Comparison: E92 M3 vs. B8.5 RS5

e46zhpbmw · 12-03-2019, 12:38 PM

Hey guys,

Have been reading a lot on this forum for many years. Decided to make an account so i could pose a question to all of you. I ALSO KNOW that this topic has been discussed on this very forum and on youtube etc since time Immemorial. I am asking you to help me make a decision.

A little background: I come from a long line of BImmers, e46m3 (2 of them) a few daily e90's and currently daily a e90 328xi. With that said I am asking you guys your opinion on the comparison of these two cars. I have saved enough money to own one in the near future and am currently comparing a 2011 e92 m3 comp package, white on red interior. Approx 100 000km for $27k ish. OTOH 2013 Audi rs5 white, bang olufsen all the bits etc.. approx 32k

I know the weak points of both cars and i would address them as soon as i purchase the car (e92, rod bearings) (rs5, carbon buildup)

I Know this is a lengthy first post and understand that i am on an m3 forum. I have driven many e90 m3's hwoever have not driven the RS5.

Disclaimer: I NEVER track my cars, they would be used occasionally and i drive pretty reserved at this point in my life. what would you guys say are the plus pooints of each platform and from a realistic standpoint convince me to get the e92.

thanks in advance . Cheers

pbonsalb · 12-03-2019, 02:08 PM

My neighbor had an RS5. Nice interior. AWD. The E92 weighs a little less, handles better and is slightly faster above about 40 mph. Years ago one of the car magazines tested both, but I forget which magazine.

bkfastwagon · 12-03-2019, 02:19 PM

I've driven rs5 and now own e92 m3. RS5 is more of a GT car that's nice to cruise in. M3's handling feels more direct and connected. Not a bad car but M3 is hands down more fun to drive IMO.

Uberschaller · 12-07-2019, 10:51 PM

I was in the market for the RS5 about 5 years ago and while I did my research I ended up with an E90M3. If you don't need AWD, live in a warmer climate and want a lighter more lively car to drive the M3 is it.

BeemerMon · 12-07-2019, 11:39 PM

Car and Driver Aug 2010

https://www.caranddriver.com/reviews...mparison-test/

BeemerMon · 12-07-2019, 11:50 PM

.

Quote:

Originally Posted by BeemerMon

Car and Driver Aug 2010

https://www.caranddriver.com/reviews...mparison-test/

wyatth · 12-08-2019, 12:04 AM

Depends on climate and use.
If you just commute or drive casually, or live in a cold/rainy area, RS5 sounds like a better fit.
If your roads/use are a little more fun, dry area, etc, the M3 is a little more fun/engaging.

Transfer · 12-26-2019, 11:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wyatth

Depends on climate and use.
If you just commute or drive casually, or live in a cold/rainy area, RS5 sounds like a better fit.
If your roads/use are a little more fun, dry area, etc, the M3 is a little more fun/engaging.

This. I drove both, chose M3 because it felt a little faster, more responsive, but I did really like the RS5. Now I'm selling the M3 because it's not working for me as a DD with cold, wet climate with occasional snow and wish I had gone with the RS5.

pbonsalb · 12-27-2019, 06:50 AM

I have been driving mine in NH for the past 9 winters. I put snows on the stock wheels and bought lighter wider wheels for wider summer tires. I’d rather have a twin turbo V8 with AWD like an E63 AMG or the new M5 or twin turbo flat 6 like a newer 911 Turbo, but the E90 M3 gets me where I need to go and it was paid for long ago.

dubzz24 · 12-27-2019, 12:05 PM

I've owned both. 5 years ago I had an e92 6spd and loved it. I had it for about a year but ended up selling it due to using the funds for a property purchase. It was a great daily driver - very comfortable, big trunk, and with snow tires it was actually really good in the winter.

About a year later when it came time to buy another "fun" car I went for an Audi S5 v8 with 6spd manual. That was also a great and fun car, although definitely more of a touring car. I liked it enough that I traded it in on an RS5, which honestly was a huge mistake. I loved that car for all of about a week. It's one of those cars that ticks all the right boxes on paper, but in real life was underwhelming. It was great to look at, but absolutely soulless and boring to drive. It's suspension was also very harsh - much more harsh than the M3. Also check out the maintenance costs - on top of the carbon build up, the DSG tranny also needs service constantly.

