C32 AMG, C55 AMG (W203) 2001 - 2007

Anyone ever driven both C32 and an E46 M3?

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Rate Thread
 
Old Oct 9, 2002 | 03:12 AM
  #1  
JDMkIV's Avatar
Thread Starter
Newbie
 
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 11
Likes: 0
Anyone ever driven both C32 and an E46 M3?

just wondering which "feels" (no 0-60s, 1/4, slalom blah blah), but which one feels faster to you, you know according to your butt dyno :P?
Reply
Old Oct 9, 2002 | 05:49 AM
  #2  
Accord's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 6,261
Likes: 13
From: Afghanistan / South Florida / Camp Lejeune, NC
2008 BMW M6, 2008 Ducati 1098, 2008 Ducati Monster S2R1000, 1971 Ducati Scrambler
I have driven both, infact I have a C32 on order (Arriving November 10th). The M3 does infact feel faster in a straight line because the ride is a lot more harsh, so you really feel every bump in the road, don't be decieved by this though; the C32 is infact faster in a straight line than the M3.
Reply
Old Oct 9, 2002 | 05:59 AM
  #3  
C32AMG-TW's Avatar
Almost a Member!
 
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 48
Likes: 0
From: Taipei, Taiwan
E55AMG, Smart
Thumbs up

I posted 3 links on the page 4 of the "C32 AMG Picture Thread".
I think U should check that out.
C32 is good.
Reply
Old Oct 9, 2002 | 10:26 AM
  #4  
Zeppelin's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 1,289
Likes: 3
From: OC
C32
Hell, a Mustang GT with the 5 speed feels faster. But it is a lot slower. Who cares how fast a car feels.
Reply
Old Oct 9, 2002 | 12:15 PM
  #5  
JustinTRW's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 1,080
Likes: 4
From: San Diego, CA
C32 AMG
I've driven both. The M3 feels faster because the torque curve is not as flat as with the C32. It charges with great drama towards its 8000 rpm redline, whereas the C32 produces speed with relatively less fuss.
Reply
Old Oct 9, 2002 | 12:29 PM
  #6  
FrankW's Avatar
MBworld Guru
20 Year Member
Photogenic
Photoriffic
Shutterbug
 
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 22,058
Likes: 18
From: Diamond Bar, CA
W206 PHEV AMG
One of my friends just took the delivery of his jet black M3, and I had the chance of driving it the other day. According to my butt dyno, the M3 certainly feel faster, DOES handle the curve a lot better. The seating position is higher than the c32.

anyway, WOW is the word I would use for both car. I certainly don't regret getting the C32.
Reply
Old Oct 9, 2002 | 12:57 PM
  #7  
JRF's Avatar
JRF
Newbie
 
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 13
Likes: 0
From: Washington, DC
C32 & C240
Drove both

I own an 02 C32. My younger brother owned an 02 M3 for all of about 3 months. After the M3 was broken in, we took turns driving both. The M3 felt slooowww in a straight line. We did not have a G-tech at the time, but there was no comaprison between the two cars when broken in. Absent droping the clutch, it does not have the get up and go of the C32. Handling on some tight twisties was in the M3's favor - slighlty less body roll. I have tracked the C32 and have no doubt at the track it may be more fun to play with the M3. My C32 was able to hang with a C5 sporting a pair of Hosier slicks though - not a bad accomplishment. In everyday driving though, the power of the C32 is more useable. The M3 is nice but I think BMW got something wrong this last version. Too many engine problems for my liking. I have no doubt the next M3 will be another killer car - which will include a 4 door.

The end result was that the M3 got traded on an 02 NSX. We bought a G-tecj pro and ran the cars in 0-60 runs. My brother would not drop the NSX clutch. No problem for the C32 to match the NSX's time. In fact I beat it on the first run 5.20 compared to 5.28.

So that resulted in the NSX getting supercharged. Several grand later, he's got a faster car, but it is not useable. So say good-bye to the NSX (this past weekend) and hello to a Bentley. He's giving up.

The C32 is still around will be for 2-3 more years.
Reply
Old Oct 9, 2002 | 02:07 PM
  #8  
Bux's Avatar
Bux
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 1,553
Likes: 1
G
your bro doesn't

like 911 turbo or a ferrari 360? or did he already have those
Reply
MB World Stories

