Audi S3 Sportback 2.0 TFSI quattro (A) vs BMW M Series M135i 3.0 (A)
24 Mar 2014|28,324 views
Speed is addictive. Scientifically, it is defined as the magnitude of velocity. But for the discerning motorists, it takes more than sheer performance figures to win their hearts.
Hot hatches may not match up to their supercar counterparts in terms of horsepower, but are no less capable in providing driving fun.
Moreover, they only cost a fraction of their ultra high end cousins and, hence, they can be 'bang-for-buck alternatives' for those looking for some form of fun on wheels.
While the S3 Sportback is only available in five-door hatchback guise in Singapore, the M135i can be specced in either three or five-door trim
Exterior
The 1 Series, which the M135i is based on, isn't exactly the best-looking Bimmer of late. But after rounds of training at the gym, the M135i looks toughened and much sexier now.
Hot hatches may not match up to their supercar counterparts in terms of horsepower, but are no less capable in providing driving fun.
Moreover, they only cost a fraction of their ultra high end cousins and, hence, they can be 'bang-for-buck alternatives' for those looking for some form of fun on wheels.
Exterior
The 1 Series, which the M135i is based on, isn't exactly the best-looking Bimmer of late. But after rounds of training at the gym, the M135i looks toughened and much sexier now.
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Being the more flamboyant one here, the Bimmer stuns with artful edges and curves that give it a lively character - with part credit going to the bright orange metallic paintwork.
Likewise, you can think of the S3 Sportback as an A3 Sportback on dope. However, in comparison, the Audi seems more keen to hide its sporting intentions.
The subtle decorations, such as the now-iconic matt silver wing mirrors and larger 18-inch alloys, take a keen eye to spot. The best hint of the S3 Sportback's performance, perhaps, lies in its quad tailpipes tugged within the rear diffuser.
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Interior
The Bimmer's racy genes extend into its cabin. The driving position is snug and feels lower than in the S3 Sportback. The driver-centric feel is further accentuated by the tilted centre console, which gives off a cockpit-like feel.
Despite being a three-door hatch, the M135i has proper seating at the back, and can fit two adults with ease. Those looking for better practicality can opt for the five-door trim, which grants easier entry and exit for the rear passengers.
The S3 Sportback's cabin is the more impressive of the twin and feels more expensive
The Bimmer's racy genes extend into its cabin. The driving position is snug and feels lower than in the S3 Sportback. The driver-centric feel is further accentuated by the tilted centre console, which gives off a cockpit-like feel.
Despite being a three-door hatch, the M135i has proper seating at the back, and can fit two adults with ease. Those looking for better practicality can opt for the five-door trim, which grants easier entry and exit for the rear passengers.
On the other hand, there is a more minimalist approach to the S3 Sportback's cabin.
The dashboard has a 'clean' design that appeals at the first instance and impresses over time with its high-grade materials and attention to little details. As a whole, the S3 Sportback's interior feels more expensive and well put together.
In terms of boot size, the S3 Sportback has a slight edge with 380 litres while the M135i manages 360 litres
In comparison, the S3 Sportback's cabin is also more airy and spacious, while the Bimmer's feels more 'cuddly' with the thicker centre console and door cards.
The dashboard has a 'clean' design that appeals at the first instance and impresses over time with its high-grade materials and attention to little details. As a whole, the S3 Sportback's interior feels more expensive and well put together.
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In comparison, the S3 Sportback's cabin is also more airy and spacious, while the Bimmer's feels more 'cuddly' with the thicker centre console and door cards.
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The Drive
The powertrain department is further proof that the S3 Sportback and M135i follow very different school of thoughts. The S3 Sportback has a 2.0-litre in-line four unit that is force-fed to churn out 276bhp and 380Nm of torque.
While those figures are nothing we would describe as being 'short', the M135i ups the stake with 320 horses and 450Nm of torque.
Besides being more powerful, the 3.0-litre engine feels more linear, with less turbo lag than the smaller lump in the S3 Sportback. This makes the M135i more ready to 'get up and go'.
The M135i's 3.0-litre block (right) has the advantage in power, putting out 44bhp and 70Nm of torque more than the S3 Sportback's 2.0-litre (left)
However, when it comes to a drag race, both cars are not far apart. Despite being down on power, the S3 Sportback completes the century sprint in five seconds flat - just 0.1 seconds behind the M135i.
