Audi S3 vs BMW M135i | evo TRACK BATTLE

[@minityper]

That engine in the BMW, its amazing.

[@IsiahHD]

The Audi quilted leather seats are the best on the market. Audi's may not necessarily be the best cars, but those leather seats are top-notch.

[@Pablosammy1]

Fair enough, they are a bit nice! The rest of the car is super dull though

[@IsiahHD]

But was it necessary to come into MY comment in all caps to tell me this? As far as I'm concerned, you were acting hostile.

[@yuntong1995]

***** still better than bmw seats:)

[@julienjjj]

I'm just really disapointed that you can't get them with the perforated leather that has cool air blowing throught. My E-class has that and I wont get any other car without them. Nothing like a cool seat on a hot day !

[@amapolishplummer]

Those seats are a reason to buy the car in itself.... JUST LOOK AT THEM!

[@Aless_Cnz]

I'm actually surprised the Audi got that close despite the power gap, and it surely looked much more fun than Audi usually are

[@Dgannt]

This S3 is brand new while the M135i is old and will be replaced next year. I think the engine placement in Audi will always hurt them. Every time you open the hood of any Audi car (not R8) you will see almost the entire engine in front of the front axle. And the AWD just magnifies the problem, what he calls the push in the corners. Understeer has always been a legendary part of all Audi cars thanks to the faulty engine placement. It's like a reversed 911. I have started to look at cars differently. Any front engine car with the front wheels close to the windshield means big overhang and a lot of the engine in the wrong place, just like Audi. Audi makes great cars but for transport in comfort and luxury, not driving dynamics.

[@davidmitchell5638]

yeah but go and explain that to Audi fanboy!! btw R8 is pretty much a murcielago with Audi design and $100k less which is good!

[@ivanmico1]

David MuscleGuy you meant Gallardo with Audi desgn?

[@ivanmico1]

it is not old and not gonna be replaced soon, cos the second gen 1 series started its life only 2 years ago

[@davidmitchell5638]

Ivan Mico i think he was talking about 135i hatch back not coupe! and yes it's not old.

[@parismalaspinas2488]

Actualy the bmw is not that old, it's a 2012 model and they won't replace it next year..if i had to choose id take the bmw hands down..

[@NZsarge1]

@ Sam King (sorry I for some reason I can't respond to your comment as per usual). Modern tech in these motors does make small turboed engines pretty drivable without out doubt but neither of these companies are lacking on the tech front, power and torque figures may be similar but a 2 litre four will probably never have the 'grunt' of an equally modern 3 litre turbo six, the driver here pointed out that that the Audi's motor struggled against a bigger capacity engine with two more cylinders and I reiterate that the Audi came close with only 2/3 the capacity I think is very good. By the way the state off tune of the Audi is not what I'd call highly strung, the AMG 2 litre four is getting there though..

[@yvesx4x]

Everybody saying Audi rs3 should take on BMW M135i is talkin bullshit, if you would compare a rs3 you have to take the new M2 and everybody knows BMW will ruinin the Audi again..

[@derbigpr500]

Let's see the 135i ruin the S3 on a real road that's not perfectly level, flat and dry....e.g. any road in the real world. Not to mention S3 has room for 5 people and a big boot, and a much nicer interior.

[@royalstevep68]

derbigpr500 1st corner and the m135i will be in a hedge

[@n9athan]

sp royals Other way around, you can thank front biased AWD understeer when you find yourself facing the pole you're going to hit.

[@yvesx4x]

derbigpr500 If you just need a big boot and room for 5 people why would you than consider to buy an S3, just buy an A3 its why cheaper and same dumb car. Isn't the point of these sportive hatchbacks to have fun? Just by watchin' the video you can see the fun and drivin' part is much beter in the BMW.

[@roozbehbey]

sp royals You won't even be able to see the bmw when it rains , and if you wanna have a comparison the A1 QUATTRO will murder this overrated ugly piece of junk.

[@velhisv5929]

Really surpriced with the driving charasteristics of the S3. Great to see an audi that isn't completely an understeering pig when driving fast. Still, I'd take the M135i over the audi any day. It has character.

[@lucazanoni9168]

Where the hell Tiff Needel is??? In any case good job Jethro

[@IAmSkip94]

This comparison reminds me of last weeks Top Gear episode.

[@SPMNDK89]

Why does Europe have a smarter customer base? Where there is demand, there will be supply. So the fact that there is no supply of M135i in USA means not enough American demand. Which is a pity, because I fancy this little sweetheart of a hatchback more than the M235i coupe. The M235i may be more stylish but it's hardly cooler.

[@Dgannt]

Would these small cars have a big enough market in US? Most of the time I hear the hot hatchbacks are too small and expensive for what they offer, that you could get a Mustang, Camaro or many other US cars for less and more hp.