The Best of Mercedes & AMG

story-0

6 Mercedes Models That Did NOT Age Well (But Are Somehow Still Cool)

 Verdad Gallardo
story-1

Manual Mercedes? 6 Times Sindelfingen Let Drivers Have All The Fun

 Verdad Gallardo
story-2

Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren

 Verdad Gallardo
story-3

8 Classic Boxy Mercedes Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine

 Verdad Gallardo
story-4

Flawlessly Restored Mercedes 190E Evo II Heads to Auction

 Verdad Gallardo
story-5

Electric Mercedes C-Class Unveiled: 11 Things You Need to Know

 Verdad Gallardo
story-6

Mercedes EQS Gets A Major Update: Everything You Need to Know

 Verdad Gallardo
story-7

5 Underrated Mercedes-Benz Models That Don't Get the Love They Deserve

 Verdad Gallardo
story-8

Mercedes 300D Has Pushed Well Past 1 Million Miles and It Ain't Stopping

 Verdad Gallardo
story-9

10 Most Reliable Mercedes-Benz Models You Can Buy Used

 Verdad Gallardo
Old Oct 9, 2002 | 04:47 PM
  #9  
JRF's Avatar
JRF
Newbie
 
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 13
Likes: 0
From: Washington, DC
C32 & C240
Sorry - he (or the master of the house) had both - an 02 911 turbo in fly yellow and a 360 F1. Both have come and gone. The 355 F1 (targa) has stuck around for some odd reason - perhaps its the add-ons that the little one added which killed the re-sale / not that the NSX held its value with the supercharger and free flow exhaust.

An S8 is the main ride - 02 porsche targa was traded in. Actually the 02 targa was traded in on a Jag XJR (?? not sure if I have the right name here - the claimed 400 hp - midsize). Severe tranny problems shifting from 2nd to 1st while stoping. Tried a second one and same problem. Transaction was undone and off to the Audi dealer across the street.

My only dissapointment is that NSX/Bentley debacle killed the SL55 purchase. I may be waiting for the SL360 or perhaps a SMART car in 05 just for the hell of it.
Reply
Old Oct 9, 2002 | 10:25 PM
  #10  
Chan's Avatar
Junior Member
 
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 22
Likes: 0
The C32 unless up against an SMG M3 should be quicker due to its very nice auto tranny.

The SMG M3 pulls off more consecutive times than the manual.
Reply
Old Oct 9, 2002 | 10:29 PM
  #11  
Accord's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 6,261
Likes: 13
From: Afghanistan / South Florida / Camp Lejeune, NC
2008 BMW M6, 2008 Ducati 1098, 2008 Ducati Monster S2R1000, 1971 Ducati Scrambler
Originally posted by Chan
The C32 unless up against an SMG M3 should be quicker due to its very nice auto tranny.

The SMG M3 pulls off more consecutive times than the manual.
The C32 is faster in a straight line than the SMG2 and manual tranny M3.
Reply
Old Oct 9, 2002 | 11:51 PM
  #12  
JDMkIV's Avatar
Thread Starter
Newbie
 
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 11
Likes: 0
i also hear that air temps and conditions play a big in which car pulls better i.e. coller temps is better for an NA engine while hot, dense air is better for blown engines. i might have gotten that switched around.
Reply
Old Oct 10, 2002 | 12:10 AM
  #13  
sticky2's Avatar
Banned
 
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 464
Likes: 0
Originally posted by JDMkIV
i also hear that air temps and conditions play a big in which car pulls better i.e. coller temps is better for an NA engine while hot, dense air is better for blown engines. i might have gotten that switched around.
Cold dense air is better for both engines! Warm or Hot air never helps an engine. Colder air will have more of an impact with forced induction.
Reply
Old Oct 10, 2002 | 12:46 AM
  #14  
FrankW's Avatar
MBworld Guru
20 Year Member
Photogenic
Photoriffic
Shutterbug
 
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 22,058
Likes: 18
From: Diamond Bar, CA
W206 PHEV AMG
Originally posted by Accord
The C32 is faster in a straight line than the SMG2 and manual tranny M3.
it depends on the driver of the M3 manu or SMGII, and the condition when the test was made. SMG can actually be drop clutched from neutral to 1. That's what i tried with my friend's M3 SMG. Not a hard launch though, just a normal driving launch.
Reply
Old Oct 10, 2002 | 01:10 AM
  #15  
Bux's Avatar
Bux
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 1,553
Likes: 1
G
BOTH are low 13sec cars....SHEESH:p

within 1/10th's of each other!!!!! so many factors that affect that so lets just say BOTH are low 13sec cars.
Reply
Old Oct 10, 2002 | 01:14 AM
  #16  
Accord's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 6,261
Likes: 13
From: Afghanistan / South Florida / Camp Lejeune, NC
2008 BMW M6, 2008 Ducati 1098, 2008 Ducati Monster S2R1000, 1971 Ducati Scrambler
Originally posted by FrankW
it depends on the driver of the M3 manu or SMGII, and the condition when the test was made. SMG can actually be drop clutched from neutral to 1. That's what i tried with my friend's M3 SMG. Not a hard launch though, just a normal driving launch.
Assuming that both drivers are of identical skill and both cars are in the same enviroment on the same 1/4 mile track, the C32 AMG will be slightly faster.
Reply
Old Oct 10, 2002 | 01:15 AM
  #17  
FrankW's Avatar
MBworld Guru
20 Year Member
Photogenic
Photoriffic
Shutterbug
 
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 22,058
Likes: 18
From: Diamond Bar, CA
W206 PHEV AMG
Originally posted by ro0zy
BOTH are low 13sec cars....SHEESH:p

within 1/10th's of each other!!!!! so many factors that affect that so lets just say BOTH are low 13sec cars.
this topic is like walking around in a circle without realizing it's a circle.

