How Does the 2022 RS3 Stack up Against the BMW M2 Comp?

World Beater

Audi just revealed the new 2022 RS3, which is the most capable version of the A3 to date, and perhaps most importantly, perhaps the last one powered by an internal combustion engine before the automaker electrifies its entire lineup in the coming years. Regardless, the new RS3 is also a formidable competitor for BMW's M2 Competition, as we can clearly see after comparing these two performance machines.

Photos: Audi

Powertrain

In the powertrain department, the new RS3 comes equipped with a turbocharged 2.5-liter inline-five cylinder engine that produces 401 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque. The M2 Competition employs a twin-turbo 3.0-liter inline-six, which produces 405 horsepower and 406 pound-feet of torque. Both cars come equipped with seven-speed dual-clutch transmissions, but the BMW also offers a proper six-speed manual gearbox.

Photos: BMW

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Drive Configuration

These two cars take very different approaches in how they deliver that power, however. The RS3 is front-wheel-drive based, but its new all-wheel-drive system is now capable of sending all of its available power to the rear wheels if needed, thanks to its new "RS Torque Splitter" rear differential. Meanwhile, the M2 uses a traditional rear-wheel-drive configuration.

Photos: Audi

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Performance

That's good enough to compensate for the RS3's power deficiency, propelling the car from 0-60 in a claimed 3.8 seconds. The M2 Competition is a tick slower at 4.2 seconds, a difference that comes strictly from the Audi's traction advantage. However, it'll be interesting to see how the RS3 fares in real-world testing, as the last-gen model, which had less power, did 0-60 in 3.4 seconds.

Photos: BMW

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Practicality

Making matters worse for BMW fans, it's also worth pointing out that the RS3 is more practical than the M2 Competition. The Audi comes in either four-door sedan or five-door hatchback body styles, while the M2 is a 2+2, two-door, four-seater coupe. 

Photos: Audi

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Pricing

In terms of pricing, these two cars figure to be nearly identical as well. The M2 Competition starts out at $58,900, while the 2022 RS3 is expected to retail right around the $60k mark as well. For a better performing, more practical machine, that makes the RS3 an easy choice in this comparison.

Photos: BMW

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Paper Comparison

Thus, even though no one has actually driven the 2022 RS3 yet, it's already a winner. That could change once we get behind the wheel, but on paper at least, there's no denying this is a superior product.

Photos: Audi

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