E90 M3 sedan vs C63 AMG....first comparison test
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 1,064
Likes: 1
From: Canada
C55 AMG, 135i, 911 GT3, GLE43 AMG
E90 M3 sedan vs C63 AMG....first comparison test
From Germany's Autozeitung magazine, and translated from German from another forum.
The M3 won all categories but engine/transmission (which was close 752 for the C63 to 750 for M3), in total: 3131 points M3, 3057 C63.
The M3 is better on track and wins this test since it's the "better one". But the C63 is one of the most dynamic Mercedes models. They didn't like the PP, which adds not much to the performance but worsens the comfort.
0-100 kph|0-200|slalom18m|braking dist|weight|handling course
M3: 5.0s | 15.9s | 66.8kph | 35.6/34.6m | 1655kg | 1:38.7 min
C63: 4.6s | 15.3s | 65.4kph | 36.2/35.4m | 1820kg | 1:40.0 min
M3 was on 18" PS2, Manual gearbox.
C63 had P Zero and the Performance Package (030).
The M3 won all categories but engine/transmission (which was close 752 for the C63 to 750 for M3), in total: 3131 points M3, 3057 C63.
The M3 is better on track and wins this test since it's the "better one". But the C63 is one of the most dynamic Mercedes models. They didn't like the PP, which adds not much to the performance but worsens the comfort.
0-100 kph|0-200|slalom18m|braking dist|weight|handling course
M3: 5.0s | 15.9s | 66.8kph | 35.6/34.6m | 1655kg | 1:38.7 min
C63: 4.6s | 15.3s | 65.4kph | 36.2/35.4m | 1820kg | 1:40.0 min
M3 was on 18" PS2, Manual gearbox.
C63 had P Zero and the Performance Package (030).
Newbie
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 23
Likes: 0
2004 BMW M3
The only reason the C63 was even close to the M3 in handling is because in this test it DID have the performance pack. If you look at a lot of the comparison videos on YouTube you will see that in most (if not all) cases, they are running the C63 without the PP.... which means NO lomited slip differential. That's why the C63 looks like it's less controllable and "such a beast" as it's been described... especially with the easy ability to spin the rear tires accelerating out of turns due to the high torque.
The nasty rumor that the PP will not be offered for the C63 in the U.S. for the first year (combined with the fact that the M3 now WILL be available with the dual clutch transmission)... are the key factors that are tilting me back to getting the new M3 for now.
I think it's a crime to not have LSD standard on a car like the C63 !?... Can't make sense of this....
The nasty rumor that the PP will not be offered for the C63 in the U.S. for the first year (combined with the fact that the M3 now WILL be available with the dual clutch transmission)... are the key factors that are tilting me back to getting the new M3 for now.
I think it's a crime to not have LSD standard on a car like the C63 !?... Can't make sense of this....
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 1,319
Likes: 3
From: Thick Ascending Limb
2017 BMW X5M DG/AB
The only reason the C63 was even close to the M3 in handling is because in this test it DID have the performance pack. If you look at a lot of the comparison videos on YouTube you will see that in most (if not all) cases, they are running the C63 without the PP.... which means NO lomited slip differential. That's why the C63 looks like it's less controllable and "such a beast" as it's been described... especially with the easy ability to spin the rear tires accelerating out of turns due to the high torque.
The nasty rumor that the PP will not be offered for the C63 in the U.S. for the first year (combined with the fact that the M3 now WILL be available with the dual clutch transmission)... are the key factors that are tilting me back to getting the new M3 for now.
I think it's a crime to not have LSD standard on a car like the C63 !?... Can't make sense of this....
The nasty rumor that the PP will not be offered for the C63 in the U.S. for the first year (combined with the fact that the M3 now WILL be available with the dual clutch transmission)... are the key factors that are tilting me back to getting the new M3 for now.
I think it's a crime to not have LSD standard on a car like the C63 !?... Can't make sense of this....
Senior Member
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 254
Likes: 0
2008 BMW 335xi Coupe
I personally feel that each car is for a different person.. depending on what they want.. if you look at numbers.. yea the M3 wins.. but the C63 is a little more extravagent... has anyone seen the top gear review of the M3 vs C63 vs RS4?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=usQi1peqQOs
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g5nzEax87lw
M3 = sublime
RS4 = civilized
C63 = insane
makes sense... id take the C63, if i need that perfection on a track.. ill get a 911
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=usQi1peqQOs
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g5nzEax87lw
M3 = sublime
RS4 = civilized
C63 = insane
makes sense... id take the C63, if i need that perfection on a track.. ill get a 911
Last edited by kostas; Feb 7, 2008 at 12:13 AM.
Super Member
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 999
Likes: 0
From: san francisco
C32
Thanks for the Top Gear links. I'm disappointed at how poorly the C63 competed on that track compared to both the M3 and RS4. It barely beat the RS4 by .4 seconds despite the favorable weight and power advantage, but lost to the M3 by 5 seconds.
5 seconds is an eternity on a track.
It's not to to say that I will drive like I stole the car, but if that car in fact had the PP it's a disappointment to say the least. It seems AMG has got their act together but have a bit to go before putting out a car that can match the M's handling.
5 seconds is an eternity on a track.
It's not to to say that I will drive like I stole the car, but if that car in fact had the PP it's a disappointment to say the least. It seems AMG has got their act together but have a bit to go before putting out a car that can match the M's handling.
Trending Topics
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 6,760
Likes: 594
From: Seattle
'19 E63S, ‘16 CLS63 RIP, '09 E63 Gone, '06 M5 Gone, '97 Supra TT Gone
Thanks for the Top Gear links. I'm disappointed at how poorly the C63 competed on that track compared to both the M3 and RS4. It barely beat the RS4 by .4 seconds despite the favorable weight and power advantage, but lost to the M3 by 5 seconds.
