[M2GranCoupeOLEDlights]

Sound: 0:55

Non-idle. Burbles, pops on downshifts.

[csbear]

Originally Posted by M2GranCoupeOLEDlights

You're the idiot that considers these bland as fuck lights attractive. There is NOTHING sexy about this. It doesn't even have any lines FFS.

Even in red it looks bland. Christ.

I agree with M2GranCoupeOLEDlights. I believe it is a handsome car, but nothing very exciting. Where are the flared rear fenders, as an example. It looks like a modified Jetta.

Same with the new RS5. No rear flared fenders such as M3, M4, C63S coupe, and that is probably their most important RS model. Audi is becoming too conservative with their RS designs... excluding the R8, of course.

In fact, is it so Audi can save money by not creating a new rear panel? I may be mistaken, but it seems they are just slapping on a different front bumper on all their RS models, and calling it a day (ok, at least the RS5 has a CF roof).

The M2 is a prime example of how BMWs M division goes the extra mile vs. Mercedes and Audi. They made the M2 look very aggressive even though the 2 series is an entry level BMW.

Don't get me wrong. I actually like that green RS3, but Audi could have done better and took a risk.

[ryem3]

Yes, but still intriguing. More info from the reviews, 50kg lighter than the m2. Likely to be 0-60 in 3.8 seconds, which even if you are not in a drag race, it will feel quicker than the m2, especially the way awd hooks up.

[M2GranCoupeOLEDlights]

Originally Posted by ryem3

Yes, but still intriguing. More info from the reviews, 50kg lighter than the m2. Likely to be 0-60 in 3.8 seconds, which even if you are not in a drag race, it will feel quicker than the m2, especially the way awd hooks up.

M2 instills passion at the same time it does elegance. The RS3, for me
does neither. The TT RS however instills both, yet I wish they could have done something more about the rear and side.

Look at the Alfa Romeo Giulia. That's a VERY handsome car from the rear AND side. Front is ugly for me though.

https://goo.gl/images/Eic0Gy

https://goo.gl/images/zRDQ0o

It also has a friggin' Ferrari engine.

The only thing I don't like is the front and the price. It is heavy too.

[stefan]

Had a deposit on an RS3. Came to about $72K with black optic, performance exhaust, crystal paint. The motor will put the n55 to shame and the interior is beautiful but ultimately we are talking about a car that needs wheels staggered to the front just to prevent the understeer in every day sporty driving. I pulled my deposit and will likely go with a 2018 M2.

The other thing is that dealers here wouldn't budge $1 on an RS3. Between that and only having the wrong transmission as an option, I couldn't go through with it. Just sold my '15 S4 and won't get another Audi.

[ryem3]

How does that compare to the Canadian m2 price?

[AndyinHou]

Originally Posted by ryem3

How does that compare to the Canadian m2 price?

Easy recconning, $54,000 I think.

But the two dealers I've spoken to here both suggest it'll be $60-65k base.

Took an S3 for a test drive for my wife (she's looking to jump from a Q3 to RS3, and wanted to be sure she'd be ok with the price.

I'm now seriously considering joining her in the RS3, if it's sub-$60k.

[S1monQc]

Originally Posted by stefan

Had a deposit on an RS3. Came to about $72K with black optic, performance exhaust, crystal paint. The motor will put the n55 to shame and the interior is beautiful but ultimately we are talking about a car that needs wheels staggered to the front just to prevent the understeer in every day sporty driving. I pulled my deposit and will likely go with a 2018 M2.

The other thing is that dealers here wouldn't budge $1 on an RS3. Between that and only having the wrong transmission as an option, I couldn't go through with it. Just sold my '15 S4 and won't get another Audi.

Same as me! Had a deposit on both MY18 M2 and RS3 and couldn't deal with the Audi's DSG tranny... I'm a huge 6MT fan. Also, the rims/tires wider at the front was just plain weird to me...

Originally Posted by ryem3

How does that compare to the Canadian m2 price?

In Canada, both the RS3 and M2 were within 1K$ price difference when fully loaded. RS3 was 70K (with almost every options checked) before taxes and the M2 I have on order is like 71-72K (with sunroof and M Performance exhaust).

Basically the same.

[ryem3]

Originally Posted by S1monQc

In Canada, both the RS3 and M2 were within 1K$ price difference when fully loaded. RS3 was 70K (with almost every options checked) before taxes and the M2 I have on order is like 71-72K (with sunroof and M Performance exhaust).

Basically the same.

That's what I thought. In the US, the rs3 loaded will be like $60k and you get a lot more for the money. Not the same car mind you. I have a deposit on an rs3 and my m2 arrives in 2 weeks. We'll see how it goes! I'll take the manual m2 and we'll see how the rs3 is when it finally arrives.

[S1monQc]

Originally Posted by ryem3

That's what I thought. In the US, the rs3 loaded will be like $60k and you get a lot more for the money. Not the same car mind you. I have a deposit on an rs3 and my m2 arrives in 2 weeks. We'll see how it goes! I'll take the manual m2 and we'll see how the rs3 is when it finally arrives.

It really depends what you want to do with the car... As a DD, the RS3 is a no brainer... But in my case, the M2 will be a summer only car, not a DD.

And considering Audi's reputation of average driving pleasure and since there was absolutely no reviews of the RS3 a few months back, it was a no brainer for me to go with the highly praised from every reviewers and manual transmission M2.

[M2GranCoupeOLEDlights]

Originally Posted by S1monQc

It really depends what you want to do with the car... As a DD, the RS3 is a no brainer... But in my case, the M2 will be a summer only car, not a DD.

