Just_me

Since I found it on M3post, this is all info I have for the moment.

Have got back from trip away to find latest mag on doorstep. Am tired so can't write too much but a couple of quotes:

"Straight away the BMW is different to the Merc, with refreshing clarity in its steering"

"By a unanimous verdict, the M3 wins. The others are instantly more appealing; the VXR8 for its sound and oversteer availability, the C63 for its polish, ambience and monstrous pace. Yet while it takes longer to get to know the M3, when you do, it reveals a depth of ability that is more inspiring and rewarding. After a determined drive, it leaves you more satisfied, showing that really big power can only take you so far"

Overall Rating:
M3 5 stars
C63AMG 4.5 stars
VXR8 4 Stars

The second quote above sums it up for me. Having just had the cars first service I am now into a different world and a journey and EVO have hit the nail on the head - this car is just getting better and better as the journey continues.

Bonus video:
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PC Valkyrie

Well, it appears now that the more things change, the more they stay the same. M3 gone softer?......C-AMG car gone more hardcore?.....ultimately, the M3 still remains the king from a subjective driving point of view.

The only question left really is whether the C-AMG car is objectively faster on a track like Nurburgring (Sport Auto) and Bedford Autodrome (Evo).......can't wait for those magazine issues to be out.

Just_me

Which one do you want to be fastest around those two tracks? is your heart still beating for the Benz?

dr Dunkel

The M3 seems to shine once again. I guess the M3 is still the most fun to drive in the segment?

PC Valkyrie

Why do you think my heart is "still beating for the Benz"? In the other thread, I voted that the C63 will be a touch slower than the M3's time of 8:05 around Nurburgring when Sport Auto publishes the issue. It was Sunny who made a post thinking the C63 may be faster than the M3.

But I am curious how the legions of BMW fans will react IF the C63 AMG is a faster car around a track in the hands of a pro (even though I have a feeling that won't happen). The responses from the many internet forums would be very entertaining to read.

But no matter what happens, privileged owners of cars like the E92 M3 and W204 C63 AMG will enjoy their cars. And to be honest, the C63 will likely win most street encounters because of it's significant acceleration advantage. And on the track with average non-pro drivers, I bet the C63 will also be faster than the M3 for a lot of people, simply because there is so much more power in the low rpm range that is easily accessible. You really have to know how to shift properly and push the M3 to keep up (which is why it can be so enjoyable if you do it right). Again, this is from personal experience comparing my W203 C55 with E46 M3/Z4 M Coupe/Z4 M Roadster on a track (remember I went with a local BMW internet club to the track these past 2 years). No matter how "good" the BMW M cars feel for the driver, having a perceived "inferior" track car (like the C55) pass them doesn't make them feel very good at all. Some stop talking to you with a smile and generally avoid eye contact afterwards. I've seen M3 drivers push too hard when they try to keep up/pass me and spin themselves off the track.....classic example of pride getting in the way of driving correctly and within the limits of their car.

Think about it this way, JustMe: you take your 120i M Sport to the track and a driver in a Mercedes B200 can keep up or is faster than you. Not a pretty situation......either the driver in the B200 is a much better driver than you, OR the B200 with sport suspension isn't as bad as you thought it was compared to your car.......both possibilities tend to dampen the BMW driver's enthusiasm about their car or driving ability. Don't worry, JustMe, I doubt you'll ever see a B200 faster than you on a track, but I'm just trying to make a point.

Whatever laptimes the Sport Auto and Evo gets for the C63/M3 is great for bragging rights, and it will be an objective measure of overall perforamance capability of the cars, but it may not mean much for the average track driver because I doubt the M3 handles SO much better than the C63 in the hands of most people. C63 owners will enjoy mind-bending acceleration, while the M3 drivers will enjoy slamming that perfect shift just before hitting the redline along with a perfect feel for the road.

Tycoon

Remember my words: I'll be the 1st one to bow down and admit that C managed to beat M3 at it's own field.

PC Valkyrie

Hey Tyc, I don't think it will be that straightforward. Most reviews so far suggest the M3 is still the more enjoyable drive. But I do see many BMW fans downplaying the significance of laptimes, IF the C63 turns out to be faster.......

But the fact that Evo (one of the world's most respected sports car magazines) rates the M3 higher than the C63 is a victory for the M3 already, in my opinion, regardless of what the laptimes are.

Tycoon

Agreed.

Just_me

Haha, I ask you a question and you give me an essay

LoL PC-V , I want to see the reactions too if it happens

You really like to mention those "real life races" dont you

I'm sure there are many drivers out there that will beat me on a track.
I've seen Hondas taking out Rs4 and Volvo's beating bimmers. I've also seen M3's beating Porsches around a track. Nothing unusual.
I bet 335i drivers can beat a M3 as well around a track.
Sure you will be mad but thats life, sometimes you win sometimes you lose, its more important you are having fun while doing it.

Just_me

I remember when EVO first drove the new M3, they hated the steering feel, here they praise it.
What happen? did they get used to it or have BMW changed the steering feedback?