2018 Corvette Grand Sport, over 4 yrs old and with over 26K miles, had not one, repeat, one single problem while I owned it.

So C7 was better from that regard. My 2011 Grand Sport had a nasty electrical gremlin and once even went completely dead while driving.


Sent from my iPhone using Audizine Forum

[allerum]

I don't see any way the 8Y is $75k for most builds. Unless Audi completely abandons pricing trends of the S3/TTRS, I would expect it to fall somewhere between $58,900 - $60,900 in base form. You might be able to touch $75k if you go exclusive paint/interior, carbon ceramics, carbon add-ons, launch edition, etc. Or I suppose if you have a shitty dealer that puts a huge mark-up on the car.

Im just guessing here, but since my car in 2019 was $66k, on this one I would want the ceramics and that extra paint choice so that's plus $9k probably, so I do think it will be up there without any ADM. Now the N54 motors were horrid. This S58 is very overbuilt and the ZF trans has bee shown to be pretty stout, plus all the new BMW comes with 3 years free maintenance. So the costs are going to be similar with the trade in. Plus since these are running 10.9 stock that is plenty and I probably will not tune it for a while. Who buys a low option car? With M3 loaded its at $88k with everything except the carbon stuff.

[steve111b]

All of the information that I have come across tells me that BMWs require a lot of money, time, and effort to maintain.

A couple of years ago I walked past a parked BMW and heard a loud metallic bang. The only explanation for the noise seemed to be that something in the interior had slid on the floor. However, the sound was just a bit too loud to have come from inside the car. A couple of minutes later the car drove by and I now heard a loud clatter. As the BMW came to the bottom of the hill the broken coil spring popped out from under the car.

[allerum]

All of the information that I have come across tells me that BMWs require a lot of money, time, and effort to maintain.

A couple of years ago I walked past a parked BMW and heard a loud metallic bang. The only explanation for the noise seemed to be that something in the interior had slid on the floor. However, the sound was just a bit too loud to have come from inside the car. A couple of minutes later the car drove by and I now heard a loud clatter. As the BMW came to the bottom of the hill the broken coil spring popped out from under the car.

? That is just weird. A normal bmw 4 banger 320 is not the same level of construction as a ///M car.

[nothingbutspeed]

Personally,

If it were me, I'm seeing 2 options here. 1. Keep my current RS3 2. Getting new Bmw M3 XDrive. Imo getting the updated tech and body in new rs3 is not worth it for essentially same car. Sure the rear diff etc, but I don't think in real world conditions it changes many things. But also I look at value etc. That's my .02

[allerum]

Personally,

If it were me, I'm seeing 2 options here. 1. Keep my current RS3 2. Getting new Bmw M3 XDrive. Imo getting the updated tech and body in new rs3 is not worth it for essentially same car. Sure the rear diff etc, but I don't think in real world conditions it changes many things. But also I look at value etc. That's my .02

There are a few other things I do want out of the 8Y besides the Diff. Better Cupholders (this is important lol), Memory Seats (wife is short and doesn't drive my car cause of that), and the HUD.

[Gibbs1020]

I don't see any way the 8Y is $75k for most builds. Unless Audi completely abandons pricing trends of the S3/TTRS, I would expect it to fall somewhere between $58,900 - $60,900 in base form. You might be able to touch $75k if you go exclusive paint/interior, carbon ceramics, carbon add-ons, launch edition, etc. Or I suppose if you have a shitty dealer that puts a huge mark-up on the car.

I was able to build a vorsprung '22 RS3 on the EU site that ended up being around 65k GBP, which is nearly 90k USD.
Black Optics with Dynamic was 63k GBP so 85k USD. Removing Dynamic/Ceramics brings it down to 59.

[bucolic]

Minimally optioned M3C xDrive I build is 82K, for me that's a lot. But IMO, S58 engine & rear-biased AWD is worth it. Bolt ons + E85 and you're in the 9's.

M3C xDrive is heavy at ~3950 lbs. Reviews say the steering has improved, maybe it hides the weight a bit. M suspension, chassis bracing, etc is better out of the box than Audi RS stuff, IMO. All that might add up to M3 feeling more special than RS3.

All that said, I like the size of the RS3 better. Part of my future car plans include a Raptor, so the closer I can keep my "fun car" purchase to 70K or less the better. I like the looks of the new gen RS3, and availability of a rear LSD. Maybe that will be enough for me to buy another down the road?

