M3 vs C63 v RS4

[shakespeare]

C63, as it sounds the loveliest!

I wouldn't say no to either of the three if someone threw me the keys

[jamesatfish]

The C63 arrived a couple of days ago and we've just gotten it home after a 1300km drive from the dealer. Although we haven't really spent much time with it yet I am really enjoying the car so far and especially looking forward to a bit more spirited driving once we're through the run-in period.

A few observations so far:

•Although fuel economy isn't too bad on the highway (we averaged about 12l/100km for the trip home) the tank is only 66l, so we were only getting about 450-500kms between petrol stops which is a bit unexpected. Maybe I'm just used to the 90l tank in the Cayenne which managed 650-700kms with smooth highway driving.

•Surprisingly I'm finding the automatic modes to suit the car more than the paddle-shift manual mode. Although the paddles do all the right manual things (like letting the car bounce off the limiter, blipping the throttle on downshifts and ignoring the 'kick down' position on the accelerator pedal) the car just seems happier when left in Sport auto mode. Will probably be a different story when it gets on the track or some proper twisty roads.

•The engine noise is fantastic - from the little blip when you start the engine to the quite throaty growl under load. Personally I'd like the same noise turned up a bit louder but it is after all a family car and with that in mind it's a good compromise between calm and quiet on the highway and aggressive when you want it to be.

Hopefully we won't have any of the issues Rocket55 reported, though at least we don't have the boot spring issue as the car has the electric open/shut tailgate.

All in all I'm glad we went for the C63 - even having seen the latest spy shots and rumoured specs of the new RS4 Avant a couple of days ago.

[robbie]

My dad is going to buy the new c63 coupe. But i want him to buy the New M3 As he has had beemas for 25 years and loves them.

[Finance_Analyst]

RS4 only because

1. C63s are becoming a bit too common now (see 2-3 every day in the Brisbane CBD)
2. M3 shape is getting old - new 3 series is out next year

Yes I know the RS4 is even older in shape, but something about that look Audi somehow nailed it......

For all intents and purposes, shouldn't we be comparing the RS5?

Perhaps we could even throw in the Lexus ISF as a 4th contender....

[Capercat]

The RS5 is a backwards step from the RS4. Can someone shed some light of any substantial improvements other than it's now a 2 door coupe?

[Spyda]

I work next to an exhaust shop that only handles hot rods and muscle cars, if you think the C63 is the best sounding car blah blah you have no idea what a V8 should sound like. Yes it does sound fantastic but take it easy ffs a defilippo on a LS motor sounds just as good.

The C63 is a nice car and looks awesome but there are way to many of them around. The M3 is a BMW, I don't wank enough to own one. If i had to choose i would keep it in the family and get the RS4. But damn 130K.........the actual real V8 you could build with that sort of money!

[Capercat]

The C63 is a nice car and looks awesome but there are way to many of them around. The M3 is a BMW, I don't wank enough to own one. If i had to choose i would keep it in the family and get the RS4. But damn 130K.........the actual real V8 you could build with that sort of money!

I see your point, those three cars just aren't worth the coin if you what a real V8 that includes suspension mods etc.

[jamesatfish]

I see your point, those three cars just aren't worth the coin if you what a real V8 that includes suspension mods etc.

So, out of curiosity, how would you spend that $130k? Are you talking about a modified Commodore / Falcon, a restored old-skool V8, or something else? What are the major flaws in these German V8s that can be overcome?

I would have thought the closest 'off the shelf' alternative might have been the Walkinshaw 427 (at about $150k from memory)? Is that the type of car you're thinking of or something different altogether?

[Spyda]

So, out of curiosity, how would you spend that $130k? Are you talking about a modified Commodore / Falcon, a restored old-skool V8, or something else? What are the major flaws in these German V8s that can be overcome?

I would have thought the closest 'off the shelf' alternative might have been the Walkinshaw 427 (at about $150k from memory)? Is that the type of car you're thinking of or something different altogether?