[@davidmitchell5638]

all of you are wrong, no a lot of people want to buy hot hatches in the US the reason they're not for sale is the price to compete with and yes Europe buy these cars cause of their tiny roads for easy parking or so...yes if you want one so badly you can find some way how to bring one here but i see no point since 70% of cars in Europe are hatch back??? not to mention we have so many hot hatches in here like Fiesta ST...it's the same thing there do you see big pickup trucks? or muscle cars that everyone goes crazy when they see one!!

[@Dgannt]

David MuscleGuy It's not so much the tiny roads as the smaller engines and better handling. The average engine in a truck or muscle car has so far been around 5L or bigger. The new once have smaller engines since they are going to be soled globally. The big engines makes them very expensive in Europe since taxes also depends on engine size. US cars that are much cheaper than their European counter parts in US cost often the same or very close here in Europe. No most bang for your buck here, no sir.

[@dreray4077]

bezor Ta Who are you kidding? A C7 Stingray here in Germany fully loaded is as much as a bog standard Cayman S, A fully C6 ZO6 was less then a base Carrera Non S, A GT500 was always less then an M3,, To say there no bang for the buck in Europe, Is completely wrong, They may not be AS much, But you simply cannot get better performance and Power for the price of an American car in any European country, To even get colse, You would need a GTR. Well atleast not the most well known.

[@kraenk12]

Drake Switzer That's true...Still noone would buy a Corvette for that money since only pimps drive them and they look way to immature.

[@cben86]

track fun > track time. Great review though. Jethro knows his stuff.

[@jermainerobinson7098]

The S3 is more practical and looks better you can’t go sideways in the real world that’s the difference when Carkson dose a review he always goes by living with it in the real world as well as how good it is on the track. The real world is more important.

[@davecom3]

"The Audi's got more than composure on its side..." *Audi under steers out of shot.

[@mikemayers9353]

Under steering is easier to manage and predict than over steer so he was right

[@DavidMassieux]

@@mikemayers9353 especially when the road gets tighter, as most roads are one lane only and quite narrow in Europe. Oversteer would make the car far less trustworthy, whereas understeer can be dulled down with earlier braking.

[@mikemayers9353]

@@DavidMassieux i like rwd but i would not daily it if i were heavy on the foot . Ive seen morons in the mountains quite literally hit the damn mountain overtaking and the turbo comming on boost when they flicked the car so it went bye bye . And i have seen idiots plowing straight off the road with a renault because they forgot that it had 3 pedals

[@1993j]

@@DavidMassieux So you're saying taking your foot from the accelerator and bringing the back end in controllably is more dangerous than a FWD bias S3 gunning it into a corner, turning the wheels and just sliding straight forward with no control? 🥴 That is what happens when you push a car that is powered mostly by it's turning wheels.

[@DavidMassieux]

@@1993j i did not say that, you're inventing parameters that suit your narrative. Have fun with that.

[@TheAquarpio]

a bit not fair to S3 , M135 against to A45AMG and S3 is a level lower , slightly. wait for the RS3 and have anther the battle again

[@loomx63]

Its the exact right competitor S = M-Performance Range, RS = M. A3 = 1 Series.

[@weed46]

We wait for the RS3, you wait for the M2

[@BradMarchandtheSlewFooter]

Jonny Oliveira RS3 concept 0-60= 3.5 seconds 😏

[@weed46]

***** Enjoy the drag strip... I live in Europe, i have something called "CONERS"... pretty fun

[@seandavidson1969]

matthew deng Chris Harris tested M135i and RS3, bmw was faster.

[@ACOUPER100]

A lot of comments suggesting a test between the RS3 and the M135i. Chris harris tested the old RS3 against an M135i which makes for a useful comparison. The RS3 appears to be significantly beaten in that video. A good test for the future would be the new RS3 against an LSD equipped M135i. The BMW might not be the best looker but it has really broken the mould by producing a dynamically sound and powerful RWD hot hatch.

[@sveeny]

The level of hate and fanboyism in this comment section is astounding. I think both cars are cool and both have their right to exist. It's great to have a choice.

[@lewisratford2908]

I owned a m135i and it was brilliant for the cash. I now have an S3 ( hence why I’m looking at old videos ) and it’s just brilliant too. Both Different but equally great. Fan boy Car culture is just so dumb.

[@sveeny]

@@lewisratford2908 Actually, three years after this comment I own both of these cars :-D Well, at least close. I have a tuned S3 8V with approx 400hp and I have a BMW M2 with manual gearbox. Both are great cars in their own right. The S3 is a superb everyday car and the M2 just gets me emotional each and every time I drive it.

