Autozeitung: BMW 130iM vs Audi S3 vs Golf R vs Focus RS

Zafiro · Mar 24, 2010

As 1-serie owner I'm happy that 130i holding up so well. Here are a few quotes (translated with help of Google):

Audi S3 showed in several tests before that his two-liter four-cylinder turbo engine with gasoline direct injection, virtually no other unit in this class has grown. Now the Golf has this engine too and its a good move.

Compared to the lazy appealing VR6 engine of the old R32 turbo, this engine responds much more directly.

Engine sound from Audi and VW sound a little synthetic when compared to the engine sound of Focus RS.

The engine is the most economical of the BMW inline six. Not only that, the engine is more refined and happily reeving. Gearbox and engine is a perfect combination. The bottom line it's the best drive.

BMW has the best steering feel.

Verdict:
Volkswagen currently makes everything right, even if - as here - is about cars with emotions. And that may just be a Golf. The trimmed on sportiness 130i with a fantastic agility and brilliant straight six. The small Bayer is a BMW from the textbook and lands in order to right in second place.

The Audi does nothing wrong, but it lacks the excellent characteristics. The extreme Focus RS is pure passion. He does not need a test victory for the self-confidence - he is already sold out.

Seat comfort, suspension - winner Golf
Engine/gearbox - winner bmw
Handling - winner Golf
slalom - winner bmw
steering - winner bmw
traction - winner Golf,Audi
brakes - winner bmw

Total score:
1. Golf - 3085 points
2. BMW - 3047 p
3. Audi - 3008 p
4. Ford- 2866 p

VroomVroom · Mar 24, 2010

I would have loved to see a 5-pot 2.5 in the Golf R!

That beautiful sound that the old Vr6 and now the Focus ST/RS make is just to die for.

Well deserved for the the Golf tho, it is a brialliant car. Shame for the Ford, had soo many good reviews but I think we all know whats gone wrong..

She needs AWD.

Merc1 · Mar 24, 2010

Hot cars....I'll take the VW or the Ford please.

M

Mockenrue · Mar 25, 2010

Autozeitung said:
Compared to the lazy appealing VR6 engine of the old R32 turbo, this engine responds much more directly.

R32 turbo? :eusa_thin

Cashmere · Mar 25, 2010

that 1er looks ugly and dated compared to the rest, yet exciting to drive.

+ 1 on the Golf R

klier · Mar 25, 2010

Mockenrue said:
R32 turbo?

Yeah, VERY weird. R32 VR6 is a great NA engine. One of the better ones in fact.

Potential · Mar 25, 2010

BMW Power said:
that 1er looks ugly and dated compared to the rest, yet exciting to drive.

+ 1 on the Golf R

Don't let Just_Me see you saying that

ghusheshe · Mar 25, 2010

130iM reminds me of my beautiful baby.. Sorely missed and better throttle response than the 135i, although 135i IS a better engine...

Mr Robert · Mar 25, 2010

I would go for the 130i, without any hesitation. Simply a lovely car in every way.

MikeJ · Mar 25, 2010

I'd choose the Golf, but I wouldn't say no to an S3. They're both absolutely beautiful machines. The Focus RS was something of a disappointment to me, it really should have been AWD...

martinbo · Mar 25, 2010

130i is one of the most sorely underrated and overlooked performance hatches on the market. It drives sublimely well and has peerless engine character in this category.

That said, the Audi S3 and Golf R make their own compelling value propositions. As an all-rounder goes, I think my own money would be on the Golf R which is getting solid reviews - even as a driver's car.

Human · Mar 25, 2010

^
So true about the 130i, it reminds of past performance BMW's and evokes the true spirit of a RWD BMW in it's finest form and function :t-cheers:

What I love about the Golf R is the fact that it keeps BMW on their toes, especially with a new 1er on the horizon :usa7uh:

Amo · Mar 25, 2010

Focus RS please

I'll have the more grown-up cars later in life

Zafiro · Mar 25, 2010

Potential said:
Don't let Just_Me see you saying that

Dont worry. I bought the car for myself and not to please others. I enjoy the car everytime I take it out for a spin. Soon the summertires is coming on and Oboy Im going to have some fun.

:usa7uh:

footie · Mar 25, 2010

I've driven both of the new VW R models as well as the S3 and it is really surprising how different the Golf R is in character to that of the Audi. All I can say is that it's a role reversal going on with the understudy producing the more polished performance. The Golf R is probably the sweetest driving small hatchback currently on the market, the sheer fact that it's awd only adds to it's all-round ability and means it's not only enjoyable during the dry, it can be just as much fun in the wet. The only sticking point in my opinion is the price, to be 2K more than the superior brand image of the Audi is asking to much from the humble brand of Volkswagen and I believe in the long run that it will ultimately lose even more on it's value after 3 years.

It's a personal choice of whether you want the pure entertainment value of tail out lunacy that is the 130i or the ultra efficiency of the Golf R. I suppose brand image will also have to come into play but if such things don't concern you then the Golf R is a hard car to make up reasons not to buy it.

klier · Mar 25, 2010

dr Dunkel said:
I would go for the 130i, without any hesitation. Simply a lovely car in every way.

Me too. In fact, I'd take the 130i over almost every other BMW. It's just an absolute dream, and no other car in this segment can come even close to the perfection of the 1er.

footie · Mar 25, 2010

klier said:
Me too. In fact, I'd take the 130i over almost every other BMW. It's just an absolute dream, and no other car in this segment can come even close to the perfection of the 1er.

No doubt the 1 series is a fine motor. Shame it's so damn ugly. :eusa_doh:

Hopefully the next model will fix these shortcomings. :usa7uh:

Mr Robert · Mar 25, 2010

I hope they don't change too much, I love the looks

The current one is still looking fresh in the segment and the next one will probably be less special.

Zafiro · Mar 25, 2010

Thats an opinion I dont share regarding 1-series. Actually I prefer the design over A3 which I find absolutly boring. Probably a Audi model I dislike the most.
However, design is pure subjective which we all know.
If I was buying hot hatchback today I think my choice would be Scirrocco R. The design is superb and it drives well.

footie · Mar 25, 2010

Just_me said:
Thats an opinion I dont share regarding 1-series. Actually I prefer the design over A3 which I find absolutly boring. Probably a Audi model I dislike the most.
However, design is pure subjective which we all know.
If I was buying hot hatchback today I think my choice would be Scirrocco R. The design is superb and it drives well.

I also like the A3 design the most, it's boring but the 1 series hatchback and coupe have also been beat with the ugly stick.

To me the TT is among the prettiest of hatchback/coupes (minus the fixed TT-RS spoiler) with the Scirocco a close second, but when the Scirocco is in viper green then it might well pip the TT as my favourite.

Autozeitung: BMW 130iM vs Audi S3 vs Golf R vs Focus RS

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