AMS: BMW M3 E90 vs Mercedes C63 AMG

[Mr Robert]

This test was performed in Sweden with Swedish cars.

BMW: Manual, sunroof, 19".
Mercedes: PP?*, sunroof, 19".

* They say the car is equipped with a LSD and then in the conclusion they say it might have been closer if the car had the PP.

Tests performed in cold conditions and both cars were fitted with Michelin PS.

Test result:
Acceleration (sec)
0-100
M3: 4,7
C63: 4,7
0-140
M3: 8,2
C63: 8.2
0-200
M3: 16,0
C63: 15,6

Fuel consumption in test (l/100 km)
M3: 13,4
C63: 14,1

Slalom 18 m (km/h)
M3: 66,7
C63: 63,7

Lane change (km/h)
M3: 138,0
C63: 130,7

Weight by EC standard (kg)
M3: 1,739
C63: 1,903

Brake performance 100-0 km/h(m, (cold unload, cold load, warm load))
M3: 37, 37, 37
C63: 36, 37, 36

Verdict:


1. BMW M3: Still number one when it comes to driving experience.

2. Mercedes C63: Breathing down the M3's neck.

 

[GTA45E]

C63 is beautiful in red...
Still the best looking in it`s class, hands down!

 

[Mr Robert]

C63 is beautiful in red...
Still the best looking in it`s class, hands down!

The C63 is really nice in red. I think I wrote somewhere else that red might be the new white.

 

[chonkoa]

I wonder when we are going to start seeing the M3 DCT in comparison test?

 

[Mr Robert]

I wonder when we are going to start seeing the M3 DCT in comparison test?

I guess it will take some time.

In this test they say that the DCT option will be something like 4,000 euro...

 

[Centurion]

Thanks for the test but care to explain what "lane change" is?

 

[Sunny]

I think it is the same as the infamous moose test.

 

[Merc1]

Same test that Car and Driver does. How fast can a car make an emergency lane change without spinning/losing its composure. Something you might have to do a few times during your driving years.

M

 

[PC Valkyrie]

As with almost all the tests so far, the C63 is still falling short in the "handling" category type of tests compared to the M3, but I guess it's straight line acceleration advantage and more aggressive looks make it a more attractive draw (for some people).

 

[DeDe]

Something's wrong with those 0-160 times.

 

[Wunderkind]

Something is very wrong with the weight figure of the C63......................

 

[Mr Robert]

Something's wrong with those 0-160 times.

They are really fast. No doubt.

 

[DeDe]

They are really fast. No doubt.

I know what's wrong. -> Those are 0-140 km/h times and all of the data comes from the german AMS.

 

[Mr Robert]

I know what's wrong. -> Those are 0-140 km/h times and all of the data comes from the german AMS.

That makes a lot more sense. Judging by the pictures in the test no one could ever have conducted proper 0-xxx testing.

I will change the original post.

 

[martinbo]

Something is very wrong with the weight figure of the C63......................

Oh please let's not go there again!

 

[Cashmere]

there's somthing not right about th sprint times. Seems the M3 is neck and neck with the C63 right upto 160.

The C63 looks lovely with optional multispoke wheels.

 

[Mr Robert]

there's somthing not right about th sprint times. Seems the M3 is neck and neck with the C63 right upto 160.

The C63 looks lovely with optional multispoke wheels.

DeDe pointed out that the 0-160 times really were 0-140 times.

 

[far2000]

RED Really looks outstanding on the C63, But u got 2 hand it 2 the driving dynamics of the M..Looks like Bmw will always b ahead of the Pack in that Department..

Both Cars Truly awesome and would definitely be a hard choice 4 a purchase...

 

[martinbo]

RED Really looks outstanding on the C63, But u got 2 hand it 2 the driving dynamics of the M..Looks like Bmw will always b ahead of the Pack in that Department..

Both Cars Truly awesome and would definitely be a hard choice 4 a purchase...

True enough Farouk but the C63 is expected to come in at R 90,000.00 more than the 4 door M3. Quite a price differential and surely a consideration when faced with the difficult decision you describe...

 

[Sunny]

Yeah, with previous generations the AMG was at least the more comfortable and civilized option, which gave me (and I am sure others) the idea that the AMG fell short in the handling cause AMG had a diffrent agenda, but this time around with the M3 being also the more comfartable option, I am convinced that it is cause M is just better at making cars go around turns.