Audi RS5 vs BMW M4 Competition Pack vs Mercedes-AMG C63 S Coupe
In the world of business class high-performance coupes, this trio rules the roost. Audi has the newest car and Benz the oldest (but most powerful) and BMW has added a Competition Pack to bolster the M4’s credentials. Which is best? We find out, on road and track.
Quick Specs
Audi RS5 Coupe BMW M4 Competition Pack Mercedes-AMG C63 S Coupe
PriceR1 285 500R1 448 636R1 519 246
Power/Torque331 kW/600 Nm331 kW/550 Nm375 kW/700 Nm
0-100 kph3.9 sec4.0 sec3.9 sec
Fuel consumption8.7 L/100 km8.3 L/100 km8.9 L/100 km
Weight (claimed)1 655 kg1 585 kg1 725 kg
Setting up
With each generation of these coupes, their engines develop more power, their suspensions become more adaptable and the electronics that allow these performance machines to corner at ever-loftier limits evolve further. The only thing that seems to go backwards is steering feel. Oh, how we miss a simple rack-and-pinion steering setup with hydraulic – as opposed to electronic – assistance.
Nevertheless, what we’re left with are 3 cars capable of dispatching 0-100 kph sprints in 4.0 seconds or less, achieving top speeds limited to 250 kph (or 280 kph, in the BMW’s case) and endowed with an endless array of settings and buttons so that their drivers can dial in the perfect driving experience for every circumstance.
We start with the Audi. Why? Well, because A is the first letter of the alphabet. The RS5 is brand new, having been launched in South Africa at the end of 2017. It’s underlying chassis, from the A4, has improved its handling prowess and reduced some of that notorious understeer that front- and all-wheel-drive Audis seem to be perennially saddled with. Under the bonnet is a Porsche-developed 2.9-litre V6 twin-turbopetrol with peak outputs of 331 kW and 600 Nm of torque, and thanks to its quattro drivetrain, the RS5 is claimed to get from standstill to 100 kph in 3.9 seconds (which matches the Benz's stated time). Now with its smaller engine (previously it was a V8), the Audi is 60 kg lighter than before (most of the heft has been reduced at the front end), which should make it a little more pointy and agile on turn-in.
Each with over 300 kW and nothing slower than 4.0 sec to 100 kph.
Audi has also selected an 8-speed torque converter transmission for the RS5; no dual-clutch gearbox here (as fitted to smaller RS cars)... just a good old-fashioned auto. Torque converters have come a long way in terms of 'shift responsiveness' and, besides, they deal with higher loads of torque better than dual-clutch ‘boxes.
Next up is the BMW. The Competition Pack adds R135 000 to the standard M4 Coupe in order to tailor its handling and performance characteristics for track use. Power is increased from 317 kW to 331 kW and torque remains unchanged at 550 Nm. 0-100 kph is clocked in approximately 4.0 sec and the top speed's upped to 280 kph. The Competition Pack includes firmer suspension, thicker anti-roll bars, adaptive damping, a front splitter tuned for downforce and a rather grumpy performance exhaust.
The M4 Competition Pack uses a 7-speed M-DCT gearbox, which is a dual-clutch unit equipped with launch control and 3 selectable settings: for the speed at which the gearbox selects the next gear (up or down), throttle response/engine performance and suspension firmness.
The Benz's coupe lines and shouty exhaust attract the most attention, whereas the Audi goes about its business in a subtle way.
Finally the Mercedes-AMG. The C-Class chassis isn’t holding up in its old age (at least as well as we had hoped), but in true Mercedes-AMG fashion, the Affalterbach-based firm has lopped in a thumping 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8, which is the most powerful unit in this comparison. Lofy outputs of 375 kW and 700 Nm are directed to the C63 S' mechanical limited-slip rear differential and, conditions permitting, the Benz will do its utmost to catapult from 0 to 100 kph in 3.9 seconds, going on to a limited top speed of 250 kph. It’s the heaviest car here (by around 75 kg), so that may drown out its power advantage somewhat.
Doing the shifting is a 7-speed dual-clutch box with a race start mode and a traction control deactivation button that should only be pressed by either foolishly brave... or especially talented/experienced drivers.
Verdict
Judging by what you’ve read above, it would be easy to say the BMW is the winner. After all, it won the drag race and annihilated the others on track. It can be used every day, but there are some notable drawbacks, such as excessive road noise and discomfort on bumpy roads. The Mercedes-AMG is crazy; it seems it was let out of the looney bin so that it can bludgeon its way from 'light to 'light in a blaze of smoke, thunder and crackles from the exhaust pipe. It’s not a track car and it lacks the refinement for everyday use that the Audi has, but if it's entertainment you’re after, it’s certainly the one to have, just make sure you have a tyre sponsor signed up.
Each car has something different to offer, but the BMW remains the driving enthusiast's weapon of choice.
The track enthusiast’s choice is obviously the BMW, but where does that leave the Audi? It’s hardly slow, but it is solidly beaten by the Mercedes-AMG and BMW in a straight line. It’s not an awful handler on track, in fact, by virtue of a pointy front end and plenty of traction, it put in a track time that matched that of the Mercedes.
Ultimately, the Audi is the car you want to drive every day. It’s comfortable on long drives, in traffic and even when things get bumpy. Compared with ordinary business class cars, it's stupendously fast, yet doesn’t sacrifice everyday driving comfort... In fact, it feels like a grand tourer more than a performance coupe. Even if it lacks the visual and aural appeal of the other 2, it brushes them aside on build quality and interior appeal. If you can live without having the fastest track car, the Audi's the winner.
https://www.cars.co.za/motoring_new...ition-pack-vs-mercedes-amg-c63-s-coupe/44753/