Credit goes to the clever quattro all-wheel drive system that puts down the power firmly, even in wet conditions.
That also makes the S3 Sportback's performance more attainable, and gives the everyday driver more confidence in spirited runs. On the downside, it is the surefootedness that takes away the 'drama' in drives.
The powertrain department is further proof that the S3 Sportback and M135i follow very different school of thoughts. The S3 Sportback has a 2.0-litre in-line four unit that is force-fed to churn out 276bhp and 380Nm of torque.
While those figures are nothing we would describe as being 'short', the M135i ups the stake with 320 horses and 450Nm of torque.
Besides being more powerful, the 3.0-litre engine feels more linear, with less turbo lag than the smaller lump in the S3 Sportback. This makes the M135i more ready to 'get up and go'.
 |  |
However, when it comes to a drag race, both cars are not far apart. Despite being down on power, the S3 Sportback completes the century sprint in five seconds flat - just 0.1 seconds behind the M135i.
Credit goes to the clever quattro all-wheel drive system that puts down the power firmly, even in wet conditions.
That also makes the S3 Sportback's performance more attainable, and gives the everyday driver more confidence in spirited runs. On the downside, it is the surefootedness that takes away the 'drama' in drives.
The M135i, in contrast, does with more 'thrills'. Dispatching its potency via the rear wheels only, the Bimmer requires more respect from the driver, but will also reward with a more engaging drive.
Sport exhaust - a $3,000 option - emits a delectable soundtrack and gives the M135i more 'attitude'
Conclusion
It is extremely tough to pick one of these in the beauty pageant. But in the drive department, the M135i shines with a more rewarding experience, thanks to its sublime handling and more instant power delivery.
The S3 Sportback charms in other areas though. Its premium and more commodious cabin scores a positive impression, and there is better all-round practicality. The smaller engine capacity also means that it is easier on the tax.
In short, the S3 Sportback is more complete as a car for the family man in need of speed - and one that we'd live with if we had to pick one.
Conclusion
It is extremely tough to pick one of these in the beauty pageant. But in the drive department, the M135i shines with a more rewarding experience, thanks to its sublime handling and more instant power delivery.
The S3 Sportback charms in other areas though. Its premium and more commodious cabin scores a positive impression, and there is better all-round practicality. The smaller engine capacity also means that it is easier on the tax.
In short, the S3 Sportback is more complete as a car for the family man in need of speed - and one that we'd live with if we had to pick one.
Speed is addictive. Scientifically, it is defined as the magnitude of velocity. But for the discerning motorists, it takes more than sheer performance figures to win their hearts.
Hot hatches may not match up to their supercar counterparts in terms of horsepower, but are no less capable in providing driving fun.
Moreover, they only cost a fraction of their ultra high end cousins and, hence, they can be 'bang-for-buck alternatives' for those looking for some form of fun on wheels. Exterior
The 1 Series, which the M135i is based on, isn't exactly the best-looking Bimmer of late. But after rounds of training at the gym, the M135i looks toughened and much sexier now.
Hot hatches may not match up to their supercar counterparts in terms of horsepower, but are no less capable in providing driving fun.
Moreover, they only cost a fraction of their ultra high end cousins and, hence, they can be 'bang-for-buck alternatives' for those looking for some form of fun on wheels. Exterior
The 1 Series, which the M135i is based on, isn't exactly the best-looking Bimmer of late. But after rounds of training at the gym, the M135i looks toughened and much sexier now.
Being the more flamboyant one here, the Bimmer stuns with artful edges and curves that give it a lively character - with part credit going to the bright orange metallic paintwork.
Likewise, you can think of the S3 Sportback as an A3 Sportback on dope. However, in comparison, the Audi seems more keen to hide its sporting intentions.
The subtle decorations, such as the now-iconic matt silver wing mirrors and larger 18-inch alloys, take a keen eye to spot. The best hint of the S3 Sportback's performance, perhaps, lies in its quad tailpipes tugged within the rear diffuser.
Likewise, you can think of the S3 Sportback as an A3 Sportback on dope. However, in comparison, the Audi seems more keen to hide its sporting intentions.
The subtle decorations, such as the now-iconic matt silver wing mirrors and larger 18-inch alloys, take a keen eye to spot. The best hint of the S3 Sportback's performance, perhaps, lies in its quad tailpipes tugged within the rear diffuser.
