Top Gear: 2008 BMW M3, Mercedes C 63 AMG and Audi RS4

omarrana submitted on 12/24/2007 Official AutoSpies Timestamp: 11:00 AM
from: www.egmcartech.com

Tags: BMW, Mercedes, Audi

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Mercedes

Audi

Top Gear: 2008 BMW M3, Mercedes C 63 AMG and Audi RS4

The most entertaining guys in the automotive industry have finally gotten their hands on the new 2008 BMW M3 coupe and the 2008 Mercedes-Benz C 63 AMG. Check last night’s episode where Hammond (M3), Clarkson (C63) and James May (RS4) duel it out in this really exciting episode of Top Gear.

For the specs sake:

2008 BMW M3: 4.0 liter V8 producing 414 horsepower.
2008 BMW Mercedes-Benz C 63 AMG: 6.3 liter V8 engine producing 451 horsepower.
2008 Audi RS4: 4.2 liter V8 Quattro producing 420 horsepower.

Click through for the three part video... Read Article

Comments:

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Catsmeow - 12/24/2007 11:29:31 AM

-3 Boost

awesome episode... i love when may shows up with the crappy RS4

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ThierryHenry14 - 12/24/2007 12:00:29 PM

+1 Boost

I think everyone but you will agree that the RS4 is anything but crappy...

Otherwise, great episode

DaHarder - 12/24/2007 3:02:31 PM

-2 Boost

Cat-Boy...

The Only Thing 'Crappy' is Your Ability to Asset Automotive Greatness!

sizquik - 12/24/2007 7:24:06 PM

+1 Boost

Hey! How's your civic working out! I love that 3 series front end you tacked onto it!

ThierryHenry14 - 12/26/2007 9:29:46 AM

+2 Boost

wait... what??? we are talking about C63, M3, and RS4. How did GT-R and LF-A get into the topic?

Or are you just that idiot who wants a flame war?

lewishamiltonpimp - 12/24/2007 7:47:00 PM

0 Boost

Wow. You are a car enthusiast right?

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investor27 - 12/24/2007 12:39:40 PM

+1 Boost

The RS4 is crappy? Where on Earth have you been hiding?

The RS4 is one of the best sedan ever made, and is unanimously heralded by all journalists all over the world.

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LexSucks - 12/24/2007 12:42:39 PM

+4 Boost

You have never seen these guys before? Where have you been? Outer Space?

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Czelinski - 12/24/2007 1:44:18 PM

+5 Boost

Enjoyed last night's alot, one of the best episodes so far. And ALL 3 are stunning vehicles with different advantages and disadvantages.

Either way, you get a great car.

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investor27 - 12/24/2007 1:54:32 PM

+5 Boost

The current generation M3 won out of the three. However, all the critics have stated that they preferred the last generation M3 and M3 CLS over the current one.

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M53R - 12/24/2007 1:59:51 PMView My AgentSpace

+4 Boost

Not really. They did say the old one was more insane, but the new one is a better overall car.

ThierryHenry14 - 12/24/2007 2:21:15 PM

+1 Boost

I haven't driven the E92 M3, so I will not judge, but I will say that E46 3er is much more raw/crisp than the E90-E92 3er, although the latter are more powerful. I like the E46 much better, but it doesnt mean the E90-E92 are not Great cars themselves.

TauronB2G - 12/24/2007 5:52:47 PM

+1 Boost

Dude most people liked the last gen 3 series more than the current car. It was styled better and had much better interior. The engines in the current gan cars are killer though.
T

JRobUSC - 12/26/2007 6:59:37 PM

+1 Boost

unlike most of the people on this site who have opinions on the subject I have actually owned both vehicles in question. I had a 2002 330Ci sport that I replaced last year with a 2006 330i sport. Not only is the chassis sharper in the new car (FYI, the E90 sedan w/ sport package pulls 0.9g's on the skidpad, more than the E46 M3 did), AND the interior is nicer.

