[Wolfman]

I've had the chance to test drive both the M3 and the Audi S5. I wonder which is better suited to HK roads? (The S5 is not a direct competitor to the M3 I know, but since the RS5 is not yet available and the RS4 is no longer available, it's the closest to the M3 next to the C63). Now, I know my bias(and those here) is for the M3, but if one is to to be objective for the moment, will the M3 still win out for driving in Hong Kong? Or is both unsuited, given the lack of a dedicated racetrack in the city? I tried to decide by comparing both in the following categories:

First, appearance. This is rather subjective, but I think the S5 just looks stunning. It's a beautiful and very refined car. The sheet metal is gorgeous and I can't help but admired it. The M3 also look aggressive but with a understated refinement, yet lacking the sheer beauty of the S5. So the S5 wins on looks.

Second, city vs highway driving. The S5 has the advantage of a better low-end torque which is good for getting a quick start from a stoplight, whereas the M3's real power range is in the higher revs, which may be a disadvantage in city driving since you may not be able to rev high enough before reaching the next stoplight. However, on the highway, the M3 would win with no question as it can rev to it's ideal range on the open highway. So whether M3 or S5 win depends on how much city driving vs highway driving you do.

Third, driving through the twisties. Audi, being front wheel drive cars, use to be pretty bad in this area with way too much understeering. The quattro S5 however, was surprisingly grippy through the corners. Even when I corner at fairly high speed, it stuck to the road like glue, that was impressive. But the M3 is even better, at no time was I worried that the car will lose traction through a high speed corner, it just gripped the road perfectly. The M3 knows exactly what you want in the corners. So the M3 wins on that count.

Fourth, steering feel and rideability, I think the M3 wins too. I always felt Audi's S5 steering felt way too numbed and there is just no feel there. The M3 steering has a nicer grip and it transmit the feedback back to you in just the right way. In terms of rideability the S5 was firm but not too harsh, but I was surprised by the M3's good ride quality. For a GT, the M3 did not felt overtly harsh. It was surprisingly good for daily driving. So the M3 wins here.

Finally, daily driveability. I think both cars do quite well in this area. Assuming you don't have too much luggage, the S5 can be a great car to get to and from work as well as a weekend car. But I think the M3 has a slight practical advantage in that it also comes in sedan form, which offer extra passenger space. Driving the M3 in a normal commute, if I don't press the "power" or "edc" button, it drives surprisingly like a regular 3 series. With other sport cars, you always have this urge to hit the gas and blast down the road, but with the M3, you don't feel you always have to do that. You can drive it in a mild-mannered fashion if you want to buy the groceries. And then when the weekend comes, you can unleashed it's full power. That's what I like about the M3, it's combination of practicality and sporting fun. That's why the M3 wins.

So even when I try to be objective, the M3 still wins. Don't get me wrong, I think the S5 is also a brilliant car and I would not mind getting one to drive. But if I'm forced to choose between the S5 and the M3, I think the M3 still win for Hong Kong. But what do you think?

[css]

are you talking about the v6t or v8 for the s5?
s5 comes in a sportback form too and you will be surprise by how huge the trunk on the s5 coupe is

but on this note, its definitely the m3, much faster and good to drive, i will pick the m3 even i am driving a s5 now however, its 2 different class, so if money is not an issue, definitely m3, and it really depends on the driver himself, looks or performance? s5 looks crazy good with just rims and some lowering springs

[ny911]

The pricing of E9x M3 is a diaster to the sales.

You can find a 335, S5 or C63 easily in HK,but not an E92 M3 (E90 M3 could be better as the pricing is not that bad comparing with E92/93).

Comparing with lowly priced M3 in the States, I think S5 in HK is better value for money than a M3.

[Wolfman]

The M3 sedan which I tested was HK$1,089,000. The E92 M3 coupe was HK$1,368,000. Now compared to C63: HK$1,088,000. The M3 and C63 are pretty similiar in the price range, but I would choose a M3 over the C63 for the same price given the harsher ride of the C63 and it's slightly less handling ability compared to the M3

The S5 coupe with tiptronic is :$799,000 and manual is $760,000. And the S5 sportsback is $777,000. But then, the S5 is not in the same category as the M3, performance and handling wise. And if driveability is the sole criteria, then nothing beats a M3.

