AudidudeNZ

4.3s !!!!!
Further proves my point that the 0-100 times for the S3 understate its performance due to 2-3 gear change at 95kph.

Guess I'm out a'huntin'

Cheers

Stefan

Well, I have not driven the new BMW M3 and while it is almost surely a better car overall than a chipped S3, your info is very interesting indeed.

In the new M3, I am told, you can accelerate in 2nd gear at 8K rev to 100 km/h whereas that is no way possible in S3 as you pointed out.

However, both cars weigh roughly the same and the peak torque of M3 comes at 365Nm at 4900 vs. some 350 Nm at 2700 in the chipped S3 so you would not expect a big difference in short runs at ordinary speeds.

But the catch is that M3 has much 'longer gears' compared with S3 so a perhaps fairer comparison would be M3 in 4th gear and S3 in 5th gear.

Anyway, very interesting information.

Thanks.

All the best

Stefan

AudidudeNZ

but the point of my post was that for roughly half the price (here in NZ anyway) performance in the same class plus AWD is available, I suspect interior room will be similar (if a 330Ci I test drove is anything to go by).

Differences in gear ratios will definitely colour selective split comparisons. I am not sure I agree with your "compare 4th with 5th" point Stefan as performance at real world speeds is relevant - 80-120 in this country is crucial for overtaking - we don't have long stretches of derestricted autobahn where I am sure the M3 will excel. Also by changing into 3rd I can knock another second off this split!

The S3 is definitely more stealthy and that for me is a huge advantage.

Cheers

P1

M3 = 0-60 in 4.8 secs MTM S3 approx 5.9
M3 = 0-100 in 11.2 MTM S3 approx 13

Just think it they had 4 wheel drive to launch the car as well. 30-70 through the best gears might be a good benchmark. Not seen one yet for either car

In the Uk the S3 is £24,750 the M3 £38,950
330 Ci is £28k

Jonathan

AudidudeNZ

1-0-60 times do not reflect real world performance unless you care to renew clutch on regular basis.

2-your 0-100 time shows exactly what I was saying - the MTM S3 is very close through the gears from a rolling start - 1.1sec of the 1.8sec difference occurs at low speed.

I have always admired M3s from a performance and driving point of view - the new E46 will almost certainly be a far more involving drive than any Audi and I am not surprised given your Scooby background that you are looking for that aspect.

I love AWD and quality and that combination has to mean Audi - my point was, P1, that with the MTM S3 you can have AWD, quality, and near M3 performance for far less money. Good recipe.

So no, I do not feel the need to clutch for a straw, I merely enjoy the comparisons and look forward to meeting an M3 on the road, preferably in the wet

BTW its great to have you back out in the open, I always enjoy your posts - keep it up.

Cheers