I say go for it though, in all regards S58 is finest inline six cylinder in history, massively overbuilt/underrated from the factory from a manufacturer that started out as an engine builder. I think in the end I'll get one too, fingers crossed they offer some trim of the M2 with S58 & AWD...

[HODL_B58]

I can’t say I have experience with the M3/S58, but my 340 B58 threw an injector during a cold morning warm up and probably toasted my motor which is why i’m here looking to add another 4 door car and am hoping somehow being both PI and DI that maybe RS3 wont present the same problem although i’m sure it will have plenty of its own. M cars have their issues but BMW has been notorious for DI injector failures forever and it still hasn’t been fixed so idk, all i know is i’ve bought my last BMW. Love the 340 though but i was hoping it’d be reliable enough for a daily, now i’m relying on a N54 convertible with snow tires to be my daily to the mountains until 340 is fixed… not ideal. In only 15k miles of driving BMWs I’ve been stranded 2 2/3 times. Idk whats normal to you but i’ve never been stranded in my life or blown a motor until getting into BMWs

You test drove them so you know this but zF8 is gonna be a better transmission for everyday comfort

[OE2]

I would absolutely love the M3 if it weren't for the beak. I know people have opinions but i have seen them in all colors in person and I am praying for a redesign. Aside from looks I don't put a ton of stock in everyone arguing about the RWD vs. FWD bias from the Audi. RS3's have proven over and over again their systems can handle the power most people (stage 2) will ever throw at them. The RS3 has proven to be capable of very strong numbers out if the I-5 and it just sounds better than any bmw I-6 that i've heard. If you want to define parameters as not a daily and more of a HPDE I'd say you will get more out of a C6/C7 corvette than either of these cars for the same money.

If you are thinking a strict semi-daily driver rwd vs. awd isn't going to make a difference on your highway on/off ramps. If you like the size and availability of either car you can't go wrong with either.

[allerum]

Went and sat in a 340 but no M's around. It feels cozier to me. More driver focused in the seating position. It was only a inch or so wider so the cabin just felt a bit more upscale and that wasn't even the full M interior. I don't like how I feel on top of the front wheels in the RS3. I know that's just how it is, like an evo and it is better for the way it likes to drive on track. The weight is about 200 to 300 lbs more I think. I put my name in the list so I can get it built and go compare. Prob at least 8 months+. I know the RS3 is quite a capable car I've enjoyed tracking mine. But I wasn't really satisfied on the chassis even after a few mods. Now its not a full track build but I don't think that's where I would be anyway. The smidge more back seat space and a much larger trunk is where all the size seems to be. Like other have said its probably not the best move for essentially the same car with some features I was missing. We shall see it would be my first BMW if I do get it though.

[ryan_sn]

FWIW I ordered an M3 Comp xDrive and will be getting it in August. I wanted the new 2022 RS3 but since Canada can't have nice things, I opted to spend a little more and get the M3. I didn't think I would like it, but in person it actually really is nice. Interior is build quality better than the new RS3 IMO, and the carbon package/carbon seats are a really nice touch. I opted for Toronto Red with Fiona Red interior and CF trim. As others have mentioned, stock M3C xDrive already runs a 3 second 0-60 and low 11's 1/4 mile. Once tunes are more readily available it'll easily hit low 10s. Pretty insane performance out of the box.

[Thenewjs23]

IMHO, The M3 is gargantuan compared to the RS3.

[allerum]

IMHO, The M3 is gargantuan compared to the RS3.

I though it would be also, but its really on 1 inch wider on each side and has about 5 inches in front longer and 5 inches more trunk.

[allerum]

FWIW I ordered an M3 Comp xDrive and will be getting it in August. I wanted the new 2022 RS3 but since Canada can't have nice things, I opted to spend a little more and get the M3. I didn't think I would like it, but in person it actually really is nice. Interior is build quality better than the new RS3 IMO, and the carbon package/carbon seats are a really nice touch. I opted for Toronto Red with Fiona Red interior and CF trim. As others have mentioned, stock M3C xDrive already runs a 3 second 0-60 and low 11's 1/4 mile. Once tunes are more readily available it'll easily hit low 10s. Pretty insane performance out of the box.