Of course, anything over $1 million is pretty pricey for me and frankly out of my range unless I get a hefty bonus at the end of the year (oh please yeah ) or want to empty a big chunk of my life savings. Yeah, I'm a poor guy, HK$1 million is alot of money for me, hahaha. Bottom line, I'm not willing to pay that much for a car, much as I liked the E92 M3.

The most I'm willing to consider paying for a new car is probably either the 335i sedan at HK$649,000 (well I already have one in the states, and it cost way less then $649,000 there) or the 335i coupe at HK$699,000.

There is also the option of the E46 M3. If I am serious in getting a M3, that would probably be my first choice at the moment. Besides, I really liked the E46, anyone know how much a second-hand E46 M3 will cost?

With all that said, I'm really looking forward to having a chance to test drive the RS5 when it comes out, hehehe.

[ny911]

Originally Posted by Wolfman

The M3 sedan which I tested was HK$1,089,000. The E92 M3 coupe was HK$1,368,000. Now compared to C63: HK$1,088,000. The M3 and C63 are pretty similiar in the price range, but I would choose a M3 over the C63 for the same price given the harsher ride of the C63 and it's slightly less handling ability compared to the M3

The S5 coupe with tiptronic is :$799,000 and manual is $760,000. And the S5 sportsback is $777,000. But then, the S5 is not in the same category as the M3, performance and handling wise. And if driveability is the sole criteria, then nothing beats a M3.

Of course, anything over $1 million is pretty pricey for me and frankly out of my range unless I get a hefty bonus at the end of the year (oh please yeah ) or want to empty a big chunk of my life savings. Yeah, I'm a poor guy, HK$1 million is alot of money for me, hahaha. Bottom line, I'm not willing to pay that much for a car, much as I liked the E92 M3.

The most I'm willing to consider paying for a new car is probably either the 335i sedan at HK$649,000 (well I already have one in the states, and it cost way less then $649,000 there) or the 335i coupe at HK$699,000.

There is also the option of the E46 M3. If I am serious in getting a M3, that would probably be my first choice at the moment. Besides, I really liked the E46, anyone know how much a second-hand E46 M3 will cost?

With all that said, I'm really looking forward to having a chance to test drive the RS5 when it comes out, hehehe.

Maybe I still think M3 is not THAT WORTH to pay for 1.25mil (1.149mil + M drive + EDC for new pricing), so I would wait fo some good used ones coming out in 2 yrs later. Many people in HK think some used 997s are good alternative to the new E9x M3 as well.

S5 is not for one who expects some good handling, so even it was only about 500k for a 08 used,you wouldn't consider it too,would you?

You need luck to find a good condition E46 M3. I have seen one pretty nice 05,however he is asking for 409K (final offer is 38xK).

[css]

Originally Posted by ny911

Maybe I still think M3 is not THAT WORTH to pay for 1.25mil (1.149mil + M drive + EDC for new pricing), so I would wait fo some good used ones coming out in 2 yrs later. Many people in HK think some used 997s are good alternative to the new E9x M3 as well.

S5 is not for one who expects some good handling, so even it was only about 500k for a 08 used,you wouldn't consider it too,would you?

You need luck to find a good condition E46 M3. I have seen one pretty nice 05,however he is asking for 409K (final offer is 38xK).

if its 500k, i would consider it

[Wolfman]

Originally Posted by ny911

Maybe I still think M3 is not THAT WORTH to pay for 1.25mil (1.149mil + M drive + EDC for new pricing), so I would wait fo some good used ones coming out in 2 yrs later. Many people in HK think some used 997s are good alternative to the new E9x M3 as well.

S5 is not for one who expects some good handling, so even it was only about 500k for a 08 used,you wouldn't consider it too,would you?

You need luck to find a good condition E46 M3. I have seen one pretty nice 05,however he is asking for 409K (final offer is 38xK).