[@lewisratford2908]

@@sveeny That’s a pretty good garage you have there. I drove an M2 comp for 10 laps on a track day at Bedford and loved it. I really wanted one, but alas was out of my price range. I think you’ve summed up the cars perfectly. I also find the S3 in the damp and cold an absolute weapon compared to all my other 2 wheel drive purchases over the years. I guess it’s a great all rounder but you can’t have everything - meaning a fully exciting car in the dry. All these cars have their strengths. Will keep the S3 standard for now. 400 bhp though sounds brilliant.

[@sveeny]

@@lewisratford2908 Thanks mate :-) Yeah, the S3 is pretty quick. It does 3.67 from 0-100 measured with GPS. The BMW feels comparably powerful although being not as quick due to RWD and manual gearbox. But I don't really care. The experience of driving this RWD/manual car combined with the noise it makes with the old N55 engine and an almost straight pipe exhaust system is absolutely brilliant. Have never craved for more power at all. I could do a tune but I don't really feel like it. So maybe at some point you could consider the regular M2 if that fits your budget a little better. In my opinion it's absolutely brilliant and it even works as an everyday car. I have used it even in winter on snow and ice before I bought the S3. Works tip top (not as good as the Audi, admittedly :-)

[@lewisratford2908]

@@sveeny Awesome 😎 amazing how fast we can get these cars now. I used to crave an escort cosworth when I was 18, but can get that performance now in a fiesta or bmw diesel. Shame that the roads now are so bloody crowded.

[@carsaregood911]

JETHRO!! Finally!

[@GethinJames]

The Audi is so much nicer looking. The interior is just gorgeous! Look at those seats!

[@danielgeesealves]

BMW M135i F20 is a Munich "MasterPiece" 😍😎

[@shiv135]

It's mental mate, very underrated definitely makes more than 316hp as well

[@Sean-ek8wc]

Cheaper sounds better , faster round a track more fun , insane power gains from a few modifications , what else could you want

[@Mr-RP]

Jethro, nice review. Potentially looking at shifting my beloved 2007 manual S5 for one of these. I've test drove both cars in 5 door and both automatic. Both cars felt equally as fast if not faster than my S5! The Audi has a more upright seating position and it felt posh inside with the pop up 'ipad' in the dashboard and the usual Audi trendy interior. The transmission was incredible as well along with the 'farting' changing gear noise (sounds better in real life). I feel the S3 will be more useful and practical for me in Scotland with the weather. However, there is no getting away from it... the BMW is by far the funner car for the back roads! You should of seen the girlfriends face on the test drive in that! haha! Incredible performance and felt faster than the S3 and sounded insanely good! Fantastic ergonomics in the cabin and I seriously feel BMW has won me over this time round. The BMW certainly won my heart but I reckon the S3 may be the wise, best, boring decision for me...?However, my 2007 S5 is the better looking car than both of these and has the V8 drama for the B road blasts up in the Scottish mountains. It's seriously a 50/50 of which one i will choose. Automatic has won me over now as well as the manual would just slow even the best drivers in the world down! too much going on! Plus the auto's are more economic in these 2 amazing cars which is an excuse to convince your mates that its worthy....? Thanks.

[@syedomarnorth2561]

Fuck the M135i,I know its RWD and has a beautiful inline 6 engine.But you can't resist the S3 excellent engineering,wonderful styling and now that it has a proper sense of humour with its Lift of oversteer.Well done Audi👏 do the same with the RS3 and it'll wipe blood of the Beamers eyes haha.

[@9ogt]

Just love the way that M135i sounds. Looking forward to the M235i with an LSD!

[@peterdonoghue8161]

7 years on and I've just chopped my s3 in for an m135i, here goes...

[@clivereid]

If the M135i can do this without the proper LSD, imagine it with one! Kudos to Audi for making an effort with the handling though!

[@simonhutton4430]

Wicked review Evo. Quality quality quality. I'd watch any Evo feature. Great Journalist.

[@rogefedwon]

He keeps complaining about the 'lack of power' in the Audi. It's only 16 horsepower down for god sake man..

[@Tommy-BB]

You don’t understand engines at all really do you?

[@nikeelm]

power delivery and the differences between RWD and Quattro can be very different ... more different than 16 hp . but i still love the way the s3 looks and feels on the road.

[@shiv135]

@@nikeelm Good point, the M135i actually makes close to 330hp stock that's why the power gap is large

[@calvin9999999999]

But the M135i has a much big engine in comparison to the S3. M135i has a straight six, 3,000cc turbo engine. S3 has a V4 2,000cc turbo. So the M135i has a 1,000cc more and two extra cylinders. M135i also comes with xDrive (4wd) now. Pit it against the RS3 and it would be a different story.

