Deciding Between A C63 AMG And M3 Coupe
#28
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04 CL55 (sold), 2012 CLS550 (sold), 2014 S550 (sold), 2015 ES300H (DAILY)
I say get the C63 AMG.
M3's are everywhere....they used to catch my attention in the beginning, until half of LA started owning one.
M3's are everywhere....they used to catch my attention in the beginning, until half of LA started owning one.
#30
IMO if you're looking to track the car every once in a while or take it up to places like Topanga Canyon, you are best with the M3. If you just want something that has a lot of grunt and more of a hot rod, then c63 is the way to go. IMO having owned an m3 before, I think it is a whole lot of fun over the c-class. I do not own a c63 but have ridden in a few. I still feel the M3 is much more of a drivers car. Aftermarket support is better for m3's too.
but the sound that a c63 makes is intoxicating enough for many to go further into debt.
I used to be a tuner, so my views may be skewed more towards track.
but the sound that a c63 makes is intoxicating enough for many to go further into debt.
I used to be a tuner, so my views may be skewed more towards track.
#31
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04 CL55 (sold), 2012 CLS550 (sold), 2014 S550 (sold), 2015 ES300H (DAILY)
am I driving through the wrong places?? haha
#32
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50% more torque is a "slight" edge in power? (295 vs 443 lb.ft)
There's no competition in my book, the additional torque makes the C63 crazy fun to drive, slide around corners, and generally tear ***... the M3 is pretty neutered until you rev the **** out of it, then you're playing the power band game to keep it from falling on its face.
The DCT transmission is nice but not a redeeming factor. I would have went with the manual anyway. It's a shame that MB couldn't make a decent manual transmission if their life depended on it.
different strokes![nix](https://mbworld.org/forums/images/smilies/nixweiss.gif)
![crazy](https://mbworld.org/forums/images/smilies/crazy.gif)
The DCT transmission is nice but not a redeeming factor. I would have went with the manual anyway. It's a shame that MB couldn't make a decent manual transmission if their life depended on it.
different strokes
![nix](https://mbworld.org/forums/images/smilies/nixweiss.gif)
On top of that, everyone wants to own a performance car with a killer 0 - 60 time. This is were the DCT shines. Nothing and no one can shift quicker and without any interruption in power delivery. Because the next gear up or down is already selected by the second clutch before the first one with the current gear disengages. It's the most efficient transmission on the market.
#33
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I just bought a 2012 c63 sedan coming in september. Before the purchase I test drove both cars, I actually wanted the M3 coupe way more before driving both. (manual tranny, like mentioned above probably get more looks in it, and since Im young thats marginally important lol) The M3 is an amazing car but it was what I expected, almost boring and the dealer treated it like his newborn baby. (was really pathetic) The c63 on the other hand behaved totally different. The dealer tossed me the keys and on the second turn I slammed the pedal down and I was sold!! The torque is unmatched by far! The c63's power/ noise/ excitement will make everyday driving so much more fun! just ask the guys on this form, they all bought one for mostly that reason. The c63 is a more practical car for everyday driving, has a classy feel as well as a sporty feel... where as the M3 has that distinct "I should only be speeding" feel, partly because its only exciting at hi revs. I would buy the c63 if you want to play tough, an M3 if your soft and want excuses when you loose on the street to a c63, just dont go blabbing about the track... we told you so. jks.
Seriously though its all up to you, we dont know your driving habits... go with what feels right to you, at the end of the day the car has to make you feel happy. I dont think you can go wrong with your decision either way.
Seriously though its all up to you, we dont know your driving habits... go with what feels right to you, at the end of the day the car has to make you feel happy. I dont think you can go wrong with your decision either way.
#34
Is the emergency brake on? That is what I kept asking myself the first time I drove the M3. Just felt so slow compared to the C63 ... it was nice at higher RPMs and DCT is incredible ... but ZERO fun off the line when compared to the C63. If I lived in an area where I had a prayer of running it out ... I might think differently ... but traffic and the popo are a nightmare around here (NoVA) ...
Last edited by 315ER; 07-14-2011 at 09:20 PM.
#35
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I thought a C63 was also an axe murderer with headlights.
Last edited by DuaneC63; 07-14-2011 at 09:46 PM.
#36
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'11 C63, '22 GLS 63, Porsches, M3, M4
I agree with the comment that the DCT in the M3 is good enough to partly compensate for the M3 having much less torque than the C63, but only partly. More generally, neither car is superior to the other in every category, and the price is about the same, so the choice comes down to personal preference. Nice to have such choices!
![Smilie](https://mbworld.org/forums/images/smilies/smile.gif)
#37
Super Member
The only sedan that I drove that is truly comparable to the C63 is the Jaguar XFR. Brute force and not a track star but it still made all the right moves and sounds. That is one stout, fat powerplant and is comparable in many ways to the C63 save the sound while pretty nasty...nothing is as nasty as the C63!
