Last week we had the opportunity to drive a new 2022 Audi RS3 in Pahrum, Nevada. The time at our wheel was interested in track time, street time and even some drifting.
Before leaving, we asked you what you would like to know about RS3. Some of these questions were answered to some extent in our full review of the vehicle. We will answer them here for your difficulties.
Does it move?
Yes, that’s right. In fact, this ability makes the RS3 completely different from everything we talk about here. In our review, we quoted Audi racing driver Tristen Herbert, who was simply our instructor at the event.
He said any discussion about how the Quattro works, especially its ability to power the rear wheels, would end with the RS3. After countless rides on the drift track marked RS, we can confirm that this Audi is riding with the best of them.
Does it feel as fast as Nurburging time?
While drifting is fun, Audi RS models have historically focused more on speed. To put this question in context, the 2022 RS3 actually has the current record for a compact sedan at the Nurburgring in 7: 40: 748 seconds.
It’s really as fast as the original Bugatti Veyron, Lexus LFA, Lamborghini Murcielago LP640 and the original Porsche Cayman GT4, and barely slower than the Porsche Cayenne Turbo GT. All of this means that yes, it feels incredibly fast.
Why aren’t half of the items on the list of options in Germany in the United States?
Many RS3 fans ask why there is so little appearance for the U.S. market. Euro standard car can be equipped with a red interior package and aluminum-optical packaging, except for blue-carbon ceramic brake calipers.
Leader: 2022 Audi RS3 Like Bruce Banner and Hulk on Wheels
We asked Audi about this, but they could not answer us directly. The closest thing we can get to such an answer is that these options may expire in the relatively near future.
How does this compare to the 2023 M240i xDrive, and why would anyone want to pay more than $ 10,000 for this car?
Call me a former BMW owner, but to be honest, these two cars don’t compare very well. We are talking about the peak of the A3 range against a car that is not really an M car. 2022 M240i xDrive has two doors, 382 hp. (284 kW) and is significantly slower between 0-60 (4.1 and 3.5 seconds). Therefore, from an objective point of view, it is less practical, less powerful and much slower. This doesn’t say anything about the RS3 looking better (at least in my opinion).
What car would you buy instead?
If I had to buy something other than the RS3, I don’t think I would choose anything close to it. I would look for a pure Ford Focus RS or an old Subaru WRX STI hatchback because I can pocket some extra money and then upgrade the performance to match the RS3. Even better, for cash you can find a car that started the whole RS family, RS2 Avant.
