[Artemis]

Some info: http://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/...t-drive-review

Audi RS3 figures (size) compared to M3/M4:

• Length:
  BMW M3: 183.9 in / 4671 mm
  BMW M4: 183.9 in / 4671 mm
  Audi RS3: 171.0 in / 4343 mm
  
• Width:
  BMW M3: 73.9 in / 1877mm
  BMW M4: 73.6 in / 1870 mm
  Audi RS3: 70.9 in / 1801 mm
  
• Height:
  BMW M3: 56.0 in / 1424 mm
  BMW M4: 54.4 in / 1383 mm
  Audi RS3: 55.6 in / 1412 mm
  
• Wheelbase:
  BMW M3: 110.7 in / 2812 mm
  BMW M4: 110.7 in / 2812 mm
  Audi RS3: 103.6 in / 2631 mm

1M and M235i figures (size): http://www.1addicts.com/forums/showp...3&postcount=19

[buumer]

Lots of rs3 reviews hitting the news stands. The final verdict is that it's a beast on the road but falls flat on the track. The engine and the exhaust note is sublime, but the steering is lifeless. As most of these will ultimately be street cars, I really don't think its that big of an issue. Neither the hatch nor the manual is coming to the US, so it's probably off my list unless BMW makes the m2 a limited run car and we start seeing huge mark ups. In which case, I'll take the Audi with a smile.

http://www.evo.co.uk/audi/rs3

[W///]

Originally Posted by buumer

Lots of rs3 reviews hitting the news stands. The final verdict is that it's a beast on the road but falls flat on the track. The engine and the exhaust note is sublime, but the steering is lifeless. As most of these will ultimately be street cars, I really don't think its that big of an issue. Neither the hatch nor the manual is coming to the US, so it's probably off my list unless BMW makes the m2 a limited run car and we start seeing huge mark ups. In which case, I'll take the Audi with a smile.

http://www.evo.co.uk/audi/rs3

Kind of sounds like it still has similar traits to the last RS3. One of the best point to point cars, but not really any good at the track or has that cliche thing called "feel".

I really can't wait until the M2, RS3 and AMG45 CLA are all matched together. I still predict that the M2 will be the best out of the bunch in terms of driving pleasure. It'll probably lose out on interior quality and stuff like that

[19x]

They really should have offered the M2 as a sedan in addition to the coupe.

I love the way the M2 looks and what it stands for. And I desperately want one. However, I absolutely need 4 doors. That's a deal breaker

[Reid]

Originally Posted by camber

They really should have offered the M2 as a sedan in addition to the coupe.

I love the way the M2 looks and what it stands for. And I desperately want one. However, I absolutely need 4 doors. That's a deal breaker

If you need a sedan, get a M3.

[m981addicts]

Originally Posted by IS3andME

Soccer mom mobiles are minivans and SUVs. The station wagon was before the whole soccermom phrase was coined---due to political reasons, I believe.

Very true! Future soccer moms were just little girls riding in their parent's station wagons.

[sth519]

FWIW: Unlike Minivans ("Pampers bombers") and SUVs ("Super Unnecessary Vehicles"), there's not much of a stigma attached to station wagons in Europe.
In fact, it's quite the opposite: It's the kind of car for people who need practicality but don't want to give up driving a "normal" car. Therefore, they are very popular and some even have a certain coolness factor attached to them.

[W///]

Hmm

[hyperzulu]

From that review, this thread is more aptly "this is your M235i" challenger.

[W///]

Originally Posted by hyperzulu

From that review, this thread is more aptly "this is your M235i" challenger.

If you are looking for a fast point to point car, don't think you could go wrong with the RS3. But in terms of driving enjoyment, sounds like the M2 should be in a good position.

P.S. that color is bad ass

[Hazey82]

I am seriously considering the RS3 if the M2 does not deliver. It will be to do everything I don't want my E46 M3 to do. (Short trips, shopping, rainy days). I am just worried I will never drive the M3 as much because I will be in a honeymoon period with the RS3 being new car and sounding great.

The reason I am looking at the M2 is to have a modern version of my M3. (Joy of new car, manual instead of SMG, faster) And if it delivers and I choose that, the E46 will go and I will buy a used Mk5 GTI 5door for duties mentioned above.

The other option is the F80 M3 to do everything! But need sell kidney for that as they 150K here is Aus

[Karmic Man]

There are more contestants coming in...

http://www.carmagazine.co.uk/spy-sho...uper-golf-gti/

Now I seriously wonder whether a 370hp M2 will be looked at as underpowered in a few years

Speaking of hot hatches... the soon to be released Honda Civic Type R will be 100hp down on power than the upcoming super Golfs.

[UpNcOmINg!]

If I didn't like driving as much as I do, I would DEFINITELY consider the RS3

[W///]

Originally Posted by Karmic Man

There are more contestants coming in...

http://www.carmagazine.co.uk/spy-sho...uper-golf-gti/

Now I seriously wonder whether a 370hp M2 will be looked at as underpowered in a few years

Speaking of hot hatches... the soon to be released Honda Civic Type R will be 100hp down on power than the upcoming super Golfs.

Depends what you are looking for. I don't find the M235i underpowered at all, so I don't see how the M2 would be (for me). Hell my US Spec e36 M3 with 240 hp feels fine to me.

If you want power, get a C63 and call it a day

[Karmic Man]

Originally Posted by W///

Depends what you are looking for. I don't find the M235i underpowered at all, so I don't see how the M2 would be (for me). Hell my US Spec e36 M3 with 240 hp feels fine to me.

If you want power, get a C63 and call it a day

Different price range though...

Guess its all relative but I certainly don't like the feeling of paying M2 money and then left behind by a Golf

[Hazey82]

Yep BMW really need to respond with 400hp. Just stick that S55 in would you!

[PackPride85]

I've never really considered Audi to be "driver's cars", even the RS series.

[W///]

Originally Posted by Karmic Man

Different price range though...

Guess its all relative but I certainly don't like the feeling of paying M2 money and then left behind by a Golf

That's certainly true, but I'm not butthurt when a GT350 that costs $50k (which is M2 money) blows me out of the water either.

Like I said, the E36 has taught me:
1) I don't need any options
2) You don't need 400 hp to have fun, not even remotely

[Squddie]

Wait, only one 5-cylinder? I thought this was going to be v10

[aceking4u]

I agree with most, the Hatchback 100x better than the Sedan.

But if the HB is here, its much easier for me to pick it over an M2. Having a HB is just so much better.

[kyleb350]

^^^Hope the R8 is OK after that. lol

[indiefan24]

Originally Posted by aceking4u

I agree with most, the Hatchback 100x better than the Sedan.

But if the HB is here, its much easier for me to pick it over an M2. Having a HB is just so much better.

What would have happened if an A3 was born instead?