BMW M235i vs Audi S3 - Performance Sedan Sweet Spot? - Everyday Driver
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 12 ส.ค. 2015
- As their mid-sized sedans grow larger and each brand offers more models, Audi and BMW have created new enthusiast options. The guys grab hot versions of the smallest cars they offer in the US, and head for new roads in the desert. Which one offers the most enjoyment for this size and budget?
(We apologize if your hear a high-pitched wine in a couple shots - we suffered a mic problem and have since resolved it)
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I was pretty much on the verge of buying an S3. Found a spec I liked, and went to test drive a fully-specced car. It was beautiful, and the interior was very impressive. The car was fast, very fast. It darted around the pock-marked streets with ease, soaking up every bump. But, the entire time I drove it, I felt detached. I put it down to how engaging my ST MP215 was, and that few cars would ever be as involving. I wanted to love the S3, but something was missing.
Then I saw this video. I went to test drive an M240i. The car felt so much more dramatic. While the S3 is cute, the M240i just looks so much more menacing. The interior felt so much more welcoming, and the seats just mould to you. From ignition, the cars deep purr is intoxicating, and the feel on dry roads so planted. Everything about the car felt so much more soulful.
Halfway through, the heavens opened, and any fear I had of a rear-wheel drive car with that much power feeling unwieldy in the wet evaporated. It was so communicative and steady, and even in sport plus, any rear slides were reigned in so easily.
Reader: I was hooked, and after some shrewd negotiations, I bought one. Best decision I ever made.
How’s yours holding up now? I’ve thought about upgrading from my WRX into either an M235i or an S3
@@jonm.678 M235i do it. Or M235xi too. Expensive m340i is very fast with b58 engine
@@jonm.678 I just did that with my wrx and I’m waiting for mine to come in from vroom, did you ever pull the trigger on the two?
@@Kevin-in4nf so actually instead of an M235i I got a 340i. I’m happy with it- the power of the B58 engine is insane
@@jonm.678 have a 328i and upgrading to an m235i. The m340 is so sexy though.
I love the way the S3 looks. Just the style alone makes me want one.
Ew
front end looks like a baby A6
Looks like a jetta with an Audi Logo lmao
@@gabrielflores1149 👈no taste
The S3 seems to be like the dignified, straight-laced gentleman that goes wine tasting and horseback riding through the vineyard on weekends. The M235i seems like the fresh out of college business intern that still wants to party on weekends.
Chance Hales Summers Eve or Massengill?
Chance Hales haha dont try to justify a budget golf by these comparison :) everyone know there is a volkswagen under there :) trust me, get the BMW it will make you fall in love with driving.
thoravian Never said I'd buy one. ;)
Chance Hales whew ok :)
thoravian I had previously owned a Jetta for a short time. Worst decision ever car wise.
Honestly love how descriptive you guys are when reviewing. Also really appreciate your more down to earth thinking in terms of car pricing. I for one will never spend over $35k on a car and appreciate this grounded view. Love your work. Keep up the great job guys
Blake Swan - We make a real effort to describe the cars and sensations so you can feel a bit like you are in the cars with us. We've very pleased that it's working for you! And yes, we want everyone in every budget to find a car they can not just afford, but also enjoy. Thanks for liking what we do!
Good news, m235i's are popping up for less than 25k now
tested the s3 and bmw m240i the bm now sits on my drive
U picked the wrong car
@@Raudi_5pot its a matter of choice. But judging by your name you a fanboy who doesn't really grasps some major concepts.
Similar story here mate drove an Audi S5 coming from my older A4, didnt know, tried to drive a m240i, sold 10 minutes before i arrived. An inline 6 twin turbo 2016 e class coupe now is what im with
SpinOnAllFours S3/Ralliart you have the wrong opinion.
I beat a modified s5 in a drag yesterday on a 2016 M235i stock. :)
I test drove both and I love the s3 way more. I choose it more for practicality! Very fun to drive nimble car and 235i only comes in 2 doors, which is quite a bummer. Being that I drive 24k miles a year I believe it gives the best of both worlds. Cruiser, nimble and practical. I also felt the 235 interior felt crammed, to busy. I love the minimalist, clean interior of s3. The other reason is that I'm not "canyon carving" all the time.