And considering Audi's reputation of average driving pleasure and since there was absolutely no reviews of the RS3 a few months back, it was a no brainer for me to go with the highly praised from every reviewers and manual transmission M2.

Be sure to test drive it first, several reviewers say it is "rubbery feeling transmission".

I had fun in it, but if it was going to be a DD, for the price it should have way better interiors, plus I just don't like that exposed CF at all. Still waiting on the reviews for this summer's TT RS but paying such a high premium over the RS3 when it has the same engine and less comfort in seats? I don't know, we will find out.

[stefan]

Originally Posted by M2GranCoupeOLEDlights

Be sure to test drive it first, several reviewers say it is "rubbery feeling transmission".

I had fun in it, but if it was going to be a DD, for the price it should have way better interiors, plus I just don't like that exposed CF at all. Still waiting on the reviews for this summer's TT RS but paying such a high premium over the RS3 when it has the same engine and less comfort in seats? I don't know, we will find out.

IMO all BMWs save for the E36 M3 have a shitty rubbery feel. Luckily there are plenty of aftermarket options, the premium of which are ~$400. Not much to pay for great shifter feel. Shift nirvana for me was actually in my E39 M5, which used an E60 M5 shift lever, UUC DSSR, ZHP knob, and stiffer bushings with rebuilt springs and pins in the transmission.

It's not the transmission really, it's the shifter linkage and bushings. Most of the time.

[M2GranCoupeOLEDlights]

Originally Posted by stefan

IMO all BMWs save for the E36 M3 have a shitty rubbery feel. Luckily there are plenty of aftermarket options, the premium of which are ~$400. Not much to pay for great shifter feel. Shift nirvana for me was actually in my E39 M5, which used an E60 M5 shift lever, UUC DSSR, ZHP knob, and stiffer bushings with rebuilt springs and pins in the transmission.

It's not the transmission really, it's the shifter linkage and bushings. Most of the time.

Makes you think why they aren't that good from factory.

[No Boost]

Originally Posted by M2GranCoupeOLEDlights

Makes you think why they aren't that good from factory.

Probably because few people complain about it. Unless you're coming from MT Porsche or S2000, it's actually quite good.

[stefan]

Originally Posted by M2GranCoupeOLEDlights

Makes you think why they aren't that good from factory.

Cost. If you take a look at the shift linkage and bushings under the M2, I imagine it will look much the same as every BMW since the E46. The linkage isa twig and the bushings are quite soft. Luckily this is an easy fix!

[ryem3]

I've owned an e92 and have driven the m2. The m2 manual is much better. The e92 was really horrible. Granted, it is no Porsche, but it's not bad.

[Robin_NL]

Originally Posted by stefan

IMO all BMWs save for the E36 M3 have a shitty rubbery feel. Luckily there are plenty of aftermarket options, the premium of which are ~$400. Not much to pay for great shifter feel. Shift nirvana for me was actually in my E39 M5, which used an E60 M5 shift lever, UUC DSSR, ZHP knob, and stiffer bushings with rebuilt springs and pins in the transmission.

It's not the transmission really, it's the shifter linkage and bushings. Most of the time.

E46 330d/330i 5MT, E46 M3 6MT, E87 120d 6MT, E90 330i/335i/M3 all 6MT, F30 335i, 1M (6MT) I had them all and every car has its flaws off course, but it never was the shifting/transmission.

BMW uses longitudinal front engines with the tranny right behind it connected to the rearwheels. They put a stick in it. Which means a very direct connection. If you try other brands, it's not as good as BMW
And yes I drove a 997S 6MT. Great but the tranny wasn't like wow or something...



But I have to say I haven't driven an M2 6MT....

Cheers
Robin

[BEM-S4]

Well I pulled my RS3 deposit a while ago, but I did just put one down on an RS4 Avant

That's on my short list of unobtanium dream machines, would be thrilled if they bring it here.

[///M2Seoul]

If only the RS3 Sedan had the flared fenders, rear air brake spoiler and TT-RS/R8 steering wheel, think it would be an easier decision for me.

But I'm hoping the LCI M2 comes with the rumored led head and tail lamps, optional mag ride suspension, heads up display and optional vitual cockpit. But knowing BMW, I highly doubt it.

[gtr]

The RS3 sedan will start at $55,875.

http://www.autoblog.com/amp/2017/04/...n-price-55875/

[BEM-S4]

Originally Posted by gtr

The RS3 sedan will start at $55,875.

http://www.autoblog.com/amp/2017/04/...n-price-55875/

So that's what $1K less than an M2 with an automatic transmission? Not horrible BUT comparably equipped the Audi will command a hefty premium I would imagine. That said some of the optional stuff is better (i.e. B&O vs HK) so not exactly like for like but close enough.

[///M2Seoul]

Originally Posted by BEM-S4

So that's what $1K less than an M2 with an automatic transmission? Not horrible BUT comparably equipped the Audi will command a hefty premium I would imagine. That said some of the optional stuff is better (i.e. B&O vs HK) so not exactly like for like but close enough.

I just went on BMW's website and built an M2 with Exec Pkg and DCT and it comes out to be $57,795 in Alpine White. So if the RS3 is $55,450 then it's actually $2,345 cheaper. I included the Exec Pkg because the Audi does come with Audi Pre Sense Basic and Blind Spot Monitoring to make it more on par equipment wise.

I know and am the first to admit that this is not an apple to apples comparison, but people interested in a BMW M2 will also be interested in an Audi RS3 and even the Merc AMG CLA 45. So just to make the options and specs similar I added the Exec Pkg.