• $64,000 dollar question: Automobile Magazine test and comparison of the 2013 Audi RS5, Porsche 981 Boxster S, Mercedes W204 C63 AMG coupe, and BMW E92 M3

                    
      		   
      Published on 11-20-2012 06:12 PM
      4 Comments Comments
      Here is a nice comparison from Automobile where they take four of the hottest German performance cars out right now under $64000 (base price) to find which one is the best. The cars are the 2013 Audi RS5, Mercedes C63 AMG coupe, BMW M3, and the new Porsche Boxster S. The Boxster really being a roadster so it doesn't not fit in cleanly into the comparison but if someone is cross shopping based on price it certainly fits in.


      Automobile puts the C63 AMG in last place. They hated the transmission, understandable with the automatic. They also didn't like its heft. Its track manners were the least desirable. They did like the motor which who doesn't? It was the fastest car out of the group.

      The Audi RS5 comes in third. It also has the highest base price of the group. They said the 4.2 liter with 450 horsepower and an 8500 RPM redline is arguably the best powerplant in this test which is rather hard to believe when the M156 V8 in the C63 and the S65 V8 in the M3 are involved. The RS5 was also called the least impressive on the track. In other words, compared to the others, it's boring. Understeer all day and the brakes had trouble with the heft. Hard to believe it had the fastest lap time of the bunch then. Yes, it really did.

      The M3 finishes in second place or really first of the cars in its class. Automobile states its age is starting to show as it should but the M3 clearly is aging quite well especially considering Audi is bringing a brand new car to the table and Mercedes recently released the C63 coupe. It's also considerably lighter and better balanced than either the Audi or Mercedes, age isn't changing that. The 111 mph trap speed puts it 1 MPH ahead of the brand new RS5 although the C63 was tested much quicker than either. It only beat the C63 by a tenth around the track though either way the M3 is said to be more desirable due to how much fun it is to drive and its great balance.

      This brings us to the first place car, the Porsche Boxster S. Obviously, the Boxster wins because it is the most fun to drive. As it should be being mid-engined and offering the lightest curb weight by over 400 pounds in this group. The acceleration numbers even with the PDK transmission are incredibly slow compared to numbers others have hit. 13.3@106 in the 1/4 mile? Something sounds really off. Regardless, they call the Boxster driving bliss and that is why it wins although it is incredibly surprising the RS5 beat it around the roadcourse.

      Full results and video below. Oh, and Automobile titling this comparison as a $64,000 comparison makes little sense when one actually looks like the as tested prices. Especially with the Boxster over $90k.

      Video will not embed, link here: http://www.automobilemag.com/reviews...Hw1ucwjrFgkZ9J

      Lap Times
      Grattan Raceway       | 2.2 miles
      Audi RS5 1:28.48
      Porsche Boxster S 1:29.10
      BMW M3 1:30.05
      Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG 1:30.06



      2013 Audi RS5

      BASE PRICE: $69,795
      PRICE AS TESTED: $77,320
      POWERTRAIN
      ENGINE:       32-valve DOHC V-8
      DISPLACEMENT: 4.2 liters (254 cu in)
      POWER: 450 hp @ 8250 rpm
      TORQUE: 317 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm
      TRANSMISSION: 7-speed automatic
      DRIVE: 4-wheel
      CHASSIS
      STEERING:       Electrically assisted
      FRONT SUSPENSION: Multilink, coil springs
      REAR SUSPENSION: Multilink, coil springs
      BRAKES: Vented discs, ABS
      TIRES: Pirelli PZero
      TIRE SIZE: 275/30YR-20
      MEASUREMENTS
      L x W x H:       183.0 x 73.2 x 53.8 in
      WHEELBASE: 108.3 in
      TRACK F/R: 62.4/62.3 in
      WEIGHT: 4037 lb
      WEIGHT DIST. F/R: 57.8/42.2%
      EPA MILEAGE: 16/23 mpg
      TEST RESULTS
      0-60 MPH:       4.6 sec
      0-100 MPH: 10.8 sec
      1/4-MILE: 13.0 sec @ 110 mph
      30-70 MPH PASSING: 4.5 sec
      PEAK ACCELERATION: 0.85 g
      SPEED IN GEARS: 1) 42; 2) 68; 3) 98; 4) 130; 5) 167; 6) 174; 7) --- mph
      CORNERING L/R: 0.97/0.95 g
      70-0 MPH BRAKING: 152 ft
      PEAK BRAKING: 1.15 g


