Top Gear Video: E92 M3 ZCP vs Audi RS5

[nusevad]

do all ZCP have engine cut off? I think that is really useless...and the Audi's exhaust note when shifting is ftw

[Sedan_Clan]

Originally Posted by FifthStreetz

do all ZCP have engine cut off? I think that is really useless...and the Audi's exhaust note when shifting is ftw

In the U.S., it only shuts the motor off when engaged (...and it's not a ZCP-only feature; I believe it is added to all 2011.5 M3's). On U.S. M3's, the option is not active when the car is started; it is off by default. Furthermore, when Auto Start/Stop is active, it will not shut off unless you release the clutch.

[NYCMCBM3]

perfect video!!

[Brosef]

Originally Posted by footie

I do agree that if they brought us a new supercar it would need to be something really special to receive the kind of praise the others enjoy, but I don't agree that they don't have the ability or knowhow to match the best of them, even the mighty GT2 or RS version. Audi have shown that even with no past history as a supercar maker they were still able to not only build a beautiful one but one which went right to the top and worthy to be compared with the best from Porsche and Ferrari. So if Audi could do it then no doubt BMW could too.

I'm not talking about building a car that can be compared in the same category; I'm talking about building one that could beat it. sorry, but the R8 V10 doesn't come close to matching the finest from Porsche. is it even as fast as the 911TT (or turbo S) around a track? it certainly isn't as quick in a straight line. sorry, but I'm not impressed with the performance of the Audi R8. in either power level, it's way overpriced for its performance. the only reason they're able to sell it at the prices they do is because they keep production numbers low to capture the exclusivity premium. not a bad strategy, but it seems clear to me that Audi spent more time working on its aesthetics than its performance.

I'm not dogging on Audi, I'm just saying that it didn't create a legitimate performance competitor with the R8 for its price category. daily driveability and aesthetics seem to be its primary aspirations.

I must admit, however, that I've never driven an R8, so these are merely observations from desktop analysis and reviews that I've done.

[saeedg48]

competition package FAIL! finally for all those who talk down the non-zcp M3s
^ preparing to get flammed ..

[footie]

Originally Posted by Brosef

I'm not talking about building a car that can be compared in the same category; I'm talking about building one that could beat it. sorry, but the R8 V10 doesn't come close to matching the finest from Porsche. is it even as fast as the 911TT (or turbo S) around a track? it certainly isn't as quick in a straight line. sorry, but I'm not impressed with the performance of the Audi R8. in either power level, it's way overpriced for its performance. the only reason they're able to sell it at the prices they do is because they keep production numbers low to capture the exclusivity premium. not a bad strategy, but it seems clear to me that Audi spent more time working on its aesthetics than its performance.

I'm not dogging on Audi, I'm just saying that it didn't create a legitimate performance competitor with the R8 for its price category. daily driveability and aesthetics seem to be its primary aspirations.

I must admit, however, that I've never driven an R8, so these are merely observations from desktop analysis and reviews that I've done.

Considering the handling balance of the R8 has been universally praised the world over I don't see how you can view it this way. It's won Autocar's Performance car of the year a while back which suggests it's among the best available and the latest R8GT is as quick on the track as a 458 or the Turbo S which also suggests it's handling is exceptional considering it's a bit slower than both of them in the sprint.

Maybe when/if you get the pleasure of driving one you might have a slightly different opinion of it as the rest of us do.

[Voltigeur]

Originally Posted by footie

Considering the handling balance of the R8 has been universally praised the world over I don't see how you can view it this way. It's won Autocar's Performance car of the year a while back which suggests it's among the best available and the latest R8GT is as quick on the track as a 458 or the Turbo S which also suggests it's handling is exceptional considering it's a bit slower than both of them in the sprint.

Maybe when/if you get the pleasure of driving one you might have a slightly different opinion of it as the rest of us do.

