S5 vs. M3

[LarThaL]

Originally Posted by Scotch M3

Ok guys! As you know I said I am set on M3 but now my lovely wife is confusing me again.

Below are the factors that will help you understand my confusion.

The next ride will be my DD (Daily Drive)
My work commute is 35 miles one way (70+ round trip plus whatever I put on weekend) Driving on I 287 (fair ride but can get B2B anytime due to no reason)
I don't think I will be doing any track days. (may be once a yr, since I do track days on my R6)

Also want to keep in mind the looks, interior, luxury, weather condition.

I am located in NJ so snow is also a factor I have to keep in mind.

M3 is RWD = oh shit in snow. (may be I am wrong)


I am not sure if S5 vs M3 is a fair comparison but I am looking at the options I have on my hand.

The 1 bigger advantage going with BMW is warranty. No maintenance for 4yr and I may go for 6yr extended plan.

I am all over the place Please help me decide. I am in no rush and I may go for F30 M3.

TIA

You will probably do okay in Jersey with the M3 and a good set of snow tires. S5 is not even in the same league peformancewise or in terms of feel. It feels, bloated, soft, and the steering is way overboosted. If you really want AWD, why not look at the RS5?

[Scotch M3]

Originally Posted by LarThaL

You will probably do okay in Jersey with the M3 and a good set of snow tires. S5 is not even in the same league peformancewise or in terms of feel. It feels, bloated, soft, and the steering is way overboosted. If you really want AWD, why not look at the RS5?

I am under the impression that RS5 are not available for USA!

[jeff4598]

Had s4 and have m3- just NO comparison re dynamics and joy- just not even close. M3 with SNOW tires is fine as long as snow is below front bumper-s4 once plowed my driveway without a plow when the plow guy came late! But M3 is FINE here off exit 35 (287).

[Scotch M3]

Originally Posted by jeff4598

Had s4 and have m3- just NO comparison re dynamics and joy- just not even close. M3 with SNOW tires is fine as long as snow is below front bumper-s4 once plowed my driveway without a plow when the plow guy came late! But M3 is FINE here off exit 35 (287).

Thanks for the input. Looks like my assumption are correct about winter tires on RWD = No issues.

[duk]

RS5 would be a worthy consideration vs M3 but not S5

[Prince_of_Persia]

Seems like you really dont care about performance, get S5. These two cars are not in the same league!

[LarThaL]

Originally Posted by Scotch M3

I am under the impression that RS5 are not available for USA!

Coming for the 2013 model year, but place your order now !!

[Scotch M3]

Originally Posted by Prince_of_Persia

Seems like you really dont care about performance, get S5. These two cars are not in the same league!

[Scotch M3]

Originally Posted by LarThaL

Coming for the 2013 model year.

hum... interesting.

I think I am bias about BMW as that's my fav car from Childhood and I never owned.

[Ricfutures]

I lived in NYC for 32 years and have seen all kinds of weather. As much as I love my M3 if I moved back to the Tri-state area the S5 would be my 1st pick. It's not an M but it's a great car that can handle almost any type of weather conditions. Not saying that he M can't, just wouldn't risk it.

[Prince_of_Persia]

Originally Posted by Scotch M3

Well, you question doesn't make sense. At least I am glad you are not comparing a smart car with a Lamborghini lol

[Scotch M3]

Originally Posted by Prince_of_Persia

Well, you question doesn't make sense. At least I am glad you are not comparing a smart car with a Lamborghini lol

I did mention that I know it is not the correct comparison. But I appreciate your input tho.

:h5:

[brodie]

Originally Posted by kthxbye

In regards to snow, both cars will be iffy in the snow if you stay on summer tires - AWD does nothing if you can't get any traction. With what we get you'll fine in the M3 with snows on.

I live in NJ as well and went through the same dilemma as you. The car I bought had to be able to be daily driven unless the weather was extremely terrible.


I do think at first glance the Audi has a better looking interior, but after some extended seat time boy is it a handful. So many buttons, everywhere - it really becomes distracting when you need to use one of the buttons. In addition you still have an iDrive type system to manage as well.

The M3 is the everyday car for the guy who enjoys driving. A quote that stands out in many reviews is that the M3 is not really top of class in any one category, but it is consistently at about a 7 in all - very few cars can claim that.

Originally Posted by Scotch M3

Thanks for the input. Looks like my assumption are correct about winter tires on RWD = No issues.

Having driven both cars and owned both S cars and M cars here's what I think you should know. Though both won't excel on summer tires in snow there is no comparison. While the M might make it through a winter with good studded tires to say rwd= no issues isn't accurate. Snow storms will be a problem everytime, even rain can be a problem with these cars. What i like about my S is putting snows on and passing SUV's with the utmost of confidence at any speed. It will litterally go through snow over the bumper, no exageration, and that's just plain awesome. There is nothing I'd rather drive in snow or rain than my S.

