New BMW 1M Coupé tested against Audi’s storming RS3 – then both compared to classic Eighties M3
What better way to kick off an M cars special than with a test of the latest model to hit UK roads? Of course, any new M-badged BMW is sure to get performance fans salivating. But for one to arrive at the same time as a new RS model from Audi is fast car nirvana... The new 1 Series M Coupé is the last hurrah for the entry-level BMW, with a new model due in September. It’s set to be a fitting swansong, with a 335bhp 3.0-litre six-cylinder twin-turbo, while limited production numbers make it a potential collector’s item.
*Watch our head-to-head drag race between the 1M Coupe and RS3*
Looming large in its mirror is a familiar rival. The A3 is one of the longest-serving Audis, and the flagship RS3 is also a final fling to boost sales ahead of a replacement. It has four- wheel drive in place of the BMW’s rear-drive set-up and a twin-clutch S tronic box rather than a manual.
The third car in our line-up is the Eighties M3 E30. It should provide a driving thrills benchmark and show just how far the M Division has come.
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Submitted by nickeroo on Tue, 2011-07-05 11:51.
I hate these tests. What?? You mean a car with 4wd traction and an semi-automatic gearbox is quicker than a rear-wheel drive drive car. SHOCKING NEWS!!! I'd take the BMW all day long because lets face it, RWD is much, much, much more fun.
Submitted by snappyuk on Tue, 2011-07-05 13:31.
I've had 3 BMWs and will admit they're very good to drive, but it gets very embarrassing when you get stuck on snow because of RWD, while cheap little $#!tboxes with FWD run rings around you. The 1M is very desirable, though, and I'd risk the embarrassment if I could afford the - frankly ludicrous - price.
Submitted by xrt665 on Tue, 2011-07-05 13:56.
Hey Nickeroo,if you hate these tests so much, then don't watch them; s'easy. And, as a matter of interest when you have much much much much more fun,where do you hang out the rear end? Try the wet and go in circles and do a few donuts. Have you actually ever driven an Audi Quattro of any description? Mmm. I wonder.
Submitted by badboyrocco on Tue, 2011-07-05 18:52.
When deciding on what car you want, it depends on what your goal is - so these tests can be a little innapropriate, although they are cool. The BMW is probably more of a hoot (being RWD), whilst the RS3 is just technically unstoppable (AWD). Passion vs Precision.
Submitted by MirCheques on Thu, 2011-07-07 11:52.
So, if you're a drag fan, choose the Audi. If you're an everyday driver, that faces problems like stepping up from 30 to 70 very quickly, in order to overtake one or two other cars, choose the BMW. It's clearly faster on the move...
Submitted by vRSgordon on Fri, 2011-07-08 17:17.
see for the same money (maybe less) you could have a 335i coupe Msport which looks much better, drives much better, and puts out the same power seen as its the same engine. the RS3 has a new engine , something different from any others. iv always preffered the RS series to the M series because they are master pieces.
Submitted by future26 on Thu, 2011-07-14 20:44.
Am i the only one waching this video? The Audi is quicker than the BMW.The BMW was in fun mode (THE DRY) so imagin adding corners and some rain,wake up you guys the Audi is on top in the dry and the wet!!
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Disqus - noscript
I hate these tests. What?? You mean a car with 4wd traction and an semi-automatic gearbox is quicker than a rear-wheel drive drive car. SHOCKING NEWS!!! I'd take the BMW all day long because lets face it, RWD is much, much, much more fun.
I've had 3 BMWs and will admit they're very good to drive, but it gets very embarrassing when you get stuck on snow because of RWD, while cheap little $#!tboxes with FWD run rings around you.
The 1M is very desirable, though, and I'd risk the embarrassment if I could afford the - frankly ludicrous - price.
Hey Nickeroo,if you hate these tests so much, then don't watch them; s'easy. And, as a matter of interest when you have much much much much more fun,where do you hang out the rear end? Try the wet and go in circles and do a few donuts. Have you actually ever driven an Audi Quattro of any description? Mmm. I wonder.
When deciding on what car you want, it depends on what your goal is - so these tests can be a little innapropriate, although they are cool. The BMW is probably more of a hoot (being RWD), whilst the RS3 is just technically unstoppable (AWD). Passion vs Precision.
So, if you're a drag fan, choose the Audi. If you're an everyday driver, that faces problems like stepping up from 30 to 70 very quickly, in order to overtake one or two other cars, choose the BMW. It's clearly faster on the move...
see for the same money (maybe less) you could have a 335i coupe Msport which looks much better, drives much better, and puts out the same power seen as its the same engine. the RS3 has a new engine , something different from any others. iv always preffered the RS series to the M series because they are master pieces.
Am i the only one waching this video? The Audi is quicker than the BMW.The BMW was in fun mode (THE DRY) so imagin adding corners and some rain,wake up you guys the Audi is on top in the dry and the wet!!