Vs Car & Driver: RS4 vs C63 vs M3

[PC Valkyrie]

Here it is:

2007 Audi RS 4, 2008 Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG, 2008 BMW M3 - Comparison Tests - Car and Driver

1st: M3
2nd: C63 AMG
3rd: RS4

The C63 is REALLY FAST. 0-60mph in 3.9 seconds. It's also really heavy, and it really is a gas guzzler. It is also the most uncomfortable out of the three cars.

 

[PC Valkyrie]

Well, here are my thoughts about these cars.

The M3 remains the ultimate driving machine. It is the lightest car and it still offers that special "connected" feeling that neither Audi or MB seems to get right. It has the highest skidpad and lane change numbers, yet it is more comfortable to live with that the C63. The M3's straightline acceleration is middle of the pack here, but it is still VERY fast when you step back and realize all 3 cars are well below 5 seconds in the sprint to 60mph. For the track, the M3 probably remains the weapon of choice.

Now, the C63's focus has really shifted to providing a more raw driving experience and to really make a noticeable shift to sharper handling at the limits, which means super stiff, non-adjustable suspension. Now it has become the most uncomfortable car in its class. What is really hard to ignore is the seriously fast straightline acceleration the C63 has. We all know C&D tends to get the fastest times, but it's still impressive compared to other AMG cars tested by C&D. The car is the heaviest of the 3, according to the way C&D weighs them, and it's fuel consumption is crazy high.

The RS4.....well, I guess this test just shows you how fast things can change. It now has the lowest skidpad and lane change number compared to the other cars. It is the slowest in a straight line too.

 

[PC Valkyrie]

Here are the most important numbers, IMO. I've added the same numbers from the previous C&D tests of the E46 M3, W203 C55, to give some perspective.

E46 M3/E92 M3
curb weight: 3394 lbs/3571lbs
0-60mph: 4.8s/4.3s
0-100mph: 12.3s/9.8s
1/4 mile: 13.6s@105mph/12.8@113mph
rolling 5-60mph: 5.3s/5.0s
70-0mph: 161ft/156ft
skidpad: 0.87g/0.91g
lane change: 61.1mph/65.9mph

W203 C55/W204 C63
curb weight: 3588lbs/4034lbs
0-60mph: 4.7s/3.9s
0-100mph: 11.3s/9,2s
1/4 mile: 13.3s@108mph/12.3s@116mph
rolling 5-60mph: 4.9s/4.2s
70-0mph: 165ft/155ft
skidpad: 0.85g/0.88g
lane change: 66.4mph/64.0mph

B7 RS4
curb weight: 3814lbs
0-60mph: 4.5s
0-100mph: 11.3s
1/4 mile: 13.1s@108mph
rolling 5-60mph: 5.1s
70-0mph: 157ft
skidpad: 0.87g
lane change: 61.4mph

 

[merve_extreme]

The C63 did not have the sport pack,nor was it equipped with 19" rims.The Audi is running 19" with optional brakes so can the 63.That will surely improve the skidpad numbers and the 63 is believed to have a more comfortable ride on 19" rims.Also the C63 has the skinniest of tyres

front-235 compared to 245 and 255 for the M3 and RS4
rear-255 compared to 265 and 255 for M3 and RS4.

IMO with proper tyres the C63 will definitely have better numbers.

Note to M3 drivers,never ever drag the 63,you will be slaughtered:

 

[merve_extreme]

here are the numbers for the IS-F

Zero to 60 mph: 4.2 sec
Zero to 100 mph: 9.8 sec
Zero to 150 mph: 24.7 sec
Street start, 5–60 mph: 4.6 sec
Standing ¼-mile: 12.7 sec @ 114 mph
Top speed (governor limited): 172 mph
Braking, 70–0 mph: 159 ft
Roadholding, 300-ft-dia skidpad: 0.92 g

note:The RS4,C63 and M3 Road Holding numbers are for 150-ft skidpad.

 

[PC Valkyrie]

The C63 did not have the sport pack,nor was it equipped with 19" rims.The Audi is running 19" with optional brakes so can the 63.That will surely improve the skidpad numbers and the 63 is believed to have a more comfortable ride on 19" rims.Also the C63 has the skinniest of tyres

front-235 compared to 245 and 255 for the M3 and RS4
rear-255 compared to 265 and 255 for M3 and RS4.

IMO with proper tyres the C63 will definitely have better numbers.

Note to M3 drivers,never ever drag the 63,you will be slaughtered:

Sure, the C63 with the performance package and 19" rims may result in better handling numbers, but there is no way it will be more comfortable than the standard car with 18" rims. Trust me on this one, going from 18" to 19" rims and lower profile tires results in a more bumpy ride, not a more comfortable one.

Having skinnier tires than the M3 and RS4 is nothing new to the C-AMG cars in comparison tests. It was the same situation with the C55 vs the E46 M3 vs the RS4......skinnier tires on 18" rims rather than wider tires on 19" rims on the competition, and no LSD or quattro.

 

[merve_extreme]

Sure, the C63 with the performance package and 19" rims may result in better handling numbers, but there is no way it will be more comfortable than the standard car with 18" rims. Trust me on this one, going from 18" to 19" rims and lower profile tires results in a more bumpy ride, not a more comfortable one.

Having skinnier tires than the M3 and RS4 is nothing new to the C-AMG cars in comparison tests. It was the same situation with the C55 vs the E46 M3 vs the RS4......skinnier tires on 18" rims rather than wider tires on 19" rims on the competition, and no LSD or quattro.

i know that normally up sizing results in worse ride but i read in some preview that the 63 has better ride on 19" rims,maybe it has to do with how the suspension is set up rather than the lower profile of the 19" tyres.