      2012 BMW M3 coupe

      BASE PRICE: $62,295
      PRICE AS TESTED: $69,595
      POWERTRAIN
      ENGINE:       32-valve DOHC V-8
      DISPLACEMENT: 4.0 liters (244 cu in)
      POWER: 414 hp @ 8300 rpm
      TORQUE: 295 lb-ft @ 3900 rpm
      TRANSMISSION: 7-speed automatic
      DRIVE: Rear-wheel
      CHASSIS
      STEERING:       Electrohydraulically assisted
      FRONT SUSPENSION: Strut-type, coil springs
      REAR SUSPENSION: Multilink, coil springs
      BRAKES: Vented discs, ABS
      TIRES: Michelin Pilot Sport
      TIRE SIZE F, R: 245/35YR-19, 265/35YR-19
      MEASUREMENTS
      L x W x H:       181.8 x 71.0 x 55.8 in
      WHEELBASE: 108.7 in
      TRACK F/R: 60.6/60.6 in
      WEIGHT: 3576 lb
      WEIGHT DIST. F/R: 51.2/48.8%
      EPA MILEAGE: 14/20 mpg
      TEST RESULTS
      0-60 MPH:       4.6 sec
      0-100 MPH: 10.6 sec
      1/4-MILE: 13.0 sec @ 111 mph
      30-70 MPH PASSING: 4.0 sec
      PEAK ACCELERATION: 0.73 g
      SPEED IN GEARS: 1) 44; 2) 71; 3) 97; 4) 124; 5) 150; 6) 155; 7) --- mph
      CORNERING L/R: 1.00/0.99 g
      70-0 MPH BRAKING: 141 ft
      PEAK BRAKING: 1.16 g


      2013 Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG coupe

      BASE PRICE: $64,935
      PRICE AS TESTED: $83,845
      POWERTRAIN
      ENGINE:       32-valve DOHC V-8
      DISPLACEMENT: 6.2 liters (379 cu in)
      POWER: 481 hp @ 6500 rpm
      TORQUE: 443 lb-ft @ 5000 rpm
      TRANSMISSION: 7-speed automatic
      DRIVE: Rear-wheel
      CHASSIS
      STEERING:       Hydraulically assisted
      FRONT SUSPENSION: Strut-type, coil springs
      REAR SUSPENSION: Multilink, coil springs
      BRAKES: Vented discs, ABS
      TIRES: Continental ContiSportContact
      TIRE SIZE F, R: 235/40YR-18, 255/35YR-18
      MEASUREMENTS
      L x W x H:       185.3 x 69.7 x 54.6 in
      WHEELBASE: 108.9 in
      TRACK F/R: 62.4/61.5 in
      WEIGHT: 3804 lb
      WEIGHT DIST. F/R: 53.8/46.2%
      EPA MILEAGE: 13/19 mpg
      TEST RESULTS
      0-60 MPH:       4.4 sec
      0-100 MPH: 10.0 sec
      1/4-MILE: 12.3 sec @ 117 mph
      30-70 MPH PASSING: 4.4 sec
      PEAK ACCELERATION: 0.71 g
      SPEED IN GEARS: 1) 41; 2) 63; 3) 94; 4) 131; 5) 174; 6) ---; 7) --- mph
      CORNERING L/R: 0.94/0.94 g
      70-0 MPH BRAKING: 165 ft
      PEAK BRAKING: 1.04 g


      2013 Porsche Boxster S

      BASE PRICE: $61,850
      PRICE AS TESTED: $90,535
      POWERTRAIN
      ENGINE:       24-valve DOHC flat-6
      DISPLACEMENT: 3.4 liters (210 cu in)
      POWER: 315 hp @ 6700 rpm
      TORQUE: 266 lb-ft @ 4500 rpm
      TRANSMISSION: 7-speed automatic
      DRIVE: Rear-wheel
      CHASSIS
      STEERING:       Electrically assisted
      FRONT SUSPENSION: Strut-type, coil springs
      REAR SUSPENSION: Strut-type, coil springs
      BRAKES: Vented discs, ABS
      TIRES: Pirelli PZero
      TIRE SIZE F, R: 235/35YR-20, 265/35YR-20
      MEASUREMENTS
      L x W x H:       172.2 x 70.9 x 50.0 in
      WHEELBASE: 97.4 in
      TRACK F/R: 60.1/60.6 in
      WEIGHT: 3133 lb
      WEIGHT DIST. F/R: 44.6/55.4%
      EPA MILEAGE: 21/30 mpg
      TEST RESULTS
      0-60 MPH:       4.8 sec
      0-100 MPH: 11.9 sec
      1/4-MILE: 13.3 sec @ 106 mph
      30-70 MPH PASSING: 4.5 sec
      PEAK ACCELERATION: 0.78 g
      SPEED IN GEARS: 1) 42; 2) 71; 3) 99; 4) 125; 5) 151; 6) 172; 7) --- mph
      CORNERING L/R: 1.02/1.01 g
      70-0 MPH BRAKING: 137 ft
      PEAK BRAKING: 1.20 g


      This article was originally published in forum thread: New Boxster S vs RS5 vs M3 vs C63 started by Sorena View original post
      Comments 46 Comments
      1. LostMarine's Avatar
        LostMarine - 11-20-2012, 06:53 PM
        ok, doesnt really make sense, base price vs price as tested clearly shows a large variance in ability
      1. Sticky's Avatar
        Sticky - 11-20-2012, 06:59 PM
        Click here to enlarge Originally Posted by LostMarine Click here to enlarge
        ok, doesnt really make sense, base price vs price as tested clearly shows a large variance in ability
        It is a large variance but whatever. The Boxster doesn't really belong in this test.