ThierryHenry14 - 12/26/2007 10:34:13 PM

+1 Boost

well, I certainly have not owned a E90-92 BMW, so I do not drive it every day. I have only driven it on several occasions, and I seem to think that the E46 (which I owned a 2003 pre-facelifted 330ci) is much more raw, in terms of throttle, crisp handling feel of the steering (def. don't like the active steering), and the overall feel. Though I have to respect your opinion, because you are an owner of both models.

JRobUSC - 12/27/2007 9:06:37 AM

+1 Boost

I don't like Active Steering either, though it is better on the 3-Series than when it came out originally on the 5-Series. Either way I don't have it, and as telepathic as my old 330i felt, the new one is much crisper.

carE10 - 12/24/2007 1:57:23 PM

+3 Boost

M3,fastest around track, balanced,surgical handling...original recipe. #1

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M53R - 12/24/2007 2:00:45 PMView My AgentSpace

+8 Boost

BMW does it again! :) All great cars imo, buy any of them and you ll be happy!

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ThierryHenry14 - 12/24/2007 2:22:30 PM

+4 Boost

One of the smartest/credible comment on autospies...

Happy Holidays

BFABS - 12/24/2007 2:33:04 PM

+2 Boost

Great cars!! You know, I wonder how the M3 4door sedan will perform with it's steel roof (it's not carbon fibre) and 2 extra doors with electric windows and door airbags. That may reduce the weight advantage of 400lbs or so it has over the C63. But wow, 2min 43.3 mins for the C63 to about 2min 28+ sec for the M3!!

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JRobUSC - 12/24/2007 4:40:06 PM

+7 Boost

the carbon fiber roof only saves 11lbs. If I remember the BMW press release right the coupe is something like 100lbs lighter. Enough to add 0.1 seconds to the 0-60 time of the sedan but not enough to outweigh the handling advantage the sedan has over the coupe. I wouldn't be surprised if the sedan was actually faster on a track.

BFABS - 12/24/2007 2:34:32 PM

+1 Boost

Sorry, I wrote 2min and 28+ sec instead of 2mins and 38+ secs

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amazinBimmer - 12/24/2007 2:41:09 PM

-2 Boost

hahahahaha. I love it... the cream always rises to the top. always.

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amazinBimmer - 12/24/2007 2:43:46 PM

-5 Boost

i just cant beleive anyone would think that stuffing a big engine into a car drives performance or in the case of audi (VW), making a 4 wd out of fwd poor handling, nose heavy, slab sided slob.. these guys just dont get poise, and balance. be humiliated.. every time. they should have gotten used to it by now...

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Hwany - 12/24/2007 5:41:10 PM

+2 Boost

you just broke the cock o meter

EL34 - 12/24/2007 2:47:57 PM

-7 Boost

I would never buy any one of these cars based on how fast it goes around a track.

I would buy the car that I look the coolest in ;-)

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Bill - 12/24/2007 3:18:19 PM

0 Boost

That's what most people who buy these cars think of anyway. Which car will give them the most stares/looks etc. is the main drive behind their buying decision. Brand loyalty also plays a big role.

mclaren428 - 12/24/2007 4:15:12 PM

-2 Boost

lame

Rupert - 12/24/2007 6:58:50 PMView My AgentSpace

-1 Boost

For once, EL is right...

SevorbeupstryIsBack - 12/25/2007 4:51:34 AM

-3 Boost

Totally agree EL!

AUTO_UNION - 12/24/2007 3:33:23 PM

+4 Boost

All 3 are great! You just can't go wrong with any of them.

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GermanNut - 12/24/2007 4:29:28 PM

Show Comment -18 Boost

lewishamiltonpimp - 12/24/2007 7:49:16 PM

+1 Boost

Cool. Good luck with that.

We'll wait until 'next time'.

BMWAG - 12/24/2007 4:29:41 PM

+2 Boost

entertaining review
M3=sublime

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GermanNut - 12/24/2007 4:32:03 PM

-9 Boost

The Audi had spectacular performance given it is much older than both the BMW and Mercedes rivals.