Also was CAR's PCOTY 2 years ago - and that was up against some stiff comps and they're a very discerning bunch (as they showed this year when M3 GTS came 3rd after 458 and GT2 RS - but ahead of Merc SLS AMG and Lambo Gallardo LP570-4)

[jonasaurus]

Originally Posted by FifthStreetz

do all ZCP have engine cut off? I think that is really useless...and the Audi's exhaust note when shifting is ftw

For those of us in the UK auto start stop is mandatory set to default ON. I've been through a few dealerships and head office here and they won't allow any of their dealerships to default it to OFF or at minimum remember your last setting. Disappointing really when other countries have a choice,

[Brosef]

Originally Posted by footie

Considering the handling balance of the R8 has been universally praised the world over I don't see how you can view it this way. It's won Autocar's Performance car of the year a while back which suggests it's among the best available and the latest R8GT is as quick on the track as a 458 or the Turbo S which also suggests it's handling is exceptional considering it's a bit slower than both of them in the sprint.

Maybe when/if you get the pleasure of driving one you might have a slightly different opinion of it as the rest of us do.

point taken, but the R8GT isn't really an apples-to-apples comparison. it's a limited edition model with a $250k price tag, putting it in GT2RS territory.

in any case, I've never thought that the worth of any car was defined by its performance numbers or track times, so I don't dismiss or overlook the fact that the R8 is reported to have a very balanced handling feel and has been reviewed as being something a joy to drive.

[Voltigeur]

Originally Posted by Brosef

in any case, I've never thought that the worth of any car was defined by its performance numbers or track times, so I don't dismiss or overlook the fact that the R8 is reported to have a very balanced handling feel and has been reviewed as being something a joy to drive.

Totally agree

[Kyoshi71]

Originally Posted by HREM3

If I spend a saturday or sunday doing errands I'll see 3-5 e9x M3s. Kinda annoying...

Gimme a break. Where do you live, Garching?

[shiggy]

GREAT Video South!!...not much of a surprise though really....all reports and comparos had the M3 on top.
BTW....lets not confuse exclusivity to lack of sales!!

[shiggy]

Originally Posted by M3_WC

Footie what happened? Audi's will always be quicker in the wet, right? Just walk away from the keyboard, you fail as an audi fanboy.

[radiantm3]

Originally Posted by Kyoshi71

Gimme a break. Where do you live, Garching?

There's a ton here in the bay area as well. I see way more E9x M3's than the 1 series.

[immiketoo]

Same old crap, different day. I still like both cars and I think they both excel in different areas. Stop hatin of Footie!

[shiggy]

Originally Posted by immiketoo

Same old crap, different day. I still like both cars and I think they both excel in different areas. Stop hatin of Footie!

dont you think he asks for it though?....go back and read the 10 or 20 threads he created about the RS5...if he endures any pain...I think most of it is self inflicted.
back to topic...great vid...great cars...M3 is KING!

[e46e92love]

Originally Posted by footie

I do agree that if they brought us a new supercar it would need to be something really special to receive the kind of praise the others enjoy, but I don't agree that they don't have the ability or knowhow to match the best of them, even the mighty GT2 or RS version. Audi have shown that even with no past history as a supercar maker they were still able to not only build a beautiful one but one which went right to the top and worthy to be compared with the best from Porsche and Ferrari. So if Audi could do it then no doubt BMW could too.

You do mean refine and re-tune an already existing suppercar, not build and develop.......as we all know what an R8 is......

Facts are your friend.

Cheers,
e46e92

[shane335i]

I dont think Clarkson did his homework on how the "M" button works. Simply pushing the EDC button twice is not "ALL" that the Comp Package is about. I didnt see him set M-mode at all in fact, simply pushed the EDC button?? I am relatively sure that the car would perform better when set up properly via the options available in M-mode. I wouldnt drive the car down the freeway in a straightline with EDC set to Sport mode either.
I wish they had spent a little more time with the cars - it seemed a little rushed. Despite driving an M3 I do like the RS5. I like the way they look and I really like the interior. Obviously I preferred the M3 or I would have picked up an RS5 but I did like the Audi for sure. If only the salesmen at the dealership hadnt been such a-holes, I might have given it a little more thought.

No regrets though for me, none at all!!!

[satish_141]

Super show! M3 is once again proved to be the big daddy of all sports saloons! and whatever Audi does they can never beat a Bimmer!!! as simple as that.

[tha_good_life]

Glad I own an ULTIMATE driving machine!

[tha_good_life]

But, the RS5 does look hella gangsta!

[1230vani]

Just saw this last night (twice), amazing how good it is.