Audi RS5 vs BMW M3 review - Auto Express

[@freddoflintstono9321]

What I like about Audis in general is that almost all of them have a dual personality, with the RS5 being the most pronounced. Keep them below 4000 RPM (or in "comfort" mode) and it's a car you can let your partner drive without any special training to go shopping or generally cart around in style, However, go above 4000 RPM and the nature of the beast changes dramatically, especially if you also open the exhaust valves. In that mode, it goes from 0 to illegal in under 5 seconds without any fuss or wheel spin, but even then you remain in control. However, going faster doesn't mean getting somewhere quicker: at 8000 RPM, that nice V8 uses SEVEN litres of fuel per minute (translated: a whole tank goes in under 15 minutes) so you'll spend a lot of time standing still and refuelling :).

[@satnitcboy]

As Mat says, if you've got free tires and unlimited track time, that M3 is it. If you expect to drive on roads, where fishtailing can end your day, it may be slightly less fun.

[@jebusglatze1285]

with esp activated you dont get in such a situation by accident.

[@josephkelly4893]

Old school Mr Watson

[@Robin-sf3gk]

Thats matt from carwow!!1

[@silence9966]

Yesyeysyeysyeysyeysyeysyeysysyeysysyeyeyeyyesyeyyyeyeyys

[@hashimmir3260]

throwback to the time when the cars had mighty v8 s and matt watson reviewed them

[@santiagovilchisbarreto7257]

What did I just stumble upon?! Young matt???

[@tan9640]

M3 is an amazing car so is rs5 really tough choice haha just know ur doing well if ur choosing between an rs5 an m3

[@daynight1921]

gamertanafc rs5 top m3 crap

[@NoneNone-kp1qc]

Only an idiot won't reply with that comment, I take it you have neither car you TOBY

[@jebusglatze1285]

M3 beats the rs5 easily

[@melbguy1]

@@jebusglatze1285 Not in fit and finish. And the RS5 looks and sounds better imho. I'd add that the RS5 has untapped potential. With a few mild performance upgrades (intake, exhaust, suspension (coilovers, sway bars), brakes (braided brake lines, pads), tyres + tune), the RS5 would compete head to head with the M3 on the track.

[@Trillioons]

Aye Matt from Carwow came a long way!

[@BBaker-fr4op]

Love both but having the thought of rod bearing failure on my mind is a deal breaker

[@jakebetts9632]

E92 M3. The last old skool (proper) M car. No comfort setting, no consideration for the environment, no turbos, no compromise. Just raw v8 sound and ultimate performance. The only thing stopping the driver from unleashing maximum power is their right foot!! Sad they don't make cars like that anymore 😭.

[@Jigaret0]

The RS5 is incredible. I am just waiting for this beast to come to the US.

[@arutezza]

13 years later and im trying to pick between a 335i and a S5

[@samerissa5731]

I still love the RS5, but I do respect the M3 in certain aspects

[@OGTopey]

Same bra

[@Robin-sf3gk]

Ha boobs

[@craigsawyer9052]

Yes, M3 respected, but Audi seem to be moving on a bit faster been a part of the biggest car manufacturer in the world helps VW. Love em both, I know where you are at as I am looking at both, not sure which to buy right now. :(

[@eastoakland-S65feen]

@@craigsawyer9052 did u pick one. I want a 2011-13 e92 comp. Or b8.5 rs5.. Im moving to tahoe area so quattro sounds awsome. But m3 seems like a really fun driverz car😣

[@pompandcircumcision]

I've driven both of these and I'm picking up my new RS5 in about 4 hours. Both cars are fantastic but unless your going to and from work on a racetrack, the RS5 is just flat incredible and as nice as the M3's engine is, the RS5 is in a whole different league.

[@TheBrando609]

On a track, I would prefer the BMW for some tail out fun without a quattro nanny interfering. But in the real world I would prefer the Audi, as in the real world, you're not always sliding around and burning your money in the form of rubber. And in all honesty, the Audi looks better, and sounds better, and I prefer the audi's interior too. But that's my opinion.