One is made for Autobahn, and one the made for Nurburgring. That's my story and i'm sticking to it.
Reply
Old Oct 10, 2002 | 01:28 AM
  #18  
JustinTRW's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 1,080
Likes: 4
From: San Diego, CA
C32 AMG
Frank, the launch control system of the U.S. SMG does not allow as high of rpm to drop the clutch at as the European counterpart. In any case, the 6-speed is still quicker to the 1/4 mile.
Reply
Old Oct 10, 2002 | 01:44 AM
  #19  
FrankW's Avatar
MBworld Guru
20 Year Member
Photogenic
Photoriffic
Shutterbug
 
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 22,058
Likes: 18
From: Diamond Bar, CA
W206 PHEV AMG
Originally posted by JustinTRW
Frank, the launch control system of the U.S. SMG does not allow as high of rpm to drop the clutch at as the European counterpart. In any case, the 6-speed is still quicker to the 1/4 mile.
i was reading the C&D the other day, and the editor respond to one of the letter regarding to that question. They say the US M3 SMG does hav that feature, but they also say it didn't work for them. Nevertheless, the M3 6-speed is faster if driven correctly. SMG will be a different case. But, at any speed other than starting from a stop, the C32 will pull away from the M3 in a straight line. The difference in torque really matters.

Last edited by FrankW; Oct 10, 2002 at 01:46 AM.
Reply
Old Oct 11, 2002 | 11:05 AM
  #20  
TimmyC230boy's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 2,924
Likes: 1
From: Sitting behind thing freakin desk of mine. Dreaming I was playing my Taylors, and driving my Benz. Long Live The VRAA!!!!!!
C230 Sports Coupe
i havent riden in either, but have heard them both racing in person. The M3 didnt have the exhuast note I thought it would. The C32 sounded way better.
Reply

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)
 


You have already rated this thread Rating: Thread Rating: 0 votes,  average.


All times are GMT -4. The time now is 02:28 AM.

story-0
6 Mercedes Models That Did NOT Age Well (But Are Somehow Still Cool)

Slideshow: Not every Mercedes design becomes timeless, some feel stuck in the era they came from.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-12 18:09:07


VIEW MORE
story-1
Manual Mercedes? 6 Times Sindelfingen Let Drivers Have All The Fun

Slideshow: Yes, Mercedes built manual cars, and some of them are far more interesting than you'd expect.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-02 12:36:58


VIEW MORE
story-2
Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren

Slideshow: A one-of-one U.S.-spec Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren Roadster became even rarer after a factory-backed transformation at McLaren's headquarters.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-29 11:19:28


VIEW MORE
story-3
8 Classic Boxy Mercedes Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine

Slideshow: Before curves took over, Mercedes mastered the art of the straight line, and some of those shapes still look right today.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-25 12:05:49


VIEW MORE
story-4
Flawlessly Restored Mercedes 190E Evo II Heads to Auction

Slideshow: The 190E Evolution II shows how a homologation necessity became a six-figure collector icon.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-22 17:53:47


VIEW MORE
story-5
Electric Mercedes C-Class Unveiled: 11 Things You Need to Know

Slideshow: Mercedes is turning one of its core nameplates electric, and the details show just how serious this shift is.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-21 13:58:06


VIEW MORE
story-6
Mercedes EQS Gets A Major Update: Everything You Need to Know

Slideshow: Faster charging, longer range, and a controversial steer-by-wire system define the latest evolution of Mercedes-Benz EQS.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-15 10:35:34


VIEW MORE
story-7
5 Underrated Mercedes-Benz Models That Don't Get the Love They Deserve

Slideshow: These overlooked Mercedes-Benz models never got the spotlight, but they quietly delivered more than most remember.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-13 19:35:45


VIEW MORE
story-8
Mercedes 300D Has Pushed Well Past 1 Million Miles and It Ain't Stopping

Slideshow: A well-used 1991 Mercedes-Benz 300D with more than one million miles is now looking for a new owner, and it still appears ready for more.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-10 10:05:15


VIEW MORE
story-9
10 Most Reliable Mercedes-Benz Models You Can Buy Used

Slideshow: From bulletproof sedans to surprisingly tough SUVs, these Mercedes models proved that the three-pointed star can go the distance.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-08 09:55:49


VIEW MORE