Not for long though....Quattro GmbH is bust developing not one, but two RS cars that will surely put the M3 back in second place.

The new B8 RS4 will be an even better car in terms of driving dynamics with added power of course.

The RS5 will have significantly more horsepower than the BMW M3 and as we already know, even better dynamics than the RS4.

BMW is doing well though trying to one-up Audi after they fall behind when the new RS models are launched.

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carE10 - 12/24/2007 7:17:51 PM

+1 Boost

"The Audi had spectacular performance given it is much older than both the BMW and Mercedes rivals."

spectacular performance...it didnt win any events...
it was the one that won the you look coolest driving it contest which is 100% subjective.

ThierryHenry14 - 12/26/2007 5:30:39 PM

0 Boost

So you do not think that the Audi has spectacular performance? I would like you to say that its got mediocre performance... because its probably better than anything you have in your driveway...

Its got great performance... especially given its older than the 2008s. The RS4 has beaten the out-going M3 and C55AMG in previous tests.

dayday - 12/29/2007 6:36:58 AM

+1 Boost

the SMG M5 is a lot faster than the manual M5.
same thing will happen to the M3.

so when RS5 and new RS4 come out, they would have to face the SMG M3s, and also, the CSL.

Lexus - 12/24/2007 4:41:15 PM

-2 Boost

Even thought the Audi RS4 is older than the NEW M3 and C-class AMG63, it still look the best. I think it look really aggresive and sporty compare to the the other two.

The NEW M3, design got softer compare to the last gen and the NEW AMG63 is to ricey up if you know what I mean ;)

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Lexus - 12/24/2007 4:49:19 PM

-1 Boost

I forget to mention, they all have very outstanding performance and handling as well on the track.

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SevorbeupstryIsBack - 12/24/2007 5:43:46 PM

+4 Boost

That C63 is bonkers!

I love its insanity, its character.

But they're all great cars. M3 is the orginial. original = the best

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aarononymous - 12/24/2007 7:01:52 PM

0 Boost

Insanity I'll give you, but character????

ErichHartmann - 12/25/2007 4:48:10 AM

+1 Boost

What makes you think the C63 AMG has "no character", Anonymous?

SevorbeupstryIsBack - 12/25/2007 4:52:26 AM

+1 Boost

Its engine is full of grumbly character

TauronB2G - 12/24/2007 5:54:57 PM

-3 Boost

Give me the C63 anyday. I think it looks better and I love the engine.
T

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ThierryHenry14 - 12/26/2007 5:32:55 PM

+1 Boost

why did people deboosted you for saying that?

golfer38 - 12/27/2007 3:11:33 PMView My AgentSpace

+1 Boost

I agree. Next time I'm looking to move, I'll try and find something on a racetrack so that I can actually care which one is better around a track. Otherwise, I'll take the C63 because it has what Id be looking for, the most outrageous performance sedan on the street with the most practicality.

golfer38 - 12/27/2007 3:18:34 PMView My AgentSpace

+1 Boost

...I really hate to say that I completely agree with Clarkson. However, like most of you are saying, all 3 are incredible cars and I'd be very happy with any of them, just the most happy with the Merc.

mini22 - 12/24/2007 8:01:56 PM

0 Boost

All three are great cars and all three maintain their philisophical differences in what makes a great sports sedan.The Mercedes has great power,which goes back to original 6.3 of stuffing a big engine into a mainstream sedan. The BMW M3 continues the the tradition of the ultimate driving machine,even if it is a little softer then previous version.The Audi also continues the tradition of AWD perfromance in the vain of the original Audi Quattro coupe from 1980. So they are all winners. It gets down to personal taste. For me It's a choice between the M3 and the RS.

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bitschaser - 12/24/2007 11:37:52 PM

+1 Boost

Okay, so all three are fantastic cars, I think most would agree. Based on a number of sources, it seems the M3 is the better track car, but I were buying a track car for $65k I'd get the Exige S 240. The RS4 seems a practical choice for the North East, given the quattro, and C63 seems the most fun for flooring it on the highway, but would you change your 2007 Cayman S for one of these? Maybe wait for the RS5?

