Audi S4 Cabrio vs. BMW M3 Cabrio

[finally_retired]

Audi's new S4 Cabriolet was launched not long ago, and after driving one, the M3 seems quite pathetic. Ok, I realise that the M3 can hit 60 in 0.4 of a sec. faster than the S4, but the Audi can take the inside lane of a large island at 75mph all the way around with no tyre squeel!

So really what I'm asking, Is which is more practical, which handles better, and which would you spend your £40k on?

BMW M3:
£43'875
0-62 in 5.5
3.6l straight 6
RWD
Option of SMG II transmission

Audi S4:
£40'945
0-62 in 5.9
4.2l V8
Quattro AWD
Option of CVT Auto transmission

What do you think?

[del]

touch choice really. really tough choice for me. i love both cars. on one hand you have an M3, which is self explanatory. faster, that SMG is remarkable. on the other hand you have an AWD slightly slower V8 S4. too bad audi doesn't use the DSG (i think it's called) on the S4 cabriolet like on the TT. DSG works similar to BMW's SMG.

i dont' think you can call either car practical. but if you were to pick one over the other, i think the quattro on the S4 is a big advantage. i dont' know. i'm pretty split between the two. but i guess i have to choose one. i'll go with audi coz of quattro. awd is never a loser.

[3000ways]

I'm all for the M3, but I must admit AWD and V8 Audi S4 is sweet! But I've always been a sucker for the M3. In another thread I talked about the number of Porsches I see on a daily basis in Southern California, I see double that of E46 M3s, I mean I see atleast 4 or 5 a day, and I really don't drive too much, but more than the average driver. Still even so, I'd still take the M3.

[mason_RsX]

C&D has the M3 0-60 listed at 4.8 does it take .7s to go 2 more mph? (just wondering) as for the comparison both those cars are absolutely amazing. As for practicality and handling they are both very similar and for 4000 cheaper the Audi is the better deal. But I couldn't say no to the M3...so by stats and specs take the Audi. But I would take the M3 because i cannot say no to it

[drunken monkey]

DSG works similar to BMW's SMG
actually DSG is slightly more complicated than the SMG...
in the DSG, there are two clutches, one for 1st, 3rd and 5th,
one for 2nd,4th, and 6th.
(warning, oversimplifed explanation coming up...)when you are in first, second gear is also 'selected.'
when you then want to change up, the car can go into 2nd 'instantly' (because it is already selected),
thereby removing the usual lag associated with this type of gearchange.

the scary thing is, even when you change from 4th into 2nd (they use the same clutch), there is hardly any perceivable lurch.

BMW's SMG is just a very quick, almost brutal version of the 'standard' semi auto box.
not as complex as the audi box but still bloody quick changes though....

[Neutrino]

Originally Posted by drunken monkey

DSG works similar to BMW's SMG
actually DSG is slightly more complicated than the SMG...
in the DSG, there are two clutches, one for 1st, 3rd and 5th,
one for 2nd,4th, and 6th.
(warning, oversimplifed explanation coming up...)when you are in first, second gear is also 'selected.'
when you then want to change up, the car can go into 2nd 'instantly' (because it is already selected),
thereby removing the usual lag associated with this type of gearchange.

the scary thing is, even when you change from 4th into 2nd (they use the same clutch), there is hardly any perceivable lurch.

BMW's SMG is just a very quick, almost brutal version of the 'standard' semi auto box.
not as complex as the audi box but still bloody quick changes though....

Actually i believe SMG is a true sequential as the magnetti marelli in the ferraris so it would be closer to a manual than a standard auto

[kman10587]

Doesn't the new 7-speed SMG in the M5 have a clutch?

[Neutrino]

Originally Posted by kman10587

Doesn't the new 7-speed SMG in the M5 have a clutch?

well if its a real sequetial it has to have one since sequentials are basically manuals that shift for you

[V8slayer]

Yeah, the SMG II has an electro-hydraulic clutch.

the great thing is you can keep your foot flat on the throttle when you shift gears. The throttle is disengaged and the gear shifted by the computer all in 0.08s. Then throttle control is returned to the pedal.

It's a great system, fastest in the world. And it's idiot proof. I routinely beat cars with faster quoted quarter mile times because you can't mess up.

[Jimster]

While I hate Convertibles, I'd still have the M3, it remains my realistic dream car of choice (In Coupe form). I don't really like the Audi Convertible line up much, either.

[kman10587]

Hmm, so with the SMG, do you always have to use a knob/paddles/buttons to shift, or does it have an automatic mode as well? In other words, can you tell the computer to shift for you?

[V8slayer]

yeah, the SMG has auto and manual modes. You can pop it into auto and drive it like any automatic transmission car.

The gear shifts are a lot more noticeable though.

And one of the biggest problems is in the following situation. If you come to a red light and you're slowing down, the computer is shifting down, and the light turns green and you apply some throttle, the car lurches just like a stall in a true manual. Very annoying. It doesn't actually stall the engine but you look like a dick half way through an intersection.

[crayzayjay]

Originally Posted by finally_retired

Audi's new S4 Cabriolet was launched not long ago, and after driving one, the M3 seems quite pathetic. Ok, I realise that the M3 can hit 60 in 0.4 of a sec. faster than the S4, but the Audi can take the inside lane of a large island at 75mph all the way around with no tyre squeel!

That's precisely why i'd have the M3.

[Neutrino]

Originally Posted by crayzayjay

That's precisely why i'd have the M3.

So Slim-Shady's back

[Jimster]

Do I even have to ask where he's been.... Because he's most likely done what every Pom does in the Summer and makes an ass of himself on a Mediterranean island somewhere....