LOL W427, dunnydore on roids. In my eyes, its not even close to the germans.

No major flaws in the germans, its just alot of people goin on about it and givin it all that, having e-orgasms and insulting others for saying it doesnt sound that great.

Its just not my thing to spend $130+k on something my doctor, dentist and accountant (as well as my realestate agent and Rocket55) drive and then thinking its special.

I would rather have something old, chrome n paint, 10sec 1/4, powerskids, ground shaking etc etc. A muscle car, something built with love and passion not with profit in mind. Put something like that next to all 3 of the germans and all 3 are forgoten.

Each to their own.

[Finance_Analyst]

C63 is a nice car and looks awesome but there are way to many of them around. The M3 is a BMW, I don't wank enough to own one.

Glad I am not the only one who thinks that!

Although, a few Audi owners now fit into the "cock" category as J Clarkson points out...

[dave_r]

I would have thought the closest 'off the shelf' alternative might have been the Walkinshaw 427 (at about $150k from memory)? Is that the type of car you're thinking of or something different altogether?

HAH W427, guy I worked with for 10years has one. It would have to be one of the quietest stock sounding V8's I've ever heard. NFI wtf HSV are doing with that engine in a car and muffling it so much. My R is louder until the boot is well and truly in it.

But like the commy it is, once you get inside, its HORRIBLE. tacky as fvck. Can't believe the money it cost him, compared to the euros being discussed here that are the same money. But its all personal preference at the end of the day.

M3/C63's etc are getting as common as arseholes these days. Though its nice to see the odd one around getting belted around

[gareth_oau]

common doesnt make it a bad thing. you could move to Perth where you rarely see any of them - very frustrating!!

[REXman]

Well in Sydney theres 4 million people so I dont feel bad if i see 2 C63s or 2xM3s/RS4s a week. When its good, its good! I see about 90 Corollas a day.. i see about 50 BMW/Mercs a day.. I see about 1 ferrari a day.. what can you do.. if you want to be different buy an ENZO!!

But I can see were Spyda is coming from.. just old school. i love it and appreciate it. but my old man has worked really hard man, and he had a Monaro back in the day (69 or 70 model.. not the one with the ugly rear wheel flaps).. but its not really the thing for him these days mate.. C63, RS4, or M3. And TBH they sound ****en awesome in their own right. maybe not 351 off its head awesome, but damn your sat nav/leather/infared cruisecontrol/ is nice. different cars mate and I think what Spyda is talking about would be a rgeat second car for a younger bloke.

[REXman]

I work next to an exhaust shop that only handles hot rods and muscle cars, if you think the C63 is the best sounding car blah blah you have no idea what a V8 should sound like. Yes it does sound fantastic but take it easy ffs a defilippo on a LS motor sounds just as good.

The C63 is a nice car and looks awesome but there are way to many of them around. The M3 is a BMW, I don't wank enough to own one. If i had to choose i would keep it in the family and get the RS4. But damn 130K.........the actual real V8 you could build with that sort of money!

hey mate if you go back to post #41, I clearly say its one of the best things you can buy for the sound it makes, in 2011! (not of all time).

With you having only ever had a 325ci and never a M BMW I can understand that you don't understand where Dubbed is coming from ..... I too, am unimpressed by the sound a C63 makes ....

Just cause I havent owned an M3 doesnt mean i havent driven/heard/been in few over the years.

And tbh I thought it was well know thing that the Merc V8s are the best sounding of the 3 Germans.. and that the BMWs tend to handle a bit better than Mercs.. Could be wrong. but I have read that about a million times and have experienced it enough times to be conclusive in my mind at least

but I respect your view on the cars, no problems with that. Just dont talk smack about how owning is understanding exhaust sounds. wrong there.

[REXman]

Glad I am not the only one who thinks that!

Although, a few Audi owners now fit into the "cock" category as J Clarkson points out...

This coming from a guy who asked if anyone has a golf GTI/R as a shopping car and big noted himself for working for a company with heaps of people in it..