As if the BMW M240i needed any extra praises, a new video surfaced online suggesting that the M Performance Automobile can actually keep up with a fully fledged RS machine from Audi. The video posted below shows a crystal clear acceleration comparison between a BMW M240i and an Audi RS3, and the results might be surprising for some.
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Admittedly, a proper competitor from BMW for the Audi hatchback is missing, as a full-on M car under the 1 Series umbrella isn’t available at the moment. However, the M Performance version of the hot hatch might be just as good which says a lot about the performance it brings to the table. Since the BMW M140i and the BMW M240i share almost everything except the body style, the comparison we’re watching here actually makes sense.
Furthermore, the 2 Series range also has the M2 to throw in the mix, which should mean even more trouble for the RS3, even though one’s a hatch and the other a coupe. People still consider them rivals. Alas, in other videos, even the full-on M2 seems to be having problems in keeping up with the M240i, and that’s quite something.
The surprising results are all due to the amazing new B58 3-liter straight six engine under the hood though. The mill now has 340 HP and 500 Nm (369 lb-ft) of torque to do with as it pleases. Those figures are enough for the M240i to reach 100 km/h (62 mph) in 4.6 seconds when fitted with the automatic 8-speed ZF gearbox. On the other hand, the Audi RS3 uses a turbo 5-cylinder 2.5-liter mill under the hood making 367 HP and 465 Nm (343 lb-ft) of torque.
As you can see in the video, the Audi has a slight advantage as it sets off due to its standard all-wheel drive transmission. However, the RWD BMW manages to keep up and seems to be accelerating just as fast, proving these two are extremely hard to set apart in terms of straight line performance.
Have driven both. From a standing start there is no way in hell a M240i will keep up with an RS3. These ‘head to head’ videos are just nonsense. Two videos shot on different days, different locations etc. In real life if you pull up alongside an RS3 in M240i, prepare to be destroyed. I still bought an M2, despite the RS3 almost certainly being quicker from a standing start, but be aware, that thing is fast with a capital ‘F’.
Audi claims 0-62 in 4.1 seconds for the RS3. For the M240i with xdrive, BMW claims 4.2 seconds. Rear wheel drive is slower because of traction lost at the line, as you can see in the video. If you actually have to turn, the M2 will be a lot closer to the RS3 than the M240i which will be left behind. But in 0-60, they’re not far off.
This is not an x-drive M240i. Also the video is bullshit. Different times, days and locations. I know the video looks convincing to 12 year old paper racers but in real life the RS3 will thrash a RWD 240i and slightly beat an M2 to 100. Like I said, have driven all 3, and bought an M2 because 0-100 is not that important to me. Once you’re under 4.5 seconds, it’s all academic.
Only in your dreams, bmw fanboy.
Newer RS3 sedan is slightly faster in the sub 4 sec range. So nice try guys…
xDrive, Quattro…are you kidding? If I have the chance to get a car like this with RWD, there is no other question. 0-60 times are useless anyway, going on a nice hill road through the alps, thats where the RWD shines!
Then to make any sense, the acceleration test should be done like the Yanks, 1/4 mile times and terminal speed, that should tell you something a bit more relevant.
Much discussion about times and bragging rights below. “My Beemer is faster than your Audi”. Pathetic!!
If you want facts, I suggest you check out an excellent site called 0-60specs.com. The author has carefully taken the stats from numerous, actual car magazine tests. It shows 1/4 mile/terminal speed and 0-60 times, giving the exact model, the year, manual/dual clutch etc.
I drive a Porsche, but only on very are occasions can I use it’s maximum power – when it’s safe – IE on my own, on a clear open road that I know well. Yes, it’s a fantastic feeling on a nice day. The real pleasure is the sound, the handling, the feeling of power, the open air, the feel good factor of a beautiful car, and a beautiful girl in the passenger seat! These things are best when there are no other cars around you (unless of course, you’re a deluded poser). You don’t have to fire up launch control at the lights to enjoy your car!
I (as many others do, who drive properly fast cars) simply ignore the ever growing hoards with “R” stamped on one mass produced family hatch or family saloon with wide wheels or something similar, and consider them idiots when trying to “race” or on our tails on the motorway.
On todays crowded public roads it’s all pretty much irrelevant. There’s hardly anywhere you can properly accelerate, and if you do you’ll nearly always look like a clown – a ridiculous, childish idiot when trying to race someone off the line, or will eventually be arrested, or may even crash and kill someone. You’ll never know if the other guy got a good start or not – you’ve proved nothing. Save it for a track day, then you’ll be humbled.
In any case, on occasion, no matter what you’re driving, you’ll be embarrassed and possibly beaten away by a determined “Nicole”in a 10 year old Clio. If she’s really determined, she’ll probably also beat you around the roundabouts too! Electric cars will soon leave everyone behind.
Just enjoy your cars guys for the right reasons, but if it’s just about trying to beat someone away from the lights or bragging rights in the pub, then I really feel sorry for you.