Audi’s relentless pursuit of automotive excellence continues with a strictly limited, 300 km/h special edition of their 4×4 compact powerhouse. The Audi RS 3 Performance Edition faces off against the BMW M2 in a head-to-head comparison test!
Audi RS 3 Performance Edition & BMW M2: A Comparison Test
Audi and BMW approach the concept of compact sports cars from distinct angles. Following their strong expertise in all-wheel drive, Audi equips the RS 3 with a quattro system that maximizes traction on the track. Powering this beast is a 2.5-liter five-cylinder turbocharged engine, one of the most fascinating internal combustion engines ever produced. In this test, the Audi RS 3 Performance Edition, limited to just 300 units, delivers an impressive 407 horsepower (299 kW).
On the other hand, the BMW M2 relies on chassis components borrowed from the muscular M4 and even features the M4’s twin-turbo inline-six engine. The available 460 horsepower (338 kW) in this model ensures a respectful distance from its larger Munich sibling. The high-octane duel between these two athletes takes place on the challenging GP track of the Nürburgring. Our evaluation is based on our sports car rating, which emphasizes the dynamic potential of the contenders over comfort or everyday usability. Let the battle of these two high-performance machines begin!
Engine/Transmission: What Unites Them Is the Inline Engine
With 407 and 460 horsepower (299 and 338 kW) respectively, the raw power of the Audi RS 3 Performance Edition and BMW M2 leaves no doubt that these are serious sports machines. The only similarity between the power units under the hoods of these Bavarian warriors is the inline cylinder configuration. Audi’s 2.5-liter five-cylinder engine is paired with a single large turbocharger, sending its power to all four wheels through a quick-shifting seven-speed dual-clutch transmission.
Meanwhile, BMW opts for the boost from two turbochargers. The 3.0-liter inline-six engine, coupled with the perfectly responsive ZF eight-speed automatic transmission, offers half a liter more displacement than its rival. Despite this, both engines are absolute delights, each with its own unique and highly fascinating character. Whether you prefer the brute, almost aggressive power surge of the Audi or the smooth response and subsequent thrilling revving of the BMW is a matter of personal taste.
Returning to the cold hard facts: The RS 3 smashes the 0-100 km/h mark in 3.6 seconds. The M2 takes a blink – or precisely 0.2 seconds – longer but then outpaces the Audi by 1.2 seconds up to 200 km/h. However, the Audi tops out at 300 km/h, while the BMW caps its speed at 285 km/h if the optional M Driver’s Package is selected; otherwise, it’s limited to 250 km/h. When it comes to fuel consumption, the Audi also wins, managing 9.5 liters on our test loop compared to the M2’s 10.8 liters. Unsurprisingly, both highly tuned machines demand expensive Super Plus fuel.
Driving Dynamics: The BMW M2 is Slightly Faster on the Track
On the circuit, these two Bavarian speedsters reveal their own unique and highly entertaining personalities. The Audi RS 3 Performance Edition requires careful speed management before entering a corner, ensuring not too much momentum is carried in to avoid understeer. Those who master this will find an exceptionally agile vehicle that exits corners with a slight outward drift and fantastic traction. The Performance Edition, delivered exclusively on Pirelli P Zero Trofeo R semi-slicks, replaces the traditional rear axle differential with a torque splitter already familiar from other RS 3 variants. This system, which variably distributes drive torque between the rear wheels using individual electronically controlled clutches, completely eliminates the front-heavy understeer tendency of earlier Audi sports models, significantly enhancing driving pleasure
