How much power do we really need
#1
Newbie
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: Pennsylvania
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
S4 25th anniversary quattro
How much power do we really need
Newbie to this forum, but i've been trolling for a while. I was driving by my local MB dealer and decided to take a look at the C63. Smart salesman put me behind the wheel and gave me the keys. As you can imagine I was blown away. I've got an S4 that I use as a daily driver. Love the power and the fact that it's a year round driver. I've had my share of fun, powerful cars, including a great 993 C4S and an E430 (BMW 530 excluded). I actually chose the S4 over the RS4 based on my perception that the extra power of the RS4 was unnecessary other than to boost my ego.
Given that I'm afflicted with this obsession (you know what I mean), I can't get the C63 out of my head. The only detraction in my mind is the lack of a stick. But then I think back to my decision when I bought the S4 and I have to wonder if I'm just punch drunk over the power of the C63 (and the amazing sound of that exhaust). I know from reading posts here that many people think the comparison between the S4 and the C63 is apples to oranges and I don't necessarily disagree. But again I have to wonder how often that extra power will really come into play. How much is enough-or is it never enough?
Given that I'm afflicted with this obsession (you know what I mean), I can't get the C63 out of my head. The only detraction in my mind is the lack of a stick. But then I think back to my decision when I bought the S4 and I have to wonder if I'm just punch drunk over the power of the C63 (and the amazing sound of that exhaust). I know from reading posts here that many people think the comparison between the S4 and the C63 is apples to oranges and I don't necessarily disagree. But again I have to wonder how often that extra power will really come into play. How much is enough-or is it never enough?
#5
Member
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: Hainesport, NJ
Posts: 247
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
2014 CTS-V (6spd, phantom grey), 2010 Cadillac Escalade ESV (black raven)
When I was a kid, 300hp was supercar territory.
As I got older, I felt that 400-500hp was probably the limit of usable power for a DD.
But with the increased safety requirements and added weight, I'm starting to feel 500-600hp is probably a fair number. Anything more, you're just burning rubber.
I'm sure my feelings will continue to evolve...
As I got older, I felt that 400-500hp was probably the limit of usable power for a DD.
But with the increased safety requirements and added weight, I'm starting to feel 500-600hp is probably a fair number. Anything more, you're just burning rubber.
I'm sure my feelings will continue to evolve...
#6
MBWorld Fanatic!
Join Date: Sep 2008
Location: Central Florida
Posts: 2,177
Likes: 0
Received 13 Likes
on
12 Posts
2014 Audi RS7
I have to say that more power is always good but you reach a point to where your desire to race/go fast now overcomes your common sense for a daily driver. My C63 has been my DD ever since I got it nearly two years ago and 24,000 miles ago. Many scurmishes with the competition from time to time but nothing dangerous or stupid until last month. I got into a scurmish with a 996TT and it was on. We were in 5:00 traffic and both of us lost our senses. We exceeded the limits many times and both of us ended up getting stopped by an unmarked car. Fortunately for us both the cop had pitty on us because we were both older and "should" have known better.
Paid the fine and took the traffic school on line and bought a 2005 Diesel Excursion with over 100,000 miles on it for my DD. You can reach a point to where too much power every day is NOT good for your mind and senses. I know I never thought I would say that but its true.
Too large of a temptation for every day driving. Now she only gets out occassionally and the weekends.
![Confused](https://mbworld.org/forums/images/smilies/confused.gif)
![EEK!](https://mbworld.org/forums/images/smilies/eek.gif)
![drive](https://mbworld.org/forums/images/smilies/driving.gif)
#7
MBWorld Fanatic!
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: Clifton, NJ
Posts: 4,949
Likes: 0
Received 38 Likes
on
33 Posts
96 and 08 911 turbos
I have to say that more power is always good but you reach a point to where your desire to race/go fast now overcomes your common sense for a daily driver. My C63 has been my DD ever since I got it nearly two years ago and 24,000 miles ago. Many scurmishes with the competition from time to time but nothing dangerous or stupid until last month. I got into a scurmish with a 996TT and it was on. We were in 5:00 traffic and both of us lost our senses. We exceeded the limits many times and both of us ended up getting stopped by an unmarked car. Fortunately for us both the cop had pitty on us because we were both older and "should" have known better.
Paid the fine and took the traffic school on line and bought a 2005 Diesel Excursion with over 100,000 miles on it for my DD. You can reach a point to where too much power every day is NOT good for your mind and senses. I know I never thought I would say that but its true.
Too large of a temptation for every day driving. Now she only gets out occassionally and the weekends. ![drive](https://mbworld.org/forums/images/smilies/driving.gif)
![Confused](https://mbworld.org/forums/images/smilies/confused.gif)
![EEK!](https://mbworld.org/forums/images/smilies/eek.gif)
![drive](https://mbworld.org/forums/images/smilies/driving.gif)
Trending Topics
#9
MBWorld Fanatic!
You guys got lucky. So how fast were you guys going and what speed did you get written up for?
#11
MBWorld Fanatic!
#12
MBWorld Fanatic!
Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: Vancouver, Canada
Posts: 3,082
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
R8
Our perceptions are skewed because we spend time on forums like MBWorld, where lots of people have fast, powerful cars. That's why it seems like 451 bhp isn't enough.
Out in the real world, you have to remember these cars are in the 99th percentile of all cars when it comes to power and speed.
Out in the real world, you have to remember these cars are in the 99th percentile of all cars when it comes to power and speed.
#13
MBWorld Fanatic!
Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: San Diego, CA
Posts: 2,771
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
'13 GT-R AMS Alpha 9+, CLA45, E55
![thumbs](https://mbworld.org/forums/images/smilies/thumbsup.gif)
Still though, I can't get enough. When you start to get comfortable with a power level it's always nice to add something else to remap the butt dyno
![drive](https://mbworld.org/forums/images/smilies/driving.gif)
#14
Newbie
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: Pennsylvania
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
S4 25th anniversary quattro
I think part of it is just evolution. My 1996 Porsche had around 280 horsepower, as did my 99 E430. Both were quick and fun to drive (although obviously in completely different ways). Now an E350 is 270 and the 550 is 380, and a 997 C4S has 385 hp. I thought I'd reached nirvana with my S4 (340 hp), which was noticeably quicker than my old Porsche. But the C63 was--wow! So I guess I'm being pulled along with the ever-increasing horsepower trend (happily!). Great time to be a car enthusiast.
#15
MBWorld Fanatic!
Join Date: Apr 2010
Posts: 1,955
Likes: 0
Received 7 Likes
on
7 Posts
2017 Mini Cooper S Clubman ALL4 - British Racing Green
As Tim from "Home Improvement" would say.... "More Power ... *and a bunch of grunts*" ![Smilie](https://mbworld.org/forums/images/smilies/smile.gif)
I will say, having only had my c63 for about 2 months now... I feel the need for more power.... or maybe I just need to reset the stupid adaptive throttle control...
I have had an odd selection of cars since 96.. started with a 94 Cavalier Z24, Dodge Daytona Shelby, 96 Ford Probe GT, 01 Jetta 1.8t to 07 Camry hybrid.... To the C63
I have been happy with most of those cars at some point (except for the Camry.. I blame my wife for that..) regardless of the power of said vehicle.. That say.. none of them, or for that matter, any car I have rented or driven, comes close to the power of the C63... and I find that tame sometimes.. mostly because I drive in cruise mode in rush hour traffic...
![Smilie](https://mbworld.org/forums/images/smilies/smile.gif)
I will say, having only had my c63 for about 2 months now... I feel the need for more power.... or maybe I just need to reset the stupid adaptive throttle control...
I have had an odd selection of cars since 96.. started with a 94 Cavalier Z24, Dodge Daytona Shelby, 96 Ford Probe GT, 01 Jetta 1.8t to 07 Camry hybrid.... To the C63
I have been happy with most of those cars at some point (except for the Camry.. I blame my wife for that..) regardless of the power of said vehicle.. That say.. none of them, or for that matter, any car I have rented or driven, comes close to the power of the C63... and I find that tame sometimes.. mostly because I drive in cruise mode in rush hour traffic...
#17
Super Member
Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: Montreal, Canada
Posts: 690
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like
on
1 Post
2021 Taycan Turbo, 2018 Radical SR3, 2021 Lincoln Aviator
+1. I was lapping last Sunday on a rainy day and a short twisty track. I realized I was using about 30% of my power and 100% of tire and handling. When I can drive the car without traction control at 100% on a track (mostly losing traction accelerating out of turns) I'll add more power.. so after the LSD and tire upgrade!
#18
Super Member
Join Date: Oct 2008
Location: Shanghai, Long Island(NY)
Posts: 568
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
C63
+1. I was lapping last Sunday on a rainy day and a short twisty track. I realized I was using about 30% of my power and 100% of tire and handling. When I can drive the car without traction control at 100% on a track (mostly losing traction accelerating out of turns) I'll add more power.. so after the LSD and tire upgrade!
We had to roll down front windows for some safety reasons, and drivers in cars that I passed by told me that our cars sounded insane! After a few track events, I like my car even more. It's low profile outside but it's a beast within!
#20
MBWorld Fanatic!
It is not all about the power. Unfortunately one of the huge list of downside that the C63 AMG has is the power/weight ratio. The engineer did a good job on the suspension, seats, brakes, power and all that but they never took the car weight serious enough thus it really doesn't matter how much power the C63 AMG has since the weight is the other 50% factor.
My 286hp EvoIX was already trapping higher speeds than my C63 AMG with just a 3" exhaust, tune and boost controller (power estimated of 350hp with those mods).
Botton line, don't just look at the power, look at other things like weight and traction. My .2c
My 286hp EvoIX was already trapping higher speeds than my C63 AMG with just a 3" exhaust, tune and boost controller (power estimated of 350hp with those mods).
Botton line, don't just look at the power, look at other things like weight and traction. My .2c
#21
Super Member
from Wikipedia:
The following quote has been attributed to (Mark) Donohue: "If you can make black marks on a straight from the time you turn out of a corner until the braking point of the next turn, then you have enough horsepower."
The following quote has been attributed to (Mark) Donohue: "If you can make black marks on a straight from the time you turn out of a corner until the braking point of the next turn, then you have enough horsepower."
![Big Grin](https://mbworld.org/forums/images/smilies/biggrin.gif)
#22
MBWorld Fanatic!
Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: Vancouver, Canada
Posts: 3,082
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
R8
![Smilie](https://mbworld.org/forums/images/smilies/smile.gif)
#24
MBWorld Fanatic!
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: Miami, FL
Posts: 1,237
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like
on
1 Post
C63 AMG(sold), 2009 CL550, 2010 S550 Majestic Black, 2010 ML550, 2006 C230, 2009 Venza
I remember when I test drove the C63 for the first time. It actually scared the **** outta me when the salesman told me to step on the gas and I thought to myself "I'm going to kill myself in this". Almost 2 years later people that sit in my car get scared if I even punch it a little bit and I'm like nothing cuz I've gotten so used to the power I dont even feel it anymore. Power is addicting....It's like a drug!