[BigBart33]

Curious if anyone has compared them yet- the RS3 is really this car’s direct competition but weirdly I haven’t seen much people talk about the RS3 on here. I have a bit of a soft spot for VWs so I’m curious. I’ve heard the RS3 is a pretty mediocre sports car as a whole, too isolated and understeers too much. I like how they look but at the same time they’re wayyy too plain. The ECU still hasn’t been jailbroken to my knowledge which is unfortunate since they’re also a bit down on power. And no stick (but it does have a DCT). 3500lbs with AWD is pretty impressive.

[Squidget]

Originally Posted by BigBart33

Curious if anyone has compared them yet- the RS3 is really this car’s direct competition but weirdly I haven’t seen much people talk about the RS3 on here. I have a bit of a soft spot for VWs so I’m curious. I’ve heard the RS3 is a pretty mediocre sports car as a whole, too isolated and understeers too much. I like how they look but at the same time they’re wayyy too plain. The ECU still hasn’t been jailbroken to my knowledge which is unfortunate since they’re also a bit down on power. And no stick (but it does have a DCT). 3500lbs with AWD is pretty impressive.

It's been mentioned a few times here and there, it's a reasonable cross-shop to the G87.

And while they are persona non grata at the moment, ThrottleHouse did a direct comp of the RS3 vs. the Camaro SS 1LE and F87 Comp a few years back. And their comments on the RS3 are spot on, I would say.

But to be general, I'd say your sentiments are roughly correct. Audis are capable stop light dragsters (because AWD), and great touring cars. The M2 is more enthusiast-oriented with easy oversteer (real RWD), wider and deeper power band, better cornering, better road feel, and an optional manual transmission.

So it depends on how you want to drive. If you want the RWD experience, or manual, then RS3 is out. If you want to carve twisties or do track work, the G87 is a bit better out of the box, and has a LOT more room to grow (AFAIK). If you want a more comfortable AWD car that still has good general sports performance, the RS3 is fine.

Edit: oh, and the RS3 still has circular dash gauges. Props to that, I miss 'em on BMWs.

[Ctothej]

Enjoy
Note: comparatives against the 240i, A45s and M3 comp, not the G87 but gives you a good idea of where it stands.

[InspectorSeb]

The 8Y RS3 is rarer than hen's teeth in the states, so it's a tough comparison to make.

I think the large majority of RS3 buyers do it for the 5 cylinder.

[Chet for short]

RS3 and G87 are fundamentally different cars, built on different philosophies. The RS3 is built on a FWD architecture with the transverse engine ahead of the front axel line. It has a significant front weight bias and actually uses reverse wheel/tire stagger (bigger fronts) in an effort to compensate for the inherent understeer. With AWD and new this year - torque vectoring, it would likely be faster A-B on a tight or sketchy surfaced road.

But, G87 will have glorious rear drive dynamics. Yay oversteer!

[Humdizzle]

RS3 has alot going for it.
- individual colors
- dct gearbox
- unique 5 cylinder
- awd
- weighs like 100 pounds less than the lightest m2.
- more rear leg room and headroom

Matt Farrah on smoking tire said he'd take the CT4 BW and RS3 over the new M2 as well. And he's had good seat time in all those cars.

But yeah the glaring downside is the haldex system which is fwd biased. No manual available either if thats your jam.

[zero21]

Originally Posted by BigBart33

Curious if anyone has compared them yet- the RS3 is really this car’s direct competition but weirdly I haven’t seen much people talk about the RS3 on here. I have a bit of a soft spot for VWs so I’m curious. I’ve heard the RS3 is a pretty mediocre sports car as a whole, too isolated and understeers too much. I like how they look but at the same time they’re wayyy too plain. The ECU still hasn’t been jailbroken to my knowledge which is unfortunate since they’re also a bit down on power. And no stick (but it does have a DCT). 3500lbs with AWD is pretty impressive.

We don't talk about them because we like Innies.

[Covfefe]

The RS3's main attributes, a quick dual clutch and hard-launching AWD, make it a lot more similar (and replaceable) to an EV than a G87 with a stick. If I'm ready to give up a clutch pedal and RWD, I'll just jump to a model 3 performance.

[Ravenseal]

I did not enjoy the Quattro system on my RS5, I can't imagine the RS3 will be any better given that its a FWD-biased Haldex system. The amount of high speed understeer is insane. I traded in my RS5 for the G42 M240i and have been perfectly happy since. I think that speaks for itself. No idea why you'd buy an RS3 over an M240i if not the badge.

I'm getting a G87 because it's RWD + 6MT

[mtoosexy]

I'm an admitted audi fanboi. I have 2. My favorite is the one i bought new. 2007 B7 RS4. Naturally aspirated V8, manual, all wheel drive.

Other than price and size i see NO comparison between these two cars.
M2 is 6spd and RWD... nuff said
Not that i wouldnt love to have an RS3 as my extra... extra... spare car for my wife?