jclaib7

Start at 4 minutes in. Is the S3 really this slow off the line without launch control? I find it hard to believe a quattro is that slow off the line against a rear wheel drive car.

DennisMitchell

Sounds like S3 driver error. They should have been able to duplicate what launch control produces.

jclaib7

Launch control is great but i'm not going to use it that often. Is the S3 really that slow off the line without launch control? It looks like the guy fell asleep?

Not that I would ever race on street, but i'd like to think if I pulled up to a light next to a 228i i'd be able to pull away from him in a stock S3.

markN1689

4.9 0-60 is impressive for the 228i

but the s3 does 4.4 0-60

both number from Car and Driver.

whoever did that review is a noob. the guy refers to the s3 as FWD (although he corrects himself) then he calls it an s4 on accident w/o correcting himself. derrp

arU4ic

+1

beat me to it Mark.

Even the m235 is at 4.5

BEM-S4

I've driven all three and have an M235. The S3 is definitely faster than the 228, but honestly for the price that car is no slouch. Fun as hell in the twisties, lighter RWD etc. Could even be faster around a track depending on the driver's skills.

I honestly don't believe the S3 is faster than the M235, maybe off the line w/ AWD but not at the track. And we're talking 0.1 seconds if the numbers are accurate, so it's negligible. The power delivery in the BMW is different too, shift from 1st to 2nd is savage throws you back in your seat.

All really nice cars though depending on what you are looking for.