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Originally Posted by martinbo ^ I couldn't disagree more...
For me it's always been about how effective a car is in putting its power to the road and how predictable and easy to control it is. Tiff Needell is a fine talent behind the wheel of a car and even he has his hands full on a wide open track. On normal roads there is much less margin for error so, for certain, I want the car that is better controlled for precision driving. And, this doesn't mean I don't want it to be fun - not at all! - the M3 is all the precision and oversteery fun that any mortal can ask for. The C63 on the other hand is just not sophisticated enough and instead ends up making a hash of things. In the hands of the inexperienced, they're going to end up off the road, if their drivers try "hanging it out a bit".
When I buy an M3, C63 or RS4 I want the complete package, the straightline speed, the mechanical precision and driver control and involvement. Looks and comfort are secondary considerations and even here the M3 trumps the aftermarket looking C63 in the looks department as well as, amazingly, in the ride comfort stakes too...
The M3 retains its position at the forefront of the class. |
I would say I agree.
That said, the C63 appeals much more to me, its craziness is for me its biggest appeal. The M3 is more understated, less crazy.
However, I never testdrove any of them, so this is not based on real experience, but the design/noise/power delivery of the C63 is absolutely unique.
I think the C63 was developped to be driven with the ESP partly on.
Like lots of BMW it has three stages, full on/on but permissive/full off.
The full off is reserved to skilled drivers on track. On the road it is on, when you want to play it is partly on, to have a kind of insurance, it would be a bit dangerous to shut it completely off!!
The point with the LSD is important too. Was this test made with the performance package, so LSD? Without it sure could be a bit...overpowered. Remove M3's diff and you'll see the difference. I did not see the video yet, so no idea if it had this LSD or not.
But like I said these cars should not be driven with ESP full off by unskilled drivers. Partly.on is perfect, let you have fun but save you in case of a problem.