Audi RS3 Sportback versus BMW 1M Coupe in quarter mile [video]

AWD versus RWD

The bitter rivalry between M and RS has gone on for decades, but with the arrival of two new pure-breds, the BMW 1 M Coupe and Audi RS3, the animosity has reached a new boiling point. Thanks to AutoExpress, the new high performance models in the very competitive compact segment go head to head down the quarter mile straight.

To bolster the fued even more, both models were released almost simultaneously, as if they were bred with the intention of doing battle with each other. Furthermore, the BMW 1 M Coupe and Audi RS3 produce the same exact amount of power, 340 PS (250 kW / 335 hp). The major difference is how they transfer that power down to the ground, all-wheel-drive in the Audi versus rear-wheel-drive in the BMW.

Hopefully AutoExpress will follow up with another challenge placed on a racing circuit with turns. Watch the video and see what happens.

Source: autoexpress.co.uk

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LKN4MUF

As an Audi owner and fan I really like the BMW 1M. Especially at the price point of under $60000 Canadian taxes included. If I didn't buy my S4 B8 I would have had this in my driveway. I bet the Audi RS3 costs way more.

July 7, 2011 6:14 am

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BMWmotorsport

The RS3 may be quick to 60, but the 1M has a higher trap speed in the quarter mile, and is quicker around a track. To bad quick 0-60 times alone do not reflect the quality of a performance car...

July 7, 2011 6:33 am

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4 replies

GSS5

Too bad you're just another BMW fanboy.

+10

July 7, 2011 8:09 am

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Paulds

GSS5, it`s not about numbers, it`s about the feeling while you are driving. I`m not a BMW fan, but for me, I rather any day the 1M...

July 7, 2011 8:35 am

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sub39h

i own an A3, and test drove an S3 and 2nd hand 130i when i was thinking of replacing it. there's really not that much in it. i know the 1M has been beefed up considerably, but at the end of the day, all things considered, the RS3 is a better ownership prospect. 4 doors, 4 proper seats, a usable boot, and 4wd that will keep you going long after the 1M has given up in the bad weather. around the track there is no denying that the 1M would be better, but how many of you have ever even been on a track? and for those of you who have, does it make up even 1% of your driving? for the vast, VAST majority the answer will be no. when you consider that, the RS3 really is the better choice. (but if i lived at the Nurburgring i'd very quickly chop it in for the BMW)

July 7, 2011 3:44 pm

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bmwm6

Sub- Excuses dont cut it. These are performance car, and the 1M is the better all around car. Here is Autocars verdict on the RS3..Top gear, and Car have said similar things... "Although technically impressive, by the standards of hot hatchbacks, the RS3 suffers a noticeable shortage of dynamic character. It?s a hard car to take satisfaction from, with its inert steering and a chassis that?s very capable but lacks the agility and finesse to really please on a typical back road. And aside from hot hatches, when you consider the excellent sports cars at the RS3?s price point, that failing seems all the harder to forgive. With everyday use in mind, we could well understand why you might pick the RS3 over a less practical performance rival, but in our opinion the trade isn?t worth making."

July 7, 2011 6:01 pm

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vanquert

These are two different cars, it would be more fair if audi would do a rs3 coupe or sedan like the concept they showed earlier this year. I bet the RS3 weights more.

July 7, 2011 7:12 am

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automobile007

Give me the BMW anyday, it may not be as good looking or practical maybe not quite as quick, but all the RS3 reviews I've read say it's really sterile and boring

July 7, 2011 7:34 am

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PONTIAC G8 GXP

As I expected, Audi won. Maybe it's boring car, but it really faster

July 7, 2011 8:10 am

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catchmyshadow

how can a 5 cylinder beast be any boring?

July 7, 2011 8:48 am

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1 reply

catchmyshadow

"in an Audi", wait what?

July 7, 2011 9:25 am

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911gt2

The 1M is the better car. Just about every review has stated the 1M is the superior machine.

July 7, 2011 9:38 am

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3 replies

catchmyshadow

The 1M is superior on a track, but thats about it. The RS3 is the better DD, it`s quicker off the line, it`s roomier, more practical and it rules the winter wonderland.

July 7, 2011 11:33 am

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94geo

Roomier is a bit optimistic, the rear of the A3 is cramped!!

July 7, 2011 6:12 pm

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Racer4

Quattro is just marketing. There is nothing that differentiates it from other AWD systems on the market. Plus there are many better systems available. Also the Awd on the RS3 is a FWD based haldex system that is an under-steer nightmare!! As for snow, both car have roughly the same ride height so they technically could both drive in the same depth snow before bottoming out. With snow tires BMW's can get around fine. It may not be "fast" in the snow but who seriously races in the snow?? Its just a bad and very stupid idea.

