Autobild Test: M3 vs S5: The Beaty and the Beast!

[CSL-Fanatik]

Hey everybody,


another great article.
The conclusion is roughly translated something like this:
The M3 is comes in first. But only, if a few thousand Euro do not matter. Fact is: The new Audi S5 is at least equally as good, and the M3 cannot get rid of it. Especially not on public roads. And if it was not enough, the difference in price is enough to buy another small vehicle. On the other hand, if I had to make a decision, I would rather borrow money from the bank than to miss out on the new M3. The reason is, he scores in every single category, where it matters for performance cars. The engine, the handling, the character. The S5 is impressive, the M3 is astonishing.

http://www.autobild.de/artikel/Theme...st_416315.html Click on the pictures to see them all..

Enjoy guys,

CSL

[2002 Tii]

Thanks for the post. If I underestand correctly from the total numbers added up where it gives a higher score to S5 and your comments, the conclusion would be; the brain chooses the S5 and the heart M3?

[CSL-Fanatik]

Originally Posted by 2002 Tii

Thanks for the post. If I underestand correctly from the total numbers added up where it gives a higher score to S5 and your comments, the conclusion would be; the brain chooses the S5 and the heart M3?

Lol, thats a nice way to put it!! I love it.

It's just that the S5, especially with all-wheel drive, can keep up in most situations in daily life. Even the trunk is a little matter (who cares if you ask me). And then about 15,000 Euros cheaper in Germany.
I guess the more reasonable decision is the S5, but this isn't about that.
Some people love Audis, some love BMW, and while the M3 is more expensive, its also a better driver's car!

[carnuts3]

But are lookers and great cars. But, the way I read the results is that the Total Points between these two vehicles are too close to call a winner - and since it looks like the Audi costs about 15,000 euro's less than the M3 - from a practical point of view, the winner has to be the Audi based upon price.....

[Just_me]

then S5 can keep up with a Porsche 997 Carrera as well in real life situations and with the RS4 as well, it all depends on the driver of course. In fact you can say that about many cars. This test clearly says its the M3 you want if you are looking for a performance car.

its also intresting that they give the M3 more scores in the comfort round than the S5.

[carnuts3]

BTW, I guess I can't help but think that if the S5 did so well in this compariosn against the M3, I wonder how the upcoming RS5 will do?? OMG!

[2002 Tii]

MESSWERTE AUDI BMW
Beschleunigung 0-50 km/h 1,8 s 1,9 s
0-100 km/h 5,1 s 4,9 s
0-200 km/h (125mph) 19,0 s 15,7 s
Elastizität 60-100 km/h 4,7 s (4. Gang) 4,8 s (4. Gang)
80-120 km/h 7,6 s (6. Gang) 7,0 s (6. Gang)
The M3 is very very impressive to 125mph. I wonder how these numbers stack up against 911 C2S or even the Ferrari 430? It can't be far off.

[Just_me]

Originally Posted by carnuts3

BTW, I guess I can't help but think that if the S5 did so well in this compariosn against the M3, I wonder how the upcoming RS5 will do?? OMG!

S5 lost in acceleration, slower around a track, worse comfort than the M3 and worse fuel consumption. M3 beat the S5 in almost every category except for "Costs" of course. So I fail whats so close.
There been reviews between S5 and 335i and 335i has done very well in those reviews, so that mean, if the S5 is close to a M3 then the same goes for 335i.

[carnuts3]

Originally Posted by Just_me

S5 lost in acceleration, slower around a track, worse comfort than the M3 and worse fuel consumption. M3 beat the S5 in almost every category except for "Costs" of course. So I fail whats so close.
There been reviews between S5 and 335i and 335i has done very well in those reviews, so that mean, if the S5 is close to a M3 then the same goes for 335i.

Understand your points. But in this comparo the OVERALL point totals were very close. And for the difference in performance stats, I'm not sure that the M is worth 15,000 euro's more for everyday driving. On the track, it's a different story. Just my opinion.

[dechoong]

Originally Posted by 2002 Tii

MESSWERTE AUDI BMW
Beschleunigung 0-50 km/h 1,8 s 1,9 s
0-100 km/h 5,1 s 4,9 s
0-200 km/h (125mph) 19,0 s 15,7 s
Elastizität 60-100 km/h 4,7 s (4. Gang) 4,8 s (4. Gang)
80-120 km/h 7,6 s (6. Gang) 7,0 s (6. Gang)
The M3 is very very impressive to 125mph. I wonder how these numbers stack up against 911 C2S or even the Ferrari 430? It can't be far off.

The M3 performance figures are very close to the current standard C2S, but the revised C2S due later this year is likely to pull slightly ahead. Don't bother comparing M3 to F430... they are not in the same league (F430 is a good deal lighter and quite a lot more powerful, not to mention about twice the price). You'll need a 997 Turbo to run with the F430.

[devo]

Audi did a great job with the S5; especially since they priced it at a base MSRP of $50,500 (America). It comes loaded. Add Nav, B&0, Dest. and Met. paint and you're @ $54,900. Quite a deal for the performance.
I'm not saying that it's competition to the M3, so if you're going to flame me, do it for the right reasons; LOL.

[Just_me]

Originally Posted by carnuts3

Understand your points. But in this comparo the OVERALL point totals were very close. And for the difference in performance stats, I'm not sure that the M is worth 15,000 euro's more for everyday driving. On the track, it's a different story. Just my opinion.

reason for the overall points is the cost points.
Then you can also ask yourself, is the RS4 worth the extra money over S5?

