2019 RS3 gets smashed by AMG A45s & M2

Slowracer · Dec 5, 2019

Don’t want to bash the new OPF ridden RS3 but it seems to be consistent in losing drag races it was previously winning in various tests and reviews.
1/4 mile A45s - 11.95, m2 - 12.5 and rs3 - 12.85

video is in Italian with English subtitles.

Terminator x · Dec 5, 2019

It seems to launch slower, but not a popular opinion in here it seems ...

TX.

Sent from my BBB100-2 using Tapatalk

Tristan · Dec 5, 2019

Saw a roll race once with a pre opf vs m2 competition and it was neck on neck until top end where the rs3 just about nudged in front. And many videos show the pre opfs getting around high 11s to early 12s on 1/4 mile

Riko0073 · Dec 5, 2019

Not sure why on these tests that the RS3 is achieving 4.2 0-60, I’ve achieved better in wet conditions and others here recording as low as 3.6 which looking at this race and another acceleration test I’ve seen the A45s achieved 3.9?

I guess the new A45s is the new ‘car’ to have so maybe some bias in these tests towards the Merc, who knows!!

Regardless of a few 100th’s of a second I know which car I’d still have and thankfully it’s parked on the drive in Nardo grey :redface new:

Riko0073 · Dec 5, 2019

terminator x said:
It seems to launch slower, but not a popular opinion in here it seems ...

TX.

Sent from my BBB100-2 using Tapatalk

Quite possibly TX but still doesn’t explain how others have recorded 3.6-3.8 with launch, just as quick as others have recorded on pre OPF cars?

Maybe there’s more of a ‘knack’ to the new OPF launch and pre-OPF cars were just more consistent, I’ve got no comparison as never drove a pre FL or FL pre OPF but can’t help wonder on the validity of the couple of tests I’ve seen on line when members on this very forum are achieving much lower times,

Hey ho, I’m sure they’ll be more evidence and discussion on this subject.

Tristan · Dec 5, 2019

Riko0073 said:
Quite possibly TX but still doesn’t explain how others have recorded 3.6-3.8 with launch, just as quick as others have recorded on pre OPF cars?

Maybe there’s more of a ‘knack’ to the new OPF launch and pre-OPF cars were just more consistent, I’ve got no comparison as never drove a pre FL or FL pre OPF but can’t help wonder on the validity of the couple of tests I’ve seen on line when members on this very forum are achieving much lower times,

Hey ho, I’m sure they’ll be more evidence and discussion on this subject.

Many of the pre opf facelifts averaged around 3.7-3.9 haven't looked into the opf times as much all I've seen are the slower figures shown by all these car journalists.

Riko0073 · Dec 5, 2019

Tristan said:
Many of the pre opf facelifts averaged around 3.7-3.9 haven't looked into the opf times as much all I've seen are the slower figures shown by all these car journalists.

And that’s where my scepticism comes in with these car journalist tests, who’s to say they’ve not been ‘sponsored’ by Merc to discredit the RS3 and help boost sales of the new ‘in’ car?

Sound like a broken record but why have others on here recorded those much lower times, I’ve personally recorded 4 dead with a full tank of fuel on a wet road, sure I could achieve under 4 with a bit less fuel and on a nice dry day which would beat the M2 times shown in this video and match or beat the A45s time.

Also seen 100-200kmh times on the OPF consistent with the pre OPF cars, even if the launch is slightly softer the higher speed ms shouldn’t see it tail off as much as this video suggests.

I don’t know, more conversations to be had here and others will chip in with their thoughts I’m sure.

FBF01 · Dec 5, 2019

Slowracer said:
Don’t want to bash the new OPF ridden RS3 but it seems to be consistent in losing drag races it was previously winning in various tests and reviews.
1/4 mile A45s - 11.95, m2 - 12.5 and rs3 - 12.85

video is in Italian with English subtitles.

Ouch! Thankfully I have FL pre OPF

That A45s launches hard!!!!! Still not sold on it but I will sure as sh*t be test driving one when it hits the show room. Seems an almighty motor and the reviews for its handling seem sublime also. Hurry up 2021 RS3

Terminator x · Dec 5, 2019

Riko0073 said:
Quite possibly TX but still doesn’t explain how others have recorded 3.6-3.8 with launch, just as quick as others have recorded on pre OPF cars?