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alsarea3 - 12/25/2007 1:15:29 PM

+1 Boost

I seen some spyshots for it in WCF , I think !

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528i - 12/25/2007 2:28:49 AMView My AgentSpace

0 Boost

Do any of you think that the IS-F could keep up with them?

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ThierryHenry14 - 12/26/2007 5:34:30 PM

+1 Boost

waiting....waiting....waiting....

weaponX - 12/25/2007 2:30:31 AM

+1 Boost

LOL! Absolutely hilarious!

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amazinBimmer - 12/25/2007 3:40:39 PM

+3 Boost

to idiotnut. the rs4 is only in is second year of production. stop talking like a used car salesman moron. And for some reason (unbeknownced to all of us) it a "limited edition". why? does anybody know?. Yes, I do... casue it will get spanked vs a M3 in any comparo. the strategy is to produce a sedan between the years that a M3 is in production. this thing wouldnt sell one if a m3 was available at the same time.

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amazinBimmer - 12/25/2007 3:50:48 PM

+2 Boost

and i do love the phrase "captain slow".

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LexSucks - 12/25/2007 4:55:23 PM

0 Boost

Oh Yeah... Where's the IS-F?

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golfer38 - 12/27/2007 3:22:23 PMView My AgentSpace

+1 Boost

I'm not a fan of the IS-F, but good question. I think it should have been compared. Maybe because logistically there's only 3 hosts.

GermanNut - 12/25/2007 11:22:49 PM

-3 Boost

what an idiot. Audi is changing their RS strategy and releasing their RS models within two years of the new model being released instead of the current four years.

We will see Audi RS models for double , if not triple the amount of time that we see them now. Production is also going to be increased greatly.

Audi will no longer just sell one RS model at a time. The RS6 will be out when the B8 RS4 is also being sold. The B8 RS4 will be sold when the RS5 is being sold also.

What spectacular performance from the 7 year old Audi RS4. The RS4 was built on a platform that dates back to 2000. Meanwhile the BMW is based on a 2003 platform and the Mercedes C63 AMG on a one year old platform.

Continue the great work Audi....

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Bill - 12/26/2007 5:17:57 AM

+6 Boost

Mr. YogaGuru,

Before you make utter crap and BS statements like that, you should learn to perfect your grammar and spelling. Maybe then some people will actually take you seriously.

Until then, nice try, troll.

ThierryHenry14 - 12/26/2007 5:37:17 PM

+4 Boost

wow... you went from Audi, BMW, and Merc to Ford, GM, and Chrysler... Covering the whole spectrum there huh?

Don't forget the 30 other Auto companies/brands out there...

GermanNut - 12/25/2007 11:23:56 PM

-5 Boost

Sales up 9% from 2006. My god Audi is ripping through the roof with their annual sales growth.

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M53R - 12/26/2007 5:26:52 AMView My AgentSpace

+4 Boost

BMW is expanding faster, so enough with the BS... :)

strafe1 - 12/26/2007 1:05:39 AM

+1 Boost

All depends on how and where you drive. If you need awd for frequent slippery conditions, or don't need the "thrill" of throwing your car through the bends, the RS4 is a no-brainer. If your commute is mostly highway and you can live with rear wheel drive thunder, then the merc rules. To choose the M3 you have to keep the revs up, close to the 8400rpm redline to maximize torque and hp, so if you can stay "up" and aggressive, this is your car. These three cars have such different characteristics. No one is a loser here!

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strafe1 - 12/26/2007 1:22:59 AM

+1 Boost

Lexus and amazinBimmer don't recognize good cars when they see them. And Lexus (the manufacturer) has been building only luxury vehicles to this point and is only now entering a car into this category for legitimate consideration and comparison (it won't perform better than these three)(LF-A will be in a different category). Lexus' rants amount to only background noise in this discussion, and require no further attention or debate. And amazinBimmer embarrasses german car lovers and BMW afficionados by his lack of respect for other quality sports cars. He belongs in a bimmer-only discussion group where reality is only in THEIR minds.

