Mercedes C63 AMG vs BMW E92/E90 M3

[amgforums]

This is the classic confrontation. Most of the major automotive publications have compared these 2 awesome cars to see where they currently stand. In the past, the BMW M3 has had the edge but that seems to be changing somewhat with the release of the C63 AMG.

This is a forum for AMG cars so there is obviously a bias but as enthusiasts, I think we can all respect each of these cars and what they represent.

Here's my take on the comparison based on reading and watching article/video reviews, my own experience with the 2 marques, and personal tastes.

C63 AMG:

For:
- Hard to beat in straight line acceleration. The motor is a beast in hp and torque.
- Automatic transmission. I know some will see this as a negative but can't deny that for the average driver, an automatic will allow them to extract the maximum performance and fairly easily duplicate test numbers.
- Design. The C series and the C63 AMG, in particular, is a big step forward in design for the series IMO. It is the "baby" Benz but it doesn't look like a "cheap" Benz. And with the modifications for the C63 the body takes on a very aggressive look and stance.
- Price. In the past, the AMG cars have generally been priced above the M cars. I was really surprised when the C63 came in at a base of mid $50k range. It takes the price consideration out of the equation for a buyer considering the C63 vs the M3 since they are, for all intent and purpose, same in price.

Against:
- Sedan only. The E92 M3 (coupe/convertible) outsells the E90 M3 (sedan) by a signficant margin. The lack of this choice for the C63 AMG hurts it in penetrating the segment of this market who perceive 2 doors as being more "sporty". I know some will say that there's always the CLK63 AMG but then the issue of price comes into play since the CLK AMG's are significantly more expensive than the M3.
- Not really for the track. I don't think the owner of a C63 AMG really buys the car for the track. And I'm not sure many E92/E90 M3 owners will be rushing out to the track with their $60k plus ride. But generally from the ultimate handling standpoint, I think the M3 has the edge if push comes to shove.
- Automatic transmission. I note this in both "for" and "against" for pretty obvious reasons. Some drivers want the absolute control of a manual and the fact that it's not available is a strike against.

BMW M3:

For:
- Screaming engine. A V8 with a 8k redline. Just from a technological standpoint, it's quite an achievement.
- Manual transmission or M-DCT. Manual transmission for those who want the control plus the DCT for those who want control without having to mess with the clutch.
- Handling. This has always been M3's strong point and I think it continues to lead the AMG in this area. Especially true if you plan on tracking the car.
- Design. While the design is a bit controversial, I think the CF top on the coupe is a great design feature.
- Available in coupe/convertible/sedan. Gives the buyer a wide choice in the bodystyle.

Against:
- Straight line acceleration. While it's certainly fast it will have a hard time keeping up with the C63 AMG. Torque, in particular, lags the AMG by a significant margin.
- Price. Comparable to C63 AMG when options are considered but a significant jump from the previous generation M3. This may lead to some price resistance.
- Design. Definitely one of the best designs of the recent BMW's but not enough deferentiation from the regular 3 series, particularly in sedan format.

That's my quick analysis of these 2 cars. What do you think?

Fifth Gear Video comparing the two cars

Edmunds Inside Line Comparison

[xxForgedxx]

My take on things... I think that the cars are compared by default and that the C63 AMG owner buys his car for a different reason than the M3 guy. I feel that the M3 guy buys the car for the "ultimate driving machine" that it is and I can assure you that track time will be seen regardless of the price tag. I feel the C63 is the quiet tough guy while the M3 is more of the trash talking tough guy who can indeed back up his mouth.

[PaulCL63]

I crossed shopped these cars and the motor monster was what cemented the deal for me. HOWEVER I disagree with the Track comments though. The M3 cant go to the track without cooking its brakes. I believe (coming from 2 Porsche GT3s) that the AMG is more track worthy that the M3 stock. The M3 handles better but track days are full of cars that handle better than other and at the end of the day I am always wanting more Torque. The AMG can go to the track and handle occasional track duty with stock brakes. They are almost as big as the GT3's PCCB brakes at 380 mm and 360 mm for the AMG. The M3s are single pot pistons that cant disapate heat well enough to not warp the rotors. The M3s carbon roof is cool but at these wieghts not much more than eye candy.
I agree with the coupe point. I dont understand MBenz's pricing coupes 40-50K more than the sedans. I havent had anyone explain that one yet.
And as far as the M3 seeing more track duty, I found the E90 M3 driver doesnt know where the nearest track is much less how to track his car. I saw many of the older M3s at the track when with my GT3 but hardly any new models. ANd going to the M3 boards seems to prove that out. I do agee with our loud driver on the M3 though. There are plenty of those over at the M3 forum.

[jagben10@aol.com]

In addition to all of this, the new M3 has been out longer than the c 63. I go to college in florida in in my area there is a good amount of M3's driving around which would annoy me if i was spending that much money for one. I live in New york and have not seen any c 63s here or there so i am confident that is a better choice to stand up and have soething more unique and different.