[@Bowhuntingskills]

But they are roughly equivalent in price which is the crucial thing. Plus it's only 20hp up so who gives two shits what the engine size is?

[@timothymountain7868]

pit the rs3 against the 2m lol

[@lukemilla9359]

The rs3 would wet on the bm and still has a smaller engine 😆

[@jordandavies6847]

seriously dude, I'm biased to no car I love my bmw and audi all the same but a golf R does not touch an rs3 in any single way at all, if you believe it does you don't know cars or you are biased to golf which probably means you love taking the D

[@R13AAD]

Does the s3 not cut off the boost for a few seconds when left foot braking?

[@yourfast07]

Both are great cars no question there, and both are in 40k range and that means I can only have one, or should I say most of us, and my next car will be S3 just because i can live with it no matter what nature throws at me, (unless it's a tsunami ) exterior and interior on S3 looks a lot better then bmw, yes it's only 2.0t but with simple ecu tune this car can get 0-60 in 3.7 second and 1/4 in 12.1 . But even stock it's just more then enough for everyday machine that will put smile on your face every time you drive it.

[@Fishphers]

I mean I love the BMW and all.... but the S3 really is the car that I could stand living with.

[@1061shrink1061]

yourfast07 for me it would be the golf R over the S3. It's (IMHO) better looking, and has a more luxurious feeling interior. It's set up almost identically to the S3, but comes with much much more standard kit, for less money. You don't even get cruise control on a standard S3, the Golf comes with radar adaptive cruise for free!

[@MANTRAKKK]

this bmw was in the top gear show last week

[@NICKFOXTV]

Love the S3, took a video of mine against an Impreza wrx on my channel!

[@jacoblee4451]

That BMW is a fucking eyesore

[@DjNikGnashers]

6 years later, watching this after just coming back from a hoon in my remapped M140i, which pulls away from RS3's :-))

[@henrikmagnussen1658]

Just bought a M135i myself with a manual box, and still managed to take an RS3 to gapplebees.

[@zhanglin317]

LOve the "BM"s exhaust note.

[@joetidman565]

Now do it again in the wet, in drizzle, in the cold or on crappy roads and we'll see that 1 sec advantage reversed...

[@zhbroder]

every linked video at the end goes to the same URL.. all to the same video

[@Cur8or88]

Isn't there a 3 door S3?

[@markrhoden68]

Is this helpful to those who wish to purchase these cars, what I mean is are any of us ever going to take these cars anywhere near their limits? So I wonder what's the relevance of these video's

[@ThisIsMTH]

Really fancy the S3, you know. M235i is a gem though!

[@sissach1]

The reviewer went automatic in the Beemer and Manual in the S3. I demand a re-race with cross over (i.e. manual mode in Beemer and Auto in S3) to eliminate any bias :-D

[@marcbentel4129]

Id say the Audi does pretty well considering the power and toque differences

[@richard1717]

Why not the RS3?

[@Pablosammy1]

Because the RS3 costs £40k. The S3 is the M135i's competitor. The M2 will be the RS3's rival.

[@tonicdb]

Sam King we've got the same name!

[@jamoy666]

RS3 is no longer in production

[@JoeAchilles1]

The old wobbly RS3 went out of production a while ago… New one due next year!

[@M4rkmcc21]

Make that track slightly damp or wet and we will have a totally different story. In the UK esp up north its pretty much 75% we gona have rain!

[@jordyhunting3977]

Get xdrive, if it is available in your country

[@LongbranchOlivetti]

Isn't the RS3 more comparable to the M135i?

[@Wositsch]

Audi RS = BMW M Audi S (S3) = BMW M performance (M135i)

[@jennyfromjapan]

@MikeRelvasR8 so what will audi face off against bmw's 1m or m2?? you guys are talking as tho the rs4 should battle the 335i's and not the m3's???

[@15october91]

The M135i is an amazing car!

[@KopaszJack]

The answer is always Miata/MX-5

[@royalstevep68]

Driving sideways on a uk road = death, not fun

[@MrWindmad]

Brilliant review. Jethro is fantastic.

[@mohammedsamara1753]

the bmw m135i is better than rs3 what do u expect the m135i vs S3 u answer !?

[@Fishphers]

m135i better than rs3? LOL

[@eddiejones1728]

Why don't they use the m135 xdrive all BMW s can now come as 4wheel drive would make a great review

[@charskin]

Not available in the UK.

[@meady200]

Excellent vid more like this please!

[@Neil100]

How many people will be taking their cars to the track in the next year?.............

[@iantownsend5480]

Watching the S3 go round the track there is your new Golf R, just a different badge & cheaper & better

[@steventhoseby]

I don't care if the BMW is quicker, it has looks only a mother could love, is made with what looks like very cheap plastic inside and will not be confidence inspiring in the winter. For me, Audi every time!

