[aktif8]

Originally Posted by JetDriver

if someone wants to drop $90k+ on a well-optioned G80, they aren't shopping for an RS3.

Nah. I was on the waiting list for an RS3, but got sick of no definitive time frames. Mine would have been specced out to the low 70s, and would have done it as a mostly cash deal.

After I drove the G83, decided I wanted it more, and fell in love with the idea of an awd Vert M. Even a not insane 83 build is at circa 100k, but this isn't a crazy jump up from 70, and the cars (truly g80 more so) have some overlap on the venn diagram of potential buyers. I know first hand a few other people that considered the RS3 and went g8x.

Leasing or putting minimal $ down? Sure, world of difference. Cars really in the same class per se? Not really. There is certainly a not insignificant cross section of people that sees the appeal in both.

[TheFwed]

I'm currently driving a 2018 RS3 and ordered a M3 xdr Comp in August. (still no idea where I am in the waitlist and when the dealership will have an allocation for me).
I considered the 2022 RS3 but I haven't been able to see on in person (SF bay), and I feel like it wouldn't be that different from my 2018.
The main reasons why I decided to get the M3 this time : nicer interior and better AWD with rear biased (in the RS3 the front wheels frequently lose traction before sending the power to the rear)
I may miss the sound of the 5 cyl, probably the last sport sedan with a genuine engine sound. And the dual-clutch transmission in the Audi is really great too.

[dakayus]

I have an Audi TTRS which is basically the lighter version of the RS3 (also nicer interior). Anyways the low end torque is really bad by comparison and the braking isn't as good as the M4 comp. The transmission is better with the DCT and shift much quicker. The M4 transmission seems to be guessing a lot as to which gear to be in so I don't really like that aspect. The car rides much firmer in the Audi and doesn't dampen as much but the ride is a bit more accurate versus the slight floaty feeling in the M4.

The interior has cheaper looking carbon fiber for the M4 especially around the steering wheel which looks like a vinyl decal. Otherwise it's kind of similar as I have alcantara inside the Audi however the M4's leather seems a little nicer.

The sound is much better in the M4 and the acceleration is infinitely better as well as the handling. The M4 is much more twitchy though so sometimes that scares me a bit as I really have to pay attention.
The front wheel bias in the TTRS you can tell, but it doesn't really feel that much different to other AWD cars except near the limit where you understeer.

All in all, I like the M4 comp much more and can be driven much harder and faster.

[DO444]

M3/rs3 doesn’t seem like the comparison to me. I thought (being inside one) that the rs3 felt much smaller. I’d be inclined to compare it to the m2.

I may be off, but that’s how it felt to me. Significantly smaller.

[TheFwed]

Originally Posted by dakayus

Anyways the low end torque is really bad by comparison and the braking isn't as good as the M4 comp.

All in all, I like the M4 comp much more and can be driven much harder and faster.

There are reports of lack of low end torque in the M3/M4. But are you saying the M4 feels more powerful in the low end than the RS ? There is some (significant) turbo lag in the RS3. Not sure if that will be improved in the M3 (I didn't get a chance to test drive one before ordering).

[JPM-3]

Just signed for a new 2023 RS3 yesterday and will be taking delivery tomorrow. Not proud that I paid 2k over MSRP but I wanted AWD again for the coming winter season, and my G80 xdrive waitlist is taking longer than I'd like. If nothing else, this will be a decently enjoyable stopgap until then.

[aktif8]

Originally Posted by JPM-3

Just signed for a new 2023 RS3 yesterday and will be taking delivery tomorrow. Not proud that I paid 2k over MSRP but I wanted AWD again for the coming winter season, and my G80 xdrive waitlist is taking longer than I'd like. If nothing else, this will be a decently enjoyable stopgap until then.

Congrats, from what I hear you'll love it! Report back after you get a chance to flog it please. What color did you get?

[JPM-3]

Originally Posted by aktif8

Congrats, from what I hear you'll love it! Report back after you get a chance to flog it please. What color did you get?

For the first time in my life, I bought a car not colored white - decided to live a little dangerously this time around. I'll be sure to get a lot of use out of this Audi over the next 4 months.

[aktif8]

Originally Posted by JPM-3

For the first time in my life, I bought a car not colored white - decided to live a little dangerously this time around. I'll be sure to get a lot of use out of this Audi over the next 4 months.

Enjoy it! Those 5bangers are ferocious little things. That's a pretty great interim car!

I had a Vegas yellow S3 a while back. Watch out for speed traps

[dstanfield1977]

Originally Posted by Tyga11

Does it drive different than the RS5? Is it more aggressive? I hated the RS5 when I drove it.

I specced a new 2023 RS3 with every package and it's less than $75K.

Would this be a huge downgrade?

Which RS5 did you drive? I have owned the last 2 generations, and a 2018 RS3. From what I have seen of the M3C X drive the RS3 is slower and the interior a steep down.

[WWM3]

Originally Posted by JPM-3

For the first time in my life, I bought a car not colored white - decided to live a little dangerously this time around. I'll be sure to get a lot of use out of this Audi over the next 4 months.

How do you like the RS3?

[JPM-3]

Originally Posted by WWM3

How do you like the RS3?

So far it reminds me of my old Evo X. Just so sure-footed in dry and wet conditions, very "point and shoot" type of car. Definitely will see more action as snow makes its way into my area this winter. The 5-cylinder sound is as enjoyable as advertised. Having said that, I still prefer my RWD rides for driving pleasure in general.

I'm still on the list for a G80 Xdrive, but this Audi will hold me down nicely until that materializes.