Here is an excellent objective comparison of the Audi RS4, BMW M3, and Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG.
Each car has its own strengths:
The Audi RS4 has Quattro AWD, understated looks, a glorious exhaust note and better handling than any previous Audi. It is truly a confidence inspring car with the looks, price, interior and sound to match. Although based on a 7 year old A4 chassis, the RS4 still is capable of rivaling the newest high-performance M and AMG products from BMW and Mercedes-Benz.
The C63 AMG is powered by its huge 450 horsepower engine, while also delivering the most torque out of this trio. Its looks are the exact opposite of the Audi. With creases, bulges, vents and bumps everywhere, the C63 is anything but understated and it makes sure everyone knows this is not an ordinary C-class.
The BMW M3 is powered by a V8 also featuring 420 horsepower. Although not as raw as the previous E46 model, the M3 exhibits excellent handling, steering, feel and competitive acceleration that keeps it just behind the C63 AMG in straight line performance.
At the end of the day though, it is the Audi RS4 that wins this test. It was the car that forced BMW and Mercedes to go back to the drawing board and re-think their future competing cars. The RS4 is a champion of its time and as stated a huge upset since it was declared the winner against the perennial favorite BMW M3 and the sledgehammer C63 AMG.
The current B7 Audi RS4 will be out of production within the next few months, but there will be a new RS4 based on the B8 platform. With much improved handling, look for the B8 RS4 to offer even better performance.
It is truly great to see Audi forcing its competition to raise the bar and then still managing to stay competitive, and in this case, defeat its German rivals.
It really comes down to preference to decide which of these three cars wins comparison tests. As you know, Car and Driver declared the BMW M3 the winner in their comparison tests while the RS4 has been declared the winner in many different comparisons.
All three are great cars and it should be very interesting to see where this contest goes from here.
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