Been offered M3 swop for my S2, any thoughts?

[Fat Audi 80]

Bit of a pointless agument on an S2 Forum!

[phrudman]

Well thanks for the many posts, I said no to the trade anyway, and it ain't what you got it's the way that you drive it

Cheers

Paul

[Larry Carr]

M3 for me.

@ Steve: Not really a pointless argument! Both cars have their bugbears and attributes, but we as car enthusiasts should be able to appreciate and see beyond other non VAG cars.

For a RWD car, the E36 M3 is an ideal track weapon, the S2 less so with stock suspension.

[The Spanish]

Well I am glad you did not make the swap, you have a nicer car.

I don't like to repeat myself, ask any BMW expert he will tell you the best handling M3 is the E30 and the E46. E36 is not that good. Read EVO comments or Car if you like also. And I see outside VAG. Tell me wich is my favorite car and I will always answer some version of the 911. Just have to pic the good one

@S2 sedan: I have driven E36 and E46 and there is no way E36 can keep with the E46 pic the track you like. Nurburgring times are 8:21 against 8:35. Even a Z4 3.0 does it in 8:32 come on!!

[Michel]

Gotta agree its not pointless to argue this one.
They were after all competitors in the market place originally so they should still be viewed as options in the second hand market.

The S2/ RS2 has an advantage in that it came as an Avant version which really opens up the options.

But an S2 coupe versus an E36 M3 (3dr) is a valid comparison. Both are great cars but they have very different strengths...and on balance the M3 is a better 'drivers' car. In all conditions its more 'entertaining to drive', not faster necessarily, but more balanced and with far better throttle response...after all there is no turbo lag. But and this is really big one... the Audi is an easier (is that better?) car to drive (fast) the majority of the time and its 4WD really makes life a no brainer in all conditions. Allied to a relative lack of 'look at me' factor then progress in an S2 is far less conspicuous than in an M3. These daily advantages are not inconsiderable.

But the big heavy engine slung out pretty much in front of the wheels is a real pain and the turbo lag does mean a change in driving habits...but is fast, its very secure and very comfortable.

Certainly for me....and I needed a daily/family car only, the S2 was a pretty obvious choice. But were I to replace my 'fun car' (fat chance) then an E30 M3 would be on the list.......

[S2sedan]

@ the spanish, I did not said that the evo was faster in track than the E46, in straight line I can tell you that until 220~230 it was almost equal on to end my evo used to pass by. I agree with you when you say that E30 is much more fun and very good handling car than E36.

[Rusty]

My tuppence worth...

Golf Mk. 2 8v GTi for the week, 35mpg if I don't nail it lots (not happening much at the mo but still 30+ driving it like I stole it). Cost me £750 from a chap at work (It was either Porsche brakes and a remap or another car!). It's the easiest thing in the world to maintain with plenty of parts available for not much money from GSF etc. and my several local VW breakers. Great fun too with nothing electrical to weigh it down, no power steering, soft suspension and 185 tyres

S2 has been promoted to weekend toy as it was doing less than 20mpg with my heavy right foot, £60 a week. Ouch! Fuel savings alone pay for the car and insurance for a year. Madness! The S2 is now ready for some long awaited tlc.

Just my tuppence worth as the title warned.

M3s are awesome and are different to S2s (my Mum had a 3.0 4 door, almost as much of a sleeper as an S2 slipperwagon). I'd have both if I could S2 for the road and a stripped out E30 M3 Evo III for the track...

[Fat Audi 80]

Golf Mk. 2 8v GTi for the week, 35mpg if I don't nail it lots (not happening much at the mo but still 30+ driving it like I stole it). Cost me £750 from a chap at work (It was either Porsche brakes and a remap or another car!). It's the easiest thing in the world to maintain with plenty of parts available for not much money from GSF etc. and my several local VW breakers. Great fun too with nothing electrical to weigh it down, no power steering, soft suspension and 185 tyres

S2 has been promoted to weekend toy as it was doing less than 20mpg with my heavy right foot, £60 a week. Ouch! Fuel savings alone pay for the car and insurance for a year. Madness! The S2 is now ready for some long awaited tlc.

Just my tuppence worth as the title warned.

M3s are awesome and are different to S2s (my Mum had a 3.0 4 door, almost as much of a sleeper as an S2 slipperwagon). I'd have both if I could S2 for the road and a stripped out E30 M3 Evo III for the track...

I do exactly the same but with a Chavalier (I do get 48 mpg though... )

Definitely the way ahead with an S2, it is easier to maintain when you don't have to drive it every day and when you do drive it, BOY does it feel FAST!!!

Cheers,

Steve

[Fat Audi 80]

M3 for me.

@ Steve: Not really a pointless argument! Both cars have their bugbears and attributes, but we as car enthusiasts should be able to appreciate and see beyond other non VAG cars.

For a RWD car, the E36 M3 is an ideal track weapon, the S2 less so with stock suspension.

Yeah I know, but we ARE biased on here! Personally one of the biggest attractions of the S2 is other people not knowing what it is.

I chased a VX220 Turbo recently and once we pulled up at some lights he shouted over to ask we what it was, before saying "Its bloody fast!"

That is why i would have an S2 over an M3 anyday....

Cheers,

Steve

[Ski]

isnt there a famous top gear magazing review of these two cars? (along with a 3rd car)

[Fat Audi 80]

Yes, MikeS2 has it on his site here: http://www.s2-audi.co.uk/articles.html

Cheers,

Steve

I am sad and printed some of them out....

[The Spanish]

isnt there a famous top gear magazing review of these two cars? (along with a 3rd car)

Yes it was S2vsM3vs968

Veredict was:

1st S2
2nd M3 (286 bhp)
3rd Porsche 968

Cheers

[Fat Audi 80]

And that was without a homefry

[Ski]

cool.. in that case discussion closed s2 wins.

[Fat Audi 80]