Ever since the new C63 AMG model from Mercedes came out we’ve been seeing people comparing it to its eternal rival, the F80 M3 and yet, up until now, a proper head to head wasn’t properly done. Well, the time has come to take a look at what these two offer and which one is for you and which is not.
As you probably already know, over time, each of these two created a name for themselves therefore while the M3 worked on its sporty image, the Merc is more on the luxurious, comfortable side of things.
Come to think of it, the two brands can be defined this way, the Bimmers being known as the more sporty approach to the industry with a touch of luxury while the three-pointed star company is more laid back traditionally. They tend to a more... refined demographic, those that want to travel fast in a straight line and don’t go to the track too often.
And guess what? That’s what the guys from Evo found, roughly. They also proved a point that Porsche has been struggling to emphasize for quite some time now: power isn’t everything.
It’s rather unfair that they chose to pit the M3 against the S version of the C63 that has a lot more power than the Bavarian. Even the standard C63 tramples over the 431 HP of the BMW with its twin-turbo 4-liter V8 and 476 HP. The S adds some 34 more to the mix bringing the difference between the cars up to 79 HP.
Some would consider that enough to make the M car sweat on any track but as the harsh reality proved, less weight to carry around is also the way to on the circuit.
There are some key elements to point out here as well. For example, what the reviewer had to say regarding how the two are from behind the wheel.
First of all, the BMW has a better seating position, with the steering wheel right in front of the driver’s chest while the Merc has you sitting a little higher.
Other differences are noticeable in the way the engines respond, with the S55 plant on the M3 being sharper in response while the V8 was complying just a tad slower. Another downside of the AMG is that the transmission isn’t as fast as the DCT, admittedly also because it’s a simple, one-clutch version.
The cherry on top though (or the coffin nail, if you will) is the added weight. Over the years, no matter how hard they tried, engineers couldn’t find a way to counter the laws of physics and the new C63 AMG makes no difference whatsoever. But don’t take our word for it, check out the time difference between the two on a proper track!
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