BMW M3 vs. Audi S4 Quattro vs. Mercedes-Benz C32 AMG

[kman10587]

Keep in mind that the Audi has considerably more torque and it doesn't have to rev way up to high to get maximum power. That's the advantage of having higher displacement.

[V8slayer]

Don't get me wrong. The S4 is a nice car. The engine has its strong points. The quattro system is very practical on normal roads.

But when you put so much effort and emphasis on one extra KW than the M3, it makes you look like pretender. Trying hard to make your car look like a M3 beater but having to resort to a much larger engine to achieve it.

[kman10587]

Well, kW/liter is good for bragging rights and all, but it doesn't mean too much in the real world. Torque and grip are just as important, and with it's hearty V8 bolted up to a quattro AWD system, the S4 delivers plenty of both.

[gti1689]

people might buy the s4 or the c55 because , this might be a new idea, they like it. i used to own an e36 m3 and it was an excellent car, but i traded it in for a brand new infinit g35 because i liked the infiniti more. in addition, the bmw broke down much more than my recently sold 1999 c-class. the last year that i owned by bmw it broke 3 times in the span of 9 months. i would go w/the c55 b/c it of its engine (no replacement for displacement), its recently redesigned interior/exterior, and the fact that i know i can keep up w/ a bmw m3 and have the added bonus of a backseat.

[finally_retired]

You got it! I take the Audi over the M3 and 32 AMG simply because of Quattro. I think it speaks for itself. As i've said in other posts, Its not that I don't like the M3, its just that they are so common. When I was still in business, 7 members of the upper management chose M3's in various guises for their company cars. If i'm paying, I would like a little exclusivity. As the Audi and Merc are rarer, then they would be my choice.

As far as reliability goes, I've had minimal problems with Mercedes. I've had head gaskets on 2 porsches go, after 25'000 and 30'000 miles respectively, I've had a 750Li with over 50 electrical gremlins, I've had a Bently that cooked your arse when you turned on the heated seat.

On the other hand, I've owned a 230SL Pagoda since new in 1964, and its had 1 flat tyre, and not started once. And thats 40 years old! And the only problem I've had with a new mercedes, is the ECU on an S500, which I subsiquently wrote off (through no fault of my own, I must add) so It didn't matter anyway.

[crayzayjay]

Meh... i've lost count on how many times this comparo's been done.
In brief, the M3 adheres most closely to what constitutes a sports car, the S4 and C55 are softer in character though both have very grunty engines (esp. C55) and are by no means bad cars. Three very different cars imo.

[finally_retired]

I cant disagree with that. My oppinion would be that if I wanted a sports car, then I would (and have) purchased a 2 seater, that looks and feels a little more special than a 3 series BMW, with wider arches. Afterall, whod spend £40k on a car that they dont find good looking.

I think that the S4 and C55/32 are good looking saloons. And the only reason I would but one, was if I needed a 4 seater saloon/compact estate.

[V8slayer]

According to me, most people I've spoken to and most reports I've read, the standard 3 series coupe is a beautiful shape.

The M3 looks very similar you're right. They make subtle changes to make it look more mean and aggressive. So what's wrong with that? If you're trying to improve on something people already like, probably best not to do too much.

And your comment about them being too common, that's one way of putting it. Another way of saying it is it's popular, tested, and proven.

[crayzayjay]

Originally Posted by Jimster

OK my thoughts..... I instantly say "No way" to a C32 AMG, the quality of Benz's latest products of the last 4 years or so, has been absolutely rubbish, if I'm paying good money for a car, I want to be assured it won't fall to bits.

I had a one-on-one with DaimlerChrysler's senior IR team very recently. The company is going to prioritise vehicle quality over profitability over the coming years and is aiming for #1 rank in the JD Power Survey. They wouldnt reveal how much capital they're putting into this "quality offensive", so you can bet your bottom dollar it's very substantial. It remains to be seen whether they'll get to the very top of the survey - i'm doubtful - but they should at least break into the top 10.