Maybe there’s more of a ‘knack’ to the new OPF launch and pre-OPF cars were just more consistent, I’ve got no comparison as never drove a pre FL or FL pre OPF but can’t help wonder on the validity of the couple of tests I’ve seen on line when members on this very forum are achieving much lower times,

Hey ho, I’m sure they’ll be more evidence and discussion on this subject.

Fair enough. At least you aren't calling me names like some on here

TX.

Sent from my BBB100-2 using Tapatalk

Riko0073 · Dec 5, 2019

FBF01 said:
Ouch! Thankfully I have FL pre OPF

That A45s launches hard!!!!! Still not sold on it but I will sure as sh*t be test driving one when it hits the show room. Seems an almighty motor and the reviews for its handling seem sublime also. Hurry up 2021 RS3

It is impressive what they’ve done from a 2.0 I’ll give them that.

I test drove a new A class for a possible replacement for the wife’s car recently, at first the interior was a WOW but after driving it for the day it drove me to distraction and getting back into the RS3 was a breath of fresh air with its simplicity and great build quality.

The A45 a bit over styled also and with that wing I can’t see myself in it but it does have great road presence from what I’ve seen.

The positive is yet more choice for us guys looking at a mega fast car in this segment along with Audi and BMW.

Riko0073 · Dec 5, 2019

terminator x said:
Fair enough. At least you aren't calling me names like some on here

TX.

Sent from my BBB100-2 using Tapatalk

No need for the name calling although I secretly think you enjoy it! Lol

We all have our opinions TX, the new regulations have forced car manufacturers into these changes but I’m so glad the RS3 still has that 5 pot powering it regardless of some muted sound and ‘still questionable’ slower performance which has been proven numerous times that it can still achieve pre OPF levels.

Tristan · Dec 5, 2019

Guys I still think the journalists underate the rs3 deliberately because the a45s is the new kid on the block, but in all fairness even if it were quicker it would ultimately be a fail if it wasn't. The new rs3 is going to be crazy if it tops our current facelift. Another question that has to be asked as well is how close is the a45s' powertrain to its limits. I was astounded when I first heard basic bolt ons and a map would surpass 500 Bhp on these new ali blocks

Riko0073 · Dec 5, 2019

Tristan said:
Guys I still think the journalists underate the rs3 deliberately because the a45s is the new kid on the block, but in all fairness even if it were quicker it would ultimately be a fail if it wasn't. The new rs3 is going to be crazy if it tops our current facelift. Another question that has to be asked as well is how close is the a45s' powertrain to its limits. I was astounded when I first heard basic bolt ons and a map would surpass 500 Bhp on these new ali blocks

Bang on!

There’s always going to be the ‘next’ fastest car, the new RS3 or M2 comp will push the bar even further, the fact the new A45s is questionably faster 0-60 (I’m still sure the RS3 can match or beat it under fairer test conditions) and I’d like to see a rolling race to, just shows how good the RS3 is and that 5 cylinder.

Terminator x · Dec 5, 2019

Riko0073 said:
No need for the name calling although I secretly think you enjoy it! Lol

We all have our opinions TX, the new regulations have forced car manufacturers into these changes but I’m so glad the RS3 still has that 5 pot powering it regardless of some muted sound and ‘still questionable’ slower performance which has been proven numerous times that it can still achieve pre OPF levels.

Totally agree, it is an amazing car. Still my favourite even after a RS4 and M5.

TX.

Sent from my BBB100-2 using Tapatalk

Slowracer · Dec 5, 2019

Tristan said:
Guys I still think the journalists underate the rs3 deliberately because the a45s is the new kid on the block, but in all fairness even if it were quicker it would ultimately be a fail if it wasn't. The new rs3 is going to be crazy if it tops our current facelift. Another question that has to be asked as well is how close is the a45s' powertrain to its limits. I was astounded when I first heard basic bolt ons and a map would surpass 500 Bhp on these new ali blocks

I don’t doubt that there is a lot of heavy PR management happening with the A45s, this is typical for a new car launch. amg would not be allowing any reviews being released without their approval. The real tests will happen when the car is on the streets.

