M2 vs A45S vs RS3

[V 02]

Hi guys

I have an order on a new BMW M2

Initially I was looking at used M5 Comps and E63s etc but deciding to go new instead for a variety of reasons (and I have considered the old F series cars too)

I’m moving from a Tesla Model Y Performance as I no longer need an EV or doing miles at all - my only car so I want to have something more engaging than a practical family wagon because I’m young single and have no kids! Have a civic type r too but don’t have space for 2 cars anymore either.


However im someone who cant be convinced easily!! So i want to make sure what I’ve chosen is the best option

I have been offered really attractive offers on all 3 cars

After hard haggling got about 13.5% off list on an M2 with my options for a factory order - could possibly do better on a stock car now we’re in Q1. I’ve done the deal and secured an allocation but haven’t yet locked it in etc for build

A45S - first offer was 10% off haven’t negotiated more yet but they have 3.9% offer

RS3 - 15% off but you have to take a 7.9% pcp with them which is weak


I have not yet driven the other cars but I have driven the M2 for a few hours now, its an absolute monster to drive and does not deserve the “baby M” title - 480+bhp and 600Nm to the rear wheels is plenty!

Normally this would be a slam dunk for the M2 but I am considering the other two primarily as the A45S is considerably cheaper, and the RS3 has the strongest residuals as I tend to get bored and move cars on quite quickly (I don’t plan to commit financial suicide so the car needs to feel quite special)

There’s also the practicality and weather aspect, as the M2 has limited rear space, isn’t a hatch and is RWD - the M2 in sub zero temps can not be exploited as well

I think all 3 cars look good but all are controversial for others
The A45S looks ridiculous but I’m in the target demographic. The Audi looks mental too but suffers from an image problem , and the M2 is a “lego car”

Inside the M2 doesn’t feel as cheap as the old F87 which is pretty nasty, I like the widescreen look, the A45S quality is up my alley but only surface level but the seats are excellent and the RS3 is very dull


I suffer from very bad back and I didn’t find the M2 too bad, so there’s a reference point. I thought the driving position was also fantastic

Thoughts?

[Terminator X]

RS3 for the iconic engine and it will likely die off shortly like the TTRS and RSQ3. M2 for the drive as I'd say it's a driver's car; slightly impractical as a 2 door. A45 is a swerve from me.

TX.

[tallpaul26]

I wouldn’t be seen dead in an A45 of any description. Neighbour has an RS3, doesn’t do anything for me. An M2 in the right colour is a no brainer of the three for me. However, if it was my money, I’d buy a used 911.

[biggbn]

A45, brief pause, M2, brief pause, RS3, if this was a horserace you could thrown a blanket over the first three. I doubt you'd regret any of them.

[Deep Thought]

Is there negotiation with Mercedes these days?

I thought it was a take it or leave it offer price?

Last time I looked A45S offers were strong, compared to the others.

[ConzoGee]

I would go for the M2..

I’ve currently got a new M2 having had the previous gen RS3 which I found a bit boring, it was fast and sounded great but overall a bit dull.

After the RS3 I moved into a V6 F-Type then the V8. Honestly the M2 is probably the best car I’ve owned out of them all, it’s a lot more planted than any other RWD car I’ve ever had in wet/cold conditions which is probably helped by the weight.

Standard spec on the M2 is good too, unsure if the others are similar though..

[Crumpet]

tallpaul26 said:

I wouldn t be seen dead in an A45 of any description. Neighbour has an RS3, doesn t do anything for me. An M2 in the right colour is a no brainer of the three for me. However, if it was my money, I d buy a used 911.

I’d agree with this. Couldn’t pay me to be seen in an A45! RS3 has a similarly nasty image problem. BMW steering wheels would get on my nerves.

I’d be going and finding a 911, probably a 991.2 4S for the same budget. Or an Evora GT410. Or an Emira. Or one of the many, many excellent cars that wouldn’t normally be seen driving at 125mph through the streets of Bradford.

[Jamescrs]

M2 for me as well. I'd probably have a look at the A45S and it wasn't a car really on my radar until my mate bought an A45 and I had a ride in it, I was quite impressed but I still can't imagine i'd choose it over an M2 in the end.

I wouldn't touch the RS3 at all in the same way I won't touch a Golf R, they both have a bad image in my eyes and they seem to be a target for criminals more so than an M2, probably because anyone can jump in one and nail the throttle with little skill.

[ZX10R NIN]

Personally I couldn't have an M2 the looks are imo awful but they do drive well, I'd be going for the RS3 or 45S.

Edited by ZX10R NIN on Sunday 18th January 16:37

[Alex_225]

Despite being a Merc man, and the fact that I'd imagine they are all equally fast, I'd go for the M2. I'm not a big fan of the looks of any of them personally but I think the BMW is the best of the three.

Sadly my image of the RS3 is seeing clips of them being driven badly through Bradford, so I just wouldn't fancy one.

There are worse choices to have to make haha.

[Landing Light On]

I’ve got the new M2 LCI (from an FL5 CTR so not a dissimilar ownership journey to yourself). Very good all rounder and when you’re just pottering about, which it’s great at, it’s easy to forget the performance on tap. Then when you want it to be it’s also a pretty brutal thing. Much more refined and easier to drive fast than the OG M2, which I also had, in my opinion.

As others have said, despite them being good cars no doubt, I wouldn’t entertain the other two because of the negative perception that comes with their ownership (especially in my part of the world unfortunately).

[biggbn]

Landing Light On said:

I ve got the new M2 LCI (from an FL5 CTR so not a dissimilar ownership journey to yourself). Very good all rounder and when you re just pottering about, which it s great at, it s easy to forget the performance on tap. Then when you want it to be it s also a pretty brutal thing. Much more refined and easier to drive fast than the OG M2, which I also had, in my opinion.

As others have said, despite them being good cars no doubt, I wouldn t entertain the other two because of the negative perception that comes with their ownership (especially in my part of the world unfortunately).

I am blissfully unaware of the negative connotations of any of these cars and would simply choose the one I like best...but then I'd do that regardless of what others might think...

[Deep Thought]

biggbn said:

I am blissfully unaware of the negative connotations of any of these cars and would simply choose the one I like best...but then I'd do that regardless of what others might think...

+1

I had a cursory look a few months back and the A45S deals were compelling. £££s a month cheaper than the M2.

Still not sure personally about the looks of an M2. I still struggle with it.

But each to their own.

[Frimley111R]

M2 for no other reason than one day the option of a coupe may not be there any more (kids).

I'd be terrified of the RS3 being stolen although the other two are probably high on the list of desirable cars for thieves.

Edited by Frimley111R on Sunday 18th January 18:08

[Terminator X]

^^ Ghost.

TX.

[Belle427]

M2 makes most sense if you can stand the looks but 3 great cars really, RS3 regularly wins out for the engine noise alone.

[biggbn]

Belle427 said:

M2 makes most sense if you can stand the looks but 3 great cars really, RS3 regularly wins out for the engine noise alone.

I love that engine. A TTRS is one of my must have cars.

[Pehen22]

I would do what you where first considering and get an m5. My F90 m5 was one of the best all round cars I’ve owned

[SFTWend]

I needed four seats so went with the M2, which has been a great all rounder daily. Didn't consider the other two as comparable drivers cars.

If you don't need back seats, and depreciation is a key consideration, I'd be doing as others have suggested and be buying lightly used Pork or Lotus.