I'm looking to pick up an RS4 as I'm relocating to Seattle in the next few weeks. For those who've driven both RWD and the RS4 in wet conditions. How much better is the AWD compared to RWD in the wet? I'm coming from an M3 and since it rains a ton up there I think the car may not be too fun. Opinions? I love the new M3 but I just think the pacific northwest is not the place. Is Audi Quattro system worth it? Deciding between E92 M3 and RS4. Anyone driven both?

 

I've lived in Seattle/Renton/Kent area and it rains a bit but not quite heavy or torenchal (sp), like what I've experienced while living in SE Texas and now in North Alabama. There's some common misconceptions about AWD and wet/rain weather, and while my AWD experience comes primarly from Mitsu Evos and Subarus, I might be able to add some input here since I've driven few BMWs in wet/rainy weather. IMO the main factor in how the car is going to handle the weather are the tires.

I've driven Subarus in the rain with 1/2 worn Falken Azenis in the rain, and it's flat out scary at any speed in any gear. I've driven the Evo, which has a much more sophiscated AWD system, with brand new stock Advans and it was fantastic in the wet/rain. Now the BMWs I've driven (5 series and E46 M3s) in the wet all felt much more connected/planted and more controllable in the wet/rain then both the Evo and the STI, while equiped with brand new Conti Sports and PS2. Now I did drive the Subaru quite a bit with not so aggressive suspension and better wet performance tires (RE01s) and it felt really good, though still not as good as the BMWs in those same conditions.

I don't know if that'll help but I would say that as long as you keep excellent tires on the M3 or RS4, you'll be just fine in the wet/rain.

 

No question go with the RS4. I have not driven the new M3, but a ton of the E46 cars and there is no comparison between the two. If traction in the wet is a must I would grab the RS4 or stake out the new GTR. I drove my car up in Tahoe this winter with a set of A/T tires and it stuck like glue, well the traction light was on because I was testing the car in the snow. AWD vs RWD?? I think you get the point. I 2nd the tire remark from above!!

 

Very good advice. I really appreciate it! I'm coming from a E46 M3 in dry as heck SoCal.

 

That is what I'm leaning towards. How do you like your RS4 compared to the E46 M3? I also have yet to drive the new M3. I just been reading alot about how the RS4 feels really heavy and sluggish for someone coming from M cars.

 

If you seek stability on wet conditions than RS4 is the answer

 

Have an '08 RS4, don't have a recent year M3 but have driven many (have an '01 E46 330ci). RS4 hands down for wet conditions. IMHO, the Audi Quattro is far superior to any AWD system on the market. The only caveat is I don't know the Porsche AWD well enough... I've only had my C4S for a month.

Good luck!

 

If it comes to wet weather conditions the RS4 will out class the M3 anyday. As a matter of fact it will do that to just about any 2 wd car.......


Quattro............. You just cant beat it!

In terms of weight yes the Rs4 is heavier than a M3 but it manages the weight very well......... While it may not be as edgy as an M3 it sure is a more refined car.

I have recently spent some time in the new V8 m3 and its a nice car but the styling does absolutely nothing for me. BMW seems to keep making the M3 heavier and uglier in my opinion..... The only true M3 was the E30 M3 that was a race car that homologated for the street. Driving the M3 in any condition you feel connected to the car and you can place it anywhere you want on a road or race track It was very confidence inspiring.

Every M3 after that car has been a compromise......


So for me it has to be the RS4.............. Oh and I cant wait till the RS5 arrives MMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMM

 

Thanks!

 

Fabryce,

Thanks for the advice! I'm leaning towards the RS4 now and will hopefully get it before I make the move to Seattle and with enough time to get it into GMG for a slight make over.

 

New m3 has a pretty good weight distribution.
The rs4 also got Quattro GMBH system, which is not the regular quattro.

 

http://www.dailymotion.com/tag/actio...9pxu_drift-rs4

OR

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FVIGVhTKgEc (Skid pad in wet conditions)
Check out this RS4 vid in the rain/wet.... maybe that can be you tearing it up in Seattle.

 

Seattle; RS4 without question

 

Hotness!

 

Thanks everyone for the advice and opinions. I've decided on the RS4 and will be picking her up soon. Pics a coming! Time to try life on the other side of the fence.