Hehe, yeah I would'nt put the S5 in the same handling class as the M3, but it is a decent handler through the curves. Maybe not as good as the M3, but the S5 is not bad in cornering either. For 500K...hmmm..depends on the condition of the car.

As for the E46 M3, hmmm, sounds like a bit more reasonable price, but again the condition of the car is the key. I've have to ask around to compare the price of a E46 M3.

[akhter]

why on earth would anyone buy m3 in hk? you can get a 911 for that price even in HK. i think the 335i with the low end torque or the s4 with the 3.0T engine are far better choices. the m3 v8 requires you to be above 4000rpm. on a day to day basis, in HK island you would simply be frustrated.

and there are no tracks in hk to let your frustration out once in a while. so the only option is to speed and risk law and other peoples lives :'(

[Wolfman]

Originally Posted by akhter

why on earth would anyone buy m3 in hk? you can get a 911 for that price even in HK. i think the 335i with the low end torque or the s4 with the 3.0T engine are far better choices. the m3 v8 requires you to be above 4000rpm. on a day to day basis, in HK island you would simply be frustrated.

and there are no tracks in hk to let your frustration out once in a while. so the only option is to speed and risk law and other peoples lives :'(

Why would anyone buy a M3? Because I like it, simple as that . Now I agree a regular 3 series is more suited for daily driving here, but I can always consider a M3 whenever I feel the urge to hit the gas. The M3 is more practical and comfortable then the 911 and can be used as a daily driver as well. It's true, Hong Kong Island dosen't have many roads that allow you to really push the car. But Hong Kong is not limited to Hong Kong Island. There are a few roads where you can push the car hard, if only for a brief period, assuming you know where to look and when to drive.

The only problem as I see it is the cost due to the car tax here. The E92 M3 cost HK$1 million plus and I'm not prepared to spend that kind of money for a car yet. That's why a E46 M3 is quite appealing to me.

[akhter]

Originally Posted by Wolfman

Why would anyone buy a M3? Because I like it, simple as that

i hear you. if money was no object, i would get ferraris and lambos like i see on HK streets.

but if i had 1m to spend on 1 car, there would be many cars i would consider before a new m3.

1st choice would probably be f10 550i. that engine is a beast.

[ny911]

Originally Posted by oda

if its 500k, i would consider it

I strongly recommend you to get that used E93 M3. Really good value for mone you don't mind that interior colour.

[css]

Originally Posted by ny911

I strongly recommend you to get that used E93 M3. Really good value for mone you don't mind that interior colour.

錢從何來?

[ny911]

Originally Posted by oda

錢從何來?

Replacement of Cayman S or S5.

[css]

Originally Posted by ny911

Replacement of Cayman S or S5.

s5 and m3 duplicated cars..ho chi not much use...

[ny911]

Originally Posted by oda

s5 and m3 duplicated cars..ho chi not much use...

Duplicated for few months not a problem la.

[Suri_]

Originally Posted by ny911

Replacement of Cayman S or S5.

POISON!


GET M3 PLEASE ODA!It launched just becoz of YOU!HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA.

[css]

Originally Posted by Suri_

POISON!


GET M3 PLEASE ODA!It launched just becoz of YOU!HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA.

will you take photos with your NEW camera for me?

[Wolfman]

Originally Posted by akhter

i hear you. if money was no object, i would get ferraris and lambos like i see on HK streets.

but if i had 1m to spend on 1 car, there would be many cars i would consider before a new m3.

1st choice would probably be f10 550i. that engine is a beast.

Well I suppose people have different taste and prefences if they have the money, so you may like a 550i and others like me like a M3 instead, that's perfectly natural.

I also thought top-end ferrari and aston martin look out of place here. Not very practical and you can't really get the performance out if while being stuck in traffic in Central. But then, they could take the cars for a quick weekend spin on the few fun roads we have in New Territories.