Fast forward a few years and I now have a dedicated daily driver (Tesla Model S P85D) but I'm considering picking up a nice e9x 6spd as a weekend car, mostly because it's really the most fun in a reasonable price range.

neilum · 12-30-2019, 12:04 PM

This sums up the problem with Front engine Audi's -

and the Audi arrives with the immediate disadvantage of having all eight of its cylinders mounted completely forward of the front axle line. That means the RS5 has an imbalance in its 4000-pound weight (56.3 percent front, 43.7 rear) that’s a recipe for understeer.

14_deltaM3 · 12-30-2019, 02:49 PM

I took an rs5 out for an extended test drive while I was shopping for what became my m3.

Engine pulled hard and felt torquey. Hard to really say for sure, but it felt slightly faster than my m3. Sounded nice too - less induction noise but more exhaust burble. The DSG, which is a unit that is unique to the RS model, shifted seamlessly and was flawless. A bit boring as a result, but manual vs stick shift is a personal choice.

It did feel a size or 2 bigger than an e92, while also feeling more cramped on the inside, especially the back seat. Together with more body roll, noticeably heavier and less nimble feel, it felt like more of a GT than a sports car. The grip was incredible though.

Overall an excellent and charismatic car (due to the engine), that would easily make a great daily. Had it been available with a manual, I might have entertained buying it, but I still think I’d take an m3 DCT over it.

dparm · 12-30-2019, 04:38 PM

RS5 is a bit more of a GT car. Comfortable and fast, but it's going to feel heavy and sloppy. Still a pretty nice car that would be great for driving around town and maybe some spirited backroad outings.

k_mann · 12-31-2019, 12:09 PM

I had this dilemma a couple months ago. Thought about switching my two car setup (e92 m3 and sentra) for just an RS5. I went and drove one and ended up sticking with the m3. The RS5 sounds sweet on paper, and it looks/feels cool. But its a total mismatch of parts, high revving low torque v8 in a heavy car that handles meh and feels somewhat numb. It either needed a v8 with more grunt, or a more nimble chassis for the 4.2.

I'd go for like an s6 or s5 honestly if you want a comfy while sporty daily. Save your money (or get a nicer/newer car for the money).

k_mann · 12-31-2019, 12:11 PM

But if you really want to stick to RS5 vs M3 go with the M3. It's practically as comfortable as the rs5 for daily use. Most of all, the MASSIVE catalog of online support for this platform on the forums.

Go search for DIY's and fixes on the RS5, theres like 3 guys that actually contribute on the forum. I'd rather have the strong support/aftermarket the e9x has

Lucky1 · 01-03-2020, 09:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Transfer

Quote:

Originally Posted by wyatth

Depends on climate and use.
If you just commute or drive casually, or live in a cold/rainy area, RS5 sounds like a better fit.
If your roads/use are a little more fun, dry area, etc, the M3 is a little more fun/engaging.

This. I drove both, chose M3 because it felt a little faster, more responsive, but I did really like the RS5. Now I'm selling the M3 because it's not working for me as a DD with cold, wet climate with occasional snow and wish I had gone with the RS5.

Where does it fall down weather wise?

Transfer · 01-04-2020, 01:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lucky1

Quote:

Originally Posted by Transfer

Quote:

Originally Posted by wyatth

Depends on climate and use.
If you just commute or drive casually, or live in a cold/rainy area, RS5 sounds like a better fit.
If your roads/use are a little more fun, dry area, etc, the M3 is a little more fun/engaging.

This. I drove both, chose M3 because it felt a little faster, more responsive, but I did really like the RS5. Now I'm selling the M3 because it's not working for me as a DD with cold, wet climate with occasional snow and wish I had gone with the RS5.

Where does it fall down weather wise?

Nothing unexpected, just RWD in wet and snowy hills is no good IMO. Not a big deal if you live in a dry climate or have another car for bad weather but our roads here are wet 50% of the year, not exaggerating, and I get snow occasionally and live up a big hill. So yeah I'm fully AWD camp now.

EDWYER · 01-08-2020, 01:55 PM

Based on your location and they way you drive, I would say the RS5 is for you.

14_deltaM3 · 01-08-2020, 09:50 PM

Not sure about some, but driving Canadian winters, I find no real compromise driving balanced RWD cars with good snow tires vs 4wd with snow tires.

