Motortrend: M3 Wins Again! Still Benchmark for RS5 and CTS-V

[axoid]

I'm impressed that the V did so well with a 300-600 lbs weight disadvantage. They really should have waited for the M5 since the CTS is really in that weight class. This was like putting a football receiver up against a track and field 100m runner.

[consolidated]

this prediction didn't work out...

The RS5 acceleration figures (unofficial) are closer to that of the C63 which means it is slightly ahead of an M-DCT M3. Track times on the ring are expected to be between 7:55-7:59 depending on conditions and rubber used at time of test, which I might add is roughly 10s better than the M3 depending on whether it's using CUP+ or PS2. Where the RS5 will really score over the M3 is in it's ability to cover ground extremely quickly, yet safely.

Overall, whether it's in acceleration, handling, braking, in-gear times, economy, emissions, in fact everything will be that little bit better than the M3 which when all of this is taken into consideration proves that Audi have indeed produced a superior car.

[BMW269]

The RS5 acceleration figures (unofficial) are closer to that of the C63 which means it is slightly ahead of an M-DCT M3. Track times on the ring are expected to be between 7:55-7:59 depending on conditions and rubber used at time of test, which I might add is roughly 10s better than the M3 depending on whether it's using CUP+ or PS2. Where the RS5 will really score over the M3 is in it's ability to cover ground extremely quickly, yet safely.

Overall, whether it's in acceleration, handling, braking, in-gear times, economy, emissions, in fact everything will be that little bit better than the M3 which when all of this is taken into consideration proves that Audi have indeed produced a superior car.

[mkoesel]

Originally Posted by consolidated

this prediction didn't work out...

Was that footie? I think you'll find him in the C&D thread. It's hard to keep track, I know, what with there being so many of these threads now.

[xxs65xx]

Originally Posted by mkoesel

Was that footie? I think you'll find him in the C&D thread. It's hard to keep track, I know, what with there being so many of these threads now.

ah yes footie does he still post here?

[knockoutking]

Originally Posted by 330CIZHP

From MotorTrend:

"
BMW's M3 has long been the segment's benchmark, but it's not perfect. Left to shift itself, the seven-speed transmission is clunkier than the Audi's. The steering-wheel rim feels fat and clumsy, and these days Hyundais have better-looking interiors (our car's all-black interior looked particularly cheap and nasty). But the M3 is still the most sharply focused driver's car of this bunch, a scalpel among sledgehammers."

Ouch!!!!!

My e92 interior is a significant upgrade compared to my e46 interior...so if the e92 is bad what does that say about your previous model 10 year old car?

[erio]

OK...last one. Sorry I couldn't resist this one. Pictures can speak a thousand words.

[knockoutking]

Originally Posted by erio

OK...last one. Sorry I couldn't resist this one. Pictures can speak a thousand words.

[BMW269]

^^

Well, for this there should be an exception. This is one of the only Audi I like. It is different, it is a real Audi.

RS5 = FAIL
not because
RS5 < M3
but because
RS5 < RS4

[footie]

Originally Posted by knockoutking

My e92 interior is a significant upgrade compared to my e46 interior...so if the e92 is bad what does that say about your previous model 10 year old car?

I don't think anyone could genuinely call BMW interiors as poor quality, the E9? could be classed as functional but boring. At least the future looks much brighter as all F model cars have improved greatly.

[footie]

Originally Posted by Levi

^^

Well, for this there should be an exception. This is one of the only Audi I like. It is different, it is a real Audi.

RS5 = FAIL
not because
RS5 < M3
but because
RS5 < RS4

I would love you to explain this conclusion. Why is the RS5 not as good as the RS4?

Because I could give you many reasons why it's better.

[BMW269]

Originally Posted by footie

I would love you to explain this conclusion. Why is the RS5 not as good as the RS4?

Because I could give you many reasons why it's better.

-RS5 is heavier,
-RS5 has does not have the good 6MT of the RS4, which is even better than the M3's 6MT
-RS5 does not look so distinguishing as the RS4
-RS4 is not so agressive as RS4, RS4 looks better than RS5 (subjective)
-RS4 has character, RS5 is bland
-Both have "the same" engine
-RS4 handles/feel better, more "connection" than RS5
-RS4 is "hard-core"

In one word, the RS4 has something that the RS5 has not, just like M3 E46 has something M3 E92 has not. But contrary to what M3 E92 offers over M3 E46, RS5 has nothing more to offer over RS4 except "bling-bling".

PS: I am also interested in your view point RS4 vs. RS5.

[footie]

Originally Posted by Levi

-RS5 is heavier,
-RS5 has does not have the good 6MT of the RS4, which is even better than the M3's 6MT
-RS5 does not look so distinguishing as the RS4
-RS4 is not so agressive as RS4, RS4 looks better than RS5 (subjective)
-RS4 has character, RS5 is bland
-Both have "the same" engine
-RS4 handles/feel better, more "connection" than RS5
-RS4 is "hard-core"

In one word, the RS4 has something that the RS5 has not, just like M3 E46 has something M3 E92 has not. But contrary to what M3 E92 offers over M3 E46, RS5 has nothing more to offer over RS4 except "bling-bling".

