Audi S3 vs BMW M135i | evo TRACK BATTLE
At the wheel We drove both a manual S3 three-door and five-door Sportback specced-up with dual-clutch S Tronic and all the trimmings And although they share a badge they feel very different cars Three doors feels like a hot hatch adult, albeit with a 300hp punch, while the five-door looks a family car more adult though very fast.
The thin manual car wheel with a flat bottom and characteristic slight shift-operated and precisely all the features familiar Audi, even the fierce grab the brakes and gushing brittle at low speeds, the engine pulls strongly at low speeds, with little sense of shift and a medium muscular range, but it doesn t feel 10 percent on power compared to the Megane 265 or focus ST and lacks the punch M135i s OMG also seems headbutt his hard limiter and about 500rpm earlier than expected, tradition undersquare happiest design at low speeds that near the red line which, unfortunately, is where the BMW has a glorious end to his power group, its nature and balance revvier oversquare six cylinder really coming through on a test disc seal, especially if you've got the Audi dynamic engine sound mode that sounds more like a misfire.
The S Tronic flatter to deceive more efficiently, providing a net whump dual clutch a peak mode, but its six ratios seem a little archaic compared to eight-speed auto BMW.
Audi's heard complaints about hard drive set-up if both the standard dampers and adjustable on the Sportback an acceptable balance between the strength of the sport and shock absorption and balance.
Four-wheel drive gives Audi an advantage at all times on the BMW disputed tractionally, which will give you lots of flashing lights on the dashboard when it is wet, but fun to hustle along and efficient fast, it is factor few thrills at the wheel and it doesn t like the M135i can inspire along the same route part of the Audi.
300hp is impressive, but BMW six sweetest choice.
The feelgood factor much praise was heaped on the new interior style minimalist A3 range and successfully combines the traditional Audi conservatism with a younger and now the sense of modernity from the upright to some plastics, it is difficult to escape the feeling that you are in a classy sedan however, the most compelling factors in BMW premium Feelgood little things like the fact that the shift paddles in the Audi are chromed plastic and those in BMW's cool to the touch aluminum highlight, although the bells and whistles spec Sportback circulating us was much more convincing in his ambitions at a price premium.
Bragging rights 1 looks of the series remain the division and the fact that your colleagues and neighbors won t be able to tell the difference between your M135i and entry level 114i will be the hero or zero rank to taste .
The S3 is retained - there is still an Audi - but the quad pipes and S brand are relatively speaking much more evident while staying with more mature taste that hot hatches like the Megane shoutier The acceptable face to go mark faster, if you want.
Not civilian car people will probably be more impressed by the Audi, especially blinged with a few extras like red seats of our car manual or Super Sport Quilted those Sportback But that's not really how PH - is- he.
Meanwhile, in the real world away from the BMW is a selfish choice based around the driver of the passenger front seats will probably tells you to slow down, the rear seats can complain about the lack of legroom and head and that the procurement should be in the trunk is probably on their knees there are benefits to be based on the MQB platform hatch VW but with space and practicality without doubt the side of the S3 in simple terms, it is more likely that home to get universal approval.
Against the BMW soothing multi-mode s character and cruising capability languorously in Eco Pro, slurring his way through eight-speed auto, did make a comfortable mile muncher if you're flying solo.
Do they compare the price Yes, so spookily manual to three M135i doors costs 30570, the S3 comparable 29980 You range self M135i hatchback starts at 32595, S3 Sportback with S tronic 31920 two S3 and M135i has standard leather , sports suspension, the respective brand S and M Performance and extended options lists which brings us to.
Do they really compare the price The fact the bottom line on the Sportback five-door we tested starts with 4 is probably the first shock of this comparison, but it is fair to say that this car was a press car fully loaded with all the toys, but that the S3 is already on the back foot for power and punch in the exercise of guts, can weigh 10 percent price premium over a car with five doors generously specced M135i is eye opening.
Doubling considering the A45 AMG again faster and with a standard dual clutch gearbox, starts 37000 Have a browse complete specifications and pricing options below and make your own decisions on what is needed and what could be trimmed, but it is hard to escape the fact that S3 breath quickly a price advantage with few options checked.
Conclusion The S3 is a great car with a measuring well, all but one, unfortunately all but practical and in some eyes, raises the value, it is hard to escape the fact that the M135i thumps complete it in all fields If you need a premium more family oriented uber hatching Sportback will be a sale much more convincing than the BMW more egocentric But for the kind of feelgood factor we are looking for is not very difficult to call.
AUDI S3 SPORTBACK engine 1,984cc 4-cyl turbo transmission 6 Manual 6-speed automatic double clutch S Tronic, four-wheel drive Power 300 hp 5,500rpm torque lb ft 280 1,800rpm 0-62mph 2sec 5 4 8 sec S Tronic three-door 5 3s 4 9sec S Tronic five-door limited top speed 155 mph Weight EU Sportback 1445 kg excluding driver 40 MPG 4mpg 40 9mpg S Tronic NEDC combined CO2 162g 159g km km S Tronic 31920 43425 Price as tested inc 775 Estoril blue crystal effect paint, 275 for reversing camera, driver assistance package 1.450, 1.795 for group Inc. Technology and Audi Connect, 795 for super sports seats, 245 for automatic dimming mirror with light and rain sensor pack , 795 for LED lights 170 for the package interior lighting, 950 for the sunroof glass, roof rails 250, 425 for the tip of key 75 to the pressure warning tire 200 Audi Pre Sense Basic, 835 for Audi parking system plus, Audi active lane assist 900 and 750 Bang Olufsen sound system.
Motor BMW M135i six-cylinder, turbo manual transmission 6 speed automatic rear wheel 8 optional gears Power 320 hp 5,800rpm torque lb ft 1,300-4,500rpm 0-62 332 5 mph 1 sec Auto 4 9 sec maximum speed 155 mph MPG Weight 35 March 37 7 188g of combined CO2 NEDC Auto km 175g km auto Price 30525 before 37.680 tested Inc. Options 515 for adaptive M suspension Sport, aluminum trim, Free BMW system Business loudspeaker 295 for DAB , 360 for the comfort of the driver package comprising sensors cruise and parking 90 for prolonged storage 250 for gradation folding mirrors, the display of full black panel, glossy black finish, 95 Internet, 200 passenger lumbar support of the driver for BMW Professional Multimedia 1,995, 515 for metallic paint, 235 for the rear Park Distance Control front, 265 for the seat heating, 1 600 for the automatic transmission S port 290 for the packet sunscreen, 450 for packing Inc. Xenon light adaptive visibility.
BMW M135i vs Audi S3 PistonHeads, M135i, Audi, made of hard escape.