Vs Audi S3 vs BMW M135i

[Tumbo]

Aight folks. Let the discussion begin. Which one would YOU like to own? What do you like, and dislike about these two.

AUDI S3
2.0T, 300hp/380Nm, 0-100 in 5.1 seconds, 6.9l/100km, 1470kg, 4WD

BMW M135i
3.0i6, 320hp/450Nm, 0-100 in 4,9 seconds, 7.5l/100km, 1500kg, RWD

Pictures:

 

[aleks_16]

With M-pack it is a good locking car, the 1er. The S3 is a nice car but dont enough changes from the outside. IMO.

 

[martinbo]

It's a close call and the Audi's cabin is far, far cooler but in the end a straight six turbo and fear wheel drive does it for me.

 

[Tumbo]

Well, let me put it this way. I can't stand the look of the 1er. I really can't. But if Im gonna try to surpass the hate I got for the looks, the M135i is an overall very good car. Great engine, and for sure great handling. But I can't be blind about that the new A3 overall is just such a better car. It's lighter, more agile, the interior is just mind-blowing. And the S3 got that something I cherish so much: Quattro. So, for me, even though it's a close call, I choose the S3. It just feels like an overall better package.

 

[EnI]

There is also a F21 M135i xDrive, so ...

 

[Tumbo]

There is also a F21 M135i xDrive, so ...

I thought of adding that to. But since most of the buyers will buy the Bimmer for the rear wheel drive, I think that it should be most on what the two makes are about: all wheel drive vs rear wheel drive
If you still disagree, I can add the xDrive too.

 

[Zafiro]

Depends on which car is the better driving machine. Since I've driven both base versions I know its going to be close.

 

[Levi68]

S3. And that is sad because I really thought I'd be driving a 1 Series. Hope the 2 Series corrects the issues.

 

[Giannis]

I6 engine, RWD, good steering, precise gearbox. What's not to like apart from the front lights?

I can live with those looks (M-Pack HAS to be standard) and enjoy the driving experience every day of the week

 

[south]

As always with Audi models, weight info is incorrect. Per EU standard, the new S3 weighs 1470kg vs 1500kg for the M135i.


Best regards,
south

 

[Levi68]

As always with Audi models, weight info is incorrect. Per EU standard, the new S3 weighs 1470kg vs 1500kg for the M135i.


Best regards,
south

I don't want to play the devil's advocate, but that is not true. Audi just hasn't revealed the weight yet. In the brochure or the website they give EU weight (like all german brands). The M3 GTS E92 weighs 1570 kg, 95 kg less than M3 E92, but in the press release they wrote 1490 kg. They did not mention it was dry weight. The same with the 458 Italia, which by EU standards weighs about 1550 kg.

However your figure of 1470 kg (EU) for the S3 should be right.

 

[Deckhook]

Both are great car and like Andreas I feel it's a close call as to which will drive best, that said I reckon the M135i will be the more entertaining. But for me there's more to like about the S3, it's looks, that interior, it's added traction, dual clutch option, adaptive suspension option. But frankly you'd be a fool not to be tickled pink to be given either.

 

[EnI]

Previous generation of S3's (8P) weight was 1,530kg per EU standard (Audi official figures).
Press release about the new S3 (8V) states the new car is 60kg lighter than older car.
Meaning that S3 8V weights 1,470 kg per EU standard (and 1,395kg per DIN standard).

M135i weights 1,500kg per EU St. (1,515kg with automatic) , and M135i xDrive 1,590kg (automatic only).

So, M135i is "just" 30kg (45kg in the case of automatic on board) heavier than S3, while M135i xDrive is 120kg heavier than S3.

 

[Kowalski]

I really can't give a flying shit if the M135i drives better than the S3, because the M135i looks devastatingly ugly and that's why the jumped-up Golf GTI S3 gets my vote.

 

[Bruce]

Hard choice. For me, it boils down to this. I much prefer the Beemer's straight-six powerplant and the fact that it's rear-wheel powered but when it comes to exterior styling and interior layout, I much prefer the Awwdee. That fascia off the 1er though... Audi is my choice, but just by a bit.

 

[Sunny]

Looks - Audi for both interior and exterior, no doubt. But the call of a potent I6 driving a properly setup RWD chassis through a DIY manual is very tempting. So far the reviews for the M135 has been glowing. I will have to read some review of the S3 before voting.

 

[Human]

Honestly first time it's really hard for me to cast an honest non-bias vote. Pure no-nonsense straight to the point car here still the BMW and gets my vote. For pure eye candy and a stunning cabin the Audi wins hands down. (1er dash and driving position also impress). Given as a cabin seats, upgrades galore - Audi did a tastefull amd great job!

 

[Tumbo]

I really can't give a flying shit if the M135i drives better than the S3, because the M135i looks devastatingly ugly and that's why the jumped-up Golf GTI S3 gets my vote.

Most reasonable answer so far.

 

[Hofmeister]

I really couldn't give a " " how good the Audi looks, because the M135i is brilliant to drive, has a wonderful straight six engine and rear wheel drive (!)

 

[Gianclaudio]

The I6.... the I6.... sorry, is just TOO damm ugly. There's no way I'd want a car that ugly. But I'm confindent BMW will do a nice facelift to the car and problem resolved (or wait for the 2er, either way)
So S3 for me, I'm completely loving this gen A3.

Regards!