[@marcosconejero3691]

It's the BMW rwd? I think that one its 4wd. I was driving that one in Spain in one Michelin day it was amazing car traction controllers off amazing sensations.

[@jmmpdfdg]

Why are all review's of this M135i against 4wheel drive cars... You reviewer's do know that you can get the M135i in xDrive right? Why not compare the M135i xDrive agains all of these all wheel drive cars? I just cant get it .. :/

[@nemtizz]

That car didn't come to the UK.

[@leroysuzanscheijven-kuijst9370]

Cuz 4 vs 6 cilinder...?

[@3enl0]

Jethro you LENEND!! Great review.

[@laweezemorton8884]

I have to take a BM.. I hope it's this fun

[@TRHamza]

The fact he's smiling more in the S3 says it all really

[@PilotSuperSport]

Which is weird because the S3 is utterly boring to drive. Nobody buys an Audi because their fun to drive, the M135i is much more exciting to drive.

[@PilotSuperSport]

+Handsome it's a great car, no doubt.

[@gianton33]

Nice! Such a good deal for the other guy :)

[@kingchooet9966]

Handsome you didn't.

[@jbjbjfjefhefefhiehi1]

what test track or airport runway is this?

[@jamesdmiller]

It tells you in the description......

[@etonthompson5175]

Disappointing that the Audi was slower than 1.1 sec. But I agree. The S3 and Golf GTi are essentially the same car. However Audis add luxury and tecnology to the driving experience.

[@manisbho]

The Golf GTI has 230/240 bhp and the S3 300?? They certainly arent the same car especially seeing as everyone here seems to be quipping about 16bhp difference between the 1 series and the S3 per the video above!

[@Alindegaard]

Could be fun to compare the 135 against a 135 xdrive 2 wd vs4 wd

[@_dan_here_]

The S3 used to be an icon of a car. From the outside it looks like a TDI with some extra bits added on. Ok, the RS3 might now do what the S3 did but such a shame it has been shuffled down in looks and performance.

[@costellobf]

Shuffled down in performance? 0 to 60 in 4.8 says quick to me. You're a Porsche driver I take it?

[@_dan_here_]

I drive an Audi S3 actually. I was hoping to purchase the next S3 in the line up but not keen on the styling - looks no different to a TDI with a kit. The performance box is ticked just fine, looks need to improve

[@timol125]

Why don't we just all like cars, buy the ones that we like best and stop arguing like 5 year old's? Both cars are good, to each his own.

[@TSracer1]

M135I beats new S3. (this review) M135I beats old RS3 (Chris Harris review) M2 vs new RS3 should be the next comparison. I know where Im putting my money. But you gotta wonder. How would the "old" M135I do vs the upcoming RS3. :p

[@doubleaught12345]

Did you run a lap in the M135i without traction control to see if it's faster or slower?

[@Ysatt]

M135i: comfort, originality style, clear steer, balance, fun, 6 inline pure sound, seat & saloon ergonomics audi s3: not comfort, vw, not clear steer, not balance. not fun, sound from dinamics amplifier, featureless design

[@Fishphers]

You sound like a fanboy

[@andreacaucino927]

I think that for a perfect valutation was taken the S3 3doors vs a m135 3doors. S3 Sportback is more heavier and therefore considered hp gap not so fair for a duel.

[@ricklyon2833]

So with 30hp more, and more appropriately matched against the RS3, the M135i only won by 1.1sec? Not bad S3.

[@hawaraceworld]

3liter 6 cylinder twin turbo vs 2liters 4 cylinder single turbo. you should campare bmw m1 vs rs3 or compare how much gas it spent for this distance on track.

[@HeavyLikesSandwich]

The Audi looks so much more better than the BMW. It's just beautiful.

[@Pablosammy1]

It looks like the plain frumpy girl from school, with a massive spot on its chin... how is it beautiful?

[@kraenk12]

Sam King actually everything looks beautiful compared to the 1 series.

[@jbjbjfjefhefefhiehi1]

kraenk12 How dare you sir, BMW is beautiful, each car audi makes has looked exactly the same for the past 10 years, BMW puts in a lot more work when they're designing their cars

[@roozbehbey]

Kushi son that BMW is absolutely disgusting to look at , did i hurt your feelings son? get yourself a tissue and cry on.

[@kraenk12]

Kushi son You clearly have no idea about the real efforts which are put in good design.