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c36amg - 12/26/2007 10:14:36 AMView My AgentSpace

-1 Boost

C63 is the best.

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amazinBimmer - 12/26/2007 10:51:24 AM

+2 Boost

STRAFE.. that sounds like a good place.. with no whinning vw lovers...and only rich people who dont sell used cars for a living... and drive a jeep. what say you nut?

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amazinBimmer - 12/26/2007 11:11:18 AM

+2 Boost

and idiotnut, nice to know that the RS arent "limited edition" models anymore... hahahahah. have you ever answered that question?. i.e why the gussied up VWs were limited in the first place? by the way, can you tell the spies readers what you drive.. we are all in need of a good laugh.

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GermanNut - 12/26/2007 11:29:19 AM

-2 Boost

LOL, amazinMoron. You must be feeling a little worried about Audi's onslaught of amazing high-performance vehicles that will surely thrash the BMW Ms any day.

The next generation B8 RS4 is little more than a year away. The RS5 is going to have much more horsepower and torque than the M3 and it will be lighter than the RS4.

The RS6 is already packing 100 more horsepower than the BMW M5 and the RS6 sedan has already been unofficially tested at 0-60 in 3.6 seconds on the Nurburgring.

The R8 V10 should win some more comparisons against the Porsche 911 Turbo.

Audi is not only a formidable competitor for BMW, but the RS lineup continues to consistently put the BMW M3, M5, M6 and soon Z4M roadster and M coupe (from the TT-S and TT-RS) in second place where they belong.

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Kinger - 12/26/2007 11:47:16 AM

+4 Boost

"Audi is not only a formidable competitor for BMW, but the RS lineup continues to consistently put the BMW M3, M5, M6 and soon Z4M roadster and M coupe (from the TT-S and TT-RS) in second place where they belong."

Pfft, you're full of it. Audi wins a few reviews and suddenly BMW who have been building great performing cars for decades suddenly belong in second place? Audi have some great products coming out but you can bet BMW have some surprises in the pipe-line too. It'll be very interesting to see how this battle plays out over the coming years. Give BMW respect though, Audi is now competing in segments BMW invented and continues to set the benchmark in.

JRobUSC - 12/27/2007 2:05:06 PM

+2 Boost

why does this always have to be a "my car company has a bigger dick than your car company" contest? FYI the RS6, which isn't even out here, has 80hp more than the M5 that's been out for three years, not "over 100 more". And by the time it ever actually comes out the new 550hp+ version M5 will be out or around the corner as well.

Both are awesome, I'm sick of the rationale on here that one being great means the other must suck.

GermanNut - 12/26/2007 11:30:52 AM

-3 Boost

rich people....don't flatter yourself too much amazinBimmer. After all, it is no secret that Audi owners are on average wealthier than their BMW counteparts.

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Kinger - 12/26/2007 11:42:05 AM

+5 Boost

Which proves what exactly? If the only reason you buy an Audi is to some how convince yourself you're "richer" than people driving other makes then you're seriously insecure.

validus00 - 12/27/2007 1:45:10 AM

0 Boost

Sales of A8 and A6 have dropped greatly in the past year, which are also Audi's most expensive models. Therefore I don't think the average Audi buyer is wealthier than the average BMW buyer anymore. The R8 and Q7 are selling at far smaller volumes than A8 and A6 combined, so I don't think introduction of R8 and Q7 into Audi's line-up can compensate the sales of A8 and A6 dropping over the past year. Your claim about the average Audi buyer vs. the average BMW buyer is also over 2 years old. Audi is selling more vehicles nowadays than before. If you were to obtain data today, it'll be from a larger pool of Audi buyers and BMW buyers. I'm sure the numbers will have changed a lot in 2 years.

1995e34 - 12/26/2007 12:08:57 PM

+3 Boost

great videos.