IMHO the A45s will be a convincing last in any race where no launch is used.

in the meantime we just need you guys to line up a pre and OPF car for a drag race so we have more fuel for enthusiastic forum banter.

speaking of which.

https://fastestlaps.com/comparisons/jgm5ttmn1hlr

Ross_T_Boss · Dec 6, 2019

******** said:
12.85 is a terrible result and not on par with real world results or even magazine tests of OPF cars, and tells me they had a bad run or a bad driver. I've gone 12.13@115.xx (dragy) with a stock OPF car with less than 1000 miles on it, and if it ever stops raining here, id be happy to post some results. Here's a recent 0-60 which shows it is on par with the pre-WLTP cars:

View attachment 194595

That's remarkably similar looking to the 0-60 on my wife's Golf R estate, almost identical 0-30mph! That confirms what I have suspected, the launch control has been tamed on the new model, which is why the car always seems slow off the line - it's restricted in 1st gear, costing a couple of 10ths in that first crucial 60ft. Your 2nd gear phase is obviously quicker - no shift delays in your times and it's clearly making decent power.

The stock Golf R ran 12.48@108 which makes it .4s faster than the RS3 according to that test, but given they managed to drop 0.7s against your posted 0-60 as well that is no surprise. These guys need to perform proper tests, and re-test if the results are clearly wrong, they just lose any credibility putting crap like that out there.

According to the subtitles all cars are on 95RON, it is surprising that the other cars don't appear to "suffer", but not so that the RS was slow, it really sucks on 95RON. I had to run my TTRS on it once in France for 100 miles, even with some octane booster it was very flat and hesitant, and took a while to re-adjust afterwards too. It felt like a good 50hp loss (!)

Riko0073 · Dec 6, 2019

Subtitles seem to indicate RS3 on 95RON and the Merc and BMW were on special 100RON?

Riko0073 · Dec 6, 2019

Riko0073 said:
Subtitles seem to indicate RS3 on 95RON and the Merc and BMW were on special 100RON?

Actually yeah just re-watched and seems all cars running 95 but has heavily affected the RS more than the other cars?

Ross_T_Boss · Dec 6, 2019

Riko0073 said:
Actually yeah just re-watched and seems all cars running 95 but has heavily affected the RS more than the other cars?

Yep, it still seems very suspect to me, who knows - perhaps those cars came with half a tank of 100RON and they topped them off? Something not right as they all should have been quite severely impeded by 95RON.

That said I've heard from tuners that poor fuel is a real nemesis on this engine, on one hand it responds remarkably well with good octane fuels when tuning but equally sensitive to a drop on the other. 10% seems typical!

FeDx_ · Dec 6, 2019

Not sure the OPF is really to blame...

My 2019 S3 has OPF and is getting consistent 4.3 second 0-60 Dragy runs.
That's on par with pre OPF S3 times.

The 2019 S3 is supposedly down on BHP to it's pre OPF model.. (although it's also claimed to have more torque)

Riko0073 · Dec 6, 2019

Ross_T_Boss said:
Yep, it still seems very suspect to me, who knows - perhaps those cars came with half a tank of 100RON and they topped them off? Something not right as they all should have been quite severely impeded by 95RON.

That said I've heard from tuners that poor fuel is a real nemesis on this engine, on one hand it responds remarkably well with good octane fuels when tuning but equally sensitive to a drop on the other. 10% seems typical!

Yeah who knows, something not right.

I’m waiting for some decent weather to get the dragy out as only so far done in the wet with a full tank but that still saw me achieving 4 secs dead which is better than this and the CarWow timings, need to get to 3.8 and below to ensure it’s consistent as achieved with others on here.

Riko0073 · Dec 6, 2019

FeDx_ said:
Not sure the OPF is really to blame...

My 2019 S3 has OPF and is getting consistent 4.3 second 0-60 Dragy runs.
That's on par with pre OPF S3 times.

The 2019 S3 is supposedly down on BHP to it's pre OPF model.. (although it's also claimed to have more torque)

Yeah interesting and good times achieved mate.

Riko0073 · Dec 6, 2019

******** said:
You just need a little practice mate and conditions can make a big difference. 4 seconds in the wet is nothing to sneeze at, but she’s got a lot more in her you can be sure.