At the end of day, pick the car that suits your needs more. Both of this cars are great! In fact, my buddy got a 235i and on occasion we go canyon carving.
Key word is on occasion not everyday driving. :)
These s3s are so damn quick, my gf has the 2016 in Black and my god the light little fucker moves. With that legitimate turbo feel. It's no where near the power of my c63 but I am extremely impressed with Audi products especially this one. Definitely a viable option for anyone looking for a performance sedan.
AMG or BUST C63 😍🤘
Gonna guess M235i before I watch.
I never thought I'd say this but I really like that BMW
Hysteria357 you won’t regret getting it. I love it replacing my 535i. Much more fun drive plus you can beat most cars on the road stock. Yesterday I beat an S5 that pulled next to me and asked to race. His was modified and mine is still stock.
@@The713Sonic how’s yours holding up and how miles you got on it and what year is yours
@The713Sonic what a load of crap no way on any planet is a stock 535i that's heavy as hell beating a tuned s5 from a stop light let alone a roll stay off drugs and stop making up things that never happened a tuned s5 has over 400 hp
Lol I ended up getting a 2016 Lexus GS 350 F sport not long after this comment. Definitely the better choice.
@@The713SonicHow reliable was yours?
Why does the presenter keep putting on and taking off a wig?
hahahahahhaha
lol
MassiveGlove I see what you did there
Well, you know what they say, hair today, gone tomorrow XD
MassiveGlove he’s wigging out
You guys do great work I've always enjoyed your reviews
"Muscular short cheerleader who put on a great fitting dress" ha ha made me snicker. Very entertaining and informative reviews; keep it up :)
I just drove a manual M235i today. I'm putting in an order.
Stealth Sportback The interior is surprisingly spacious for the cars size and yes the quality is what you would expect out of BMW. The fit an finish on everything is brilliant.
+Paras Kalra I wouldn't. No offense, but the M235i isn't a real "M" car. It isn't made by the M division in BMW. It's just the badge.
Wait for the M2 bro, unveiling on the 14th October mate.... Hold on its going to be a beast and worth waiting a little longer than buying the m235i
+qfour20 whoah amazing insight alert the presses!
only shit about these 2 series is they dont make xdrive manuals anymore. they wont even give us the option to pay for it. if you live in the states and have winter/snow seasons and are planning to use it as a day driver then might wanna get xdrive
Been driving my 2016 m235i convertible for 5 months now and best 50k I've ever spent
this is a wonderful review, thank you for posting
I must commend you guys for those amazing interior shots.
Got a M240i droptop last year and I love it!
Thanks guys, now I want an m235i again.
I liked this video so much, at one point I actually looked to see how much I had until the end, hoping I had at least 10 more minutes of video.
I only had 5 more...
Good job guys! I really hope one day I will be able to make my reviews be at least half as good as yours!
Excellent review guys! I was in the car market 7 months ago looking at these two cars along with the S4, STI, Golf R, C63. I wanted something fun that was also great in bad weather, comfy, fast, tunable, fits 4 adults. I ended up with a Golf R DSG.
I've always had rear drive cars and it's amazing how fast I can drive in bad weather now. The Haldex is a great performer on the road in bad weather.
Both are great cars, but it comes down to personal taste as they are both entirely different cars for different weather. Both can get deals on, but Bmw has more aggressive deals as their sales are down low.
Just bought an S3. Love it.
I have kids and we live in a place that has winter! Need 4 doors and RWD isn’t practical.
If only America could get a hotter TDI version- that would be cool.
Would love to see you drive an RS3
Big fan of your channel guys, you weighed in heavily on my 2016 Golf R purchase. please post more.
I like the kind of intellect you guys inject into your reviews. Great vid!
Spectacular review! As always, your in-depth emotional and objective perspectives are invaluable. I do feel the S3 is more luxury than sporty, while the M235i is more true to
Question, if you had to choose one, 2008 Cayman S or BMW M235i?
+Brian C - The Cayman is a more focused drivers car if you can make a two seater work for your life. It's lower, lighter, and more analog than the M235i...We'd say Cayman - but the BMW is close in many ways.
