I'm in this boat. I think the M3 will be the better drivers car, less weight more steering feel etc...

I was just reading about the RS4 in EVO they say it makes the S4 feel slow and handling is a lot better than the S4.

They say the M3 (I guess current gen) still get the nod for being the better drivers car, but the RS4 is more approachable if you're not an expert driver. Something like the M3 is a better car for the track but real world on real roads in hands of a non expert the RS4 is probably better.

Also I drive in the rain and snow/ice and in these situations even tho I know not race, but the RS4 will clearly be more sure footed and more confidence inspiring.

I'm leaning towards the RS4 only b/c I'd drive it in rain/snow/ice (with snow tires) while the M3 would be like another S2000 in the snow. IMO

 

Please provide a link or something to your source for this information...everything I have read show the M3 to be the faster of the two and it definitely handles better. In addition to which I have now raced several Audi's and the result is always the same...they aren't as fast as the M3 at any speed.

 

uh... there is no F##King way RS4 is $55k.

 

Relax........

Here is the link to where I got the price....
http://www.caranddriver.com/article.asp?se...article_id=9642

I have seen the price all the way up to $75K+ but hopefully that will not be the case.

 

We've also heard the C6 Z06 was going to cost $75K but it's really $65K

The market is really price sensitive. If they want to sell 500/year they can price it whatever they feel like. But if the want to sell (like the M3 does) 6K-8K/year they'd better price it well under $70K.

Don't forget they will also be selling a 444hp S6 and a 500-550hp V10 RS6 so they'll want to have a structrure where those cars will be higher priced but not in the sky.

Lets keep this in mind the 469hp E55 starts at $82K so the much less powerful (esp. in the TQ department) SR4 that's smaller will sell for a lot less (IMO). The C55 AMG sells for $55K (362hp 376-TQ)

 

Tim -

I know buying a car is always a personal choice, so keep that in mind when I say that no matter how good a car the M3 is or will be, I will NEVER buy one. I have met way too many pricks that drive BMWs, that I never want to be lumped in there. Say what you will about every brand has its "winners", but BMW has to take the cake.

That said, I think the new M3 will be more upscale, thus negating a lot of the reason people buy M3s. The RS4 is less pretentious as a whole but some of the interior details are a little over the top.

I have really kept my eye on the RS4 for some time now (even talked with an industry friend about some news this morning), but the big thing keeping me away from most German cars is the appalling lack of quality in the electrical components. Every day I see an Audi/Mercedes/BMW with a brake light always lit, etc. If you are going to lease the car, it's a toss-up since maintenance/warranty is included. If you are going to buy it, I would think long and hard about it...

My $.03

Chris

 

I'd probably pick either car depending on the situation I was in. If I'm in an all-weather state, I'm going RS4 because it will have AWD (I believe).

However if I'm in a state without all-weather concerns, then I'd probably get the E90.

But on looks alone, I'm taking the RS4.

 

I kind of agree. Spending $60K for a car you expect to have great quality. I owned a bmw and had nothing but trouble.

For this reason maybe an IS350 even tho it's not anywhere near as potent or as costly may be a safer choice. There may be a IS430 to go against the german V8s

Also, not a sedan, but the Skyline will also be an option.

 

Not really applicable at all..
but slap the turbos on that audi V-8 and oh god
same goes for the E90 V-8 but more so for the audi
I think the Audi will be faster from a dig because of the AWD and more sensible too for the same reason.
I wouldnt doubt BMW putting the price around 70, they are raising costs and cheapening the materials in the base car too.

 

Will the RS4 be available in wagon trim? If so, it'd be a great car for the wifey (and not so shabby for myself, either ).



-Matt