Yep, I’ve not done many launches, think only 2 in my S3 and about half a dozen in my S4 but never timed them, sure there’s a knack of building the right boost but not letting it hang on too long. There’s definitely better times for my RS3, I’m sure the weather, road conditions and not a full tank of fuel will see me getting into the 3’s and I’m only around 13 stone :redface new:

Bryant1998 · Dec 6, 2019

Thing is with those 3 cars is they all suit a specific market...

RS3 is really the ultimate hot hatch, not ott looks like the a45 but still very attractive, unreal power, decent sized car in both sportback and saloon versions, outrageous noise and 4 wheel drive that I haven’t been able to find the limit of (I’m in a S3 8P, rarely can get it to lose traction, half because there aren’t enough opportunities and 90% because I can’t afford to replace my entire car through stupidity lol)

M2 is the drift machine, realistically it’s slower round a track than an RS3/A45 but if shaving 0.1 seconds off your lap time isn’t #1 priority, this is your car. If you want to go sideways, have fun doing it and own a ‘small’ German car, m2 is your choice. Plus the new interiors are centuries ahead of the previous gen of bm’s

A45 is essentially the chavmobile, whether you like it or not, appreciate the engineering or the badge, the A45 is the car you buy when you want a Mercedes badge on hire, you’re unemployed but still pull 40k and want everyone to know, plus what kind of bell piece puts a huge spoiler on a 4WD car... But regardless, it’s an impressive bit of kit that would have most supercars scared

As much as it’s fun to compare them, they’re all very different cars (not just mechanically or aesthetically) and I doubt more than 10% who have owned one of those, will buy either of the other 2 on the list

Also, as much as they’re all insane cars, all 3 of those offered to me on the table at same price...
RS3 all day, so I’m probably quite biased

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Ross_T_Boss · Dec 6, 2019

******** said:
Interesting, thanks for posting. The 0-30 times are especially interesting. We might be able to put that down to my weight at 18+ stone taking a little longer off the line though, or could be wheel spin as runs are at night in cold conditions, but overall it is still on par with pre-opf cars, so not sure it actually can confirm any change in the launch control.

Certainly colder nights won't help! I did a bit of testing recently in -2C (on PS4S) - I got close to my summer times, but brakes and tyres needed a thorough work-out. The first few tries it was spinning as if it was damp, a 5-mile hoon gave a big improvement but still not enough, another loop round - 20-25C on the TPMS - and was only 0.03s off my PB 0-30. I had to treat 'em like R-comps to do it though.

In terms of the lighter LC, could it be a TTRS thing? I'd heard Audi went more aggressive with the TT launch but didn't really believe it. All of the data comparisons I've done for Pre-FL RS3s are mapped and 0-30mph they are equal to the TTRS. Stock I ran 0-30mph in 1.40s consistently and expected the RS3 to be closer to that, not on par with a Golf R estate!

I'll see what data I can find for Pre-FL to see if there is mileage in that, and will be interested to see some 0-100 and 0-200 (kmh) stuff on the OPF cars when conditions improve! One thing I am finding in the Golf R - a tamer launch is helpful in cold and damp, where as it's useless in the RS most of the time now! I'm getting alot more seat time in it as I hit a wild boar in the RS, but that's another story. Substantial damage to bumper/rad/wing but repairable.

Monkeychops · Dec 7, 2019

Bryant1998 said:
M2 is the drift machine, realistically it’s slower round a track than an RS3/A45

I’d have thought the M2 was faster round a track? It can go round corners properly for a start

(And that’s coming from an RS3 owner...)

Ja5on · Dec 7, 2019

End result do you have the car you want? If these sort of videos annoy you go then but what ever car wins.

Personally I don't give two *** about these sort of videos, there do many different factors to take into account there no point waste brain real estate on it. Yes I've got a 69 reg RS3 with what extra filters on it. If you want to have a sword fight with your mates about 0-60s etc fair enough. But if you going to sort out whats best go book a track day and take the cars to the LIMIT and go from there. Could agree more with Bryant they are all different sort of cars aimed at the same market, each going about the job in a different way

Am I bothered about 0-60s....... NO. Previously had a 650hp Litchfield tuner GTR so there's very few cars that will beat that 0-60 or 0-100.

Bryant1998 · Dec 7, 2019

Monkeychops said:
I’d have thought the M2 was faster round a track? It can go round corners properly for a start

(And that’s coming from an RS3 owner...)