EverydayDriver Thanks for the feedback. The M235i was a bit out of my price range but I was able to get into a 228i M-Sport, fully spec'd. It wasn't as driver focused as I had expected. Fairly numb steering. No exhaust note. Suspension wasn't stiff enough for me. It didn't have adaptive dampers. I passed on it. Still a fantastic car, love the looks, quietness, seats, technology, etc. But like you stated, not as driver focused.
I was able to test drive and might be purchasing a 07 Cayman S this week. Amazing sports car. Feels like a true race car at its roots. Designed for the track but livable enough for everyday driving.
BTW I live near the foothills in Rancho Cucamonga. Do you guys ever do subscriber meetups? It would be awesome to ride our cars through the socal mountains.
I'd go BMW hands down on this one. I def. agree that it's sort of a simple replacement for the E46, and I like that concept.
Love love your reviews. My only comment is that on some of your videos it is hard to know which car you are talking about at any moment because the camera switches back and forth between the two of you and we are not always sure which car you were talking about or are driving at the moment. Maybe a note on the screen that always mentions which car you're talking about would help? Thanks so much these are really outstanding videos :-)
I'll preface my comments on this video by saying that you guys are absolutely the best! I've more-or-less watched just about every video that's up on Everyday Driver, and wholeheartedly wish there was more. This review though was great; I am in the market for a used M235i at this point - I am dieselgate victim with my 12' Jetta TDi, and will get a nice sum of cash from VW in about a month or so. Now that I've hit my 30's also, I've struggled on potentially purchasing a new Golf R, despite it's a more mature VW with above average performance... but I honestly think I've been convinced otherwise watching your videos, especially this one! Given the S3 is the pricier Golf R with an Audi badge, I think the M235i has way more to offer, and you guys certainly confirmed that I feel. I also have an 06' Mazdaspeed6 that has been out of commission for the better part of 3 years, I thoroughly enjoyed your review on the speed6 though. Keep it up guys!!! You ROCK!!!
Here's a valid question- Why in the hell would you compare a rear drive manual with an AWD automatic. I really wanted to see a comparison of these two vehicles as I may purchase one. This just proves you like driving RWD manuals. If you had used the xdrive bmw m235 it would have been a great comparison, but instead you just effed the whole test up.
@classiccarz the golf R is a better comparo because the golf can have a stick. I also believe chris harris more than these two whoevers... Chris says the BMW is more fun but the golf r is the better car overall...
It’s actually pretty sad that the 235 competes with a S3. It should’ve been M2 vs S3.
audi cars are like to drive a car with a death horse in the front, but the interior is superb... and Bmw is balanced and takes care about the engine sound.
Excellent review as always. You guys are the best car channel. May I ask - you both love to drive the 235, but is it just as "ownable" if you just want to space out or dealing with traffic? Some cars, like the m3, have to be pushed at all times to be enjoyable. Is the 235 versatile in this regard?
Very useful review chaps..well done
I've probably watched this video a dozen times over the past 2 years. Initially I was set on an M235i and was just doing research, not seriously considering the S3. Months later, I decide the S3 is a more rounded car and would be a better daily driver. Now I'm back to the 2 series since no manual option is simply a deal breaker. Now, however, after reading several reviews, I'm thinking the 4 cylinder 230i with M sport and THP may be the better drive train for my style and intended use. Can't believe I just said that. Maybe I should just settle and get the M2.
Lol. I got a used m235i 3 months ago and I’m pretty happy with it. My brother has the 328i and fell in love with bmws overall. The only problem I have I guess is that it’s a bit heavy for being such a small car compared to the light feeling of the 328i in-line 4.
Crazy how much it costs for a small german car nowadays.. Think I prefer the m135 in this case, look forward to your review of the M2 when it comes.
***** There 100% is a M135... literally type into your computer www.google.co.uk and search it. its an amazing thing
;)
+Jack Naylor It's not even just German cars, all car prices have gone up. I think for BMW's it's a bit awkward because they made more packages with less individual options being available.
+Jack Naylor When you adjust for inflation and compare performance over the last 25 years the prices make perfect sense.
Union leaders asking for more in Germany , Plus more regulation and taxes
Thanks for the great comparison. Greetings from germany
Great video, thank you! One of the best
I got an m235 and its amazinggg!!