[@mcdick]

I think Audi has gone a bit wrong way with the overall styling. When A3 first came in '03 it was striking and different. Now they've copied the same look to every model (except R8) and it's not fresh anymore. Freshness has turned into ikea-like feel. Something is wrong if car enthusiast cannot detect model from any front quater. Worst is the TT. It used to be really different, but now it just looks boring. BMW is gone from dynamically great to mediocre. Especially steering in the 1 series is atrocity. It has virtually no real feel (especially on ice) and the it has weird rubbery quality. 3-series much better, but still not very good in that matter. Something is gone seriously wrong if X1 seems to have best steering feel in the sub 60k€ BMW cathegory.

[@plopperator]

shouldn't they be using an rs3?

[@scotttopo]

no m135i and s3 are same price range

[@scotttopo]

no m135i and s3 are same price range

[@SpartanJA17]

I have the s3. Standard I will pace with a mapped M135i down the 1/4mile. Mines now mapped and its a animal. Buy a car looking at the potential not at the bare car.

[@VirusTornado]

SpartanJA17 Audis are very responsive to chip tunes (just look at the supercharged V6 S4). But this BMW has a twin turbo 3.0 straight-6, meaning it can be chiptuned to produce ridiculous power and TORQUE. Also, a Quaife LSD can be bought and installed professionally for less than 1000quid (comes with a LIFETIME warranty btw). At that point, the bimmer is in another league.

[@VirusTornado]

Martin Allen The facelifted M135i looks beast though. Also, I can just get an M235i. Read: absolutely beautiful car.

[@M135iboost]

the difference is a child could drive an audi fast. it takes a man to drive a bmw fast. That four wheel drive system on the audi is good but takes half the fun away.

[@SpartanJA17]

+Chadwick 1991 not pushing hard enough then👍🏻 and the M135i is hardly a raw experience car in this day and age, understandable the m135i seems fun but if you can't get a car to twitch in corners then your not pushing the chassis hard enough. The S3 TCS is very restrictive even when it's totally off which is annoying

[@M135iboost]

SpartanJA17 when you push hard in the audi S3 it pushs the nose out understeering. The BMW is twitchy but that's fun. The audi for me felt soulless.

[@eicjc]

More Bov is only a good thing!

[@ivarmarkusson382]

he is not copy-ing chris harris, they did videos together under the name drivers republic, this in one of the few that is actually as good as chris harris.

[@YouThana]

I drove the M135i and it is a blast. It wins any speed and sound category for me. Some people claim it is unfair. How can it be unfair? They are sold at very close prices and sit in the compact segment. If BMW sells you the inline six for the same money and Audi just gives you a fake sound turbo four with the rubbish VW haldex awd, then guess who made the better choice. Also some people claim the rain situation but in real world when it is raining you have to be completely nuts to push the car to it's limit. We are talking about streets with pedestrians, cyclists, trees and oil spills and what not. So using your awd grip to reach 150km/h a second earlier will get wou where exactly? Right into the ditch is the best bet because your awd is not helping you break any better or corner any faster.

[@staggabob]

Of course AWD helps you corner faster, what exactly did you think it was there for if not grip?

[@YouThana]

Are you sure? In slippery conditions your cornering speed is mostly dependent on your tires, the cars weight and it's distribution, the geometry of the suspension and after this, the engine power distribution to the wheels. In the wet, grip becomes more important, sure, but it is not everything. In the S3 AWD is a must because otherwise it would be a useless FWD car and would lap even worse. Just get yourself a test drive in a M140i and see what it is about. I was really astonished how well the BWM puts the power down even without the locking diff. It really finds traction and goes massively fast. If your dare to, it also allows you to drift. So massive grinning is guaranteed at least for me.

[@staggabob]

You Thana There's a reason AWD took over the WRC (before the money dried up and the manufacturers just put out racing versions of their FWD hatchbacks! Obviously you can get better traction when all wheels are transmitting power to the road- but don't take my word for it, just read any comparison review between the 1 series and the Golf R or AMG45 BMWs have excellent grip and balance in the dry but are not so sure footed in the wet- yes, I'm talking from experience. And this doesn't put me off hopefully picking up an M135i in the next couple of months.

[@DC-88]

You Thana exactly ;-)

[@YouThana]

I did that but most of these reviews also point out that the BMW always wins the sound and fun category - which is important to me. The WRC comparison is indeed a bit unfair because NONE of the current WRC cars is being sold to customers. They are silhouette cars that just look like a VW Polo, Citroen or whatever. Some years ago this was different. BMW dominated DTM with an ordinary car they sold to customers. Subaru and Toyota had WRC winning machines they sold to customers. So what remains for the enthusiasts as motorsport credits? You have to go local and have a look to local rally's or touring sport. For me, as a customer with occasional Autobahn blasts and street drifts when nobody else is there, the M140i is exactly what i want. The Golf R and A45 are a bit childish to me with their huge exhaust tips, unbearable loud fart can exhausts and the silly wings. The BWM looks a bit shy and old fashioned here but i like it. It is a car for people that doesn't want to prove anything.