[mkoesel]

Originally Posted by carnuts3

Understand your points. But in this comparo the OVERALL point totals were very close. And for the difference in performance stats, I'm not sure that the M is worth 15,000 euro's more for everyday driving. On the track, it's a different story. Just my opinion.

Maybe so but the 335i will be even cheaper than the S5 while offering the same performance. In my mind this makes the S5 the odd man out. If you want the cheapest car, get the 335i. If you want the best performing car (albeit not by a landslide) get the M3.

[Just_me]

also dont forget that Audi is working on a 3.2 liters Turbo to compete with 335i. That mean S5 doenst have a competitor when the new engine comes.

[2002 Tii]

Originally Posted by dechoong

The M3 performance figures are very close to the current standard C2S, but the revised C2S due later this year is likely to pull slightly ahead. Don't bother comparing M3 to F430... they are not in the same league (F430 is a good deal lighter and quite a lot more powerful, not to mention about twice the price). You'll need a 997 Turbo to run with the F430.

I'm not saying that F430 and M3 are in the same league. I'm saying it would be interesting to see the numbers and compare. FYI, 997T acceleration beyond 100mph are significantly quicker than F430, but who cares, I'd take the ferrari any time

[Garissimo]

Originally Posted by 2002 Tii

I'm not saying that F430 and M3 are in the same league. I'm saying it would be interesting to see the numbers and compare. FYI, 997T acceleration beyond 100mph are significantly quicker than F430, but who cares, I'd take the ferrari any time

Here's a link you might find useful...

0-200kmh times

And a quick list of the cars in the 14-16 second neighborhood:

CL65 AMG - 13.8
Viper SRT-10 - 13.8
SL-55 AMG - 13.8
E60 M5 - 13.9
E55 AMG - 14.6
996 GT3 - 14.8
A/M Vanquish- 15.3
CLS55 AMG - 15.4
997 C2S (2005) - 16.0
Z8 - 16.1
360 Modena - 16.1
M3 CSL - 16.7
Bentley Continental GT- 16.7*
SLK55 AMG - 16.8
E46 M3 Coupe - 16.8
E39 M5 - 16.9
C32 AMG - 16.9

[devo]

Originally Posted by mkoesel

Maybe so but the 335i will be even cheaper than the S5 while offering the same performance. In my mind this makes the S5 the odd man out. If you want the cheapest car, get the 335i. If you want the best performing car (albeit not by a landslide) get the M3.

The S5 should be compared to the 335xi. The Audi is only a couple thousand more after adding all the necessary options to the BMW. Don't get me wrong, I love the 335, but Audi knew what they were doing pricing it like they did.

IMO, the Audi offers a superior interior and more of a grand sport tourer than the BMW. I know I'd rather own a n/a V8 than a twin turbo after the warranty expires.

Both great cars at great prices, there is no wrong choice, imo.

[phoenixbmwlife]

Originally Posted by juzef

The whole V8 idea is an over-kill. No one will buy either of these cars because of the V8, look at how many people buy an RS4 or M5. These cars aren't selling.

The Audi is a reliability nightmare, so is the BMW. I mean the M3 can transform itself into a 1000 different cars with all its gadgets. WTF for?

Both cars are grotesque, overely designed, monstrosities. It reflects badly on human's instinctive greedy nature. Whatever happened to the KISS theorem? KEEP IT SIMPLE STUPID!

The 335i is probably the only car in the world which approaches what an M3 should be.
I don't see the reviews getting any better. I don't see light at the end of this tunnel.

Let the BMW protective fairys scramble.

Joseph
San Diego

I know everyone is entitled to their own opinion but everytime you post something it sickens my stomach.

[lucid]

Originally Posted by K3N R3D

I know everyone is entitled to their own opinion but everytime you post something it sickens my stomach.

Juzef should drive an air-cooled VW. I used to have a Karmann Ghia in college. It was great. Very easy to fix. And, chicks did dig it bigtime!

[CarbonE39m5]

Originally Posted by lucid

Juzef should drive an air-cooled VW. I used to have a Karmann Ghia in college. It was great. Very easy to fix. And, chicks did dig it bigtime!

dude my brother used to have a red one waay back wen i was little. that thing was so cool.. atleast i thought it was. he was always doin something to the engine. he had one of those stinger pipes. that sticks like 45degrees up from the back. and is like a foot long. thing was soo loud. hell yeah chicks dig that car for some reason. he always had a different chick in that thing.. its was def. cool. i was like 7 i thouhg it was a porsche! haha pretty close though...

[lucid]

Originally Posted by GotAlottaCash

dude my brother used to have a red one waay back wen i was little. that thing was so cool.. atleast i thought it was. he was always doin something to the engine. he had one of those stinger pipes. that sticks like 45degrees up from the back. and is like a foot long. thing was soo loud. hell yeah chicks dig that car for some reason. he always had a different chick in that thing.. its was def. cool. i was like 7 i thouhg it was a porsche! haha pretty close though...

Yeah, if I had a back yard or something, I would have kept the thing. Talking about steering feel that the M3 is supposed to lack; that baby gave you more steering feel than you could ever deal with! I fixed/replaced just about every single moving part on that thing myself, and I had never worked on a car before. I kept mine classic--no OT mods apart from a loud exhaust--and the liberal arts major chicks were all over me while the guys with the Mustangs were wondering about what they were doing wrong! Those were great times.

[carnuts3]

Originally Posted by Just_me

reason for the overall points is the cost points.
Then you can also ask yourself, is the RS4 worth the extra money over S5?

Based upon what I know today, my answer to your question is NO! Price value goes to the S5...and, yes the 335i.