#39
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C63 AMG
It's not about whether they could or not ....... it's just much cheaper to produce an automatic transmission than a double clutch transmission. And to be honest, the days of the manual transmission is coming to an end as the traffic is getting worse by the day.
On top of that, everyone wants to own a performance car with a killer 0 - 60 time. This is were the DCT shines. Nothing and no one can shift quicker and without any interruption in power delivery. Because the next gear up or down is already selected by the second clutch before the first one with the current gear disengages. It's the most efficient transmission on the market.
On top of that, everyone wants to own a performance car with a killer 0 - 60 time. This is were the DCT shines. Nothing and no one can shift quicker and without any interruption in power delivery. Because the next gear up or down is already selected by the second clutch before the first one with the current gear disengages. It's the most efficient transmission on the market.
![word](https://mbworld.org/forums/images/smilies/werd.gif)
![word](https://mbworld.org/forums/images/smilies/werd.gif)
![word](https://mbworld.org/forums/images/smilies/werd.gif)
And to the OP, you should buy an M3.
![Wink](https://mbworld.org/forums/images/smilies/wink.gif)
#41
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08' C63 AMG, 89' BMW 525i
had the same dilemma too. tried the the m3 (stick) and liked it. tried the c63 and bought it the next day, yes, its that much more fun
if u wanna come down to the santa monica area i could give u a ride and let u see how its like
![Big Grin](https://mbworld.org/forums/images/smilies/biggrin.gif)
Last edited by ctwz; 07-15-2011 at 02:07 AM. Reason: none
#42
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![Smilie](https://mbworld.org/forums/images/smilies/smile.gif)
Backstory: I had been a long term BMW fan, my first one was a hand-me-down 1990 BMW 750iL with 110k miles from my father. We got rid of it when the notoriously temperamental V-12 decided to start acting up. Got a then-new 1999 E46 323i. Traded it on a 2002 M3 with SMG transmission. Then bought a highly discounted 2008 M3 (customer ordered a fully loaded M3, extended leather, sound, 19's, etc and backed out. They still had it when 2009's began rolling in, got it for 16 off sticker). I owned the 2008 M3 (6-speed manual) for about a year. Then, I went with my sister to help her pick out a GLK350 to replace her SLK350. Out of the corner of my eye I see they have a C63 on the lot. So while she's test driving the GLK, I took the C63 out. Fast forward 5 hours and I'm finishing the paperwork on the C63.
The M3 was fun, but only if you were beating it like horse on derby day. And the exhaust note, while nice in a tinny small displacement italian V-8 sort of way, was anemic. The C63 had the power whenever I wanted it, and sounded as powerful as it felt. The M3 handled better and would win on a track day (time wise), but I don't have the time for track days like I did with the 2002 M3. Besides, I still had a 1988 M3 for when I did have time for the track.
Needless to say, the choice was a no brainer. Jaws would literally drop when people heard the noise coming out of what looked like a C-Class sedan.
BMW lost me, the X5 and X6 "M" cars were the last straw. The 1M Coupe is a move in the right direction, a "we're sorry" gift for the SUVs. The next M5 looks interesting, but I'm also leery of the uneven power delivery with turbo vs NA of factory tuned cars.
I'm now a full AMG convert. Following the C63, I went "what's the craziest thing this engine comes in?" I then traded the C63 for a second-hand CPO'd CLK63 Black Series. Had it for almost a year now, and I recently put a deposit down for a Spring 2012 SLS AMG allocation.
And you know what? I still miss the C63 when I need to haul more than one other person.
Last edited by Carac; 07-15-2011 at 02:36 AM.
#43
Newbie
And I'm a surgeon that traded his M3 for a C63 ![Smilie](https://mbworld.org/forums/images/smilies/smile.gif)
Backstory: I had been a long term BMW fan, my first one was a hand-me-down 1990 BMW 750iL with 110k miles from my father. We got rid of it when the notoriously temperamental V-12 decided to start acting up. Got a then-new 1999 E46 323i. Traded it on a 2002 M3 with SMG transmission. Then bought a highly discounted 2008 M3 (customer ordered a fully loaded M3, extended leather, sound, 19's, etc and backed out. They still had it when 2009's began rolling in, got it for 16 off sticker). I owned the 2008 M3 (6-speed manual) for about a year. Then, I went with my sister to help her pick out a GLK350 to replace her SLK350. Out of the corner of my eye I see they have a C63 on the lot. So while she's test driving the GLK, I took the C63 out. Fast forward 5 hours and I'm finishing the paperwork on the C63.
The M3 was fun, but only if you were beating it like horse on derby day. And the exhaust note, while nice in a tinny small displacement italian V-8 sort of way, was anemic. The C63 had the power whenever I wanted it, and sounded as powerful as it felt. The M3 handled better and would win on a track day (time wise), but I don't have the time for track days like I did with the 2002 M3. Besides, I still had a 1988 M3 for when I did have time for the track.
Needless to say, the choice was a no brainer. Jaws would literally drop when people heard the noise coming out of what looked like a C-Class sedan.
