All- currently own a 2018 Audi RS3...fun car but with a relatively spartan interior and relatively heavy- looking for a potential replacement. Prefer backseats, but coupe is fine- something light and nimble but also relatively practical for Chicagoland winters (with snow tires). Have daily driven the GT3 since March but with snow predicted next wk- time to go into storage. Was considering the Audi TT RS (300# lighter, nicer interior, better / lower seating position, R8-lite)...also 718 GT4 (PDK), M2 Comp (DCT)...any other options or opinions on the above? The GT3 has made most sedans, and all SUV's feel relatively ponderous...would likely to have a "fun" car, even in winter, if possible.

 

I will suggest against M2 . Had one as an extra car, was very tail happy, relatively dangerous , in any snow despite having snow tires ..
991 4S or 4 GTS
C 43 with performance exhaust
Golf R small and nimble. DSG is responsive .. a very good package for the money
Subaru STI ... with snow tires is the best car for snow .... interior has been gradually improving and relatively decent

 

Have you tried RR SVR? I daily E63 S or RR SVR and both are amazing. E63 is a '14 (with AMS work; 750 HP) and I still managed to drive it with winters with no major problems. This year probably won't though. Going to stick with Rover w/ proper snow tires. Our winter season looks like it is going to suck around here in Chicago, unfortunately.

 

Mercedes G63.....its the GT3 of SUV

 

A4 all road.... Previous was a golf r.... Different cars....both fantastic

 

RS3 is a pretty cool winter car to me! I would stick with it or would find a 991 C4 bargain (more rear wheels bias).
I did a Porsche ice driving school a few years back and these 991C4 are awesome with good tires.

Forget SUVs, they work well but are no fun, too heavy...

 

I’d never own another suv again. Once I trade my x5m, that will be it. Getting into an RS6 avant next year. Just can’t get used to the heavy/tall sensation of SUVs. Just my personal opinion.

 

i like the subaru sti/wrx suggestion. fun, competent winter car with the right tires.

 

I Winter drive an M3 and throw on BBS 18s w/snow tires.

Been great. Will probably swap out wheels before Thanksgiving. They store them for me at Dealership

 

Luv the BMW 330 ix drive wagon.
Fun to drive. Versatile.
Like a tank in the snow with Michelin Alpins.
Had a 2012 and got a 2018 last year.
Also prefer the lines of the wagon over their sedans.

 

Macan Turbo or GTS is out of the question? I spend a good part of the year in the mountains when the snow is thick and heavy. I traded a 958 Cayenne Turbo for a Macan Turbo for the mountain car, and you sit a lot lower than the Cayenne. The Macan feels a bit wagon like, but only in the sense of the interior volumes, not in the driving sense.

 

Or a Mercedes E63 wagon. That thing is great!

 

E63 Wagon
RS6 Touring
C4 if clearance not an issue

Hard to top an RS3 for bang for buck winter car.

 

Thanks for the feedback... The RS6 Avant looks to be awesome but will be too much car for me....Looking to go smaller and lighter than the RS3. Looked at Macan GTS/turbo- great SUV but still too big “feeling”. I’ve driven my best friends G63, GLx63, and RR- all ridiculously good and would be perfect as an all-weather daily driver particularly in Chicago...but they feel too tank-like.

Will check out 991.1 GTS 4 and Audi TT RS, vs keeping the RS3 and ordering the 718 Boxster Spider.

 

CPO Cayenne GTS with snows