Skip advert
Advertisement

BMW M4 vs Audi RS5: video track battle

We test the new BMW M4 against the benchmark fast coupe, the Audi RS5, on track

M4 vs RS5

The arrival of a new BMW M car is always big news for performance car fans, and the new M4 is no exception.

The replacement for the legendary old BMW M3, the M4 has moved away from the V8 power plant in the old car and is now powered by a 425bhp twin-turbo straight-six engine.

Advertisement - Article continues below

Meanwhile, the Audi RS5 is propelled by a 4.0-litre V8, which produces 430bhp, mated to the Audi quattro four-wheel drive system. Like the BMW, it also features a dual-clutch gearbox, the Audi S tronic system.

There's no denying the Audi lacks the fun factor of the BMW - the quattro four-wheel-drive system prevents the lurid powerslides than you can really go for in the M4. You can also feel the weight of the engine over the front axle in the RS5, but it certainly doesn't feel slow at all.

Overall then, the RS5 feels very punchy, and the gearshift is also really nice - the same can be said for its V8 soundtrack. It's not a track machine though, and the car is more of a very stable and very rapid cruiser.

Meanwhile, the BMW M4 feels very raw and very serious, especially when all the settings are put at their sportiest using the switch on the steering wheel. This also turns the traction control and stability control off.

With no electronic aids, the M4 is always trying to get its tail out. The body control is amazing, but there is a feeling that it's all a bit artificial. The same can be said for the engine note, which has been enhanced.

The M4 is a proper M car though, and something BMW can be truly proud of. It set a lap time of 1m09.9s, compared to the 1m12.2s set by the Audi - that's 2.3s quicker.

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement

Recommended

Best used sports cars to buy now
Best used sports cars - header image

Best used sports cars to buy now

These are the top used sports cars for those looking for some fun but usable second-hand wheels
Best cars & vans
20 Nov 2024
Best track day cars 2024
Best track day cars - header image

Best track day cars 2024

Whether you're looking to shave tenths off your lap time or simply want to have fun, these are the UK's best track day cars
Best cars & vans
1 Oct 2024
New Audi RS 5 spotted in saloon form for the first time
New Audi RS 5 saloon - front tracking

New Audi RS 5 spotted in saloon form for the first time

Audi’s hot compact executive returns with a typically aggressive body kit
News
27 Sep 2024
Best sports cars to buy 2024
Best sports cars - header image

Best sports cars to buy 2024

Fun and thrills by the bucketload! These are the best sports cars for your money
Best cars & vans
25 Jun 2024

Most Popular

New cars that plummet in value can make brilliant used buys
Opinion - Vauxhall Corsa-e

New cars that plummet in value can make brilliant used buys

Editor Paul Barker takes a closer look at our 2024 Used Car Awards
Opinion
20 Nov 2024
A £10k electric car with a 100-mile range would surely be a sales success
Opinion - cheap EV

A £10k electric car with a 100-mile range would surely be a sales success

Mike Rutherford thinks there would be demand for an electric car with a modest 100-mile range if it only cost £10k
Opinion
17 Nov 2024
New Jaguar logos unveiled as big concept reveal moves closer
New Jaguar logo 1

New Jaguar logos unveiled as big concept reveal moves closer

Jaguar has revealed its new logos and styling details ahead of its transition into a luxury EV brand
News
19 Nov 2024