M3 or S3 ??

[Rachael]

Someone help me to decide! On my 2nd S3 at the moment, between the 2, had an S3 for about 4 years now and love driving it. I've always fancied an M3 and thinking about getting one now. Trouble is, not sure I can go from 4 wheel drive to rear wheel drive! If I don't go for the M3, should I hang on to what I have just now (silver 02 plate) or get a new modelled one?!

Someone help me!

 

[MintyS3]

Depends on the reason. I take it if your concerned about going from awd to rwd then you wont be pushing the cars abilities. If not then I guess its just for the looks? Thats really upto you.


New modelled one? As in the 8P S3? I would rather that than an 8L S3 or M3.

 

[Rachael]

I thought a rwd drive car wouldn't handle as good as the awd? I like the M3 for looks, power, sound the engine makes, etc.

 

[MintyS3]

The M3 will generally be quicker point to point than an S3.

And yes the sound is better.

 

[Essflee]

That is a hard decision...there the 2 cars I'd consider when I one day come to change...I think I'd swing towards the 8P and remap it...job done

 

[S3-Oski]

As much as i like my S3 I would definately have the m3 100% over my s3 imo, i was going to get one before i bought this, But opted for the S3 as i always wanted one and did not want to spend more money in the end,

But i like the S3 as you see less, and the M3 is more money but have come down alot now you can pick up a nice hardtop model in carbon black for about £12,500-£13,000,

Have you ever driven one? Love the zingy note to it, so much different to the s3, But im glad ive got my s3, thats the thing you buy something and think "should i have bought this instead" well i do,lol


Opps noticed you said newer model s3/m3, thats a tuff one, never driven a new s3 but look very nice, plus are the current model but the e46 (i presume you mean?) is now a older model and has been replaced,

 

[Rachael]

Yeah I'd be looking to get the previous model M3, a 2004 or so is within my price range. I've always wanted one and think to myself that I could get one, keep it for a couple of years then go back to the S3 (probs newer model although I like the older model better for looks).

Liking the M3 in the grey or blue.

Whats the difference between awd and rwd with regards to handling? Will I still be able to throw it into corners and hold on for my life?!!

 

[S3-Oski]

Yeah I'd be looking to get the previous model M3, a 2004 or so is within my price range. I've always wanted one and think to myself that I could get one, keep it for a couple of years then go back to the S3 (probs newer model although I like the older model better for looks).

Liking the M3 in the grey or blue.

Whats the difference between awd and rwd with regards to handling? Will I still be able to throw it into corners and hold on for my life?!!

grey or carbon black! I would seriously test drive one, it is a hell of alot of difference to the s3, tail happy with 340 odd bhp iirc at the rear wheels, so can be twitchy,

 

[Rachael]

Yeah thats what I'm worried about, me leathering it and it becoming tail happy!! At least I know where I am with the S3!!!

 

[S3-Oski]

Yeah thats what I'm worried about, me leathering it and it becoming tail happy!! At least I know where I am with the S3!!![/quote

Like i said i would definately have one, as i have a soft spot for them, but i would test drive one to see what you think. the s3 when you gun it, you have 4wd but the m3 is rear wheel drive, so putting down power is a different matter, and can be dodgey in wet/cold. But stillif you have the funds it could be a nice change,

 

[Olly P]

I was seriously considering a M3 before getting my mtm's S3. There completely different cars so its hard to compare, I'd love to drive a M3 though! The S3's more of a all rounder, easy to live with, good looking, relatively quick and easy to drive. I imagen the M3 to be faster, harder to drive fast, and not quite as a nice car to be in. I went for the S3 for its all round quality as unfortunately I spend most of my time stuck in traffic!

If I was to buy another car for around 10k i'd look as the likes of Escort Cosworths or a e30 M3, all cars you need to own before you die! With any left over cash you could but a mk2 golf, far more fun to drive than the S3!

 

[Rachael]

ah I have had a shot of a 400bhp cosworth. Amazing.

I am going to try the M3, hard work when your pushing it sounds fun and exciting. Plus, I've always wanted one. After 1-2 years, I will go back to an S3. I just want to listen to that roar every day going to work and having much fun at the weekends!

 

[S3 Rav]

m3's different type of car as many have said. i drove my mates e46 m3 the other week. lovelyyyyy sound from the exhaust when giving it the beans but alot harder (i found anyway) to drive fast.

 

[1animal1]

yup i considered one of these too, would have bought if the interior was better.... exterior, exhaust note are what do it for me, the let downs are the interior which is as boring as every BM on the planet, and also the thurst and undriveability factor against S3..... oh and the S3 is more rare.

before the prices dropped is whn i was looking and the BM drivers all seemed to be ring fenced as '*****'...and i can see why (altho they prob think the same about us)

 

[S3 Rav]

in all fairness to the "*****" label..whenever we are in my mates cars the amount of other people that come right up your **** is crazy..they want to push you. thats jut an observation i had. but true they are *****...joke!!

 

[Ash B]

Hi Rachael

I'd go for the M3 seeing you have an S3 now and you already had one before. Always nice to have a change for a 2-3 years. And M3 are lovely cars. Would of you been going for a 8p S3 or another 8l S3?

The only thing is i see a lot of M3 the model like 04 and 06 etc. But i dont see many S3 8L down my way.


Ashley

Never driven a M3 but been in a 04 and 08 M3 and they are very powerful cars and the nice it makes well brings a smile to my face

 

[Mutsumi]

If I may just offer an alternative, how about an S4? You keep the quattro(even tho it's a diffo system), and gain the power. You also don't get quite as much '****' image as an M3.

 

[jojo]

I would get an M3 given the choice today.

 

[Olly P]

how about a rs4?

 

[Rachael]

Yeah I do like the RS4 but my budget is about £20k tops so couldn't really afford one just now. Looking at an M3 from 2005-2006.