Taking delivery of my M235i in two days! My fourth bimmer so far and super excited . I test drove both the Audi s3 and M235i and the BMW was by far the better car in terms of performance and overall fun. The s3 is a very tamed and smooth car with a better interior, while the M235i feels tail happy and raw.
Cool..see you in a ditch roadside when it starts to sprinkle!
to bad u didnt wait for m240i =Z
Just because you can't drive, doesn't mean he can't. See you understeering into a wall ;P
Would appreciate your take on the Audi TTS Mk3 given its S3-similar engine and platform. Thanks! Keep the great videos and stand alone episodes coming.
Good video. Regarding the rear "float" on the S3 (13:03), I wonder what tire pressures were. Manual calls for front/rear, 39/36psi if 3 or less occupants. 44psi is full load as on the door sticker. The S3 grips significantly better with right pressures.
BMW 228i does not have a DSG. It has a 8-speed ZF, you should really have known that.
Love my S3 with the APR tune on it is perfect for everyday in traffic it is so easy to live with and the Audi interiors are just the best.
Love the video...where was this filmed?
I saw this video years ago. And saw it again 10 months ago. Thanks, becouse this video have help me to buy a second hand 5 door M135i over other options.
Very happy with the "new" car. This is the second car ( the other was a Mazda Rx8) that i buy with your help.
Thank you very much from spain
We’re honored to be part of the process for you. Thanks for watching.
That "screaming v6 sound" you hear, only comes from the speakers... lol
only?
Was he talking about the s3? Lol
The specs of the bmw are amazing 6 cylinder, 340hp, RWD... I would definitely buy it but it looks so boring... You can't see the difference between an 235 and a 218. No racing/sporty elements, small rims, strange distribution of shapes and volume in the body... I'll go for the S3
I test drove a CPO 2018 230i last weekend. It had the base twin-turbo 4 cylinder not the inline 6, but it was still pretty quick and seems like a great all-around car. I can definitely see buying a 2 series 6-speed at some point!
As usual great work guys.
I bought an S3 simply because I fell in love with the exterior, the interior and all the options available in this car as well as standard AWD. The M235i cannot be specced as highly as the S3 and I really dislike its interior so I went for the S3. That being said, I am sure the BMW would have been more fun to drive since the S3 lacks soul. Maybe it's because it doesn't have that screaming V6 sound found in other cars. It goes about doing its job without any fuss or drama but then again that's what makes a car fun to drive and unfortunately the S3 isn't all that fun to be honest but I still love it for how well it does everything.
behemothinferno Good for you. If you are enjoying it and are happy with the purchase, that is all that matters. I totally agree with you that a huge turn off of the M235i is the interior... the interior seems fitting for a 30k car. And what is up with BMW's base leatherettes? They feel so cheap and plasticky. The S3 is a very well-rounded car that is a great deal more practical than the M23i (4 seats, AWD, etc).
I drove them and the Alfa Romeo Giulia too. For the price, I cant beat the interior of the S3 in terms of the technology, leather, and trims. Plus the fact that the BMW was slower, did not have all wheel drive, had worse interiors, and was still slightly more expensive than the S3 made no sense for someone who lives in a city that snows a lot and has decent amount of rain and even more potholes everywhere. I learned my lesson with the low profile bmw wheels. They're so fragile and expensive to replace. Audi is definitely the more practical choice when you buy with your head and not your heart. BMW and the Alfa were definitely more fun to drive but I was gonna feel let down with everything else inside the car and feel robbed. They're $50k cars. The interior, you know, the place where you spend 90% of your time with the car, should feel like a $50k car. Or at least a $40k. I got the S3 too in case you couldn't tell lol couldn't be happier. It's low key and always impresses whenever friends sit in it.
I wonder what the price will be in 5yrs. Awesome cars nevertheless, it own either one but preferable the BMW, the 3.0l turbo I think has more personality
BMWs are on the low 20s and the audi s3 are on the high 20s lol
I have a TTS, which is same as S3. It really needs a stage I tune, and then it's much better. It evens out the power band, actually gives you mid range torque and a little more punch up top. A lot more fun and the chasis and everything else is amazing. Without it, there is no pull between 3-4k (people call lag) and then it pulls hard above 4K. Stock you have to flog the car to get to the performance above 4K. Reminds me of how I had to drive my s2000 to get into the fun zone. I now love my TTS with the tune, plus I installed a Recaro Sportser GT seat which is awesome.