July 7, 2011 6:57 pm

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LKN4MUF

I would take the RS3 due to exclusivity if I had a choice and price was not incorporated. I had driven a 2011 A3 an it seemed solid but kinda boring. I don't see how much more different the RS3 can be interior wise. As for both, Audi and BMW are at the same level. I prefer the ride of late model Audi's than BMW. BMW has kinda gone downhill in my opinion. I can say that because I have owned and driven almost every model BMW has to offer. Nothing special, you are just paying for the 3 little letters.

July 7, 2011 9:51 am

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5 replies

701let

How can you say the Audi is more exclusive when they mass produce these POS's. BMW has only made 450 1M's. Idiot.

July 7, 2011 1:59 pm

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sub39h

you're both idiots. they both only produced 450 of each. they're deliberately targeting each other, and one isn't any more exclusive than the other.

July 7, 2011 3:40 pm

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vilivo

U gentlemen R morons... And hows this 4 controversy- in this case, the RS3 is a bit more exclusive, as there are not that many Audis on offer with that engine, whereas the 1M's motor is not available on the Rolls, and the mini (yet), otherwise every 2nd car in the BM stable is a 3.0 twin turbo... I'd much rather have the RS3. Better, yet, I'll take a 335is, or an S4...

July 7, 2011 4:36 pm

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PAA

why does everyone has to call another a name? just say what you want without the nouns, it would value more to the rest of us reading your comments.

July 7, 2011 8:27 pm

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peterg

Yeah i agree PAA, they are all IDIOTS haha

July 8, 2011 9:36 pm

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94geo

BMW all the way. BMW's drive so much nicer than Audi's, and this is coming from a past audi owner!!Plus Audi's are way overprices. BMW you get best in class motors and handling.

July 7, 2011 10:08 am

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s4quattro

I love Audi, but 90% of the review I have read on the RS3 have not been to encouraging. This one goes to the 1M.

July 7, 2011 10:12 am

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iToast

Audi sucks !!! Despite of AWD

July 7, 2011 11:01 am

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swifthead

it would be more appropriate to compare TT RS vs M1

July 7, 2011 11:05 am

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1 reply

vilivo

not really, u would need a Z4 for that... In fact, im not sure exactly where this 1M fits in... If they offered it in the Ragtop shape, tho, it would B a delight. As it stands... neither here nor there...

July 7, 2011 4:39 pm

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MTC

1M for me Manual box and RWD fun for me

July 7, 2011 11:41 am

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Uptohere

@701let - no, the biggest moron and idiot is you. The only pos is between your ears. You're obviously not briefed on the limited RS production numbers.

July 7, 2011 2:12 pm

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bmwm6

LOL!! Please brief us on the production number for the RS3?!

July 7, 2011 6:05 pm

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CReeds

I wouldn't write off the RS3's capabilities around a track so quickly. What is impressive is how quickly the Audi can put all that power to the ground so quickly. A win is a win. Nice of BMW to show up tho', lol. I can't help but be biased towards the RS3 in this case. Neither is a real looker but the 1M is so completely overstyled its hilarious. The Audi is likely not too fantastic on the inside - how many years has it been around? Next time introduce the RS3 in the second year of a new model range rather than the last.

July 7, 2011 2:29 pm

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1 reply

94geo

Really? You obviously have not read may review between these two cars. The 1M has beaten the RS3 in just about every comparison. I wouldn't be so quick to poke at the 1M's styling. The RS3 looks like a 60K golf with tacky/boy racer silver mirrors and front lip, not the mention the truck grill up front.

July 7, 2011 6:16 pm

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BMWCS

There should be a minimum age limit for this site...some of the comments are so childish.

July 7, 2011 6:23 pm

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e36mmm

I agree w/ BMWCS, all these keyboard warriors need to know that you shouldn't judge the cars based on how they stack up on paper. That's half the story. How many have these children have driven both? Anyone? Until someone can tell us how it feels behind the wheel instead of which one looks quicker on paper, there's no need to make a mess on this website by saying noo noo this one's better. Come on guys!! Grow up!

July 7, 2011 6:51 pm

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e36mmm

The important question relies here, when these two are parked side by side, which one will excite you more behind the wheel, late at night with no traffic ahead of you? 4cyl turbo with awd system or twin turbo 6 cylinder with lsd and rwd? I know which one I'd choose without hesitation.

July 7, 2011 6:56 pm

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1 reply

catchmyshadow

ehh 4cyl.? it?s a 5 pot.

July 8, 2011 1:49 am

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LKN4MUF

Seriously the Audi is a 5 (five) cyl engine! No wonder some of these comments are retarded. Anyway the RS3 is not offered in Canada hence why I would rather have it. And if you want acceleration you can always buy a 135i and 2nd stage ecu tune it (400+hp). It will beat both cars if you care about straight line only. I bet the RS3 in Canada would cost around 70k which is the price of and M3 or C63...

July 8, 2011 4:41 am

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efithian

Nice review of 1M vs RS3 on DWTV. Here is the clip: http://www.dw-world.de/dw/episode/0,,15138013,00.html

July 8, 2011 5:32 am

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