As a long-term owner of both the Audi Rs3 and BMW M2 Competition, I’m offering a real-world, daily driver comparison. Having lived with the RS3 for two years and the M2 Competition for six months, primarily navigating city streets (around 90% of my driving), my impressions are grounded in everyday usability.
Audi RS3 (red) and BMW M2 Competition (orange) front view comparison
Specs at a Glance (Canadian Market):
2018 Audi RS3
- Black optics package
- Red brake calipers
- Sports exhaust
- Modifications: 10mm rear spacers, 7mm front spacers
2019 BMW M2 Competition
- DCT Transmission
- Orange stitching
- Modifications: Carbon fiber rear spoiler, front spoiler, side winglets, exhaust tips, reflectors
Engine Performance: Torque Matters
Both the Audi RS3 and BMW M2 Competition offer ample power for daily driving scenarios. However, the M2 Competition’s torque advantage becomes apparent once you’re moving. The surge of acceleration in the M2 Competition feels more substantial, pushing you back into your seat with greater force compared to the RS3. While launch control is available in both, my daily driving assessment focuses on real-world, rolling acceleration.
Transmission: Dual-Clutch Dynamics
Both vehicles feature dual-clutch transmissions that deliver rapid gear changes. For Audi enthusiasts familiar with the sometimes-lackluster dual-clutch systems in models like the S3 or S4, the RS3’s transmission is a significant upgrade, feeling like a different, more responsive unit altogether.
Driving exclusively in manual mode, my preference leans towards the M2 Competition’s transmission for a couple of key reasons:
- Refinement: The M2 Competition’s shifts are smoother overall. The RS3 can exhibit some jerkiness, particularly in lower gear transitions (1st to 2nd can be abrupt, and the 2nd to 1st downshift when slowing to a stop can occasionally be delayed and then engage abruptly).
- Shift Paddles and Feel: The M2 Competition boasts metal shift paddles that offer a more tactile and premium feel. In contrast, the RS3’s plastic paddles feel less substantial, almost toy-like, diminishing the engaging driving experience. If I could transplant one feature from the M2 Competition to the RS3, it would undoubtedly be the transmission.
BMW M2 Competition engine bay showcasing the twin-turbo inline-six engine
Exhaust Sound: A Matter of Taste
My M2 Competition has had its active sound coded out, while the RS3, to my knowledge, doesn’t incorporate cabin sound enhancement. In terms of engineered exhaust sounds (pops and crackles), the RS3 delivers a more impressive start-up roar compared to the M2 Competition. However, the M2 Competition (in Sport+ mode) produces noticeable pops and crackles on throttle lift-off, a feature less prominent in the facelift RS3 models (though reportedly present in pre-facelift versions and recoverable with aftermarket tuning).
Regarding the natural engine note, the RS3’s five-cylinder engine provides a more pleasing sound in the mid-range (2,000 to 4,000 RPM) with a distinct and enjoyable tone. However, at higher RPMs, the RS3 engine can sound strained, whereas the M2 Competition maintains a more composed and powerful engine note throughout the rev range.
Audi RS3 sport exhaust system with dual oval tailpipes
Brakes: Street Performance and Pad Wear
For everyday street driving, the braking performance of both the Audi RS3 and BMW M2 Competition is comparable. Both offer predictable and easily modulated braking with moderate initial bite, making smooth driving in traffic straightforward. When pushed harder, both systems provide strong stopping power.
However, the RS3 has a known issue with premature brake pad wear, a concern that may or may not have been addressed in later models. My experience with the RS3 showed only 25% brake pad life remaining at 15,000 kilometers, under normal city driving conditions.
Audi RS3 red brake caliper and rotor, showcasing the high-performance braking system
Suspension: Adaptive vs. Fixed
The Audi RS3 features adaptive suspension, while the BMW M2 Competition has a fixed setup, making a direct comparison somewhat nuanced. In the RS3, I typically drive in the softest suspension setting. Even when comparing the RS3 in its firmest setting to the M2 Competition, the M2 Competition offers a noticeably stiffer ride.
While the RS3’s softer settings provide superior comfort on rough city streets, the M2 Competition’s suspension exhibits better initial bump compliance. The RS3 can feel somewhat jarring upon initial impact with bumps, whereas the M2 Competition seems to absorb the initial shock more effectively.
Interior and Comfort: Design and Materials
In terms of interior aesthetics, I find the Audi RS3’s cabin more appealing overall. The M2 Competition’s exposed carbon fiber trim isn’t to my personal taste. My RS3 came with brushed aluminum trim, which I also find less desirable, although factory gloss carbon fiber is an available option for the RS3.
The RS3 steering wheel is another highlight, feeling superior to the M2 Competition’s. It boasts a slightly thinner rim, smaller diameter, Alcantara side grips, and a pronounced flat bottom. Even the BMW Performance steering wheel, in my opinion, doesn’t match the RS3’s steering wheel in visual appeal, particularly in the flat-bottom design.
Leather quality is another differentiator. The Audi Napa leather in the RS3 feels smoother and more luxurious than the BMW Dakota leather in the M2 Competition. Upon first encountering Dakota leather, I even questioned whether it was synthetic due to its less premium feel compared to the Audi Napa leather.
The M2 Competition seats do offer adjustable side bolsters for enhanced lateral support. While the RS3 sport seats are manually adjusted and lack adjustable bolsters, they still provide adequate support and, in my experience, offer greater overall comfort for daily driving.
Audi RS3 interior view, highlighting the digital cockpit and sporty design
Infotainment and Technology: Digital Edge vs. Modern Features
When it comes to the instrument cluster, the Audi RS3’s virtual cockpit is a clear winner. The fully digital display, customizable layouts with central tachometer, shift lights, and navigation map integration, are exceptional. The Audi virtual cockpit is another feature I wish the M2 Competition offered.
However, in all other infotainment aspects, the M2 Competition takes the lead. Its system is more modern, featuring a touchscreen interface, a larger and higher-resolution screen, improved speech recognition, and wireless Apple CarPlay. The M2 Competition’s infotainment is a generation ahead of the RS3’s.
BMW M2 Competition dashboard with traditional gauges and infotainment screen
Practicality and Daily Driving Considerations
RS3 Advantages:
- Seating for five passengers
- Electronic handbrake
- Trunk with automatic lift upon release
- Automatic transmission creep (initially disliked but beneficial in heavy traffic)
- Standard blind spot warning (but lacks lane keeping assist)
M2 Competition Advantages:
- Integrated Homelink garage door opener (unavailable on the RS3)
- Heated steering wheel
Overall Verdict: Fun vs. Practicality
Ultimately, the BMW M2 Competition is the more engaging and fun car to drive. In a region without snow, the M2 Competition would likely be my sole choice. However, as a year-round daily driver in a climate with winter conditions, the Audi RS3’s practicality, with its four doors, five seats, and all-wheel-drive system, makes it the more sensible and versatile option.