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Yonder7 - 12/26/2007 2:03:38 PM

-1 Boost

All three have an excelent performance and hight tech. For the people that think that the AMG 6.2 is just a big engine and that's why is so good: it’s a high-revving and torquey powerplant and, despite the capacity, it weighs in at 199kg, compared to the 202kg M3’s four-litre. Magnesium intake manifolds, an aluminium crank case and other high tech materials help the cause, and the engine also comes with coated cylinders and can regulate its own fuel pressure from 3.8 to 5 bar, that's a cool engine to me.

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GermanNut - 12/26/2007 2:20:07 PM

-3 Boost

Kinger you're the one who is full of it.

What surprises does BMW have in their pipeline to challenge the 580 horsepower twin-turbo V10 RS6????

The twin-turbo V10 M5 will not make it to production.

That is what I thought......

Same goes for the 480 horsepower RS5 against the M3.

How about the R8 both in V8 and V10 form. Who created the mid-engine exotic category at just over $100K.....

Look at how competitive such an old (7 years) Audi RS4 can compete with the literally one year old platform based C63 AMG and 3 year old BMW 3-series platform

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validus00 - 12/27/2007 10:33:17 AM

+1 Boost

saying that a m5 tt won't make to production is the same as saying a rs6 tt won't make it to production. Because its just your speculation. And you shouldn't speculate anything with that tiny biased brain of yours. Should learn when ppl don't take your arguments seriously

ThierryHenry14 - 12/26/2007 5:42:24 PM

0 Boost

I think that many of you guys are immature and are looking for attention... Can't you guys just praise the cars for what they are?

Also, you BMW fanatics, get into an Audi or a Merc, and its not what you think. Audi fanatics, BMWs and Mercs are great cars. Same goes for Merc fanatics. BMWs and Audis are superbly built.

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amazinBimmer - 12/27/2007 8:39:03 AM

0 Boost

germanidiot.. please ANSWER THE QUESTIONS..
1) Why are RS models "limited editions" in the first place

2) what do you drive?

Go ahead..

and by the way.. m3/M5 CSL will obviously blow the audi away all day. did you not see the video?. it is skillful and powerful. not just big engined small car

ANSWER FIRST, MORON!

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Yonder7 - 12/27/2007 9:38:11 AM

+1 Boost

amazinBimmoron: Define, Philosophy, then you will understand that all those cars are great or weak in other areas. Finaly everything is up to the personal options, You prefer a high reving high tech engine, I prefer a High tech powerfull engine (lighter than the M3), other will prefer 4 wheel drive, nothing wrong but of course diferent behaivior. M3= agile, but weak torsion and slow acceleration, C63= unbeatable Speed, but more inertia against it, RS4= Wonderful fool proof driving, but to complex. You decide, mine is C63 but all the others have thigs that I wish, i.e. I prefer the sound of the M3 engine (for me is the best sound), but style looks soft and female to me (almost clk coupe), RS4 4wd and the beautiful interior. Only GOD can talk in absolut terms.

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amazinBimmer - 12/27/2007 9:57:53 AM

+1 Boost

Yonder... u may have personal preferences, but in most markets, the goods and services that beat the competition FOR MOST consumers are generally the winners. so of course you are entitled to your preference, it just happens to be the case that in this instance, the clear winner is the M3. If you do prefer a "limited edition" (HAHA) audi like nut, then have it.. if you perfere a car that cannot handle the engine then have the c63. It doesnt change the fact that the bimmer wins handily. everytime.

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validus00 - 12/27/2007 10:40:08 AM

+1 Boost

doesn't the video show what would happen if you have all three cars in a race series? The m3 will win if you strip them all out to make them into race cars. It just shows that the power and handling dynamics of the m3 makes it the fastest car on the track given a really good driver is behind the wheel

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GermanNut - 12/27/2007 11:19:47 AM

0 Boost

Answer me this amazinIdiot: If Audi does not compete with BMW, or always loses to BMW, why then is BMW attempting to create a twin-turbo BMW M5?

RS models are limited edition in the first place because first, they hold their value better than their resp

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