I’ve had an x5 and a WRX STI, and Outside of 1-2 exceptional days per year, there’s never any issue driving RWD with snow tires safety wise. Indeed, the lower overall adhesion in winter with snow tires makes the car more playful

Not Sure · 01-09-2020, 07:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 14_deltaM3

Not sure about some, but driving Canadian winters, I find no real compromise driving balanced RWD cars with good snow tires vs 4wd with snow tires.

I’ve had an x5 and a WRX STI, and Outside of 1-2 exceptional days per year, there’s never any issue driving RWD with snow tires safety wise. Indeed, the lower overall adhesion in winter with snow tires makes the car more playful

agreed. with winter tires, a balanced RWD like the M3 is perfectly fine on ice or light snow. nowhere near as good as my former evo IX, however...that car was an absolute beast in the snow, even with all season tires.

GotV8? · 01-28-2020, 09:50 PM

Im in Ohio and we get All four seasons...Ironically, I was test driving the RS5 from an Audi dealership that I have done business with for many years. S4, A6, Q7 the list goes on....I didn't need the RS4 at the time; anyways, I am driving the RS5 and saw a nice E92 M3 sitting outside and pulled in to test drive it....the cool factor is the back to back testing. The rest was history. lol

e90m3zhp · 05-04-2020, 08:39 AM

Hello Everyone! I had problems with my original login. I am the OP! So based on what everyone said i ended up going with a beautiful 09 e90 M3. I must say I could not be happier! What a driving experience! I think the fun factor and community support swayed my decision.

Plus i have always been a BMW guy, couldnt convert over to the dark side just yet!

