Test Drive BMW M3 Convertible E93 since 2008 Convertible
Elite club "Who for three hundred"
Three brands, three bodies, one goal to overtake and rule! Weak sex please do not worry
Sporter sports car Maine. If sports for you is any car, exposing the first hundred faster than 13 seconds, then you are a woman! Immediately postpone the magazine and take a manicure, jogging or lean lifting. We still try to find out what kind of car is the most harvest.
Let's notify immediately. We did not take into account the supercaras like Gayardo and Modena are too expensive they are for a simple mortal. Let us leave alone and charged hatchbacks such as Klio-Sport or 206RC with all speed and temperament they are too compact to become a choice of the man in the heighter. What then? Middle class, Golden Mid-BMW-M3, Audi-S4 and Volvo-S60R. And all three members of the club who are 300, as you can see, are presented in three different bodies. Why? Just in our deep conviction, the egoistic nature of the BMW owner is best emphasized by the convertible, the sophisticated K Audi's temper invests a completely different meaning in the very concept of a wagon, and Volvo, many decades associated with the word Sedan, overnightly changed the family car. The main thing here is not a capacity, the main adrenaline.
Three fun letters
Surprisingly, one-only sign can turn the idea of \u200b\u200bthe car with legs on the head. BMW, for nothing that already prestigious and sports, but with a literary m on the lid of the trunk turns into a symbol of wealth and evidence of the ambitious owner. And what is the story of this letter! She first appeared in the ABC of BMW on the M1 coupe back in 1978, and the first treshka received the proud title of motors eight years later. In short, two opinions can not be BMW-M3 in the plan of prestigious direct competitor to this supercam, like Porsche 911.
Modesty is not a vice, modesty privilege! Approximately consider designers of the most powerful Audi middle class
Liters S from Audi is also a very colorful story. The Kvattro-S1 model, debuting in the 80th, became one of the most famous cars in the history of the world rally. It is curious that the Universal S4-Avant in the 80s was produced on the basis of the Audi-100 model of an analogue of the current A6. But some decrease in rank almost did not affect the prestige of this car. Already one thing is that S4 was developed together with the specialists of the firm of Kososht, which occupies in the world of auto racing a completely special place, speaks many. And if the lord of the rings and inferior to the Bimer on the image of the image, then this loss is minimal.
And now ... Volvo with a claimant claim? Haven't been a psychiatrist for a long time? But we will be fair. At one time, the real racing sedans Volvo-240 won the European Championship for the Body Ring, and the universals of da yes, it was the universal model 850! Fought in the English championship. Another question who remembers this now
Remember this face! S60R is characterized by a three-section spoiler in the front will see such on the track, immediately inferior the road!
By the way, at the same time, in the mid-90s, the first serial Volvo with Bukukov R. But 5000 of the 850T5R sedan owners were lost in guess how to cope with herd of 250 horses under the hood? Engine capabilities then obviously exceeded the talents of the chassis. Perhaps, in eight years in Gothenburg learned a lot? And then, look at the emblem of the Swedish company. See the arrow, such a ambiguously aimed up. Male? Well, in general, yes. So do not judge for the previous sins we will result better than new talents. And for the image, so be, we will put satisfactory. For courage, even with a plus.
At the front of the design without change?
Close your hand combat signals, throw out information about the power of the engines from the head and you can not guess what the horses are groom in front of you. Or guess? Still, alloy wheels of huge diameter and ultra-low-profile rubber Silent Witnesses of the buoy temperament. Designers of all three cars achieved exactly such an effect. Exquisite modesty, sophisticated simplicity, unfriendly luxury.
If you wander around each model for five minutes, you can notice a few more discreet sports strokes. As if unstable repellent to the outflow decorated with a Litera's Caliper brake system at Volvo. Chrome-plated BMW dual silencers, resembling rapid aircraft guns. The icted look will surely mark the wheels of AFUS on Audi. Such wheels appeared on the concept price of the same name in 1998 and since then have become the visiting card of the most-sports audience.
Omitted or raised folding top, BMW chairs remain unchanged Certificate of high rigidity of the open body
20 seconds, and the rain is no longer afraid
Nevertheless, the most conquers restraint. I literally burgulated into the asphalt of monstrous spoilers, nor the crazy size of antiques, reminiscent of the sketches of Leonardo da Vinci. Restraint, young people, restraint and self-esteem! Leave inappropriate collings of hundreds of tuning studies, which in Europe, as in America McDonalds.
