EnI

Don't be so sure.
Sedan driving characteristics are almost identical to the ones of the coupe.

Also I want to see fair tests in also the future:
M base model vs AMG /RS base model,
M models with optional bigger wheels (and brakes) vs AMG / RS models with bgger wheels & brakes,
M models with Driver pack vs AMG / RS with Driver pack.

Otherwise all the tests will be pure manipulations. Eg. testing base M3 vs C63 AMG with optional Driver pack, or vice versa.

Centurion

Yeah, almost but not 100%. Regardless of how good a sedan is the coupe version is in most cases slightly more nimble and performance orientated. There is always a noticable difference.

HighestOfHigh

A great journalist on BMW's payroll.

It's just like the Japanese. Some magazines go with Accord and the other with Camry. Something is fishy when people keep going with the same car year after year.

Seems like only Motor Trend and a few other American magazines put the 3 series in it's place.

There are too many competitors to the three series for them not to get chosen at least once.

Anytime I see a 3 series comparison I open it up and if I see it as number one I burn the magazine.

I can understand a few wins, but these magazines don't even acknowledge the time and engineering that other car companies put into their cars.

I'm not biased, just tired of BMW winning comparisons that it doesn't deserve. Yes, let it win some (if it actually does) but not all.

Somebody out their is getting paid.

I drove the 3 series (not that it's the same as the m3), but it wasn't the "Amazing Ultimate Driving Machine" as the say it is.

Yes, the 3 series (M3) is a good car that benefits from great engineering, but it's not the best.

Just_me

yes, sorry for the confusion. Someone on m3board said the M3 won.

Seriosly though, which one win a comparison isnt important to me. Its nice for bragging rights on car-boards but thats the only place its a useful

Sunny

I think it will win more probably have to do with the manual than the coupe shape - cause my general observation is that journalists usually tend to favor cars that are more practical while offering similar performance.

Just_me

The new DCT gearbox is going to do wonders for the M3. Remember what the SMG in M5 has done for the car.

The Artist

^AMG is also developing one..
so it will be super nice to see that battle

Sunny

Haha, you are talking as if which car is better is a random roll of dice and if one car keeps winning it must be a loaded dice. Any way try the recycle bin next time instead of burning the magazines cause you will definitely have a bunch of them to burn and global warming and polar bears and all that stuff...

Centurion

Any idea when we'll se MBs monster tranny, 2009/2010?

Just_me

but at least we know when its coming for M3 and its soon, it can take very long time before it comes a reality for MB. There is no hurry for the C63 yet. I think it will come for next E63 AMG.