I've been wanting to take a test drive in these two vehicles for a while but last night I finally got to the dealerships and took a drive. I currently own a 98 GS400 and had never driven a German vehicle in my life, so the characteristics of both cars were completely new to me.

First, the M3. Absolutely beautiful car...being 6'6" I had my concerns about fitment and such but the cabin is plenty big. I was amazed that, even on bad roads and factory 19" rims with very low pro rubber, the M3 seemed less jarring than my 1998 GS400 w/ Tein Flex's at their softest setting and stock rims (When I had my 20"s on, forget about it). The car I drove had the SMG transmission, which was something I did not seem to get the hang of over my test drive session. Is there some sort of secret to making this thing shift with even the slightest bit of civility? I felt like someone learning to drive a stick for the first time...except without the stick. If anyone has driven one of these vehicles I would definately appreciate feedback...I am not looking to get flamed ("you just dont know how to drive", etc.) but would like to know what it takes to drive this thing without rock-hard shifts. Gentle driving did not make the power very apparent, clearly due to the very high redline and high RPM torue. Under full throttle, though, it is definately a beast. Overall, I walked away impressed by everything except the trans.

Second, the S4 auto. If I were to buy a new vehicle this would probably be my selection. I am not one to push the limits during test drives but the complete lack of body roll and all-wheel drive had me taking turns at speeds i wouldnt even begin to try in my GS. Powerful V8 with the low-end pull I have become accustomed to in my GS...but exaggerated just a little bit. Honestly, through my seat of the pants-meter it didn't feel much faster than my GS4, and the numbers seem to back that up. The manual is supposed to be noticably quicker, but I drive in So Cal traffic too much to want to have a manual as my daily driver.

Once thing I noticed about both cars is that the throttle tip-in is VERY diferent than my GS. it seemed like I had to tip 3/4 of the way in just to get either car to move. I drove home that night glad that I was driving a GS400; although both cars impressed me I could not justify taking the $$$$ hit of trading my car in for either one.

Please let me know what you guys think, and if there is anything I am missing. Thanks!

 

How well did you fit in the S4? I'm 6'4" and like the breathing room...I am going to test the S4 this weekend...I haven't tried the M3...and am unsure I want to get into it because so many people have one in So. Cal...also I would prefer a four door.

Try out the MB C55 it should give you a fun test drive...

 

As far as SMG is concerned, I have been surprised to hear them come under criticism from other sources...So it's probably just the SMG, not you.

 

The M3 SMG also has different sport level setting 1 through 6 I believe. 6 being the most aggressive and supposedly the fastiest shifting. It could have been the car you tested was set at a higher setting. I've also heard the SMG works great and is wonderful when used like a true manual. However, when set in the automatic mode it leaves a lot to be desired.

 

Thanks for the feedback, I am tall myself and its good to know others think the M3 is a good fit. Concerning SMG, well no magazine likes it to be honest. Just give us an old fashioned stick please.

It may have a lot to do with the M3s break in period.

 

 

my friend's 04 M3 SMG shifts hard during acceleration. The most civilized way to use it is to let go of the throttle while shifting. That way it's more smooth.

 

awesome review man. overall i think i would still like the m3 more than the s4. granted i haven't driven the new s4 yet, the v8 might be very nice, but the idea of the m3 having a i6 pushing that kind of power, it's just lovely!

 

Almost ended up with the prior model S4 and I like the new one even better. I'd take the torquey V8 S4 over the high revving M3 any day.

 

G...and guys...i recently had a chance to drive c55/m3/s4 on the track, hosted by car mfg....i have to tip my hat to the germans when it comes to chasis/suspension set up..they have a unique way of building these things to handle well(nad solid at speed well over 100 mph), yet still retains the comfort factor that is vital fo many of us looking for sports sedans....

oh, and the seats are simply amazing on all these cars, esp the Recaro from th S4

now , if only jdm guys and germans can build cars together..

 

so will, in your opinion, who wins

 

As a former owner of a 2001 Lexus GS430 and now an owner of a 2003 BMW 330i with Sports Package, most people would say it's a step down and it technically is, but my lord this 330i is the MOST fun car I have ever driven and once you drive German, you are just hooked!

The 330i is NO M3, but can you imagine if the 330i is this good, how that M3 would be (magnified by 100!).

There is something about German cars and the sports package and huge HP options they offer that you can't resist. A GS4 kind of gives you that excitement, but a GS4 with no sports package, no mods, leaves you wanting more and a BMW M3 just makes you drool. Big deal my GS4 had 17" rims and summer tires, that was it!?

I hope Lexus will realize that people still want to be young and give us sport package options on your vehicles and huge HP to inject some sporty excitment into their cars.

 

romi..it would be a very tough call/choice..really all depends on which feature you value the most in a car

fit and finish: audi
look: subjective/personal
handling: probably m3 or s4
chasis: amg..
seating: really love the recaros from s4
practicality: c55/s4

as you can see..hard choice

 

yeah definitely. i drove both the m3 and the 330ci sport before, and the m3 totally blow away the 330ci (obviously). and with that said, the 330ci is still such a fun car to drive, and it's fast! if you just look at the numbers posted on the site of the 330ci and say that tis' nothing exciting, you made a mistake i am telling ya, that car is something

if space isn't an issue, the 3 series get a big thumb up from me

 

hahhaa will, this is NOT helping me to choose what car i should eye on!