Good inside?
If on the face of BMW, Audi and Volvo reservedly elegant, then in the cabin they are also very restrained elegant. Yes, of course, in contrast to the civilian imaging models, all three are distinguished by more complete, and sometimes the most fully equipped. However, in matters of ergonomics and quality, a smooth account has not changed. And who will say it is bad?
Especially since each of the opponents have something to shine. Volvo, for example, seductive color leather upholstery chairs and an incredibly stylish gear lever Space-Bol. And it is still very cool, literally from and to, it is clearly intuitive and does not require comments. So in Gothenburg, if they only wanted, could save on the press manual instructions.
The interior of the BMW in business is assembled and strict, although a little heavyweight. However, for a smart tachometer m3 you can easily forgive this small sin
Amazing meticulousness in the interior decoration branded audience Audi. Put in the interior S4 is simply nothing to be vessel-ko-lep-but!
Volvo pleases not only with exemplary ergonomics, but also the most spacious interior. Do you often meet a supercar for four persons?
Audi, for years for five years holding leadership in terms of the most competent interiors quality fitting parts, ergonomics, upholstery materials, too, in their repertoire. This repertoire, by the way, is supplemented with delicious leather seats from Rekaro. And the clarity of switching all imaginable buttons, which in the cabin is a pretty set, simply conquers.
Perhaps the smallest delight on this background causes the interior of BMW. In fact, if it were not for an amazing lilac color of leather chairs, the look did not have to stop. Fans, of course, will appreciate the outdoor what else! The gas pedal, and the lovers of mathematics will thwart the eyebrow, finding a speedometer, marked up to 300 km / h.
Agree, from excess chromium on the dialing panel dials of all three cars is pretty ripples in the eyes, and small characters do not make it easier to read
But the most amazing surprise awaits you when cold in the morning you will turn the key in the ignition lock and on the dashboard, starting from the mark of 4000 rpm. LEDs will flash. Such a reminder of hot heads demand from the motor everything that he can only follow after heating. A trifle, of course, but how she works on a sense of involvement in a car with a capital letter. No, I can't give again to someone preference.
Hearts three
The restraint, the wrenship and the solidity of our rivals blossoms as the wind, it is only to start the motor. That's where it starts! Moreover, it seems that one outsider is known before the start of races. Well, of course, Volvo entered the club 300-strong, as it is called, a baulo into a tipper. The capacity of the 2.5-liter row fives only with the help of the KKK turbine is brought to the grandmaster three hundred. However, we agreed for the eyes not to gossip. In the case, S60R is not at all misses. This engine due to the system of adjustable phases of gas distribution allows you to roll around the city without any problems, and if it already possessed blood, then 400 Newtonometers available from 1950 rpm, pick up Volvo on any transmission. So I quickly admitted when switching not to fall into the turbo-pit zone. But the main sound! Not at all free. When the gas dried in the floor, the engine runs, as in Suzuki superbike. Approximately like this: Su-U-U-Wen-U-U-k-and-and-and-and-and !!! And when you switch in the red zone of the tachometer, S60 rinsing almost half a racing. This is detonated by exhaust gases in the release system. Not bad for family sedan!
But they transplanted into Audi and understand that there is no limit (failed?) Perfection. On the previous S4, two turbines led to the power of the power. On the new generation there are no them at all. Instead, the 4,2-liter V-shaped eight (by the way, the most compact in the world), with a capacity of 344 hp! Such an aggregate is not found at European middle-class European cars. The atmospheric engine of this volume may mean only one traction of the locomotive. And there is. As if by pressing the gas pedal, I did not increase the fuel supply, but closed the contacts on the current rail. And without the shadow of the pondays, the superchactrovoza rushes forward. How smooth, so and powerful acceleration lasts up to 7000 rpm. The other only sound is not an electric semi-sighted-half-half, but a bass, like reef bass guitars, breathing.
In BMW, of course, six cylinders are left true to their classic scheme, longitudinally in a row. Having a limit on a whole liter than that of the Audi, the working volume, in Munich, nevertheless removed from 3246 engine cubes 343 hp, only one less than in Ingolstadt. This motor is spinning to almost aircraft 8000 rpm Well, why not messershmitt?! And up to hundreds with a tangible metallic, M3 accelerates faster than competitors. On the tenth faster Audi and two Volvo. Trifle, and how nice!
