The Eternal Rivalry: BMW M3 vs Mercedes-AMG C63

For three years, the BMW M3 and Mercedes-AMG C63 have been locked in an intense battle for supremacy. Both super saloons have consistently pushed each other to new heights, leaving enthusiasts eagerly anticipating their next encounter. In recent times, both models have received significant updates, with the M3 boasting a performance package that adds 30 horsepower, while the C63 offers a competition package that takes its handling to the next level.

The BMW M3 has taken a more traditional approach, opting for an additional 480 horsepower rather than relying on advanced technology. This upgrade comes at a cost of £4,995, which may seem steep, but is dwarfed by the C63's similarly potent offering. The M3's new performance package promises to deliver a brutal driving experience, making it a formidable opponent on the track.

In contrast, the Mercedes-AMG C63 has taken a different approach, focusing on even better handling rather than raw power. Its competition package includes lower and stiffer suspension, upgraded damper programs, and different rims. While this may not offer as much sheer horsepower as its rival, it promises to provide a more agile and responsive driving experience.

To determine which model is truly the superior saloon, our team conducted an in-depth analysis of both vehicles' performance capabilities. We put the BMW M3 through its paces first, taking it out on the famous Brandenburg Circuit for a test of its handling prowess. The M3's 6.3-liter engine delivered plenty of torque, allowing us to push the car hard and experience the thrill of drifting. However, we soon realized that the M3 was struggling to keep up with the C63's pace.

One major factor contributing to the M3's lackluster performance was its limited slip differential, which helped put power down but resulted in a lack of smokey slides. In contrast, the C63's system allowed it to deliver exceptional traction and control, even at high speeds. Our test driver's initial hesitation before initiating a drift highlighted the importance of this feature, as he soon found himself struggling to maintain momentum.

Despite the M3's impressive raw power, its chassis proved less agile than expected. The car struggled to turn in quickly, resulting in a slower lap time compared to the C63. Meanwhile, the C63 excelled on the track, thanks in part to its effective traction control system. Our test driver reported feeling more confident behind the wheel of the C63, as it consistently responded well to his inputs.

To determine which car was truly the quicker saloon, we decided to conduct a flying lap against the clock. The results were clear: the Mercedes-AMG C63 left the BMW M3 in its dust, achieving a blistering 4.4 seconds to reach 62mph. However, this performance came at the cost of straight-line speed, which is only truly relevant if the car can maintain traction and control while cornering.

In the end, it was clear that both models had their strengths and weaknesses. The BMW M3 excelled on the track, thanks to its raw power and aggressive handling, but struggled in certain areas, such as initial traction and responsiveness. The Mercedes-AMG C63, on the other hand, offered exceptional handling and control, but sacrificed some straight-line speed in the process.

Ultimately, it was clear that BMW had made a slight mistake by focusing on power rather than advanced technology. While the M3's raw horsepower is undeniably impressive, its handling capabilities are less refined as a result. In contrast, Mercedes has done an excellent job of balancing its C63 with exceptional handling and control, making it the more well-rounded package.

While neither car can be considered the "best showman," both models have demonstrated their worth on the track. However, in the end, there is only one true winner: the quicker and sharper Mercedes-AMG C63.

"WEBVTTKind: captionsLanguage: enthe bmw m3 and Mercedes c63 AMG make Hamilton and Alonzo look like a bosom buddies for three years these super saloons have been at each other's throats battling for supremacy the last time we drove them the m3 was on top with new special editions of each the tables of the turn with Mercedes they simply offer you more power spend four thousand and nine hundred and ninety five pounds on their new performance package and you get an extra 30 horsepower take it up to a brutal 480 BMW have taken a different approach not more power but instead even better handling the three thousand three hundred and fifteen pound competition package on that BMW m3 coupe a has lower and stiffer suspension upgraded damper programs and different rims so will that be enough to fend off the extra power of the Merc take fancier flight test-1 extreme handling in other words which one drifts better I'll go first in the 57 Brandenburg got six point three liters I've got more torque torque is good when it comes down kicking inside way I wish to keep it going as a smoke that's smoke so schoolmate that's so that's a I'm not sure I can ever give a ten because we're not perfect it's no time for the 56 grand BMW it's 60 horsepower down on the Merc what would its tweaked chassis should be easier to control we got ribs not much smoke you see I reckon tips to stick what tips all about is the BMW's incredibly affected limited slip differential which helps put the power down with minimal wheel spin the downside a lack of smokey slides then what's the scores every it doesn't one seven seven good way to understand half way through so the mercedes-benz wins this would be better on track then test to find out which is quickest so it's a flying lap against the clock to get there Ward's ready assuming TIFF can get out of drift mode all right I've got the horse buzzer must've gave them the strength in fact the Merc will reach 62 miles there in just 4.4 seconds but straight-line speed isn't much use if a car went to corner neatly until it's that change of direction that makes the tail I believe how nervous concentrate you just ran right into that wall one thirty eight point one time for the BMW here it is although the funny lot we thought that's the traction locking us up from touring car it's effective you turn it too early the BMW might be nearly half a second slower to 62 than the Merc but better handling equals better speed through the corners as much fun very daizy's it's not over till NZ over 32 seconds going really 36.2 it just shows you grunts not everything you need a chassis as well BMW and Mercedes are really playing to their strengths with these special editions the c63 isn't even faster hot rod and the m3 and even harder track tools but there's only one winner and while it might not be the best showman it has to be the quicker sharper BMW youthe bmw m3 and Mercedes c63 AMG make Hamilton and Alonzo look like a bosom buddies for three years these super saloons have been at each other's throats battling for supremacy the last time we drove them the m3 was on top with new special editions of each the tables of the turn with Mercedes they simply offer you more power spend four thousand and nine hundred and ninety five pounds on their new performance package and you get an extra 30 horsepower take it up to a brutal 480 BMW have taken a different approach not more power but instead even better handling the three thousand three hundred and fifteen pound competition package on that BMW m3 coupe a has lower and stiffer suspension upgraded damper programs and different rims so will that be enough to fend off the extra power of the Merc take fancier flight test-1 extreme handling in other words which one drifts better I'll go first in the 57 Brandenburg got six point three liters I've got more torque torque is good when it comes down kicking inside way I wish to keep it going as a smoke that's smoke so schoolmate that's so that's a I'm not sure I can ever give a ten because we're not perfect it's no time for the 56 grand BMW it's 60 horsepower down on the Merc what would its tweaked chassis should be easier to control we got ribs not much smoke you see I reckon tips to stick what tips all about is the BMW's incredibly affected limited slip differential which helps put the power down with minimal wheel spin the downside a lack of smokey slides then what's the scores every it doesn't one seven seven good way to understand half way through so the mercedes-benz wins this would be better on track then test to find out which is quickest so it's a flying lap against the clock to get there Ward's ready assuming TIFF can get out of drift mode all right I've got the horse buzzer must've gave them the strength in fact the Merc will reach 62 miles there in just 4.4 seconds but straight-line speed isn't much use if a car went to corner neatly until it's that change of direction that makes the tail I believe how nervous concentrate you just ran right into that wall one thirty eight point one time for the BMW here it is although the funny lot we thought that's the traction locking us up from touring car it's effective you turn it too early the BMW might be nearly half a second slower to 62 than the Merc but better handling equals better speed through the corners as much fun very daizy's it's not over till NZ over 32 seconds going really 36.2 it just shows you grunts not everything you need a chassis as well BMW and Mercedes are really playing to their strengths with these special editions the c63 isn't even faster hot rod and the m3 and even harder track tools but there's only one winner and while it might not be the best showman it has to be the quicker sharper BMW you\n"