BMW M3 v/s Mercedes Benz C63 AMG

At Classic BMW in Plano,Texas were I am a salesman we are always looking for nice low mileage M3's to have on our lot so we can offer the opportunity for some lucky person to take ownership of one of these beauties.This is not always an easy task as when someone comes in to test drive an M3 they want to take it home shortly after the "Ultimate Driving Machine" has simply shown that there is nothing like it on the streets of Dallas,Texas or on the unique roads of North America much less the world in general.

Car and Driver recently in the January 2012 issue did a comparison of the M3 to a rival.......well maybe a challenger to it's ability to steal the market in 2 door coupe's that thrill the driver with performance.
This match up was also put to the test in December of 2007 with the BMW M3 taking the prize of best overall performance, so the guy's at Car and Driver thought they would give Mercedes Benz another shot at the title since they updated the car with a $6050 development package that takes the horsepower up 30 to 481,or 67 ponies more than the M3.

That being said I must inform you that the C63 AMG is over 400lbs heavier than the M3.This also makes the nose on the C63 heavier and that is alot of weight when you are trying to out perform another sports car on the streets of America much less keep your chin up trying to say "we are better" than BMW.The contributing factor may come from the fact that the Mercedes Benz C63 6.2 liter engine is 50 percent larger than the BMW M3 4.0 liter motor.And to think Mercedes is only getting 67 more horsepower out of their power plant.Another factor of weight is the uniquely designed carbon fiber roof of the M3,it's light weight and adds a sporty look to the car and I should also mention it lowers the center of gravity by 1.5 inches which gives it more livelier handling and handling was the deciding factor that gave BMW M3 the victory lap again over Mercedes Benz.

BMW M3 Power Train and Brakes
DOHC 32 Valve V-8
244 cu in 3999 cc
Horse power 414 @ 8300
Torque 295 @ 3900
Red line 8300 rpm
Transmission 6-speed manual
1/4 mile @ mph 12.7 sec @114
Top speed 161 mph
Braking 70-0 mph @ 153 feet
EPA City/Hwy 14/20 mpg