BMW M235i vs Audi S3: Battle of the Compact Performance Convertible 4-Seaters

This is not a real M car, but do not for a second think that driving it will leave you a vanilla taste. No, this is part of a new breed of performance convertibles that combines four reasonable sized seats in a compact body. While the 2er is still being developed by BMW, Audi already has one on sale, the all-new S3 Cabriolet.

Which Is Best?

That question frankly cannot be answered just yet. But we can look at the formula and get a general idea. The S3 has a transversely mounted 2-liter TFSI with 300 hp and sends its power via S tronic six-speed to a quattro all-wheel drive system (Haldex clutch). BMW chose a bigger 3-liter engine, which like in the 1-Series is mounted longitudinally and sends power to the back. Output is the same 326 hp as the M235i coupe and we think this prototype could have xDrive (badging camouflaged on the front wing).

Dynamically, the S3 and M235i will feel different because of the setup of the chassis. However, after driving the Bimmer we can tell you that you shouldn't expect a stiff drifting machine a la M3 CSL.

The S3 isn't perfect either. Chopping the roof means some of the rigidity is lost and the added bracing increases its weight to 1,620kg (3571 lbs), which is more than an M3. 0 to 100 km/h in the Audi takes 5.4 seconds with launch control, which means it's likely slower than the M235i.

Who Are They For?

Young company managers, posers and celebrities. Not everybody can afford one of these, even though they are the cheapest performance convertibles BMW and Audi can offer. The S3 starts at €48,000 in Germany and the Bavarian could be a tad more expensive after the ZF automatic and xDrive are added.

When Will They Fight?

In 2015, since that's when BMW will start selling the new 2 Series Cabrio. By that time, Audi can decide if and how to sell the S3 drop-top in America as well. No such worries with the M235i, which is guaranteed Transatlantic transit.