M3 vs C63 v RS4

[jamesatfish]

C63 Estate with performance pack - voted with the wallet and should be delivered in the next few weeks.

For me the M3 was not an option as it didn't have a wagon / estate variant, but despite that I'm not a big fan of BMWs interior layout and the V8 bellow isn't as exciting as the C63.

The RS4 would have made things interesting, but as it's not currently being made the actual Audi comparison vehicle was the RS6, which is a spectacular vehicle but in my mind not worth the $100K premium over the C63. It's more of an E63 Estate rival (which sadly we don't get out here) - the closest current Audi would be the S4 but again the Avant is not available in Australia leaving just the S4 Sedan which is more a 335i / C350 than a real range-topper. If a new RS4 had been available the AWD system would have been a big drawcard especially mated to the RS5's engine but I still think the C63 would have won my money.

[gareth_oau]

jamesfish, I was just watching an interview with the Audi Amercia boss, and he was stating that he was quite confident they will be releasing a new RS4

[walshydub]

I wouldn't have any of them.
It would be an RS6 or E39 M5 for me. Less electronics telling you what to do & the M5 has a proper manual & great chassis. Plus you'd have loads of money left over for a weekend toy.

[team_v]

Game, set and match!

[bigfoot]

the new 63

[walshydub]

That's a CLK

[Pepe]

That's a CLK

Nope, it's a C63 : Benz's new M3 Coupe rival | C63 AMG coupe

[walshydub]

Nope, it's a C63 : Benz's new M3 Coupe rival | C63 AMG coupe

I stand corrected.
Just read the article, looks like it's going to be a beast & they are finally going to take the fight to BMW.
Does this mean they're dropping the CLK name & just calling them C Class coupe's?

[drewr]

Game, set and match!

I think i actually get harder watching this than porn...

[Treza360]

Makes this topic properly interesting now that there's a sedan, wagon and coupe option for all of them (counting the RS5 as an RS4 coupe).
Cheers,
Trent

[gareth_oau]

I think I'm biased!!

[Leagle]

I have driven all three (well almost) so can comment from experience. When I mean "almost", I have actually driven the RS4 as a wagon and the M3 as a coupe. Whilst I have not actually driven a C63, I have driven an E55 (which actually had more torque than the C63) so I have a fair idea what the C63 would be like.

The RS4 is probably the best car for all road conditions being AWD. Obviously the wagon is the most practical for day to day use too, but having said that I think the C63 (but not the BMW M3) can be ordered as a wagon. The RS4 is the oldest car in the group though and is no longer available for sale. The closest would now be an S4 (or RS5) neither of which are as good as the RS4. The M3 and C63 are both better cars than the S4 but more expensive too.

The M3 is the most fun car you can buy short of a 911. It handles like its on rails (sorry for the cliche) but you can get the rear to play with you. It looks (imho) the best too and is closer to "supercar" than the others.

However I agree with the consensus. The C63 would be the one I would want to own. Having experienced an AMG engine in the E55, I can honestly say nothing close (including any Aussie or US cars sold in Australia through mainstream channels) gives you the same true muscle car experience. The C63 is more compact than the E55 and handles almost as well as the M3 too (I have been told). OK it won't have AWD so the RS4/S4 still have the edge in taking your car on a nice snow field trip or in wet weather, but with 4 doors (and option of a wagon) the C63 is as practical as you can get.

I actually almost bought a C63 myself, but at double the price to my Passat CC, I still think I snared the best bargain....

[REXman]

So I have looked into this a bit futher..

According to the websites, the prices have now dropped across the range? Is this right?

I have $130,800 rrp for the C63, $132492 rrp for the M3 and like suggested above, the RS5, is $148107 rrp.

Al these prices need on roads added.. but weren't the cars previously; M3 = 157,100 and the C63 $140 (and then went up to $150K!) a couple of months ago?!) Not sure of the RS4's price when it was offered, but I think I got told it was around $160K rrp.

So have all these cars now lopped off $20-30K?!?

And leagle the Passats nice, but cmon mate.. the C63 against your Passat.. is like comparing an M3 to a Falcon XR6.

[jamesatfish]

Can't speak specifically for the M3 and RS4 but the C63 hasn't changed, at least according to MB's drive away calculator.

The estate is listed on that site at $132,339 RRP with an ACT on-road cost of about $167,000. This is the same cost basis as when I ordered mine late last year.

[REXman]

yeah at launch though the C63 was $139,990 (plus on roads/LCT etc). Then I saw in one of the motor mags (Motor/Wheels) it says they are now $151,00 plus on-roads etc..

And the Merc site says they are now in fact $131K or $132K ~ something.. Interesting.

Not a bad deal for the car you get.. And that Video posted of the C63 is amazing.

How you finding it jamesatfish?