Interior
The Bimmer's racy genes extend into its cabin. The driving position is snug and feels lower than in the S3 Sportback. The driver-centric feel is further accentuated by the tilted centre console, which gives off a cockpit-like feel.
Despite being a three-door hatch, the M135i has proper seating at the back, and can fit two adults with ease. Those looking for better practicality can opt for the five-door trim, which grants easier entry and exit for the rear passengers.
The Bimmer's racy genes extend into its cabin. The driving position is snug and feels lower than in the S3 Sportback. The driver-centric feel is further accentuated by the tilted centre console, which gives off a cockpit-like feel.
Despite being a three-door hatch, the M135i has proper seating at the back, and can fit two adults with ease. Those looking for better practicality can opt for the five-door trim, which grants easier entry and exit for the rear passengers.
On the other hand, there is a more minimalist approach to the S3 Sportback's cabin.
The dashboard has a 'clean' design that appeals at the first instance and impresses over time with its high-grade materials and attention to little details. As a whole, the S3 Sportback's interior feels more expensive and well put together.
In comparison, the S3 Sportback's cabin is also more airy and spacious, while the Bimmer's feels more 'cuddly' with the thicker centre console and door cards.
The dashboard has a 'clean' design that appeals at the first instance and impresses over time with its high-grade materials and attention to little details. As a whole, the S3 Sportback's interior feels more expensive and well put together.
In comparison, the S3 Sportback's cabin is also more airy and spacious, while the Bimmer's feels more 'cuddly' with the thicker centre console and door cards.
The Drive
The powertrain department is further proof that the S3 Sportback and M135i follow very different school of thoughts. The S3 Sportback has a 2.0-litre in-line four unit that is force-fed to churn out 276bhp and 380Nm of torque.
While those figures are nothing we would describe as being 'short', the M135i ups the stake with 320 horses and 450Nm of torque.
Besides being more powerful, the 3.0-litre engine feels more linear, with less turbo lag than the smaller lump in the S3 Sportback. This makes the M135i more ready to 'get up and go'.
However, when it comes to a drag race, both cars are not far apart. Despite being down on power, the S3 Sportback completes the century sprint in five seconds flat - just 0.1 seconds behind the M135i.
Credit goes to the clever quattro all-wheel drive system that puts down the power firmly, even in wet conditions.
That also makes the S3 Sportback's performance more attainable, and gives the everyday driver more confidence in spirited runs. On the downside, it is the surefootedness that takes away the 'drama' in drives.
The M135i, in contrast, does with more 'thrills'. Dispatching its potency via the rear wheels only, the Bimmer requires more respect from the driver, but will also reward with a more engaging drive.
Conclusion
It is extremely tough to pick one of these in the beauty pageant. But in the drive department, the M135i shines with a more rewarding experience, thanks to its sublime handling and more instant power delivery.
The S3 Sportback charms in other areas though. Its premium and more commodious cabin scores a positive impression, and there is better all-round practicality. The smaller engine capacity also means that it is easier on the tax.
In short, the S3 Sportback is more complete as a car for the family man in need of speed - and one that we'd live with if we had to pick one.
Conclusion
It is extremely tough to pick one of these in the beauty pageant. But in the drive department, the M135i shines with a more rewarding experience, thanks to its sublime handling and more instant power delivery.
The S3 Sportback charms in other areas though. Its premium and more commodious cabin scores a positive impression, and there is better all-round practicality. The smaller engine capacity also means that it is easier on the tax.
In short, the S3 Sportback is more complete as a car for the family man in need of speed - and one that we'd live with if we had to pick one.
Photos by Low Fai Ming
Car Information
BMW M135i 3.0 3-door [Base model] (A)
CAT B|Petrol|13.3km/L
Horsepower
239kW (320 bhp)
Torque
450 Nm
Acceleration
4.9sec (0-100km /hr)
This model is no longer being sold by local distributor
All Used BMW M135iAudi S3 Sportback 2.0 TFSI qu S tronic (A)
CAT B|Petrol|14.5km/L
Horsepower
213kW (285 bhp)
Torque
380 Nm
Acceleration
5sec (0-100km /hr)
This model is no longer being sold by local distributor
All Used Audi S3 Sportback
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