12-03-2019, 12:38 PM	#1
e46zhpbmw Private First Class 376 Rep 103 Posts Drives: E36, 46, 90, F80 m3 :) Join Date: Dec 2019 Location: ON iTrader: (0)	Comparison: E92 M3 vs. B8.5 RS5 Hey guys, Have been reading a lot on this forum for many years. Decided to make an account so i could pose a question to all of you. I ALSO KNOW that this topic has been discussed on this very forum and on youtube etc since time Immemorial. I am asking you to help me make a decision. A little background: I come from a long line of BImmers, e46m3 (2 of them) a few daily e90's and currently daily a e90 328xi. With that said I am asking you guys your opinion on the comparison of these two cars. I have saved enough money to own one in the near future and am currently comparing a 2011 e92 m3 comp package, white on red interior. Approx 100 000km for $27k ish. OTOH 2013 Audi rs5 white, bang olufsen all the bits etc.. approx 32k I know the weak points of both cars and i would address them as soon as i purchase the car (e92, rod bearings) (rs5, carbon buildup) I Know this is a lengthy first post and understand that i am on an m3 forum. I have driven many e90 m3's hwoever have not driven the RS5. Disclaimer: I NEVER track my cars, they would be used occasionally and i drive pretty reserved at this point in my life. what would you guys say are the plus pooints of each platform and from a realistic standpoint convince me to get the e92. thanks in advance . Cheers
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12-03-2019, 02:08 PM	#2
pbonsalb Lieutenant General 5214 Rep 10,596 Posts Drives: 18 F90 M5, 99 E36 M3 Turbo Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: New England iTrader: (4)	My neighbor had an RS5. Nice interior. AWD. The E92 weighs a little less, handles better and is slightly faster above about 40 mph. Years ago one of the car magazines tested both, but I forget which magazine.
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12-03-2019, 02:19 PM	#3
bkfastwagon Second Lieutenant 191 Rep 236 Posts Drives: 2011 e90 M3 Join Date: Dec 2017 Location: Boston, MA iTrader: (0)	I've driven rs5 and now own e92 m3. RS5 is more of a GT car that's nice to cruise in. M3's handling feels more direct and connected. Not a bad car but M3 is hands down more fun to drive IMO.
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12-07-2019, 10:51 PM	#4
Uberschaller New Member 6 Rep 14 Posts Drives: 08 E90 M3 Join Date: Jan 2018 Location: LA iTrader: (0)	I was in the market for the RS5 about 5 years ago and while I did my research I ended up with an E90M3. If you don't need AWD, live in a warmer climate and want a lighter more lively car to drive the M3 is it.
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12-07-2019, 11:39 PM	#5
BeemerMon New Member 38 Rep 14 Posts Drives: 2012 E92 M3, LeMans Blue, Comp Join Date: Mar 2016 Location: Mississauga, Ontario, Canada iTrader: (0)	Car and Driver Aug 2010 https://www.caranddriver.com/reviews...mparison-test/
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12-08-2019, 12:04 AM	#7
wyatth Colonel 3549 Rep 2,823 Posts Drives: E90 ZCP Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Bay Area iTrader: (0)	Depends on climate and use. If you just commute or drive casually, or live in a cold/rainy area, RS5 sounds like a better fit. If your roads/use are a little more fun, dry area, etc, the M3 is a little more fun/engaging.
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12-27-2019, 06:50 AM	#9
pbonsalb Lieutenant General 5214 Rep 10,596 Posts Drives: 18 F90 M5, 99 E36 M3 Turbo Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: New England iTrader: (4)	I have been driving mine in NH for the past 9 winters. I put snows on the stock wheels and bought lighter wider wheels for wider summer tires. I’d rather have a twin turbo V8 with AWD like an E63 AMG or the new M5 or twin turbo flat 6 like a newer 911 Turbo, but the E90 M3 gets me where I need to go and it was paid for long ago.
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12-27-2019, 12:05 PM	#10
dubzz24 Private First Class 117 Rep 147 Posts Drives: 2022 M3 Comp xDrive Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: Vancouver, BC iTrader: (0)	I've owned both. 5 years ago I had an e92 6spd and loved it. I had it for about a year but ended up selling it due to using the funds for a property purchase. It was a great daily driver - very comfortable, big trunk, and with snow tires it was actually really good in the winter. About a year later when it came time to buy another "fun" car I went for an Audi S5 v8 with 6spd manual. That was also a great and fun car, although definitely more of a touring car. I liked it enough that I traded it in on an RS5, which honestly was a huge mistake. I loved that car for all of about a week. It's one of those cars that ticks all the right boxes on paper, but in real life was underwhelming. It was great to look at, but absolutely soulless and boring to drive. It's suspension was also very harsh - much more harsh than the M3. Also check out the maintenance costs - on top of the carbon build up, the DSG tranny also needs service constantly. Fast forward a few years and I now have a dedicated daily driver (Tesla Model S P85D) but I'm considering picking up a nice e9x 6spd as a weekend car, mostly because it's really the most fun in a reasonable price range.
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12-30-2019, 12:04 PM	#11
neilum Captain 897 Rep 753 Posts Drives: 718 GT4 Join Date: Oct 2012 Location: Bergen County NJ iTrader: (2)	This sums up the problem with Front engine Audi's - and the Audi arrives with the immediate disadvantage of having all eight of its cylinders mounted completely forward of the front axle line. That means the RS5 has an imbalance in its 4000-pound weight (56.3 percent front, 43.7 rear) that’s a recipe for understeer.