5 seconds is an eternity on a track.
It's not to to say that I will drive like I stole the car, but if that car in fact had the PP it's a disappointment to say the least. It seems AMG has got their act together but have a bit to go before putting out a car that can match the M's handling.
5 seconds is an eternity on a track.
It's not to to say that I will drive like I stole the car, but if that car in fact had the PP it's a disappointment to say the least. It seems AMG has got their act together but have a bit to go before putting out a car that can match the M's handling.
MB World Stories
The Best of Mercedes & AMG
Manual Mercedes? 6 Times Sindelfingen Let Drivers Have All The Fun
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren
Verdad Gallardo
8 Classic Boxy Mercedes Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine
Verdad Gallardo
Flawlessly Restored Mercedes 190E Evo II Heads to Auction
Verdad Gallardo
Electric Mercedes C-Class Unveiled: 11 Things You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes EQS Gets A Major Update: Everything You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
5 Underrated Mercedes-Benz Models That Don't Get the Love They Deserve
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes 300D Has Pushed Well Past 1 Million Miles and It Ain't Stopping
Verdad Gallardo
10 Most Reliable Mercedes-Benz Models You Can Buy Used
Verdad Gallardo
Member
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 101
Likes: 0
If the Germans says the PP is too harsh on their smooth roads then it must be really harsh.
What Mercedes should offer is just the LSD on it's own, it's a no brainer, but no they have to tie it in with a rock hard suspension and a steering wheel in materials that make it look too racer boy, go figure.
The Performance package should be something like the following
+30bhp
delimit to 186mph
mechanical LSD
performance driving course.
and they should offer it for ALL markets.
Regards
Andy
What Mercedes should offer is just the LSD on it's own, it's a no brainer, but no they have to tie it in with a rock hard suspension and a steering wheel in materials that make it look too racer boy, go figure.
The Performance package should be something like the following
+30bhp
delimit to 186mph
mechanical LSD
performance driving course.
and they should offer it for ALL markets.
Regards
Andy
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 2,597
Likes: 19
From: Kuwait
CLS55 2006, CLS 63S 2015
Thanks for the Top Gear links. I'm disappointed at how poorly the C63 competed on that track compared to both the M3 and RS4. It barely beat the RS4 by .4 seconds despite the favorable weight and power advantage, but lost to the M3 by 5 seconds.
5 seconds is an eternity on a track.
It's not to to say that I will drive like I stole the car, but if that car in fact had the PP it's a disappointment to say the least. It seems AMG has got their act together but have a bit to go before putting out a car that can match the M's handling.
5 seconds is an eternity on a track.
It's not to to say that I will drive like I stole the car, but if that car in fact had the PP it's a disappointment to say the least. It seems AMG has got their act together but have a bit to go before putting out a car that can match the M's handling.
or any other luxo car in the ringalso Pzero tires suck! i have them and they give ZERO traction...dont know if these are the new ones but hey
Last edited by Zod; Feb 9, 2008 at 03:48 PM.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 2,146
Likes: 1
From: L.A., CA
'08 M5, '10 Land Cruiser
Agree on P-zero's. Michelin PS2s are the tire king.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 3,679
Likes: 0
CLS55 AMG
If the Germans says the PP is too harsh on their smooth roads then it must be really harsh.
What Mercedes should offer is just the LSD on it's own, it's a no brainer, but no they have to tie it in with a rock hard suspension and a steering wheel in materials that make it look too racer boy, go figure.
What Mercedes should offer is just the LSD on it's own, it's a no brainer, but no they have to tie it in with a rock hard suspension and a steering wheel in materials that make it look too racer boy, go figure.
As did Pontiac Trans Ams and Chevy Z28s back in the day....hell, even the new Pontiac G8 GT, which lists for under $30,000, has a friggin' LSD, standard.
That the flagship AMG performance cars offer it ONLY as part of a ridiculously expensive option shows a disregard of customers' wants and needs which borders upon contemptuous.
I for one won't be rushing out to buy a new AMG anytime soon, I can tell you that.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 1,319
Likes: 3
From: Thick Ascending Limb
2017 BMW X5M DG/AB
Mercedes are idiots, pure and simple. The BMW M cars come w/LSD, standard.
As did Pontiac Trans Ams and Chevy Z28s back in the day....hell, even the new Pontiac G8 GT, which lists for under $30,000, has a friggin' LSD, standard.
That the flagship AMG performance cars offer it ONLY as part of a ridiculously expensive option shows a disregard of customers' wants and needs which borders upon contemptuous.
I for one won't be rushing out to buy a new AMG anytime soon, I can tell you that.
As did Pontiac Trans Ams and Chevy Z28s back in the day....hell, even the new Pontiac G8 GT, which lists for under $30,000, has a friggin' LSD, standard.
That the flagship AMG performance cars offer it ONLY as part of a ridiculously expensive option shows a disregard of customers' wants and needs which borders upon contemptuous.
I for one won't be rushing out to buy a new AMG anytime soon, I can tell you that.
Super Member
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 999
Likes: 0
From: san francisco
C32
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 6,760
Likes: 594
From: Seattle
'19 E63S, ‘16 CLS63 RIP, '09 E63 Gone, '06 M5 Gone, '97 Supra TT Gone
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 2,923
Likes: 3
Mercedes Benz
Sadly many C63's I think will also be coming with the beautiful Conti SportContact 2 tires. Those will kill the fun.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 1,319
Likes: 3
From: Thick Ascending Limb
2017 BMW X5M DG/AB