Maybe it can! I’m no pro driver by any means but the more traction in corners you have = the faster you can go in my eyes lol.

Maybe you are right, but if you were, why would AMG and M sport be switching from RWD to 4WD?

Personally I love having 4WD, but at some point I want a RWD car just for the fun of it, I can get my S3 to 4 wheel drift round a very large roundabout (on a track, obviously, I wouldn’t try it on the road as that’s illegal) but I’m sure on the same location (again, obviously on a track

) I’d enjoy it more with RWD

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Tristan · Dec 7, 2019

Ja5on said:
End result do you have the car you want? If these sort of videos annoy you go then but what ever car wins.

Personally I don't give two *** about these sort of videos, there do many different factors to take into account there no point waste brain real estate on it. Yes I've got a 69 reg RS3 with what extra filters on it. If you want to have a sword fight with your mates about 0-60s etc fair enough. But if you going to sort out whats best go book a track day and take the cars to the LIMIT and go from there. Could agree more with Bryant they are all different sort of cars aimed at the same market, each going about the job in a different way

Am I bothered about 0-60s....... NO. Previously had a 650hp Litchfield tuner GTR so there's very few cars that will beat that 0-60 or 0-100.

I agree mate. Each car is purpose built. And I tune whichever car I get anyway so it changes the game highly and apart from personal choice everything else would be irrelevant. What kind of 0 to 60 and 0 to 100 did u get with gtr?

Monkeychops · Dec 7, 2019

Bryant1998 said:
Maybe you are right, but if you were, why would AMG and M sport be switching from RWD to 4WD?

Easier for the masses to peddle quickly, and on the road point to point likely quicker as well as arguably safer.

But the comment related to who was faster around a track, different kettle of fish there

Bryant1998 · Dec 7, 2019

Monkeychops said:
Easier for the masses to peddle quickly, and on the road point to point likely quicker as well as arguably safer.

But the comment related to who was faster around a track, different kettle of fish there

But for a road car, that might get taken to a track once a year, what more do you need!

That is a funny video, but I’d like to point out how many videos of RWD cars overdoing it there are lol

Racing will always produce different results anyway, too many variables to say which is the best

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Monkeychops · Dec 7, 2019

Oh yeah there’s probably far worse videos of RWD and the consequences of a RWD mishap are often a bit more severe than under steering. Hence why with bigger power in a hatchback 4WD is preferred, it’s safer for the general public

But, for someone who knows what they are doing (certainly not me!), round a track in anger, I’d expect the M2 to be quicker.

That’s the joy of the RS though, it’s a day to day hatchback that can still have plenty of fun on a track, without being a track focused car.

Ross_T_Boss · Dec 8, 2019

Monkeychops said:
Oh yeah there’s probably far worse videos of RWD and the consequences of a RWD mishap are often a bit more severe than under steering. Hence why with bigger power in a hatchback 4WD is preferred, it’s safer for the general public

But, for someone who knows what they are doing (certainly not me!), round a track in anger, I’d expect the M2 to be quicker.

That’s the joy of the RS though, it’s a day to day hatchback that can still have plenty of fun on a track, without being a track focused car.

About where I'm at with it, it's amazing how 'easy' it is to keep a fast pace, particularly in mixed conditions on the road. Very confidence inspiring and traction is phenomenal. In a nutshell, the RS gives me sport-bike like progress capabilities on the road, in conditions a RWD is wiggling it's **** all over the place. There is some thrill in that and modern RWD are pretty 'safe' with the nannies on agreed, but that put the M2 CS out when I was comparing.

I'd expect an M2 to be a more engaging drive and slightly faster on track, but ultimately if both are well set up it's more a case of understanding how to maximise each car. So for the understeering Audi that's about rotating the car (e.g. trail and left foot braking) and maximising the traction advantage out of corners.

simonali · Dec 8, 2019

RS3s are AWD, not 4WD. Look it up. As for the OP vid, the results would've been the same if the cars all had super unleaded in their tanks!

*scarpers for cover*

RS03_SEN · Dec 9, 2019

Maybe the RS3 just isn't the greatest car out there. I know people on forums think nothing is better than their car but unfortunately there's always something better/faster out there.
I love my car but it's just a car and there's way better cars out there, I just can't afford them.