[@sspope]

@ChewyNet1 This one, not so much. The torque vectoring rear differential means to computer is in full control and will always try to eliminate any under- or oversteer. Now, if you could reprogram it somehow...

[@Hocksman]

I was deciding between the BM or the Audi. In the end I chose Audi. I took delivery 2 weeks ago. No doubt I think the BM would have been the performance car, but I outgrew that somewhat. The Audi's performance is more than adequate and it has more gadgets you can shake a stick at. No regrets on my purchase whatsoever. I opted for the A5. I will probably mod her as I've done my previous cars.

[@williamneuenschwander5102]

You sir would be correct. And yes I did notice my rather crappy mistake and have since then been enlightened that it's the VW group that owns Audi and not BMW. And so I hope that this reply satisfies your need to point out others mistakes.

[@adnanalagic]

Lets be honest. How often do you drift to fuck up your tires?

[@dwill8919]

@SwiftHDX last sentence is spot on.they are BOTH must have in your garage

[@AlternativeUses]

which one you prefer comes down to taste. i, personally, prefer quattro on the road and like the a5's styling better. if i had access to a track i'd probably for the the M3. you cant go wrong w/ either one though

[@LeoDeCrescenzo]

And probably the same thing happens with Series 1M and RS3, right?

[@keno88]

@caronliner24 TTRS has a inline 5 turbo, the RS5 has a 4.2 V8

[@seanzal]

We own 2 Audi's. We used to have one BMW and One Audi. The BMW's finish was no where near as good as the Audis. My wife could not drive the BMW in the Snow, as it would spin off. She hated the BMW in the Wet especially with our child on board. The gear stick in the BMW came out in my hand...enough said... Audi better quality and safer....Both great cars...differing philosophies.

[@STARSKY1313]

@SwiftHDX i'd rather have an engine roar when your going 65 like a ferrari or accelerating than having a prius not making any noise going 120.

[@123thalha]

I'm an AUDI lover but the BMW just amazing

[@seanzal]

I was led to understand the Bugatti Veyron is purely a supercar VW design from within the VW HQ and was given to Bugatti to build and configure. The MLB(B8) chassis on the A/S/RS/4/5 etc is Exclusive to Audi only. The former B7 Chassis was shared with both the last and current Passat and now the Seat Exeo. The MQB chassis was built to be a 'variable' design, will share with TT and the New Golf next year. I was told its common for Audi/Bentley to test it first before the rest do.

[@determinedskeptic]

Audi, with it's comfort setting, has it spot on! My father-in-law's M3 (sedan) is such a jittery ride when on a long trip...it's actually kind of annoying sometimes as it's a little too sporty. But he's right, the M3 is fun. I'd imagine that anyone who bought either car (assuming they had no major bran loyalty one way or the other) would be entirely satisfied with either...but more satisfied if they owned both :)

[@BrawndoQC]

Not VW either, they are owned by Volkswagen group but they never claimed to be VW luxury line. VW Group owns Lambo, Buggati, Porsches, Seat, Ducati bikes. Only thing in common is they sometimes share some of the parts (Golf R equipped with Auto TT engine, R8 V10 using the lambo gallardo engine etc)

[@adnanalagic]

@Voogan1 He said the RS5 is about the go, not Audi in general.

[@goons123flofy]

How does the m3/m4 compare to the cayman gts? I am so conflicted.

[@dwill8919]

sry typo's.its "best" to the one who owns it.and if u have a "list" of things.

[@jamietherooster]

Don't know which colour this looks best in, Daytona Grey or ibis white , or even phantom black

[@performancelosreyes]

@Cassius1706 I admire the ///M performance but they can´t do the same Performance of Audi.

[@deutchcarlove]

@Mowner3 I don't know what "cads" means lol. Just from what I see where I live, most of the people that drive the M3's are always late teen/early twenties guys. I don't understand how these "kids" can handle a track car like that because I have seen a couple of accidents involving one M3 and a bunch of 3 series BMW's (mostly women in my area drive those). A car like the M3/RS5/S5 should be driven by an experienced driver. Anyway, couldn't have said your comment any better…good comment!

