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I test drove a M3 yesterday - what can I say a really, really nice car. Lovely interior, nice sounding engine and (imo) looks the dogs from the outside.
It was silver with 19" wheels, harman kardon, sat nav and manual gearbox (like Joshies). I didnt get the chance to really test the dynamics of the car, too much traffic and not much of test route to drive on, but my impressions were that it seems to really comes alive after 5k rpm. I also think it would be harder to drive fast than the S3/quattro car, but that just could be me not being used to the car.

I want one!

Dunc [img]images/graemlins/s3addict.gif[/img]

Might be harder to drive in the wet, but in the dry the M3 handles beautifully. There's no question that BMW generally make dynamically superior cars to Audi.

Might be harder to drive in the wet, but in the dry the M3 handles beautifully. There's no question that BMW generally make dynamically superior cars to Audi.

Hmmmm i not so sure about that [img]images/graemlins/smirk.gif[/img] Cant remember ever seeing a BMW winning the pikes peak or any international rally [img]images/graemlins/grin.gif[/img] The M3 is a great car but to say its "dynamically superior" is a little off
Cheers
jr

Must admit I do prefer the driving dynamics of the M3 compared to the Audis I have driven. I think being RWD gives the steering more feel compared to 4WD. Nearly all mags I have read tend to raise this as Audis major weakness. Still loved my RS4 though [img]images/graemlins/notworthy.gif[/img]

I think the M3 has better driving dynamics than any Audi I have driven, including ones with uprated suspension. The better weight distribution (engine further back relative to front axle and the rear drive) makes them feel less nose heavy, they brake and steer much better because of it.

Plus, there is no denying that the BMW M's are refined for track driving and the Audi S & RS's are for a more everyday environment.

I'd not been in an M3 for a while before my trip with Joshie at Oulton Park in December and it was great fun.

I prefer the Audis because they are more useable day to day and less of a badge [img]images/graemlins/blush.gif[/img]

Horses for courses and just my 2p

I think the M3 has better driving dynamics than any Audi I have driven, including ones with uprated suspension.

I have owned the many of the finest BMW's - 2002- CSL - M1-M3-M5 and absolutely agree that it is a much more involving drive with a BMW. I also think they are far more reliable, and keep their value.

I own an RS2 right now, and it is great but never truly involving. The best Audi I had that invoved me was an Audi 80 GT & GTE (1975, 1976).I suspect the Sports Quattro was hugely involving. Modern Audi's are efficient machines, the sex happens but love is not so easy.

With a Porsche etc, it is love at first sight.

[img]images/graemlins/cool.gif[/img]

I own a BM E46 saloon with factory sports suspension as my daily runner (on top of my S4), and the BM definatley felt more stable in corners and gave more feedback through the wheel, hence more confidence to push harder. That was until I until I had the RS4 suspension and H&R ARB's fitted - now it's the other way around and the BM feels less involving somehow [img]images/graemlins/grin.gif[/img]

Might be harder to drive in the wet, but in the dry the M3 handles beautifully. There's no question that BMW generally make dynamically superior cars to Audi.

Hmmmm i not so sure about that [img]images/graemlins/smirk.gif[/img] Cant remember ever seeing a BMW winning the pikes peak or any international rally [img]images/graemlins/grin.gif[/img] The M3 is a great car but to say its "dynamically superior" is a little off
Cheers
jr

You actually driven one John?

The M3 is a great car but to say its "dynamically superior" is a little off
Cheers
jr

It is John, having driven nearly every M3 model, from the legendary E30 to the CSL, to me it is truly a "driver's car". Once bitten, forever smitten. [img]images/graemlins/bowdown.gif[/img]

The dealer has a brand new CSL in the showroom - now thats a nice looking car

Dunc [img]images/graemlins/s3addict.gif[/img]

Well they are terribly popular, so many must agree.

Wheels could use spacering out a little, and brakes arent up to it, but otherwise would agree [img]images/graemlins/thumbs.gif[/img]

Wheels could use spacering out a little, and brakes arent up to it, but otherwise would agree [img]images/graemlins/thumbs.gif[/img]

you talking about the S3/S4/RS4 there Tim? [img]images/graemlins/grin.gif[/img]

Dunc

Might be harder to drive in the wet, but in the dry the M3 handles beautifully. There's no question that BMW generally make dynamically superior cars to Audi.

Hmmmm i not so sure about that [img]images/graemlins/smirk.gif[/img] Cant remember ever seeing a BMW winning the pikes peak or any international rally [img]images/graemlins/grin.gif[/img] The M3 is a great car but to say its "dynamically superior" is a little off
Cheers
jr

You actually driven one John?

Unfortunately yes [img]images/graemlins/smirk.gif[/img]
jr

Tee Hee [img]images/graemlins/wink.gif[/img]

Just a little disappointed to see that a vehicle with the supposed track day spec of a CSL, that the first thing its clearly in need of is a good set of Movits!