Sent from my GM1913 using Tapatalk

Riko0073 · Dec 9, 2019

RS03_SEN said:
Maybe the RS3 just isn't the greatest car out there. I know people on forums think nothing is better than their car but unfortunately there's always something better/faster out there.
I love my car but it's just a car and there's way better cars out there, I just can't afford them.

Sent from my GM1913 using Tapatalk

That’s exactly it and per my previous comment that they’ll always be something newer, faster etc, the new RS3 will no doubt trump the A45s on bhp and 0-60!

The fact the RS3 5 pot has been around a while now, won many awards and runs the new higher bhp A45s pretty close (take this video with a pinch of salt as it’s definitely faster!) is a testament to it.

Sounds loads better even with OPF and no gastly rear wing and overly complicated and fussy interior then I’m happy with my choice of going for the RS3, could have gone down the Merc route but the RS just suits me more, sure they’ll be others that prefer the Merc or BMW, just be happy for the fact we have these amazing cars. If you said to me 20 years back whilst hooning around in my 205Gti that I’d have a 400bhp hatchback that can do 0-60 in under 4 seconds I’d have laughed by socks off!!

Drewsus · Dec 9, 2019

Keep an eye out for Carwow's comparison between Pre OPF and OPF filter video that will be out soon if not already. I think the findings will upset a lot of people.

Tristan · Dec 9, 2019

Drewsus said:
Keep an eye out for Carwow's comparison between Pre OPF and OPF filter video that will be out soon if not already. I think the findings will upset a lot of people.

Already seen the massive difference that filter makes and the opfs are slower because of that restriction. It's just a fact. Going from 3.7s to 4.2s on 0 to 60 and from 12 dead/12.2s to 12.8 on 1/4? And that sound difference...

In a nutshell if the opf filter is on it is definitely slower because of the restriction, another filter on is less free flowing than without it? If you have it removed then its performance is questionable but I imagine it should sound and perform just like pre opf. An easy fix for those who are in denial of the opfs restrictions.

And also if the a45s beat the m2 conpetition by the margin that it did it will also beat the rs3 pre opf by roughly the same amount on a roll.

I'd like to see the tuning capabilities of it. I can't see it stretching too far when it is supposedly already running almost 3 bar of boost out of factory. Interesting to think about bearing in mind this powerplant will be in next gen c63 as a hybrid. If not for eco why would it need hybrid tech for extra power if it were tunable I.e. like our 5 pots?

Drewsus · Dec 9, 2019

Tristan said:
Already seen the massive difference that filter makes and the opfs are slower because of that restriction. It's just a fact. Going from 3.7s to 4.2s on 0 to 60 and from 12 dead/12.2s to 12.8 on 1/4? And that sound difference...

In a nutshell if the opf filter is on it is definitely slower because of the restriction, another filter on is less free flowing than without it? If you have it removed then its performance is questionable but I imagine it should sound and perform just like pre opf. An easy fix for those who are in denial of the opfs restrictions.

And also if the a45s beat the m2 conpetition by the margin that it did it will also beat the rs3 pre opf by roughly the same amount on a roll.

I'd like to see the tuning capabilities of it. I can't see it stretching too far when it is supposedly already running almost 3 bar of boost out of factory. Interesting to think about bearing in mind this powerplant will be in next gen c63 as a hybrid. If not for eco why would it need hybrid tech for extra power if it were tunable I.e. like our 5 pots?

I think you will be surprised if i've been informed correctly!

Tristan · Dec 9, 2019

Drewsus said:
I think you will be surprised if i've been informed correctly!

How do you mean my friend?

2019 RS3 gets smashed by AMG A45s & M2

Registered User

Registered User

Registered User

Registered User

Registered User

Registered User

Registered User

Registered User

Registered User

Registered User

Registered User

Registered User

Registered User

Registered User

Registered User

Registered User

Registered User

Registered User

Registered User

Registered User

Registered User

Registered User

Registered User

Registered User

Registered User

Registered User

Registered User

Registered User

Registered User

Registered User

Registered User

Registered User

Registered User

simonali

Guest

Registered User

Registered User

Registered User

Registered User

Registered User

Registered User

Similar threads