Also LSD comes with the sport pack, right ? so that will definitely improve things when it comes to handling numbers.

lane change: 66.4mph/64.0mph

are u sure its not 56.4 for the C55 ?

 

[Zafiro]

Too bad the M3 didnt have the optional 19" rims. I dont like those dark 18" rims on this tested M3.

Every reviews says the C63 has the stiffest suspension. I wonder why MB decided to do this?

 

[Sunny]

Here are the most important numbers, IMO. I've added the same numbers from the previous C&D tests of the E46 M3, W203 C55, to give some perspective.

E46 M3/E92 M3
curb weight: 3394 lbs/3571lbs
0-60mph: 4.8s/4.3s
0-100mph: 12.3s/9.8s
1/4 mile: 13.6s@105mph/12.8@113mph
rolling 5-60mph: 5.3s/5.0s
70-0mph: 161ft/156ft
skidpad: 0.87g/0.91g
lane change: 61.1mph/65.9mph

W203 C55/W204 C63
curb weight: 3588lbs/4034lbs
0-60mph: 4.7s/3.9s
0-100mph: 11.3s/9,2s
1/4 mile: 13.3s@108mph/12.3s@116mph
rolling 5-60mph: 4.9s/4.2s
70-0mph: 165ft/155ft
skidpad: 0.85g/0.88g
lane change: 66.4mph/64.0mph

B7 RS4
curb weight: 3814lbs
0-60mph: 4.5s
0-100mph: 11.3s
1/4 mile: 13.1s@108mph
rolling 5-60mph: 5.1s
70-0mph: 157ft
skidpad: 0.87g
lane change: 61.4mph

At last some numbers. Guess it is the sought of the same story as before, AMG is the fastest in a straight line and M3 around a curve. But guess the difference is this time the AMG doesn't have the better ride either... but it definitely goes like hell in a straight line. I am surprised at how much better the E92 did than E46. C63 actually did worse than C55 in lane change, guess the 40000+ lb weight did take its toll.

 

[Imhotep Evil]

>



^ The M3 would have done better with a semi-automatic and 19 inch rubber (and why doesn't BMW offer ceramics ?!).

 

[OBR]

"But if you like to be seen, heard, and talked about, the C63 is your Lamborghini of sports sedans." -Car and Driver-

sounds promising..

not bad #'s on the IS.. guess that 8 speed helps alot..

 

[cawimmer430]

I find it so hilariously funny that the C63 AMG, being a Mercedes is the most uncomfortable of the three.

That 0-60 time of 3.9 seconds is INSANE!!!

 

[LaArtist]

OMG that car is shit fast..
i really want to see some lap times..cause on some laps it will give the M3 problems i belive..
and with the sportspackage.. hmm shit gets even closer..

I like the part when he says:

n the end, we found the C63 to offer the most special experience in this highly desirable trio, but as the days wore on, we became slightly less enamored with the Mercedes’ aggressive behavior and looks—the creases, the bulges, the vents, and the gaping front fascia could almost pass as an aftermarket job in this tasteful group. But if you like to be seen, heard, and talked about, the C63 is your Lamborghini of sports sedans.

Most special
The looks are for each one to decide.. so i dont care what he thinks

 

[Tarek]

The C63 is without any doubt my choice,Lambo of sports sedans NICE

 

[Poverty]

Too bad the M3 didnt have the optional 19" rims. I dont like those dark 18" rims on this tested M3.

Every reviews says the C63 has the stiffest suspension. I wonder why MB decided to do this?

They had to because its the heaviest by some margin if they wanted to compete. Weight is the worst evil a car can have.

 

[PC Valkyrie]

are u sure its not 56.4 for the C55 ?

I'm sure that the C55 had a lane change speed of 66.4mph, because I have the actual C&D issue that tested the C55. When you look at the "handling" numbers that the C55 generates (from all magazines), it really isn't as bad as many people think. That's why an average driver like myself can keep up with cars like the E46 M3/Cayman S on a track. What the C55 lost out on is the "driving feel", the inability to completely disable ESP for pro drivers driving on a track, and the automatic transmission which dulled the experience.

But now I'm going off topic......

 

[Tumbo]

Great test
Well, ths just shows how great these 3 are. Sometimes the RS4 wins, sometimes the C63 and now the M3 got the gold. As stated "although no driver in this test directed an unkind word at the RS 4..." And stil it finished in 3rd. In anyway, you can't say any of these is a bad car. In fact, I still am surprised how well this old daddy RS4 keeps up with these two brand new rockets from Germany. I already can't wait for the B8 RS4... I know it's going to be insane.

Anyways, the pics for the lazy ones:

 

[Zafiro]

I find it so hilariously funny that the C63 AMG, being a Mercedes is the most uncomfortable of the three.

yes its intresting. I remember all those previous fanboys discussion around the net, including our board. Reason why most people on car boards picked the C55 over M3 becuase the AMG had better comfort . Now that cant be used as an argument anymore and logically AMG fans should pick the M3 since it now offer better comfort than C AMG I wonder how many of them still pick C AMG

 

[OBR]

yes its intresting. I remember all those previous fanboys discussion around the net, including our board. Reason why most people on car boards picked the C55 over M3 becuase the AMG had better comfort . Now that cant be used as an argument anymore and logically AMG fans should pick the M3 since it now offer better comfort than C AMG I wonder how many of them still pick C AMG

they will say its an automatic and easier to drive..

 

[Zafiro]

they will say its an automatic and easier to drive..

Luckily M3 comes with DCT gearbox soon. However , driving a manual is no hard either, I done it for 15 years