E46 M3 vs SLK 55
Newbie
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 13
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Well, I have owned the following cars very very recently. E46 M3 (Feb 2004 - August 2005), E46 M3 CSL (August 2005 - Jan 2006), SLK55 AMG (March 2006 - July 2006) and back to my current car, E46 BMW M3 CSL. I would say from a standing start, the SLK55 is definitely faster than an E46 M3. There isn't much in it to be honest but the SLK55 would beat it. From a rolling start with the M3 at the right revs and the SLK55 also ready to go I still think the SLK55 would be quicker. BUT when you hit a few twisty roads the SLK would struggle to keep up, not due to its power but due to it being nose heavy and the auto gearbox just doesn't help.
Now for the M3 CSL. From a standing start, with the CSL NOT using launch control it would be very close, maybe too close to call but until 50-60mph I still think the SLK55 may have a slight edge. But by 30mph once the CSL is in its stride it is definitely faster. It's hard to launch the CSL without launch control because you can't dump the clutch at 4000rpm for the perfect start, the car just starts from idle revs. On the road at any speed, with the CSL in the right gear, it is faster than the SLK55. There is no doubt in my mind. With 1420kg and 360bhp it has a better power to weight ratio. In S6 gear mode, with DSC off, it will also change gears quicker. It has 275lb/ft torque against 375lb/ft so torque to weight is less but remember it's nearly 150kg lighter which is a fair bit. I test drove my first SLK55 straight after jumping out of my CSL and I remember telling the salesman that I would have to be on the ball and ready to keep up. The CSL though would murder the SLK55 in twisties though. I can go so much faster in it. It has awesome levels of grip and handling and with Cup tyres there is almost no understeer. It really is a tremendous car.
Now for the M3 CSL. From a standing start, with the CSL NOT using launch control it would be very close, maybe too close to call but until 50-60mph I still think the SLK55 may have a slight edge. But by 30mph once the CSL is in its stride it is definitely faster. It's hard to launch the CSL without launch control because you can't dump the clutch at 4000rpm for the perfect start, the car just starts from idle revs. On the road at any speed, with the CSL in the right gear, it is faster than the SLK55. There is no doubt in my mind. With 1420kg and 360bhp it has a better power to weight ratio. In S6 gear mode, with DSC off, it will also change gears quicker. It has 275lb/ft torque against 375lb/ft so torque to weight is less but remember it's nearly 150kg lighter which is a fair bit. I test drove my first SLK55 straight after jumping out of my CSL and I remember telling the salesman that I would have to be on the ball and ready to keep up. The CSL though would murder the SLK55 in twisties though. I can go so much faster in it. It has awesome levels of grip and handling and with Cup tyres there is almost no understeer. It really is a tremendous car.
Out Of Control!!
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 28,933
Likes: 12
Hey guys, I am posting this on behalf of M&M, who was banned Hitler-style for no apparent reason.
Thank your buddies guys who can't keep some smalltalk civil for having this thread closed.