Outstanding Review in every way ;-)
S3 is a family sized car in most of Europe...
America just has fat families. I see no problem with an S3 fitting a whole family well
No it's not.. I'm 6ft 2 and no one can sit behind me..... and is is soooooo boring.......... Fast yes... but audi's don't talk back.... they just do........ Boring.... Beemers... the chassis talks.... rear wheel drive any day!!!!
God, I miss my old e46 M3...I was lucky enough to buy a new one when they first came out with the SMG. Fast forward to 2016 and the new technology...they don't feel fast. I finally test drove the S3 today. Soft. That's all I can say. Audis are very nice cars. But, my god, I liked the feel of being a little out of control and having to stay alert. I drove the m235 a couple years ago too and it's just as soft. Bring back hard core editions that wants to kill you. Sure, you could slide off the road...but that's the fun of it. I know the ride is rougher but I felt so much more connected to the road in my old M3 and the mechanical sounding rev of the old car was so much more fun. Felt like a race car. I don't feel that in any of these cars. You barely hear the engine noise now. $50,000 is not the same money as it was 15 years ago, obviously. The cars feel cheaper and are made to be comfortable. That's my thoughts on these cars.
Love these cars and the review
Hi, can I have a little suggestion for you guys? It would be nice if you would write the information like weight and torque in Kilograms or Nm as well, being from Europe and loving your channel, it is sometimes difficult to have a good picture about the specs of the car without having to search for it, thanks!
Great job as always!
Bought an M235. No contest for me.
if your going to compare these cars why would you not compare the s3 with the M235 x drive...
Because they are not comparing the speed but more the character they want to be
Incredible review!!!
What cameras do you film with for the in car/on car shots? And what mounts do you use? If it happens to be one of the $500 cameras, do you have suggestions for cheaper options?
Thanks!
BMW wins but for that I would buy a used Cayman or 911
Would have been a nice triple header comparison to include the CLA45 AMG.
bstine20 That's in another league. None of these are proper M or RS versions, the CLA 45 is a legit AMG car. What you said would make sense with an RS3, the upcoming M2 and that A/CLA 45 AMG.
+Alex Serrano the S3 still beats the 45AMG though...
Eduardo Damy Beats on what? Looks, showing off?
+Alex Serrano That didn't stop Motor Trend from comparing the M235i to the CLA45 AMG in their Head 2 Head Ep.53
bstine20 So?
Great review guys, these just keep getting better and better. Thank you for being so thorough.
I think I would even go a step further and say why not just get a 4dr GTi Performance Package instead of the S3? People are just getting ECU reflashes and these cars are making 300hp. Throw in some real tires and you're still under 30 grand total. Still get a nice interior etc. AND gasp! A manual trans!
With that said, The M235i is the most appealing of the bunch by far. I agree that manual RWD is the way to go. Just wish this car could be called a bargain. Needs to be about 5 grand cheaper.
as a GTI owner, traction is the main reason you buy a Golf R or S3 over a GTI. AWD is necessary with the EA888 torque output when tuned
I admit, I haven't watched a ton of you videos. It has taken me a while to realize why, and I think I got it, it's 5th Gear. I don't watch this for entertainment (not that it isn't entertaining in parts), this is practical. It's legit real world reviews. Which is needed. No one cares about rear seat room! Unless you are interested in buying the car. As I have aged, I now sit in the rear seat of every vehicle I test drive (cough S3 cough) and check out the trunk. Both things that are in fact important for every day living any vehicle. Aptly named, much needed, keep up the good work.
both in red, disaster ...