As far as performance, yes, the M is way ahead of the S5. BUT, the S5 is no slouch. My friend had the V8 with some mods and it was pretty damn quick. I believe the new ones have the supercharged v6 which easily has the potential for putting down the same, probably more power than the M with some light mods. No, it will never handle as well, but that is the compromise for having a car you can thrash around in deep snow. Just to add to kthxbye, as far as interior goes, I think the audi is nicer. The bmw's are known for confusing systems inside (though getting better).

All that being said, we just ordered an e93 M3 because we have winter cars. If we didn't, it honestly wouldn't have been an option. Just too un-driveable in new england winters, but all around a better car then the S5 i believe.

[LarThaL]

Originally Posted by brodie

Having driven both cars and owned both S cars and M cars here's what I think you should know. Though both won't excel on summer tires in snow there is no comparison. While the M might make it through a winter with good studded tires to say rwd= no issues isn't accurate. Snow storms will be a problem everytime, even rain can be a problem with these cars. What i like about my S is putting snows on and passing SUV's with the utmost of confidence at any speed. It will litterally go through snow over the bumper, no exageration, and that's just plain awesome. There is nothing I'd rather drive in snow or rain than my S.

As far as performance, yes, the M is way ahead of the S5. BUT, the S5 is no slouch. My friend had the V8 with some mods and it was pretty damn quick. I believe the new ones have the supercharged v6 which easily has the potential for putting down the same, probably more power than the M with some light mods. No, it will never handle as well, but that is the compromise for having a car you can thrash around in deep snow. Just to add to kthxbye, as far as interior goes, I think the audi is nicer. The bmw's are known for confusing systems inside (though getting better).

All that being said, we just ordered an e93 M3 because we have winter cars. If we didn't, it honestly wouldn't have been an option. Just too un-driveable in new england winters, but all around a better car then the S5 i believe.

I agree that I would not own an M3 as my only car in New England, but NJ does have milder winters for the most part. Sure you get the occasional big storms, but the season isn't as long.

I think the OP would do well with the RS5.

[Donbona]

Originally Posted by Porschefile

RS4 is a better comparison, the S5 is slower. But if snow driving is a concern then the quattro system in the Audi will be way better than a M3 in snow. The M3 is a more engaging car to drive than the S5 but both are great cars, the S5 has a somewhat better interior. The Audi dual clutch is pretty good but not as good as the DCT in the M3. Both cars ride well, I don't know which is more comfortable but I'd say the S5 if I had to choose.

S5 wins in snow, interior
M3 wins in fun to drive, speed, engine sound etc.

This^^^^^

[MrClean335i]

Originally Posted by Erhan

Shouldn't it be more like S5 vs 335xi?

This.

S5 vs 335ix

[Nine]

If you need AWD, the S5 is not a bad car to go with. But if you need performance, M3 is your best option.

In the Northeast, what you need always trumps what you want. Unfortunately, we do not live in a climate that is condusive to driving sports cars as our only cars.

[graider]

looks like you have a really long commute. I think S5 makes more sense in this case. black/red is hot.

[Damage Inc]

Originally Posted by graider

looks like you have a really long commute. I think S5 makes more sense in this case. black/red is hot.

+1 with a long commute you could tire of the M3. While the S5 isnt as "sporty" its easier to live with everyday. You have to think about how much "sport" you want to tolerate on a daily basis. With a 75 mile commute in 4 seasons, I would lean towards the S5. However my heart is always with the M3 due to its rawness and package.

[Thrumcap]

My M3 is my daily driver and I have been pleasantly surprised how well it handles the snow with a set of Dunlop Winter Sport M2s. It is far better than the 335i that preceeded it due to the LSD. It is also a blast when you turn off DSC and get a little crazy. I wouldn't take it skiing but for commuting on normal roads, your only real limitation is ground clearance.

[signes]

Originally Posted by nikssehagal

If money is no issue, then go with the S5 deffinately. The s5 is a faster car no matter where you are driving it. The track, the street. the freeway, it doesnt matter. The s5 is a 12 second car the m3 is a 13 second car there is a big difference between the two as far as speed goes. The s5 also has more room and more features. Even if money is a factor, as long as its not a huge factor I would still go with the s5 personally.

[wuzupfoo]

Originally Posted by nikssehagal

If money is no issue, then go with the S5 deffinately. The s5 is a faster car no matter where you are driving it. The track, the street. the freeway, it doesnt matter. The s5 is a 12 second car the m3 is a 13 second car there is a big difference between the two as far as speed goes. The s5 also has more room and more features. Even if money is a factor, as long as its not a huge factor I would still go with the s5 personally.

you realize the s5 is supposed to compete with the 335is right?

the rs5/rs4 with the m3, etc..


EDIT: ^ bah you beat me to it..