PS: I am also interested in your view point RS4 vs. RS5.

I agree that weight and manual box are two failings of the RS5. As for the areas of superiority.

Engine: more power and torque, wider torque band, wider power band, higher rev limit. Better economy and emissions.

Suspension: improved version of DRC, offering better control.

Select drive: ability to change characteristics of each item of the car and program an individual preference for each.

Quattro system: an improved version offering a wider abilities to switch available power, even quicker reaction times, more efficient, the ability to link with sportsdiff and provide a full torque vectoring system front and rear. Greater levels of grip approaching 1g.

DSG: ultra quick shifting dual clutch with no noticeable lose in power during shifts, plus the ability to offer launch control for the first.

I could continue but why bother as you will wash all these advancements under the carpet.

[Scoobe]

transverse mounted engine = fail.

[consolidated]

Originally Posted by mkoesel

Was that footie? I think you'll find him in the C&D thread. It's hard to keep track, I know, what with there being so many of these threads now.

Yes, these lukewarm RS5 reviews has footie running around like a fireman. No offense footie, I was hoping for more as you were.

I just don't understand why Audi didn't put all their engineering acumen towards a true M3 destroyer given 3 freaking years of development, I would have welcomed it come time to buy a market improved M3.

The real take away from these reviews isn't that the M3 is still the one to beat but rather Audi's best effort can't even handily top (split 2nd/3rd) Cadillac's entry as a sporting power cruiser, and the RS5 costs 5 digits more $$.

It's too bad about the RS5's weight given the talk about the use of more aluminum and a lighter chassis.

[footie]

Originally Posted by Scoobe

transverse mounted engine = fail.

?????
Which car out of these three is using that layout?

[Jack28]

Very Nice Video... Ya Kudos to Cadillac loll... dropping a high hp engine in a coupe doesn't make it a great sports car. As the host said, The BMW IS the REAL Drivers car. Loved this Video. Very nice...

[OverDrive]

Originally Posted by consolidated

this prediction didn't work out...

Originally Posted by Levi

^^

Well, for this there should be an exception. This is one of the only Audi I like. It is different, it is a real Audi.

RS5 = FAIL
not because
RS5 < M3
but because
RS5 < RS4

While I do agree with you for the most part, I don't think the RS5 is worse than the RS4, although I agree that it doesn't offer much more to be considered better.

PS, do you have a bigger version of your sig? I really dig it

[Imola.ZHP]

"Hyundai's have better looking interiors?"

This is why I no longer subscribe to car magazines. A friend was telling me about checking out one of the new Hyundai's at the Chicago auto show. Said overall the car looked nice, but on the 2nd day of the show the side bolster for the drivers seat was already looking very tired.

I don't get it, BMW designs interiors to last a lifetime, to become classic in nature. Hyundai is all about growing their brand, so if chintzy fad modern looking interiors is doing it for them, good for them. My e46 is 7 years old and I still love everything about the interior. If anything their "black on black" interior should have sharpened their focus on the drive. My car's interior is black on black with black cube trim, while still very attractive, it does "fade away" as I think it should. I guess they must love up in your face silver or two-tone everything screaming "look at me" on the inside. I say no thanks...

[Scoobe]

Originally Posted by footie

?????
Which car out of these three is using that layout?

None, just threw that out there for debate.

[RingriderM3]

Well....thats 5 or 6 straight reviews that were not very encouraging for the RS5.
Some may call the RS5 as a failure due to its agenda. As mentioned in the video (2:54) and other media channels, Audi spent a ton of time and money in R&D to build an M3 beater. they spent 3 yrs with the M3 and finally produced the RS5....and according to many of these videos and articles...The M3 still comes on top. that's pretty sad!
"the benchmark is the benchmark..."
back to the drawing board Audi....AGAIN....
ps: at least it has nice seats!

[RingriderM3]

"The RS5 acceleration figures (unofficial) are closer to that of the C63 which means it is slightly ahead of an M-DCT M3. Track times on the ring are expected to be between 7:55-7:59 depending on conditions and rubber used at time of test, which I might add is roughly 10s better than the M3 depending on whether it's using CUP+ or PS2. Where the RS5 will really score over the M3 is in it's ability to cover ground extremely quickly, yet safely.

Overall, whether it's in acceleration, handling, braking, in-gear times, economy, emissions, in fact everything will be that little bit better than the M3 which when all of this is taken into consideration proves that Audi have indeed produced a superior car."

wow...who wrote that dribble?....that was off the mark eh??!!!!...he/she must be a tad embarrassed!!