I have the red convertible 😬
And my screen is twice that size
They finally agreed on the same car, IT'S THE END OF TIMES
The M235 was an obvious choice for me. Found a barely used 2016 with only 19k miles.. it’s been the perfect balance of fun to drive + daily driver practical. Was fortunate to get the Harman Kardon premium audio too, which is sublime ❤
Wow guys this was a fantastic video. Very well done. As an S3 owner, and having driven an M235i for a week, I can say you literally covered everything perfectly. The only things I would add is that the steering feel in the S3 sucks and the BMW truly is the better drivers car due to seating position, RWD, and steering feed back. Also, it would have been nice if you had an automatic M235i to compare to just to level the playing field a bit. The auto is a ZF 8 speed and it's a fantastic unit and very fast. As for the S-tronic in the S3, you eventually learn to predict what it's going to do and then it sucks less. As a daily driver, its very comfortable and you can turn it into a little rocket with the flip of a switch. Either way, you can't go wrong with either car. Great job guys.
Aside from the subjective diatribes about the 235...where are the tangible comparisons. All that was said was this s3 is fast when you floor it and it has a nicer interior and the 235 is better because it is manual and rear wheel drive. Where are the lap times that show it is better around the track, where are the comparisons to back it up as the better canyon driver. It seems less like a review and more like an editorial. I give this review 2.5/5...an E for effort.
Sachsenring lap times:
BMW M235i: 1:40:33
Audi S3 (4 door): 1:42:87
VW Golf R Mk VII: 1:41:73
From fastestlaps.com
You're welcome
+FedeRSX checked that site and on the only two comparos, the S3 was faster on two different tracks by .20 sec. But most of the buyer of the cars will never go to the track. As an all rounder suitable for all weather, the S3 is a better choice and it'll leave the M235i at the traffic light too. There are numerous TH-cam videos in support.
M240i xDrive will do 0-60mph in 4.2sec. If you care about traffic light races, don't compare apple to oranges.
Pilot Super Sport - Add that the M240i is $10k more than the S3 and that's without leather. From 0-60: M2401 Coupe RWD 8A 4.3 sec 12.7 sec @ 111 mph Car and Driver
Audi S3 2015 AWD 6A 4.4 sec 12.9 sec @ 108 mph Car and Driver
The S3 isn´t the hottest version of the A3. Have you ever heard of the RS3???
Neither the M235i , the proper M2 its coming this year.
+vivalaphill Still just VW. BMW has much more character
MissMan666 a Rolls Royce is also just an overpriced BMW.
vivalaphill
Yep. Rolls has no soul left :)
MissMan666 wut?
Really nice review
I crossed shopped both of these cars, though the bimmer I wanted was the auto awd version. anyway never got to test drive the M nor was the few dealers I contacted really after my business, Audi was so I bought the S3. I like it but don't love it, and can see myself trading my S3 for the Bimmer very soon.
Does the BMW have a blinker option ?
Mathieu H matching set, front and rear, part of luxury tech package.
MrNicholg not recommended thoug
We have them disconnected. 1st mod we do.
get a Golf R, get a APR tune, then happy days.
What if we don't like hatchbacks ?
then get S3 and tune it from APR :D
Got an S3 2016 . I'm thinking about it still . . . Maybe ill just start with an Injen Air Intake first .
Erde Kaiser awe intake! Do itttt I have a 2015 S3 and it's gorgeous
And look like a dork. Hatchbacks are for kids.
I just love the normal size grille on this 235i. So much better then crazy oversize grille on new BMWs.
I do like the digital front and rear plate on these cars. Its an awesome feature on both of them. It's almost on the level of James bond.
I've never driven a M235i so I can't truly comment on this comparison. However, I can tell you that I traded in a 335is for an S3 and couldn't be happier with my decision. The S3 is a fantastic daily driver. It inspires confidence and handles like a dream. The first time I took my 335is on a ride in the North Carolina mountains I was very disappointed. It was white knuckle driving the entire trip. That same trip in my S3 was the most fun I've had in a long time (Since my STI). The S3 just says "how fast are you willing to go". The car makes you feel like a professional race car driver. I think a lot of this comes down to personal preference. The four cylinder Turbo AWD combination has always worked for me and I guess that's where I belong....that is until the 5 cylinder RS 3 comes out :). I just hope I can get/afford one when it comes stateside.
+Stephen Schwartz I agree with you about the S3 as I have one as well but to tell you the truth im bored with it now an am thinking of switching to the M235I Xdrive, that's just me :o)
Carl Moritz I understand completely. I get bored quickly too. I am sure the smaller Bimmer will be more fun than my old car. The 335is was an great luxury cruiser, but not a sporty drive. It did have an awesome engine though.