[@djtripd]

First off the BMW was driven in automatic mode and the Audi's lap was done by the presenter using the paddles. Who's to say he was taking advantage of the best gears? So already the comparison is not fair. Second, if your going to review two different cars don't go on about the BMW for more then half the video and then crap on the other car for a minute and run the lap. I knew the BMW was going to win from the start cause the presenter would shut up about the M135i.

[@TietjenIsLegend]

Best British name I've ever heard in my life

[@FredrikRengren]

Could not get your hands on a xdrive??

[@HesteBremse]

I like both BMW and AUDI - But should the S3 not have been a 2 door version against the M135 ?. Secondary I am rather surprised about the AUDI being lighter than the BMW while it has 4WD - thats quite some progression in lightweight for AUDI or lack off the same for BMW (is it the 6 liner that adds weight to the Bimmer? Anybody). In my life right now I would take the BMW, but if I had kids I would take the AUDI.

[@lupo0144]

These lap times don't really prove anything about real world driving.... It's Christmas Day here in South Wales and the weather is atrocious. If I was going to be driving today I would take the S3 over the 135i M any day of the week

[@cnc_channel510]

+Bill Paxton They do, 1 second difference on such short track is huge. And if you use your car for more than just going from A to B, (you can choose kia or something cheap if this is the case) you will feel big difference even when youre not pushing car to the limit. And yes, BMW will be better even in real life situation, just check nordschleife lap times, as nordschleife has a very rough surface, not as near as perfect as any other race track. And even there BMW will outperform same class AUDI. Now the big problem is, that this BMW is UGLY UGLY UGLY. I am a big BMW fan, but this car looks like shit. This AUDI S3 is nothing special, even a bit ugly, but BMW is just total disaster. And when you walk towards your car on parking lot, for me, it has to bring up some sweet emotions, but this 1 series would make me puke. So yes, BMW will be faster, even more fun to drive, but it sadly looks like shit. I must agree on that one with audi fans.

[@lupo0144]

+Simon Slana I'm not talking about lap times around the "Ring" by professional drivers in the "Right Conditions" I'm talking about the likes of me and you who drive these cars daily in all weather conditions...

[@cnc_channel510]

+Bill Paxton Like I wrote in first comment, you dont need to be on race track, to feel difference in handling. BMW will be much sharper, wont understeer, and will generally be much more fun to drive. This is due to better front:rear weight distribution and due to RWD. RWD will also perform better on snow, when back axle has enought weight on it. It is a very commont statement that RWD is bad for snow. It is exactly opposite, RWD gained reputation as bad in snow due to older bmws and mercs, which didnt have good weight distribution, and back was very light - so bad traction in extreme conditions. Things have changed during years, and better weight distribution fixed this issue. I gave you "ring" as an example exactly because there is no such thing that right conditions on ring. It is just like asphalt on roads. No clean, perfect surface, like on most other tracks. But if you really dont care about performance at all, I can understand audi is your choise, as like I said, this BMW is just to ugly. I woudnt buy this bmw either. But why even look at S3 or M135i if you dont care about performance? Cars with lot less power will do the job, if performance is not important.

[@lupo0144]

+Simon Slana Are you serious about the snow????? I drive 320d and it's good in the snow? Your kidding me???

[@cnc_channel510]

I also drive 320D, older E46 series, and it is great for snow. I can outperform any FWD car. It is nothing more than physics. When car tends to move, weight will tend to move to the back of the car, and give you more grip. When FWD car starts to move, weight also moves to the back, lifts nose up, and it looses grip. Did you even check snow test, to which I sent you link?

[@SurfMatt999]

Nicer seats, looks "better?" Do any of you actually drive or are you all 15? An M135i spanks the S3 in all the important areas, the main one being a far better engine (or don't engines matter?). 10k miles in ours and couldn't be happier.

[@SurfMatt999]

Sorry but the M135i is amazing on fuel; mid 35mpg on a fast 300 mile trip, 30 across Europe going very fast. You can also tune an M135i easily... So a better engine, better build quality (recent VAG quality is poor; we have a very troublesome VW California too), more fun RWD and a much better ride quality.

[@SurfMatt999]

Sorry but the M135i is amazing on fuel; mid 35mpg on a fast 300 mile trip, 30 across Europe going very fast. You can also tune an M135i easily... So a better engine, better build quality (recent VAG quality is poor; we have a very troublesome VW California too), more fun RWD and a much better ride quality.

