Certified Benz & Beemer Compares 2013 BMW M3 VS 2013 Audi RS5 Near Scottsdale, AZ

The M3 has standard BMW Assist, which uses a global positioning satellite (GPS) receiver and a cellular system to remotely unlock your doors if you lock your keys in, help track down your vehicle if it’s stolen or send emergency personnel to the scene if any airbags deploy. The RS5 doesn’t offer a GPS response system, only a navigation computer with no live response for emergencies, so if you’re involved in an accident and you’re incapacitated help may not come as quickly.

Both the M3 and the RS5 have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, side-impact head airbags, front seatbelt pretensioners, plastic fuel tanks, four-wheel antilock brakes, traction control and electronic stability systems to prevent skidding.

BMW pays for scheduled maintenance on the M3 for 4 years and 50,000 miles. BMW will pay for oil changes, tire rotation, lubrication and any other scheduled maintenance. Audi only pays for the first scheduled maintenance visit on the RS5.

There are over 33 percent more BMW dealers than there are Audi dealers, which makes it easier should you ever need service under the M3’s warranty.

As tested in Car and Driver the BMW M3 is faster than the Audi RS5 (automatics tested):

The M3 stops shorter than the RS5:

The M3 offers an optional driver-adjustable suspension system. It allows the driver to choose between an extra-supple ride, reducing fatigue on long trips, or a sport setting, which allows maximum control for tricky roads. The RS5’s suspension doesn’t offer adjustable shock absorbers.

The M3’s front to rear weight distribution is more even (51.2% to 48.8%) than the RS5’s (57.3% to 42.7%). This gives the M3 more stable handling and braking.

The M3 Coupe handles at 1.00 G’s, while the RS5 Coupe pulls only .96 G’s of cornering force in a Motor Trend skidpad test.

The BMW M3 may be more efficient, handle and accelerate better because it weighs about 300 pounds less than the Audi RS5.

The M3’s standard power retractable hardtop allows a seamless transition from an open car, to a completely sealed coupe. The RS5 doesn’t offer a retractable hardtop.

The M3 Coupe has 4.5 cubic feet more passenger volume than the RS5 Coupe (88.5 vs. 84). The M3 Convertible has 3.2 cubic feet more passenger volume than the RS5 Cabriolet (84.2 vs. 81).

The M3 Coupe has .5 inches more front legroom, 3.1 inches more front shoulder room, .8 inches more rear headroom, 2 inches more rear legroom and 2.4 inches more rear shoulder room than the RS5 Coupe.

The M3 Convertible has .5 inches more front legroom, 1 inch more front shoulder room, .2 inches more rear headroom and 2.5 inches more rear shoulder room than the RS5 Cabriolet.

The M3’s standard easy entry system glides the driver’s seat back, making it easier for the driver to get in and out. The RS5 doesn’t offer an easy entry system.

The M3’s standard power windows have a locking feature to keep children in the rear seat from operating them. Audi does not offer a locking feature on the RS5’s standard power windows.

If the windows are left down on the M3 the driver can raise them all using the key in the outside lock cylinder; on a hot day the driver can lower the windows. The driver of the RS5 can’t use the remote to operate the windows.

While driving with high beams on, sensitive light sensors available for the M3 detect other vehicles which could be blinded and automatically switch to low beams. The RS5 doesn’t offer automatic dimming high beams.

When the M3 is put in reverse, the passenger rearview mirror tilts from its original position. This gives the driver a better view of the curb during parallel parking maneuvers. Shifting out of reverse puts the mirror into its original position. The RS5’s mirror doesn’t automatically adjust for backing.