+Carl Moritz go drive it in the snow
+Stephen Schwartz new 3 series is soft. If you want the reputation which followed the 3 series that ended in the early 2000's. Now Bmw's sportier fun cars would be the 1/2 series.
just buy aftermarket suspension lol its not even that bad..h&r springs and its much better
hmm...one based on a budget golf...the other based on a 50:50 weight distributed rear wheel drive platform with a manual offering...I wonder which one the driving enthusiast will spend his/her hard earned money on...
thoravian Not only that but the Golf, sorry the Audi has a 2.0L 4cyl while the BMW has that silky straight 3.0L 6 cyl. There is simply no contest if you enjoy driving. Has always thought of Audi as fast luxury transport in total isolation and lack of any feedback.
bezor Ta audi is a comfortable fast train that you fall asleep in. Its perfect for my mom who hates driving and has no skill at it too.
***** I thought that was audi??
+thoravian Have you ever driven either? The S3 is a grown up WRX STI. I have owned both so I should have an idea of what I'm talking about. There are plenty of videos out here praising the S3 for how fun it is. I can tell you it's plenty fun. Now I would have probably preferred the VW R, but they came out later and are hard to find. Also, the first batch were not available with a sun roof which for me was a deal breaker. The Audi has great tech, a nice interior, I love the styling, and it's a blast to drive every day. Also, my BMW bottomed out daily where I live and I hated having to enter every parking lot at 2 mph to keep from scraping the car.
Stephen Schwartz no you havent :) and what can we do if you dont know how to drive a rear wheel drive car?
In the UK we get the M240i and the 1 series M135i (now M140i) the M140i is available as a 5 door and consequently is also practical as a daily driver. Same engine as the M235i/M240i. Personally, I think the 8 speed sports auto box is a better option than the manual - super slick, faster 0-60 time and with paddle shift, in contrast the manual stick is just a little bit notchy.
I agonized over my car choice with the S3, M235i and Golf R all jockeying hard for my heart and soul and my cash. I ended up buying a very low-mileage used 2015 M235i in that gorgeous blue for just over $31k and could not possibly be more pleased with my decision. What a thrill ride this car is!
S3 vs M235i Conclusion: buy a Golf R
Golf R vs WRX STi Conclusion: buy a GTI
GTI wins!
rempwnz amazing
My brother owns a gti and I own a s3. Gotta love the GTI’s man. For what you pay, unbeatable performance
2016 BMW M2 nuff said
Thanks guys for a great review of both cars. I'm an older gent but I still appreciate great engineering and am not yet too far over the hill to enjoy a good tail out catch. I bought the m235i, mostly because it is rear wheel drive, AND you can turn the computer entirely off, but mostly what disappoints me about reviews of these cars is that they are done in hot, dry conditions. Are there no reviews from colder, wetter climates? I'm in Scotland and we have half a dozen hot, dry days a year if we're lucky so a wet review would be invaluable to people from higher latitudes. I know it sounds like 'grumble, grumble', but my previous car choice (f80 m3) was based on reviews like these but I had to get rid of the car because it was pointless in Scotland; as soon as I put my foot on the gas, the traction control had to correct for lost grip and if I turned it off, it would spin in a millisecond. I'm sure it's a fantastic car, but just not in my country. The M235i is a sweeter spot, but please, please try to do some reviews in cold wet conditions. It would save people like me from making my stupid mistakes. Thanks
What preference do your like for driving the S3?
If individual what settings do you set it on?
M235i needs 4 doors. I wonder how close an E90 335i could be built to match its character
future62 That would be called the M135i
+Josh Wensley We don't get those stateside :(
I know :(
Probably extremely easily. e90's share nearly identical suspension from an kinematic standpoint. I prefer E90 steering feel, a lot more effort required and more road feel, but the m235i, especially with the 8sp auto is FAST.
4:36 ok......WHO'S GOT LICE.....
Really enjoyed this video. This is going to sound like a strange question for Todd and Paul but how would you guys rate the M235i against the Fiesta ST specifically in terms of driving fun and value? I realize they're in completely different price segments but I was really curious how they stack up against one another given that they both get such rave reviews. I have driven the M235i and I agree it's an outstanding car.
