The BMW M3 Competition and Audi RS4 Avant are two unlikely rivals that have more in common than one might think. For that reason, we have decided to pit the two against one another in a good old fashioned drag race and more in-depth track test.
Propelling both cars forward are twin-turbo-six-cylinder engines with eight-speed torque converters with the BMW M3 Competition sporting a 3,0-litre inline-six and the Audi RS4 Avant a 2,9-litre V6. From this, the M3 boasts a power output of 375 kW and an overall mass of 1 738 kg while the RS4 offers 331 kW and a mass of 1 878 kg. Given that the Bavarian contender’s power-to-mass ratio of 216 W/kg is much more favourable than the wagon’s 176 W/kg, one might assume that it’s a clear win for the BMW M3 but that isn’t necessarily the case.
While the BMW may have a clear advantage on paper, the trick up the Audi RS4 Avant’s sleeve is its grippy all-wheel drive system. As a result, both manufacturers claim a 0-100 km/h time of 3,9 seconds. Putting this to the test, we place the two cars onto the drag strip to see which gets off the line faster and reaches the 400 m mark first. While neither car meets its claimed time, it’s a resounding win for the RS4 thanks to a much smoother launch.
Transitioning to the race track, Deon Joubert takes both cars out for a collection of hot laps to test their dynamic capabilities. The Audi RS4 Avant displayed clear weaknesses through some of the corners as it struggled to lug its heavier front end through the corners while the BMW M3 Competition displayed immensely impressive prowess throughout the parameters and bringing back a time that makes it the 15th fastest car we have ever track tested.