I also opted for Toronto Red, I was hoping to special order an 8Y in Catalyuna but Probably wont' get the chance. Current Record for 22' m3x on race gas is 9.83 @ 141. But you have to have russia crack its code.

[o1turbo30v]

I though it would be also, but its really on 1 inch wider on each side and has about 5 inches in front longer and 5 inches more trunk.

2020 RS3 vs 2022 M3, RS3 dimensions listed first

Exterior Dimensions

Length
176.3 in
189.1 in

Height
55 in
56.4 in

Max Width
70.7 in
74.3 in

Front Width
61.4 in
63.7 in

Rear Width
60.2 in
63.2 in

Wheelbase
103.6 in
112.5 in

Curb Weight
3,593 lbs
3,840 lbs

[allerum]

2020 RS3 vs 2022 M3, RS3 dimensions listed first

Exterior Dimensions

Length
176.3 in
189.1 in

Height
55 in
56.4 in

Max Width
70.7 in
74.3 in

Front Width
61.4 in
63.7 in

Rear Width
60.2 in
63.2 in

Wheelbase
103.6 in
112.5 in

Curb Weight
3,593 lbs
3,840 lbs

About what I said. On edmunds they go into a bit more detail in regards to front leg room these are close at 41.2 Inch for RS3 and 41.6 for M3. Shoulder room is also close at 54.8 RS3 and 56.0 M3. I think the head room shows how much lower you sit in it with 36.5 in for RS3 and 39.1 for M3. So these two are not too far apart.

[Thenewjs23]

I though it would be also, but its really on 1 inch wider on each side and has about 5 inches in front longer and 5 inches more trunk.

I was born and raised in Houston but live in DC.

In Texas the 1 inch from side to side and the 5 inches added left to right is nothing. In DC, with alleys, that's a lot.

This would be my wife's (New England Girl) car and her previous car was a Mini, we looked at the M3 and that's it. LOL!!!!

[allerum]

I was born and raised in Houston but live in DC.

In Texas the 1 inch from side to side and the 5 inches added left to right is nothing. In DC, with alleys, that's a lot.

This would be my wife's (New England Girl) car and her previous car was a Mini, we looked at the M3 and that's it. LOL!!!!

I live South of DC. And if I do go in DC I will go find a Parking garage. I do not side street park other wise we take wifes car lol

[UWbadger91]

I owned 5 VW/Audi products over the past 15 years with my last being a 2016 stage 2 S3. Man did I love that car…honestly still miss it but it was time to get something new. Since 2020 I’ve been considering getting an RS3. Didn’t get one in 2020 because it was essentially the same as my S3 other than the amazing engine, so I waited. When the renderings of the 8Y RS3 started coming out out I couldn’t talk myself into getting over the looks….I want to look at my car and think it looks beautiful, but didn’t have that feeling with the 8Y. I was just going to keep my S3 for a few more years and reassess at that point

One day in October while cruising the dealer lots I saw a ‘22 M340i, which looked awesome and had most of what I wanted. I admittedly have loved BMWs for most of my life despite being an Audi guy, so I test drove it and honestly fell in love, but it was sold. I ended up ordering a ‘22 M340i xDrive and the rest is history.

While this isn’t an M3, here’s a few thoughts after about a month of ownership:

-The driving dynamics of the BMW are much better than any Audi I’ve ever driven. I feel more connected to the road and so much more comfortable throwing my car into curves due to the RWD bias.
-Steering is a little loose while going straight, but it’s fine. In curves it’s great though.
-I have the M adaptive suspension and it’s really stiff/bouncy. Doesn’t help that I’m running Blizzak WS90s though.
-Engine is silky smooth and the power delivery is amazing.
-Transmission is smoother than any DSG I’ve ever driven.
-Didn’t think I’d like the interior, but I almost feel like the seats are more comfortable than my S3s
-I’ve never had a car this big, but it doesn’t feel big other than the long front. Cabin is very cozy, much like my S3.
-B&O is much much better than HK
-There’s so many cool options/things that it does…for the first 2 weeks it seemed like I discovered something new every day
-Reliability is a concern, but I have 4 years to make up my mind if I’ll keep it long term

I’m swapping out the OEM runflats for PS4s and likely throwing an AWE touring catback on it come spring. Looking forward to the snow melting so I can push it harder hahaIMG_2128.JPG
4B8ABD02-2F63-4BA3-9A9B-01DF435283B7.jpgIMG_2130.JPG