The one thing I really cannot fanthom however are those SUVs drivers. I'm not referring to the relatively compact SUVs like the X1 or the Rav4 but those huge X5, Q7 and Range Rovers which looked totally out of place on the small, narrow and traffic-clogged roads of Hong Kong. One slight miscalculation or distraction and you get a dent or scratch. Those SUV's gas mileage are even worse then many sports cars and not much better then a M3, but with inferior performance and handling. If they really want the space, they could have gone with a 7 series or S class, those luxury sedans are better to drive at any rate. But oh well, if you have the money, you can spend it on whatever you like I guess.

As for me, if I'm going to spend so much on a car, I'll get a M3 or R/S5 over any SUV any day of the week, hehehe.

[ny911]

Originally Posted by oda

will you take photos with your NEW camera for me?

I sure she would and I am looking forward to it.

[ny911]

Originally Posted by Wolfman

Well I suppose people have different taste and prefences if they have the money, so you may like a 550i and others like me like a M3 instead, that's perfectly natural.

I also thought top-end ferrari and aston martin look out of place here. Not very practical and you can't really get the performance out if while being stuck in traffic in Central. But then, they could take the cars for a quick weekend spin on the few fun roads we have in New Territories.

The one thing I really cannot fanthom however are those SUVs drivers. I'm not referring to the relatively compact SUVs like the X1 or the Rav4 but those huge X5, Q7 and Range Rovers which looked totally out of place on the small, narrow and traffic-clogged roads of Hong Kong. One slight miscalculation or distraction and you get a dent or scratch. Those SUV's gas mileage are even worse then many sports cars and not much better then a M3, but with inferior performance and handling. If they really want the space, they could have gone with a 7 series or S class, those luxury sedans are better to drive at any rate. But oh well, if you have the money, you can spend it on whatever you like I guess.

As for me, if I'm going to spend so much on a car, I'll get a M3 or R/S5 over any SUV any day of the week, hehehe.

You are the real BMW enthusiast, who is same as Suri.

[akhter]

Originally Posted by Wolfman

Well I suppose people have different taste and prefences if they have the money, so you may like a 550i and others like me like a M3 instead, that's perfectly natural.

Agreed. When I was in tokyo, I wanted practical car with best possible performance (when I took it to the track) and if I had the money, nothing beats e90 M3. Had to settle for 335i but to be honest, couldn't even push that to its fullest potential. Had loads of fun at Fuji F1 circuit though

In HK performance takes a backseat for me to gadgets and interior and luxury. Hence the F10 on order.

Originally Posted by Wolfman

The one thing I really cannot fanthom however are those SUVs drivers. I'm not referring to the relatively compact SUVs like the X1 or the Rav4 but those huge X5, Q7 and Range Rovers which looked totally out of place on the small, narrow and traffic-clogged roads of Hong Kong. One slight miscalculation or distraction and you get a dent or scratch. Those SUV's gas mileage are even worse then many sports cars and not much better then a M3, but with inferior performance and handling. If they really want the space, they could have gone with a 7 series or S class, those luxury sedans are better to drive at any rate. But oh well, if you have the money, you can spend it on whatever you like I guess.

A lot of people I know bet SUVs because of the higher seating position. They feel it gives them a commanding sense and they like it. Doesn't matter the higher center of gravity is more rollover prone. Me on the other hand want to be as low to the ground for a more sporty feel and lower center of gravity

[ny911]

Originally Posted by akhter

Agreed. When I was in tokyo, I wanted practical car with best possible performance (when I took it to the track) and if I had the money, nothing beats e90 M3. Had to settle for 335i but to be honest, couldn't even push that to its fullest potential. Had loads of fun at Fuji F1 circuit though

In HK performance takes a backseat for me to gadgets and interior and luxury. Hence the F10 on order.



A lot of people I know bet SUVs because of the higher seating position. They feel it gives them a commanding sense and they like it. Doesn't matter the higher center of gravity is more rollover prone. Me on the other hand want to be as low to the ground for a more sporty feel and lower center of gravity

Had you thought about C63 when you were in Tokyo?

C63 is a big enhancement comparing with W203. It steals lots of M3 die hard fans' heart in HK.