[@mikeyb793]

@bcoopernz Yo man I'm just sayin but the V8 in the E92 M3 is lighter than the outgoing V6 including the twin turbo in the 335i. It's aluminum construction. IMO there is no comparison between these two. I would take the Bimmer over an Audi any day of the week.

[@Ante_Knezevic]

@sitafreak420 and why is that? the car has servo steering it's not like 20years old

[@chandley1976]

@Orangevirus. I understand the concept perfectly. People who buy fashionable cars have purchased Audis since the first TT, and don't care that they are 4x4 or FWD, hence inferior. Ive always loved BMWs so am perhaps biased, even though I admit that Audis designers have the edge in terms of 'looks'. Audi has always played second fiddle to BMW in terms of performance and driver involvement/pleasure. The M3 is faster than the RS5 when driven by a real driver, not a layman, as in this video.

[@leonardr6704]

MATT WATSON FROM CARWOW

[@Amidat]

The only real issue with the RS5 is that it's too heavy to be as "fun" as the M3 and C63. If Audi makes it lighter (which they seem to be doing with their newer cars)... it's top of the class because it's better in almost all the other categories.

[@adnanalagic]

But isn't the 3-series coupe already the answer to the A5? Why would they make a 4-series?

[@BasicBodThor]

@daibadrumu I'm refering to the M3 vs. RS5 not Audi vs. BMW

[@thepineappleburster4439]

Well well well, if it isnt Matt from Carwow, on AE.. with a tracksuit.

[@InitialDAmine]

@koukicrisp actually it is not even faster on the track check fast test laps records of both cars and you'll see that the rs5 beats the M3 in more tracks

[@adnanalagic]

It also has more equipment as standard, 30 hp more, 4WD, better gearbox. It shouldn't be a surprise that the Audi is more expensive!

[@djdeemaks]

I want both.....

[@silence9966]

I found an RS5 for £14,500 you know imma cop that ride

[@slam2610]

@adnanalagic my exact opinion too. No disrespect to BMW but I am not always in the mood to drift and rev my car and all that sporty stuff.

[@kaskvard]

You mean that Audi is part of the Volkswagen group?

[@bakacleandaem4261]

im looking for a car that is fast, under 30k, and can goes from 0-60 less than 4.5s. I’m thinking of the m3 or the rs5. if u have any other suggestions plz let me know🙏🏿

[@BfromSD1]

Can anyone explain to me why the RS6 has 572hp and the RS5 only 444? I know the RS6 is heavier and a WAGON but still. Why not put that engine in all the S/RS cars?

[@SquiggleSquared]

@olaguma yea, but GT-R costs double

[@josewarren3938]

I agree with you. I am a BMW fan and user, but at the end of the day, it is a matter of choice and like.

[@darkosminos]

Everyone talks new car prices... I am settling for an S5 with RS5 style rear bumper, LED tail lights, RS5 style side skirts and a couple of extras! will cost me about £25K, might get it fully loaded for 28K! looks and power on the cheap!

[@VictorDeveze]

Hahah funny all these guys fighting mover what manufacturer is better! Truth is, if you haven't driven both then you can't say one is better than the other... And even still, not everybody has the same driving style so some people will like one better than the other...

[@allu771]

M3. Also, the highway speed is 70mph. That means the spoiler will go down and up endlessly if you cant keep a steady speed.

[@aeroplano111]

@lngbrd94 No sir, I'm afraid you're wrong about "Audi's are known for handling". The fact of the matter is that BMW's are known for handling. If YOU knew something about cars, you would know that every car magazine, tv show, etc, describes BMW's (most notably the 3 series) as "perfect chassis fluidity", "superlative handling", "poised and balanced". And the only reason that people left BMW for Audi is because most people who buy German cars are for the luxury, not the sport.

[@Todestuete]

@ss770640 Nope. The RS5 is between the m3 and the m5. the m5s opponent is the rs6. I guess the rs5 is a bit closer to the m3, and since there is no bmw care that fits exactly in his class, the comparison is ok.

[@spencerbelknap7188]

What year?

[@Anoush13]

@SwiftHDX Ever heard of taking your car to the track? That's what these cars were meant for, and drifting in the corners in an M3 is more fun than an RS5.

