warot

That's an E39... that's an amazing car. I voted for ///M because they make some of the finest sportscars in the world... we have the inline 6 from the M3 which has one the most Engine of the year award... then we have the V10 which is also one of the best out there. With all honesty, I knew from the beginning that I wanted to work for BMW and I'm doing some good progress. I'm really considering about going into the Motorsport division though, that would be extremely interesting.

Just_me

you should you will be amazed.

klier

RS4 is no class leading car. M3 has always been the benchmark here. Just because M3 is in a transition period doesn't make the RS4 class leading. For now it's the best in it's class, but both you and I knwo that the next M3 will be the car the beat in the next couple of years in this segment!

donau

Thanks, no doubt they are impressive. At the time when I was driving them I was sincerely considering buying one so I did not feel too bad testdriving it.
Now my focus has shifted to the Porsche world for a potential next car and I feel I would be cheating the dealership if I asked for a testdrive. Therefore I don't know when and where I could drive one. However, I have a friend with whom I work (and who also posts here - we are old GCF readers) and who is an unwavering BMW loyalist. I suspect that he might find a reason one day to testdrive one. If so, I'll tag along.

Sounds like a dream job. You are lucky.

Imhotep Evil

M ofcourse.

Michael

My friend I agree with you 100% but you have to give it to the new RS4 it is a dangerous machine. I am sure that with every new piece of work BMW does they will set the benchmark. But remember that in the mid 90's they were on a roll and only recently have been slowed down or at least it seems like it because the other brands, like Audi, are catching up. Audi has developed a powerful NA engine which is found in the RS4. In addition to this they have just presented thee S6 with the V10 which we will see how it lives up to its competitors.

Either way I really do like the new RS4 a lot and think that it is a piece of work that is unmatched...yet!

YoungWarrior

M cars are the best for track use but theyre not the closest of the 3 to be a racing car going by the M5 and M6. I say this because of all the electronics involved with the car, it does alot of the work for you.

YoungWarrior

Its the best thats out now so its class leading

Carbon

Funny how the numbers ended up, 12, 24, 36.

PC Valkyrie

I think BMW M and Mercedes AMG are targeting their cars to different types of car enthusiasts.

BMW has always been about "the ultimate driving experience", and their M cars are their top of the line products. BMW and M always have and continue to produce cars which reward drivers with excellent steering feel, excellent brake feel, and manual transmissions (stick or SMG) which give the driver complete control. Cars like the E46 M3 and E60 M5 have wonderful high reving naturally aspirated powerplants which generate power with high engine speeds, again requiring the driver to "work" a bit to get the speed and acceleration. The ride in M cars is a bit harsh, but that rougher ride on everyday roads means excellent cornering ability and grip on a track with curves. As a "fun" car on a track that demands more driver involvement, BMW M is the clear winner. It is no fluke that almost every car magazine/show consistently rate BMW M cars very highly when it comes to overall performance.

I think AMG customers are a different breed. AMG cars are usually more luxurious inside and more heavy than M cars. All AMG cars have automatic transmissions (with manual modes if you want to shift like a sequential gearbox) which mean a smoother, more relaxing driving experience on everyday roads. All AMG cars use large displacement engines (with or without forced induction) to generate gobs of torque in the low-mid rpm range. As such, it is easier and more relaxing to drive an AMG car fast, as you don't have to rev the engine as high. Most AMG cars have a more comfortable ride on everyday roads than the M cars. The cost for that everyday comfort is more body roll when cornering at the limits, compared to a M car. However, it is all relative. All AMG cars have more sporty tuned suspension which make them handle much better than normal Benzes and most "sports cars" on the road. Bottom line: almost every AMG car is easier and more relaxing to drive fast on everyday roads (straight or twisty) compared to the equivalent M car, but the M cars offer a greater sense of involvement. On a track where you are cornering at the limits of grip, the M cars inspire more confidence for the driver. On the other hand, it's hard to beat the AMG experience if you're cruising or rocketing down the highway.

To me, the Audi S/RS line of cars is harder to label. They seem to offer a hybrid between the M and AMG experience, although I think they are aiming to be more like BMW M, but with quattro AWD as their distingishing feature.