But not only overclocking dynamics conquer these cars. Brake slowing in 0.5 g! too. It is clear that when it is necessary to pacify a 300-strong monster, not ceremony with funds. Take a look through the elegant wheels on the wheels inside hiding brake discs with a good pizza. And this pizza is prepared completely differently. Auxiliary dual-action vacuum amplifier applies to Audi. In case of incompletely pressing on the brake pedal, the discs are captured by random, and so the car remains completely controlled. Brake System Volvo from the most reputable professional in this area of \u200b\u200bthe company Brembo. Italian 330 mm front discs along with 4-piston calipers provide the most convenient, progressive deceleration control.
The BMW also applies the so-called floating brake discs. Such will not be boxed and more resistive tolerate temperature differences. What is especially relevant at frequent and sharp slowdowns in the floor.
Navigator checks the last time the route As you can see, power can be achieved in different ways, it can be viewed differently to manageability. Bavarians, for example, even under the blow of a pistol with foam at the mouth will insist that the rear-wheel drive is the best. I do not argue, on a dry highway, and in a straight line 343 horses are quite obedient. Thanks ultra-low-profile 225/45 R18 Michelem. But something will be in turn? Nothing wrong! They assure the Bavarians. Especially for M3, the rear inter-wheeled self-locking differential, which feels any mismatch in the rotation of the leading wheels and instantly neutralizes it. It must be recognized, it adds confidence in the controlled drift. However, do not forget that 300 with horses nuts at rear drive can not do without an electronic bridle in the form of a DSC stabilization system. So if you want to silent without the help of electronics, our advice to you install the icon in the cabin, they say, helps.
No, no matter how cool, and the rear-wheel drive supercar is a supercar for the warm season. But Audi and Volvo are equipped with a drive for all wheels. Does this make them all-famous? It is hard to say. Here are simpler for understanding for sure. Honored, but still far from the retirement age, all-wheel drive transmission with a Torsen coupling as an inter-axis differential makes the S4 real car for drivers-gentlemen. More specifically for those who heard that it is possible to quickly undergo turns, but who does not know how it is done. In other words, the Audi can be very quickly riding, while very superficially sacrificing in the intricacies of control. The issue price is the smallest involvement in the piloting process.
Volvo cannot be estimated unequivocally. And all because of the revolutionary suspension 4c. Developed jointly with Specialists from Olinz, shock absorbers possess the talent of Nostradamus the gift of foresight. Sensors that collect information literally about everything: speeds, angle of rotation of the steering wheel, the type of road surface, and even the time of transferring the leg from the gas to the brake, give the signal to the computer, respectively, adjust the suspension. And so 500 times per second. If suddenly you have dramatically let go of the gas pedal, Volvo in the premonition of sharp braking will eat calipers in a combat position. Although it is rather a property of active security than manageability.
As the latter in two of the three options for stiffness of shock absorbers, comfort and sports S60R behaves like an ordinary Volvo: comfortable, good and not at all sports. But know by including the remaining 4C suspension mode, you will be shocked. Not in vain, he is called Edmenshd advanced. SMID. What does it start here! Comfortable sedan in the blink of an eye turns into a racing silhouette. I feel like a fifth point how the wheels are even stumbled about the cigarette. But on the perfectly smooth road, it is glued to the canvas with a blind to its cane. Moreover, S60R, being almost front-wheel drive in a regular road situation, thanks to the Haldex couphe, can change its character to be unrecognizable. At the first signs of the slip of the front wheels to 80% of the torque moves back. This happens instantly. Rather, for 100 milliseconds. You will not have time to think about how you will be driving the all-wheel drive sedan.
Not for everything you need to pay
Once, even behind the wheel of BMW-M3, you will be tired of the crazy maneuvers, believe me, it happens and not that! Then you will immediately understand what discomfort is experiencing pilots of racing machines. Shakes? And how. And it will shake. On such tires, yes on such a suspension, and on our own roads.
