Since the beginning, Germany’s BMW and Mercedes have been known for building great sport (BMW) and luxury (MB) cars that command, especially the M and AMG versions, some big money.
Both automakers have crossed into the others ‘territory’ as BMW has moved into the luxury area and Mercedes has gone into the sport arena. Both automakers seem to want to keep their core customers (big money and exquisite taste drivers) but take new ones from the other.
First things first – the M and AMG divisions of these iconic automakers build the brands’ high performance cars. So it goes without saying that the cars they build will perform in a big way.
Furthermore, when BMW and Mercedes try, they try hard and hit hard. How hard? Let’s see but be smart enough stay safely out of the way of the 2012 BMW M3 and Mercedes C63 AMG!
In this article I will provide some key comparisons of the two cars. Aspects such as the exteriors, interiors, standard equipment, safety features, etc. will not be my focus. Considering the prices of these two high performance cars, we know that the interiors and safety features will be excellent.
Prices:
The Mercedes C63 AMG MSRP is $61,430 and the BMW M3 MSRP is $59,900.
Engines:
The BMW M3 is equipped with a 4.0-liter V8 delivering 414 hp and 295 ft. lb. of torque. The Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG is equipped with a 6.2-liter V8 delivering 451 hp and 443 ft. lb. of torque.
Transmissions:
The C63 AMG is equipped with a 7-speed automatic that up shifts quickly and downshifts when the driver prefers. However, the Mercedes does not rev match on downshifts as well as a driver working a manual gearbox. The M3 is equipped with a smooth and precise sifting six-speed manual gearbox with a locking rear differential. The driver is more involved with M3 and keeping the engine’s revs up as required is relatively easy to do.
Curb weight:
The M3 weights 3,552 lbs. and the C63 AMG weighs 3,935 lbs.
Acceleration:
The C63 AMG does 0-60 mph in 3.7 seconds and the M3 takes 4.3 seconds. In the quarter mile, the Mercedes clocks in at 12.1 seconds and the BMW does it in 13.4 seconds. The Mercedes’ torque advantage enables the C63 to accelerate from almost any speed without delay. The M3 is also fast, however, it requires the driver to keep the engine’s revs up and downshift to a lower gear to obtain the maximum performance.
Brakes:
The BMW M3 is equipped with discs measuring 14.2 inches at the front and 13.8 inches at the rear. The car’s stopping distance from 70-0 mph is in153 feet. The tires measure 265 40 18 inch. The Mercedes C63 AMG is equipped with discs measuring 15.4 inches at the front and 14.2 inches at the rear. The car’s stopping distance from 70-0 mpg is in 161 feet. The tires measure 285 30 19 inch. Of these two cars at the track, the M3’s brake pedal feels more responsive. In every day driving, both car’s have excellent fade-free brakes.
Suspension:
The C63 AMG has MacPherson struts and a stabilized bar at the front and multi-links with a stabilizer bar rear setup. The M3 is likewise equipped with MacPherson struts and a stabilized bar at the front and multi-links with a stabilizer bar at the rear.
Handling:
The M3 is able to change direction quicker than the heavier C63 AMG. On the road the C63 feels highly secure. However, at the track, when the C63 is pressed to its limit, it breaks away with little warning and is thus more abrupt. Of the two, the M3 is the more driver involving car as it provides a high level of feedback and few surprises. Both cars inspire plenty of confidence when they are driven on regular roads or Interstates.
Interiors:
The C63 AMG’s interior has been upgraded. It is modern and the controls are a bit easier to use than the M3’s. The M3’s interior is somewhat dated, however, it will be upgraded for the new model next year.
So to put it all together and summarize, although both automakers are getting into the other’s territory (BMW with more luxury and Mercedes with more sport), their ‘traditional’ core orientation comes through. Although it is faster than the M3, the Mercedes C63 AMG continues to side with its luxury theme combined with sport, and the BMW M3 continues to side with hard core sport driving plus some luxury features.
Which German automobile would I take? I am only the referee and therefore, I do not get to vote! I will leave the hard choice up to the real judge(s) – you.
Visit the slideshow to see the fast 2012 BMW M3 and the Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG.
Kyle Busch is the author of “Drive the Best for the Price: How to Buy a Used Automobile, Sport-Utility Vehicle, or Minivan and Save Money.” He welcomes your comments or car questions at his newly redesigned auto web site at: www.drivethebestbook.com or www.cartown1.com. Follow Kyle on Facebook and Twitter.