[madpistol]

Originally Posted by clifftr

2022 M440 Grand coupe has a pretty good stock exhaust.

It does. Seems a bit louder than the stock one on an M340i, but it doesn't have the pops/burbles.

[TruthOne]

Originally Posted by Ugly Kar

I guess it depends on the definition of "True Competitor". In my mind they are as I've seriously looked at the RS3 for 3-4 years now and put it 2nd choice behind my M240.

The choice is pretty simple though, if you can get an RS3 it's a year wait and $20k more than the M240. M240 is a 5 month wait and I got a 2.5% discount.

And yes, lots of reviews comparing these two. Most have the RS3 only slightly better overall and slightly better does not equal $20k.

I'm not talking about the M240i . I was saying the M2 and RS3 are competitors.

[EXE46]

Originally Posted by TruthOne

How are they not when they are constantly getting compared as rivals by nearly every auto magazine?

Those articles are for entertainment purposes only. The new RS3 should be compared to the G42 only. On track it's struggles to out pace the M240XI even with all the trickery Audi added, giving it rear wheel steering, narrower tires in the rear than the front etc. It's just an overrated machine that only shines in 1/4 mile drag races. It even falls short of the old M2's lap time.

Check out the Sport Auto track battle between the RS3 and M240XI, that tells you all you need to know about the performance capability of the Audi. It's doesn't even have the handling balance of the G42.

[dr_frankfurter]

Originally Posted by khearon23

Sounds like an $85k 6-cylinder is on the way.

I can't knock it, but I don't think I would buy it.

Sadly not even that. The new C63 will also have a turbo 4-pot hybrid.

[///Medge]

If rs3 is still FWD biased? I drove one years ago and the handling was not great despite its small size.

[Ikester19]

Originally Posted by Portimao Blues

I saw another YouTube review from "Remove Before Race" and the new C43's exhaust sounds better than my 2021 M340's! The new C43 is definitely more AMG than the previous generation.

I saw that YouTube video too, the exhaust may sound louder but IMO it sounds terrible. In the end it is a 4 pot and will never sound as good as a 6, especially in the case of the B58.

[iifymbro]

Originally Posted by Ikester19

I saw that YouTube video too, the exhaust may sound louder but IMO it sounds terrible. In the end it is a 4 pot and will never sound as good as a 6, especially in the case of the B58.

yeah people tend to think louder means better, it's still a 4 banger and imo only straight piped naturally aspirated get any kind of decent sound and even then sometimes they're garbage sounding (junior formula cars run 4 bangers for the most part).

[DerekTriesG20]

Not going to sound like a six cylinder, just louder in the USA compared to the EU:

[dhock_holiday]

Jealous of the fancy headlights and electronic trunk closing

[wtwo3]

Originally Posted by DerekTriesG20

Not going to sound like a six cylinder, just louder in the USA compared to the EU:

This must be at least the 4th thread you've posted these same 3 videos in....

[Paulskit]

Originally Posted by EXE46

Those articles are for entertainment purposes only. The new RS3 should be compared to the G42 only. On track it's struggles to out pace the M240XI even with all the trickery Audi added, giving it rear wheel steering, narrower tires in the rear than the front etc. It's just an overrated machine that only shines in 1/4 mile drag races. It even falls short of the old M2's lap time.

Check out the Sport Auto track battle between the RS3 and M240XI, that tells you all you need to know about the performance capability of the Audi. It's doesn't even have the handling balance of the G42.

I think those can be compared. I considered both as well and I can't see why not.
Both are daily commuters, I bet 99% owners never track those. RS3 is more liveable, better quality interior, more useable space inside and for the luggage, etc. And it's a bit easier to drive fast for people without advanced driving skills.
Also, I prefer the looks of RS3 to any 2 series out there, but looks is a subjective metric.
For the price, I'd pick 340 over both (and I did ), because I think it's a better package, but either of those are great cars with large fanbase for a reason.

[DerekTriesG20]

Originally Posted by wtwo3

This must be at least the 4th thread you've posted these same 3 videos in....

Sorry about that I just wanted to share the video for those who were cross shopping the competitors, I had stopped posting in more threads.