Good post Steve.

It always is better when you explain your opinion instead of just making statements, that is why you get some "harsh" answers...

And yes, a lot of people here are M3-biased. However they all fully understand that someone can prefer the C63.

I've always said for me the C63 was more appealing due to its insane motor, although I never tested any of them (only the e36 M3 my bro had). That said, I think it can be regarded as a fact that the M3 is faster on small track, or at least handles a bit better. It is also more comfortable. It also seems more balanced. A lot of reviews also said the gearbox is not fabulous, and the C63 offers more feel in the direction. And a better noise, and insane accelerations.

I think you are rating these reviews too high. If you preferred the C63, well buy it and enjoy it. A car is very personal, very subjective. I think I would go fot the C too.

See, for instance, I actually have a Mk IV Golf. Not the same car as a C63, I admit...
I wanted to buy a Mk V, even if it looks not so good. But I testdrove a Mk IV after the Mk V.
And I preferred the Mk IV. I mean, the V handles a lot better, is roomier, much better equipped, more modern, makes a bit less noise...The only things the Mv IV does better is look and finish. The V is better for everything else.

But I preferred the feeling of the IV, how it drives. I feel better in the IV. It is a feeling...but it is clear. You can say me the V is better, you can say me what you want: I prefer the IV, I bought the IV, I am very happy with it.

Same with every car. The journalist, the other people can say what they want, if you prefer that car, buy it. It is your car, your taste. For me these reviews are good to compare the cars, and see the plus and minus points of the car. But then you drive it, and buy the one you preferred. Not the one the journalist preferred.

Great post, Coolraoul.

i am going to locate the magazine article and scan in the pages, as the magazine had extra stuff than the online article.

It states in the magazine a list of all cars that they have tested around both the dry handling and wet testing track then you will realise im not lying.


Thank you to everyone who has responded and id like to respond to the dr about preference in magazines etc.

I subscribe to evo, autocar and bmw car mag. The reason why i hold Autocars response higher is that Steve Sutcliffe and Chriss Harris are more than your average Journos. Steve Sutcliffe competed in the Btcc and did very well indeed seeing as he was driving a lesser abled car (lexus). Also Chris Harris is an excellent and proven race driver. EVO simply does not have the same quality of driver therefore my reason for listening to Autocar is they has better drivers.

Chris Harris bought the M3 before he tested the C63 and his opinion is its a better steer.

Again thanks for listening and after ive posted the scan im going to let the matter rest.

Steve

I have seen that opinion expressed before when talking about the "dead ahead" of the steering in the M3. Same thing as about the E46 actually!

My guess is that that will be sorted out like it was in the E46 CS and CSL. I think it is strange that they made it the same way again.


Really looking forward to when Autocar performs a proper neck to neck test between the C63 and the M3. These comparisons from recollection and under different conditions are never the same thing.

Define the "same quality of driver". They have to race in the same series with the same results? The racing backgrounds of editors is interesting, but is not the defining quality in their judgements, IMO. Otherwise, you'd be basing a purchasing decision (about only a handful of vehicle dynamic qualities) on one or two opinions, while ignoring 5-10 others, some of whom may have equally valid opinions.
As for evo, they do have racers in their ranks. Roger Green and John Hayman have raced in both Radical and Caterham series. Jethro Bovingdon spent time in the Caterham Academy, and successfully raced a 350Z in the Dunlop Maxx Cup. Richard Meaden has raced Formula Palmer Audi open wheelers, has done two stints behind Maserati and Aston Martin at the 24 Hours of Nurburgring.
C&D have on their testing staff Mark Gillies, who, when he was with Automobile Magazine, set the fastest lap among journalists at Fiorano during the unveiling of the F355. Half a second behind Schumacher, and nearly just as smooth in his transitions, according to the data loggers. He still races vintage automobiles today.
Sutcliffe is certainly qualified no doubt. But not everything he says is gospel.