BMW lost me, the X5 and X6 "M" cars were the last straw. The 1M Coupe is a move in the right direction, a "we're sorry" gift for the SUVs. The next M5 looks interesting, but I'm also leery of the uneven power delivery with turbo vs NA of factory tuned cars.
I'm now a full AMG convert. Following the C63, I went "what's the craziest thing this engine comes in?" I then traded the C63 for a second-hand CPO'd CLK63 Black Series. Had it for almost a year now, and I recently put a deposit down for a Spring 2012 SLS AMG allocation.
And you know what? I still miss the C63 when I need to haul more than one other person.
![Smilie](https://mbworld.org/forums/images/smilies/smile.gif)
Backstory: I had been a long term BMW fan, my first one was a hand-me-down 1990 BMW 750iL with 110k miles from my father. We got rid of it when the notoriously temperamental V-12 decided to start acting up. Got a then-new 1999 E46 323i. Traded it on a 2002 M3 with SMG transmission. Then bought a highly discounted 2008 M3 (customer ordered a fully loaded M3, extended leather, sound, 19's, etc and backed out. They still had it when 2009's began rolling in, got it for 16 off sticker). I owned the 2008 M3 (6-speed manual) for about a year. Then, I went with my sister to help her pick out a GLK350 to replace her SLK350. Out of the corner of my eye I see they have a C63 on the lot. So while she's test driving the GLK, I took the C63 out. Fast forward 5 hours and I'm finishing the paperwork on the C63.
The M3 was fun, but only if you were beating it like horse on derby day. And the exhaust note, while nice in a tinny small displacement italian V-8 sort of way, was anemic. The C63 had the power whenever I wanted it, and sounded as powerful as it felt. The M3 handled better and would win on a track day (time wise), but I don't have the time for track days like I did with the 2002 M3. Besides, I still had a 1988 M3 for when I did have time for the track.
Needless to say, the choice was a no brainer. Jaws would literally drop when people heard the noise coming out of what looked like a C-Class sedan.
BMW lost me, the X5 and X6 "M" cars were the last straw. The 1M Coupe is a move in the right direction, a "we're sorry" gift for the SUVs. The next M5 looks interesting, but I'm also leery of the uneven power delivery with turbo vs NA of factory tuned cars.
I'm now a full AMG convert. Following the C63, I went "what's the craziest thing this engine comes in?" I then traded the C63 for a second-hand CPO'd CLK63 Black Series. Had it for almost a year now, and I recently put a deposit down for a Spring 2012 SLS AMG allocation.
And you know what? I still miss the C63 when I need to haul more than one other person.
![Smilie](https://mbworld.org/forums/images/smilies/smile.gif)
![](https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-PPzFHh0t4qY/ThOdAiE3L_I/AAAAAAAACVg/lJDx_lNyFgw/s640/P90811200.jpg)
Last edited by snowmants; 07-15-2011 at 02:26 PM.
#45
Super Member
To the OP: Bottom line is that you're getting great car either way, and these kinds of decisions never work when you apply logic. More of a heart than head decision.
#46
MBWorld Fanatic!
I just bought a 2012 c63 sedan coming in september. Before the purchase I test drove both cars, I actually wanted the M3 coupe way more before driving both. (manual tranny, like mentioned above probably get more looks in it, and since Im young thats marginally important lol) .
#47
Newbie
For those of you guys with the AMG Blacks....They really are the best of both worlds. I would hold on to them. They will probably be rare, sought-after classics eventuallly. The other thing with the M3 for me was that looking back over the previous 3 generations of M3 (e30, e36, e46), I still think they all look great. The designs seem to stand the test of time.
#49
MBWorld Fanatic!
Anyone who thinks the M3 handles better is a ******.
BMW uses R-Compound tires to prove their crappy times. THE C63 while a girls car is the man's car of small cars. Clint Eastwood would drive a C63. Who wants a puny 3 series with no torque or anything. Handling? Handling my *** unless your name is MARIO ANDRETTI you wont FEEL THE DIFFERENCE.
BMW uses R-Compound tires to prove their crappy times. THE C63 while a girls car is the man's car of small cars. Clint Eastwood would drive a C63. Who wants a puny 3 series with no torque or anything. Handling? Handling my *** unless your name is MARIO ANDRETTI you wont FEEL THE DIFFERENCE.
#50
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2010 Irridium Silver MB C63 AMG Sedan
Anyone who thinks the M3 handles better is a ******.
BMW uses R-Compound tires to prove their crappy times. THE C63 while a girls car is the man's car of small cars. Clint Eastwood would drive a C63. Who wants a puny 3 series with no torque or anything. Handling? Handling my *** unless your name is MARIO ANDRETTI you wont FEEL THE DIFFERENCE.
BMW uses R-Compound tires to prove their crappy times. THE C63 while a girls car is the man's car of small cars. Clint Eastwood would drive a C63. Who wants a puny 3 series with no torque or anything. Handling? Handling my *** unless your name is MARIO ANDRETTI you wont FEEL THE DIFFERENCE.