I like this channel. very well thought out
honestly, the 1 and 2 series are the only good bmws left. they're lightweight, still use power steering, and have good power for their size. they seem to be more "dialed in" than the larger models as well
***** The 2012 1 series is 1370kg www.bmw.com/com/en/newvehicles/1series/3door/2012/showroom/technical_data/ I'm sure you can spec them to be heavier etc but the base model is light and fast enough even with the base 1.6l Turbo. I know cause I owned one. The 1 series is a great car with any engine.
***** Hi John, BMWs are obviously sporty road cars and they are excellent at that. Also I couldn't buy a Lotus here even if I wanted. No dealership in New Zealand.
+Ryukachoo they have the same steering as every other f-series except the M3/4
+john marsh Im pretty sure most people cant even fit in a lotus, and they dont have any dealerships in alot of countries. Lol
What I really don't like about modern 4-cylinder cars are the their fake exhausts. Why does that 4cylinder need 2 exhauts more than the 6cylinder BMW?
Keddy Because Volkswagen loves selling products to posers and people interested in a sorta premium brand image.
Just had my S3 tuned Stage 2+ and now has 400hp/400tq,,,it's a beast now,,
Also, sounds like you guys are both going to LOVE the M2 when it comes out next year!
90% of the people buying these cars aren't concerned with all this technical stuff. Does it look nice, does it sound good, is the interior modern and luxuries, how much Ps? Great I'll take it. I'm just glad they didn't do a pointless drift test.
Jesse D You partly buy a German engineered car for the technology that it has to offer, so that has some importance. That's what you pay for. The driving dynamics of a German car are usually more developed and tested than others. Its crazy to think that Mercedes, BMW, Audi all have engineers for each detail of the car moreso than other manufacturers.
Jesse D True that but 10%has more advertising abilities like word of mouth because of more expertise in driving and car tech.. ie. I turned away a few guys from likes of Peugeot 206 CC, Opel Vectra, Nissan Primera..for more driver engaging cars like Skyline, MX5, 325i.. Half of those 90% actually appreciates proper chassis and balance but they just don't know there is better alternative for he same money (or a bit dearer) or they don't have time nor patience to go around for testing of different brands/models.
New M240i smashes the S3 to bits. 331 to the wheels.
Gary Doctor it's a cool car, I heard the steering is crappy though
And about 300lbs more, for the xDrive, which is the one that can be compared with the S3. The new S3 is just better, at everything. Its a shame really, I expected more from BMW.
"you're not just eco you're a pro at it!"good one lol
Drove a M235i and S3 saloon. They are miles apart. The M brakes were poor. It had no rear seat space, the turbo lag was insane for a 300bhp car. The S3 was comfortable but quick. Instant power. Better brakes, more sturdy, more planted on the floor. But the S3 also costs more here in the UK
for 50k I'm buying a GT350. and don't preach mark ups to me. through MAS its always at or under MSRP
For $50k your in gt350 territory. I'd go with that. if it had to be German I'd go Golf R all the way.
For 50k you're in Chevy ss territory
***** Just awesome cars. I totally agree with the Chevy SS comment.
You could also buy 5 pretty nice used mx5s, and drive 4 of them off a cliff and still be in the black with the $50k lol
+Bilal Khan are you really trying to say the SS is better than a 350
tom Randy you mean 350z, im not sure what you mean by 350
We love your reviews! And this review in particular had "clinched" it for us. After a lot of searching, we settled on the M235i as our second car, even if it is at the top of our price range (our first car is a Sienna, we have 5 kids). My wife and I both love to drive and we were looking for the funnest car to drive where you could still put two kiddos in the back. But now, Tesla announced the model 3 and we are left wondering whether we should wait for that one, if it drives like the Model S you reviewed. Any thoughts on M235i VS Tesla model 3? (even if you have not driven it yet, obviously). Thanks!
+Alejandro Lleras - Thrilled to hear our reviews helped you find a car you love. That's what we are here for! And as far as the Model 3 goes... you were wise to buy the BMW as we doubt the 3 will readily available for a while. When it is, you might be ready to sell your M235i. We're looking forward to comparing it to the competition. Thanks for watching and liking what we do!
great video as always. thanks guys!