2008 BMW M3 vs. Its Competition

Meta Rating 9 out of 10

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3 Jul 8, 2008

Though the BMW M3's reputation brings a legion of fans with it, the new 2008 Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG may actually be faster, though like the Audi RS4, it comes only as a four-door sedan.

The Audi supersedan also offers standard all-wheel drive, but it's slower and its price tag is nearly $10,000 higher than that on the BMW M3 or the Benz C63.

Lexus's IS-F is a new entrant in this battle; its 416-hp V-8 engine and eight-speed automatic transmission give it a technical edge on the M3 and the others, but loyalty counts in this crowd.

2008 BMW M3	2008 Audi RS 4 Browse Used Listings	2008 Lexus IS F Browse Used Listings	2008 Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG Browse Used Listings
Quick Specs
Meta Rating
9 The 2008 BMW M3 redefines the performance envelope for BMW's 3-Series range--but at a significant weight and price penalty. You might be going too fast to notice, though.	9 The 2008 Audi RS4 sedan and cabriolet bring rocketlike power and price tags to the otherwise humble A4 lineup.	8.4 The 2008 Lexus IS-F challenges the best from Germany, bringing 168-mph capability with an uber-high pricetag to boot.	8.8 The 2008 Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG sports a fluid ride, spot-on handling, and shrieking power to make it the most accomplished C-Class ever built.
MSRP From
N/A	$66,910	$56,000	$53,800
Gas Mileage
	13 MPG City / 20 MPG Hwy	16 MPG City / 23 MPG Hwy	12 MPG City / 19 MPG Hwy
Engine
N/A	Gas V8	Gas V8	Gas V6
EPA Class
N/A	Compact	Sub-Compact	Compact
Style Name
N/A	4dr Sedan	4dr Sedan	4dr Sedan 6.3L AMG RWD
Drivetrain
N/A	All-Wheel Drive	Rear Wheel Drive	Rear Wheel Drive
Passenger Capacity
N/A	5	4	5
Passenger Doors
N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A
Body Style
N/A	4 Door Sedan	4 Door Sedan	4 Door Sedan
Transmission
N/A	Manual	Automatic	Automatic