[@SurfMatt999]

Blimey do I need to spell out why a six pot is better? Here you go then. Peak torque comes in at 1300rpm, way lower than any four pot. The engine IS better on fuel in the real World, it sounds FAR better, it revs higher. A tuning box will get 360+bhp if that's your idea of fun but standard the M135i is a proper, fast mini GT, the S3 and R are just hotted up hatches with nothing to distinguish them from the lower models. Four pot engines are dull, even when tuned to death. They are only allowed in mad lightweight cars like Caterhams.

[@SurfMatt999]

I OWN the car in question.You simply READ about them. My work is done, goodbye.

[@350gtrs]

BMW's suck son n I've driven both your ugly crap handling car and the new S3 n the new Audi is far beyond better looking handed a lot better n it's by far reliable, I went on 3 Rally's in my friends S3 all three were in far cities m never gave up. Now with 22k miles n honestly no issues, wait till you drive your Broke Mans Wish (BMW) a little longer n it start to have issues. That's 100% common for BMW's enjoy it.,

[@thej065]

3.0l vs 2.0l turbo???

[@leomcleoud5130]

thej065 3.0 Turbo vs 2.0 Turbo

[@Mystyfication]

Don't like the way last BMWs look from the outside... Interiors used to have some better times too in the past, however they do go fast, and faster then the rivals, I have to admit

[@Kenyon712]

If you like the Audi, why not just get a VW Golf, GTI? Why pay premium for a VW? A BMW is a BMW.

[@Bleeding_Titanium]

What a stupid comment !!! then why people buy Lamborghini, Bugatti, Porsche, Bentley or any damn car that VW owns ?! you are such a blind fan boy, I'm an Audi fan and I like BMW but you are totally lost it man. Ferrari owned by Fiat that makes Ferrari a Fiat ? and if tomorrow some company bought BMW you'll start hating BMW ? why so many stupid people here on KZbin are acting like they are in a fucking war ? but I think bmw fans are getting more and more stupid day after day.

[@Kenyon712]

VW purchased those established brands. Audis are created from Jettas, Passats, Golfs, Polos, Touregs, and Tiguans. Buy the VW and use the savings to visit BMW headquarters and museum in Germany. You won't regret it.

[@Augustus222]

Kenyon Guillory They share technology but are definitely not created from them.

[@rage12345678]

Kenyon Guillory Apart from the TT, Audis haven't shared a VW platform in over 10 years now.

[@jamsbong]

GTi = FWD. Audi S3 = AWD. Facepalm! Can't believe you made that comment.

[@timszeto297]

Proof of an exciting future M2 from BMW

[@jennyfromjapan]

@idh0530 i personally hate the quilted seats...either reminds me of the 70's or toilet paper

[@SilverWave64]

BMW!

[@jennyfromjapan]

@RichardDudley bcuz not 1m........ m135 isn't top of the heap for bmw, so rs3 would have to face off against steeper competition

[@bricksbybrothers6967]

Would have bought a M135 if it wasn’t so ugly! Loving my S3. Style and performance. Golf’s are for boy racers....

[@pgr3290]

The S3 is incredibly dull without a single interesting feature. The BMW has a world class six cylinder powerplant that sounds like music. In 10 years the S3 will be another old Audi, but the BMW will be an eternal hot hatch classic because of the engine alone.

[@PeterdeMos]

There is so much more than 1 second on a track. The S3 is more composed, significantly better looking, nicer interior and likely much better fuel economy. Which would you rather live with day to day.

[@Mr-RP]

Very well said Peter. I completely agree with you that the S3 is the best 'all round' purchase or lease hire. I have test driven both in Auto and both 5 door. Fell in love with the 'drama' of the M135i and I believe its the best pound for pound BMW on the market at present. However, i may be sensible and just keep the S5! Bottom line, you won't go wrong with either of these cars! absolutely incredible and both fun! I think i'm swaying more to the M135i though although the girlfriend is swaying more to the S3 for the looks and interior! Not the worst decision to have though eh...

[@gw7624]

" significantly better looking" Both cars are pretty ugly. "nicer interior" So you've sat in both? "and likely much better fuel economy" Based on what? "Which would you rather live with day to day." I'll take the better-handling, cheaper, more entertaining car with the 3.0 straight-6.

[@oddities-whatnot]

4 wheel drive anyday.

[@mudgatebronn4438]

Ernie Flannel me too. Which is why I'd get the M135 with xdrive

[@trykkermike]

..so what about the Audi ABT S3 .... which has 370 bhp - bet that one has some more "grunt" than the original S3 tested here.. :)

[@LeontariF1]

Audi has better handling in wet climates and snow and BMW on dry

[@POWERDOME]

good job!

[@rejoicerone3176]

So basically buy the M135i and fit an LSD and job done!

[@jennyfromjapan]

@lorenzoscarletta i'm tellin you these guys are smokin some good sh!t today