Audi is slightly softer, but still you can get rid of the wells, and in front of the thermoses at the bridges it is desirable to stop and slowly overwrites, in order not to painfully hurt for the spine and for accounts in the car service. Aluminum suspension levers, do you know
What is up to Volvo, then it is just a very very comfortable car. As an ordinary sixtiest, a sedan with a literary R poins a high smoothness of the stroke and a complete pofigism regarding the roadbed. All of course as long as you do not switch the suspension into an advanced mode. But isn't it nice to force the car to go wrong, as he can, but as you think. I want to slaughter on the couch, I want to play on the transistor very well!
Tradition traditions, but suspended pedals are more convenient
1185 liters of useful volume of this trunk is hardly ever used at least half
Relleges are put on a state universal, even if under the hood 300 with excessive forces
The wonders of acrobatics as eight cylinders fit under such a small hood?
The seats are the same as on the usual sixtiest but see what kind of skin!
Pay attention to the practical recess for the hand seat adjustment buttons are not stuck between the pillow and the door.
Power window buttons from cheap plastics slightly lubricate the overall impression from Volvo salon
300 forces and Volvo from now on things full joint
The aerodynamic grid behind the front seats of BMW allows you to quietly talk in the cabin even at a speed of 100 km / h
Such an opera six cylinders for the brass orchestra Mozart and did not dream
Mirrors are not as well as everyone
Armchair of high comfort with a retractable front cushion what needs for long-range races
This lever opens access to the rear sofa but sit there doubtful pleasure.
Fasten seat belts
Supercars, albeit middle class, the goods are not cheap. Perhaps, just because the most authoritative offices for passive safety research have not yet been broken by any m3 or S4. Hand does not rise? Anyway, the conclusions, even if they are indirect, about the protectedness of our heroes can be done. After all, ordinary treshka, A4 and S60 have shown if not excellent, then very good results in crash tests. On both sides of the ocean, these models have been awarded a good assessment. We have no reason not to trust EuroNCAP or IIHS specialists.
Money for money?
When it comes to buying expensive things, two proverbs immediately come to mind. The first American: if you ask how much it costs, it means you don't afford it. But immediately the Russian, that is the most, about a penny, which ruble takes. How to deal with your own savings your personal business. We dry out the facts.
So, BMW-M3 in Russia costs 79,900 euros, four more needs to pay for an advanced semi-automatic gearbox SMG II. Moreover, we are talking about the coupe, and the convertible, which will be on sale only in 2004, will be even more expensive. Of course, the price is by no means dumping, but if you want Porsche 911 with about the same level of equipment and temperament, it is definitely a pay for more.
Audi S4-Avant is a bit cheaper 69,965 euros. It is a bit, since ten thousand for such a car is already insignificant. Another thing is that Volvo-S60R costs almost half a cheaper BMW! You did not hear: 300-strong Volvo with an amazing suspension and stunning for a sports car with a smooth course costs 44,500 euros. Given the more favorable conditions for the guarantee of the Swedish company, we come to a completely obvious conclusion of a more affordable supercar on the market simply not. Anyway.
We decided:
When it comes to a sports car, many default represent BMW-M3. Well, perhaps, in our rivalry, the bimer average estimate 4.4 turned out to be the most macho: such an aggressive, fast and impractical. Flighty? Not the same as in the 80s and early 90s. If you do not disable the DSC system EMKA will be obedient and reliable. In any case, at least half to disclose the talents of this car, you will need not only a hundred thousand dollars, but also the driver's preparation is noticeably above average.
The audi-S4 Avant slightly lost to Munchunts in terms of the dynamics, but as much as a little played on the front of comfort, and in the end, the same estimate is 4.4. Four, of course, more sophisticated and at the same time simple for understanding the car. The locomotive traction and four-wheel drive give excellent dynamics and reliability in limiting modes, but take excitement. S4 rather, dear, prestigious and fashionable accessory, rather than a means of satisfying the driver's ambitions.
It is not surprising, but the victory in our test won with a medium estimate of 4.6 points. However, S60R has one essential lack of image lack of such a class. Still, the combination of a sports car looks like a dick. But the facts are stubborn. Very slightly inferior BMW and Audi in terms of dynamic characteristics, S60R, thanks to the unique suspension 4C, combines racing handling and genuine comfort. And then also the price ... who knows what fate is prepared by the fastest Volvo. But it is possible that in the near future the concept of the supercar two in one will appear and other followers will appear.
Andreas Conradt, car photo
A source: Limousine magazine [12/03]