[@sibusisondlovu5780]

Which of the two cars puts a smile on the driver? That for me is a great car and unfortunately I didn't see the driver in the Audi smiling as much as he was when he was in the M3. Audi fans wether you like it or not, wether admit it or not M3 is the best end of story.

[@zgibs4]

Really!? When i went and looked at them the s5 was 2000 more then the s5 in Australia.

[@DommyWobbler]

@Warrantti Have you driven either?

[@BobbyOrrIsAmazing]

@Cassius1706 the audi RS5 starts at 70,000$ US and the M3 starts at 60,000...

[@Amidat]

no - that engine is no longer in use. the next RS6 will use a 4.0 V8. The Gallardo actually uses an Audi designed 5.2 V10 now... The old 5.0 was retired.

[@Kestom09]

the///M3's power-slide looks brilliant BUT I dont want to buy new tires in every week

[@McChris00]

im a big M3 fan and would go for the M3 ive got an E46 M3 in alpine white but cant afford the 92 but jesus is that audi looks slick

[@adnanalagic]

I agree. I love BMW, Audi and Merc equally! And I wouldn't buy another car than tohse three.

[@MrBraniac333]

whats Matt doing on AutoExpress? still a good review

[@klx110man18]

get the bmw xi (4 wheel drive) or put snow tires on it. i have a 5 series and it is the best car i own in the rain, and ive never had a problem in the snow

[@KoukiMS6]

@aeroplano111 also, don't get too lost in numbers, the Nissan GT-R is a perfect example. I agree the M3 is a better track car, but who will drive these on a track? no one. These are street cars, so stating that it is faster is null. Which one combines everything speed, style, safety, practicality, ease of use, best is the Audi.

[@jetliigor]

I like the M3 better because the convertible version comes in hardtop as opposed to Audi convertible. So my pick is M3. Plus i like the exterior design of M3 better than Audi's. Besides i never even seen the RS5 in US markets. Is this only for Europe?

[@dunti21]

@MrTorrHumor RS4 doesn't exist anymore, brightspark. The RS5 took over the old RS4. These 2 are the same class...

[@TheEryk03]

Facts: RS5 is more expensive because it's better, it's faster on the track ( ex. Nordschleife M3 8:05/ RS5 7:59. Yeah, I agree that the RS5 is more fun and that the RS5 is very sexy. It is.

[@cardude1992]

doesnt the rs5 compete with the bmw m6? i thought it was a midsize car liike the m6

[@travonepleasant]

BMW makes damn good cars, but then again it is almost so typical to see one down the road. You see an S5 and you know it is different. Real world practicality and performance in all wrapped up in one Audi hands down. Lets see the M3 do that in the snow or rain. Come on folks. : )

[@narcleptik]

Got that exact RS5 she's a beauty

[@josefinkjellsson7051]

And low on power and handles like Titanic..yes we know..

[@melbguy1]

@@josefinkjellsson7051 As I commented earlier, the S5 has untapped potential. With a few mild performance upgrades (intake, exhaust, suspension (coilovers, sway bars), brakes (braided brake lines, pads), tyres + a tune), the RS5 would compete head to head with the M3 on the track. And it looks and sounds better imho, and has better fit and finish in than the E92M3. And the higher depreciation of the Audi means it is now a sleeper and performance bargain.

[@josefinkjellsson7051]

@@melbguy1 and do the same "few mild performance upgrades" to the BMW and it would leave the RS5 on track and on street even more, so your point is invalid comparing platform to platform or modified to OEM. Just buy a bmw will ya, and stop pretending that audi and VAG-group can produce anything that is worth having in your garage :)

[@melbguy1]

@@josefinkjellsson7051 Yeah i'd concede the Audi is likely to cost more in the long run on servicing. That said, the E92 M3 will always play second fiddle to the E46 M3 as most BMW purists want an inline 6.

[@wailou13014]

Love rs5

[@Anoush13]

The Audi has much more torque and a greater power band through the revs. Without a doubt it grips like magic with its Quatro AWD system, and in my opinion feels much more luxurious. But at the end of the day, I'll take the M3 over the RS5 any day! The RS5 feels to static, and honestly is no where close to how great the M3 feels! AWD may have more grip, but also means there's less fun in the corner. Going side ways through a corner is much more enjoyable than zipping past it.

