[HermanL]

Hi fellow bimmerpost members. I am getting bored with my 335 and have been contemplating about switching to either an e90 M3 or S3/Golf R, maybe S4/S5.

e90 M3 has always been my dream car, I always long for a powerful naturally aspirated v8 small sedan. but since now I am living in upstate New York where I see 6 months of snow, an AWD seems to be better suited daily driver, although lots of people on said M3 would do fine in snow with proper winter tires.

S3 on the other hand is newer, more nimble, more usable on street and has Quattro. Rationally I know S3/Golf R would be a more practical choice but I don't think it will be as thrilling to drive. I might be interested in S4/S5 as well, but they just seem to big and heavy compared to an S3 or even m3.

I am pretty torn between these cars, it would be great if someone could help me reason through my decision. thank you!

[chillindrdude]

old vs. new.

E9x vs the new S3/GolfR....i'd take the S3/Golf R. Stg 1 tunes are putting those cars sub-12 second 1/4-mile times.

if you were considering the F8X....then no question, F8X fo' sho'.

[brownb_2]

few different classes of cars there


don't think you'll find many reviews comparing them.

not the e90, but the RS5 is the rival i guess

[New2Roundel]

I think it depends on what you are looking for in a car. I think the e90 M3 will undoubtedly be the most entertaining and versatile car of the group of cars you're looking at. The S3 and S4 cars have acceleration times that belies their hp/torque rating due to AWD and the quick shifting DSG-type transmissions.

If you're into what will give you the quickest times for the dollar, then the S3/Golf R is the definite winner here. If you're looking for an engaging driving experience that has an uncanny balance of performance and comfort, the e90 M3 is the best option.

They're all good options though. Had I not come across the M3 in my signature, I probably would have gone the route of a 4-cyl turbo plus AWD with the upcoming Focus RS.

[USC2000]

Go with the e90 M3 or you'll always regret not getting your dream car. I still kick myself for not getting an e36 M3 when I was looking at it 10 years ago. Other cars that I considered at the time have never popped into my head again.

[beats]

Originally Posted by USC2000

Go with the e90 M3 or you'll always regret not getting your dream car.

This

[david.orr]

Originally Posted by USC2000

Go with the e90 M3 or you'll always regret not getting your dream car. I still kick myself for not getting an e36 M3 when I was looking at it 10 years ago. Other cars that I considered at the time have never popped into my head again.

100% agreed. OP pick the car you're most likely to look back with regret if you don't, especially if the only major hurdle for you is AWD v RWD which could be mitigated to large extent with better winter setup. 8pots v 4pots... easy answer any day.

[ethanjoon]

Test drive both. The S3 may surprise you

[tripperm]

Hey, I know that I'm super late to the party but I just traded my 2008 E90 M3 for a 2016 Audi S3.

I had owned the M3 for a little less than two years. During that time I had to add a qt of 10w-60 every 1k miles give or take. The car was fantastic, but I feel like the E90 M3 can't be truly enjoyed without taking it to a track. All the power comes so late that I just found my self put putting to work in an really expensive 3 series that sounds amazing! In addition I was just not "in love" with the E90 the way that I am with my E46 M3.

Beyond that the E90 was "fuck you" expensive. I have all of my service/maintenance done at a local inde shop, and even still everything was far more expensive than anything that I had to deal with on the E46.

Maybe (probably) I got an E90 that had been beaten on, not cared for properly or both. Either way I landed on the S3 because I wanted something with a warranty and I can't afford an F80 M3.

I'll cut it here assuming that no one is going to have a look at this thread. but if anyone cares for me to go into more detail about either car, I would be happy to!

[Z K]

If you care about cornering performance at all, you'd want the M3. The S3 uses brakes to torque vector and does not have a proper LSD. The S3 and Golf R are understeering pigs with primitive Haldex AWD systems that drive like FWD cars. The handling is in a different world on a dry track with the M3.

Fifth Gear tested the Golf R vs the STI and the STI hands down wins. Faster and more fun to drive.
http://vidooly.com/video/1n5Xbyqne7c

[Taskmaster]

Originally Posted by Z K

If you care about cornering performance at all, you'd want the M3. The S3 uses brakes to torque vector and does not have a proper LSD. The S3 and Golf R are understeering pigs with primitive Haldex AWD systems that drive like FWD cars. The handling is in a different world on a dry track with the M3.

Fifth Gear tested the Golf R vs the STI and the STI hands down wins. Faster and more fun to drive.
http://vidooly.com/video/1n5Xbyqne7c

Oh , So VW is a POS VW? Big surprise.

[tripperm]

Hah wow, guess I should not have stirred up an old thread.

[Taskmaster]

Originally Posted by tripperm

Hah wow, guess I should not have stirred up an old thread.

I'm not a BMW fanboy, but VW is a shit brand with shit cars.

[gimmethemuumuu]

For what it's worth, I spoke with someone locally who's looking to make the move from a '13 S4 to an E90 M3. In fact, he might likely buy the one I have for sale if he could first sell his car. He spoke of the S4 having a great drivetrain but lacking in the steering feel/connectedness department. He has decided that the M3 would be more of his ideal car.

Good luck with your decision!

[Never_Enough]

You answered your own question, go M3 since it is your dream car. I'd never consider the VW.

[m3_love]

If you want a V8 in a small sedan with AWD, why not consider the RS4?

[Z K]

Originally Posted by TheAxiom

I'm not a BMW fanboy, but VW is a shit brand with shit cars.

I have a VW GLI as my daily commuter car. It fits the bill. The turbo engine has some pep, it is fuel efficient and parts are cheap. In terms of fun or fit/finish - it is no where near the M3.

[Taskmaster]

Originally Posted by Z K

I have a VW GLI as my daily commuter car. It fits the bill. The turbo engine has some pep, it is fuel efficient and parts are cheap. In terms of fun or fit/finish - it is no where near the M3.

I literally HATE VW with every fiber of my being. It's irrational, but it's there.

[David70]

Originally Posted by TheAxiom

I literally HATE VW with every fiber of my being. It's irrational, but it's there.

I agree with you, it's irrational to be filled with hate for a car brand.

[New2Roundel]

If the OP is still looking at cars, I think his instincts are correct. The M3 will be more involving, but the S3 will be more practical as an only car, especially if driving in snow is a factor. I think the current Audis are very nice and they can post some impressive numbers, but I feel like they are more point and shoot type cars than something you can really savor from a driving experience perspective.

Having said that, if I had to drive through 6+ inches of snow, there is no way I'd consider the current or any previous generation M3. We get snow here in Philadelphia and it can sometimes be several inches at a time, but nothing like what you guys get in NY state on a regular basis.

[saxon]

Personally I'd get an e90/92 and run some good winter tires. I had winters for my 335 without issues and plan the same for my f80

[Taskmaster]

Hey guys, a Honda Civic or a Nissan GT-R?