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12-30-2019, 02:49 PM	#12
14_deltaM3 Private First Class 134 Rep 117 Posts Drives: e36m3 euro —>e92m3 Join Date: Jun 2019 Location: Canada iTrader: (0)	I took an rs5 out for an extended test drive while I was shopping for what became my m3. Engine pulled hard and felt torquey. Hard to really say for sure, but it felt slightly faster than my m3. Sounded nice too - less induction noise but more exhaust burble. The DSG, which is a unit that is unique to the RS model, shifted seamlessly and was flawless. A bit boring as a result, but manual vs stick shift is a personal choice. It did feel a size or 2 bigger than an e92, while also feeling more cramped on the inside, especially the back seat. Together with more body roll, noticeably heavier and less nimble feel, it felt like more of a GT than a sports car. The grip was incredible though. Overall an excellent and charismatic car (due to the engine), that would easily make a great daily. Had it been available with a manual, I might have entertained buying it, but I still think I’d take an m3 DCT over it.
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12-30-2019, 04:38 PM	#13
dparm Stop the hate, get a V8 3850 Rep 8,625 Posts Drives: C7 Corvette GS, AMG C63 S Join Date: Jun 2013 Location: Frisco, TX iTrader: (1)	RS5 is a bit more of a GT car. Comfortable and fast, but it's going to feel heavy and sloppy. Still a pretty nice car that would be great for driving around town and maybe some spirited backroad outings. __________________ Now: 2017 Corvette Grand Sport, 2021 AMG C63 S sedan Past: 2011.5 M3 sedan ZCP
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12-31-2019, 12:09 PM	#14
k_mann Lieutenant 372 Rep 445 Posts Drives: 2018 M2 Join Date: Mar 2016 Location: Kansas City iTrader: (0) Garage List 2018 BMW M2 [10.00]	I had this dilemma a couple months ago. Thought about switching my two car setup (e92 m3 and sentra) for just an RS5. I went and drove one and ended up sticking with the m3. The RS5 sounds sweet on paper, and it looks/feels cool. But its a total mismatch of parts, high revving low torque v8 in a heavy car that handles meh and feels somewhat numb. It either needed a v8 with more grunt, or a more nimble chassis for the 4.2. I'd go for like an s6 or s5 honestly if you want a comfy while sporty daily. Save your money (or get a nicer/newer car for the money). __________________ Current: 2018 M2 DCT Previous: 2011 E92 M3, 2007 E92 328xi Insta: @kmannc
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12-31-2019, 12:11 PM	#15
k_mann Lieutenant 372 Rep 445 Posts Drives: 2018 M2 Join Date: Mar 2016 Location: Kansas City iTrader: (0) Garage List 2018 BMW M2 [10.00]	But if you really want to stick to RS5 vs M3 go with the M3. It's practically as comfortable as the rs5 for daily use. Most of all, the MASSIVE catalog of online support for this platform on the forums. Go search for DIY's and fixes on the RS5, theres like 3 guys that actually contribute on the forum. I'd rather have the strong support/aftermarket the e9x has __________________ Current: 2018 M2 DCT Previous: 2011 E92 M3, 2007 E92 328xi Insta: @kmannc
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01-08-2020, 01:55 PM	#18
EDWYER Yoda of mods 1670 Rep 3,004 Posts Drives: X5 RWD Join Date: Feb 2018 Location: NC iTrader: (40) Garage List 2015 X5 RWD [0.00] 2016 BMW M2 [10.00]	Based on your location and they way you drive, I would say the RS5 is for you. __________________ Current: 2020 Explorer ST (Agate Black Metallic), F15 SGM RWD F87 AW (retired) F30 SBM 316rwhp/440rwtq (retired) Follow me on Twitter: https://twitter.com/EdwyerCLT YT: https://www.youtube.com/@DWYERGARAGE/videos
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01-08-2020, 09:50 PM	#19
14_deltaM3 Private First Class 134 Rep 117 Posts Drives: e36m3 euro —>e92m3 Join Date: Jun 2019 Location: Canada iTrader: (0)	Not sure about some, but driving Canadian winters, I find no real compromise driving balanced RWD cars with good snow tires vs 4wd with snow tires. I’ve had an x5 and a WRX STI, and Outside of 1-2 exceptional days per year, there’s never any issue driving RWD with snow tires safety wise. Indeed, the lower overall adhesion in winter with snow tires makes the car more playful
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01-28-2020, 09:50 PM	#21
GotV8? Captain 1051 Rep 836 Posts Drives: Jerez E92 M3 ZCP "12" Join Date: Mar 2017 Location: OHIO iTrader: (0) Garage List 1996 Honda Prelude ... [0.00] 2018 BMW F85 X5M [0.00] 2012 E92 M3 ZCP [0.00]	Im in Ohio and we get All four seasons...Ironically, I was test driving the RS5 from an Audi dealership that I have done business with for many years. S4, A6, Q7 the list goes on....I didn't need the RS4 at the time; anyways, I am driving the RS5 and saw a nice E92 M3 sitting outside and pulled in to test drive it....the cool factor is the back to back testing. The rest was history. lol
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05-04-2020, 08:39 AM	#22
e90m3zhp New Member 11 Rep 7 Posts Drives: 2009 E90 M3 Join Date: Apr 2020 Location: ON iTrader: (0)	Hello Everyone! I had problems with my original login. I am the OP! So based on what everyone said i ended up going with a beautiful 09 e90 M3. I must say I could not be happier! What a driving experience! I think the fun factor and community support swayed my decision. Plus i have always been a BMW guy, couldnt convert over to the dark side just yet!
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