[@christiantava442]

Matt Watson Balkan edition

[@KoukiMS6]

@aeroplano111 The BMW doesn't have a fat powerband or peak TQ. It makes less TQ than my Mazdaspeed6 or the 335i. To FEEL power you have to wind it out, which on the street gets old. The Audi has a fatter powerband and makes higher peak TQ lower. On the street it's the better car.

[@subaruWRC19]

The only car review I love -> review from this guy (I forgot his name (a) ) HD, Good review, good guy -> Auto Express or Car buyer :)

[@elliotswann]

Well they do use the word "Versus" which means "Against - contra - for - to - or opposite" so in other words the title reads "Audi RS5 Against BMW M3 review". So yes, I do believe people came to see which car won, I know I did, which means other people probably did as well. To me; it just seems you're kind of butt hurt that the reviewer chose the Bimmer over the Audi.

[@gelovr6]

you should check that info

[@milosilic23]

Both of these cars are excellent and would be a pleasure to own. But at the end of the day, it goes down to the looks and what you prefer. I would probably take the Audi, 'cause i like it's looks, but i wouldn't mind a Beemer either.

[@Thistooshallpass-k6c]

did he dry steer at the very end

[@AboveInShadow]

I like the M3 front visibility and Audi interiors.

[@mightyOmouse]

Matt is the best reviewer on KZbin!

[@TheMegaCONARTIST]

Audi RS4 did and now RS5 - 2010 Best Sports Car Production Coupes. M3 which is the best of BMW continuously targets performance how ever it always looses to the competition :)

[@Amidat]

really the M3 is only slightly faster around certain tracks (though not all)... and that has less to do with a "real driver" - but more to do with the weight of the vehicles.

[@TheMegaCONARTIST]

German Auto Bild sports car of the year for 2010 in the Production Coupes category where M3 is included Audi RS5 has overtaken the title. The title “SportsCar of the Year” is one of the most sought after prizes in the German automobile industry. All participating sports cars previously had to prove their worth in over 300 tests and road reports. BMW has absolutely nothing on Audi.

[@blahbla6666]

@ivojiggy The audi is to heavy to be faster in the corners..

[@aeroplano111]

@lngbrd94 (continuation of previous) I do admit that Audi's have top-grade interiors, however, Quattro GmbH doesn't produce cars as sporty as M GmbH. The people left BMW because of Audi's luxury and build quality, not because of its sportiness. BMW has always been 1 part luxury; 2 parts sport. And they didn't just leave BMW. They left Lexus and Merc as well. Half the people who buy German cars don't realize their sporty demeanor. So really, BMW is the best in terms of sport.

[@francotarika]

BMW ///M always more driving pleasure and Fun!

[@TheEryk03]

RS5 is faster, better build, better equipped, has a better gearbox, engine, do not oversteer all the time, has amazing performance in all condition, has a lot of traction and looks much better IMO. For me M3 is as dull as ditchwater and RS5 is much more fun to drive.

[@performancelosreyes]

@UzzyFuzzyy I owned a SLK 55 AMG, we drift at last two times at month, and we can probe. in a personal opinion we considered Audi a better brand, they have more resources than BMW in some aspect´s but not everything is told, in fact the M product is really fun and beautiful but in overall effect we considered Audi is a better product for the most.

[@GunKata]

so your M3 isn't stock? an RS5 could be modded too...

[@rickytomatoes]

@lovebreakyou Audi is not VW. They do collaborate with various projects, but they both have seperate R&D, engineering and manufacturing. If you want to start talking about who offers better performance and looks, take a look at Lamborghini and Bentley....then look at who owns them :-)

[@deutchcarlove]

I would take both, one for the track and one for everyday driving. M3 is a great drive as long as there are no bumps in the road cause your liver might come out of your mouth. RS5 is just an all around beautiful car to drive on any road and any weather condition. I would spend the money on a car I can drive all year long where I live due to snow/sleet.

[@StingRayINC]

I want both please