        Still, the M3 remains the best out of the group. The RS5 is very nice though, all great cars.
      1. MSIZZLE's Avatar
        MSIZZLE - 11-20-2012, 08:29 PM
        whats with the slow 1/4 times and traps??
      1. Sticky's Avatar
        Sticky - 11-20-2012, 08:33 PM
        Click here to enlarge Originally Posted by MSIZZLE Click here to enlarge
        whats with the slow 1/4 times and traps??
        The C63 trap is pretty good but I can't explain the others.

        I guess they just flat out suck at driving.
      1. bobS's Avatar
        bobS - 11-20-2012, 08:58 PM
        How can you suck at driving with a automatic? All the times suck though so it had to be the track they were on
      1. TZ04XJR's Avatar
        TZ04XJR - 11-20-2012, 09:00 PM
        I'd like to ask the man that would spend 90k on a freaking Boxter a few questions.. Mainly what drugs their on.. & was their dream car growing up a Mazda Miata? Lol
      1. Sticky's Avatar
        Sticky - 11-20-2012, 09:02 PM
        Click here to enlarge Originally Posted by bobS Click here to enlarge
        How can you suck at driving with a automatic? All the times suck though so it had to be the track they were on
        Because they are dual clutches and not automatics. And any magazine that calls dual clutches automatics can not be taken seriously.
      1. bobS's Avatar
        bobS - 11-20-2012, 09:04 PM
        Ok but is a dual clutch really that hard to launch? I've driven one but never launched it...especially since not all of them are created equal.
      1. Sticky's Avatar
        Sticky - 11-20-2012, 09:18 PM
        Click here to enlarge Originally Posted by bobS Click here to enlarge
        Ok but is a dual clutch really that hard to launch? I've driven one but never launched it...especially since not all of them are created equal.
        Not really. It's more complicated than an auto but the Boxster PDK has a sweet launch control program (way better than BMW's) so I don't get why they got such $#@!ty times for it.
      1. MSIZZLE's Avatar
        MSIZZLE - 11-21-2012, 01:35 AM
        Click here to enlarge Originally Posted by Sticky Click here to enlarge
        Because they are dual clutches and not automatics. And any magazine that calls dual clutches automatics can not be taken seriously.
        im so sick to death of this debate, the gears are shifted automatically or not, all these dct cars you can get it, put it in drive, and never touch a shifter till you get where your going. thats AUTOMATIC
      1. MSIZZLE's Avatar
        MSIZZLE - 11-21-2012, 01:36 AM
        the method is a dct vs a torque converter but the action still takes place automatically
      1. Autobahn335i's Avatar
        Autobahn335i - 11-21-2012, 02:49 AM
        Click here to enlarge Originally Posted by TZ04XJR Click here to enlarge
        I'd like to ask the man that would spend 90k on a freaking Boxter a few questions.. Mainly what drugs their on.. & was their dream car growing up a Mazda Miata? Lol
        For one, the new boxster is a very good car, better than the 911 for some.

        Secondly, there's $30k worth of options in that car, which, however, is "normal" on a Porsche where you sometimes wonder if a steering wheel comes standard as the options list is thick as a bible... Click here to enlarge
      1. Sticky's Avatar
        Sticky - 11-21-2012, 09:38 AM
        Click here to enlarge Originally Posted by MSIZZLE Click here to enlarge
        im so sick to death of this debate, the gears are shifted automatically or not, all these dct cars you can get it, put it in drive, and never touch a shifter till you get where your going. thats AUTOMATIC
        I'm sick of people who are too stupid to understand the difference.It isn't an automatic as an automatic has a torque converter. You don't go to the line, put a foot on the brake, one on the gas, and then go. It has no torque converter, it doesn't work that way. When the term is used it refers to the technical aspects of the gear box.I guess if you put in manual mode and have to touch the shifter it becomes a manual then suddenly by your definition. It isn't a debate, it's a fact. A dual clutch isn't an automatic get it through your head.
      1. Itsbrokeagain's Avatar
        Itsbrokeagain - 11-21-2012, 09:46 AM
        30 freakin thousand in options?! WTF? Porsche is really trying to get every last dollar for their cars. So if you tested the base Boxster it would probably blow in this competition...the Cayman S would have been a better match being a hardtop two door.
      1. Sticky's Avatar
        Sticky - 11-21-2012, 09:48 AM
        Click here to enlarge Originally Posted by Itsbrokeagain Click here to enlarge
        30 freakin thousand in options?! WTF? Porsche is really trying to get every last dollar for their cars. So if you tested the base Boxster it would probably blow in this competition...the Cayman S would have been a better match being a hardtop two door.
        Porsche gives you a ton of options, it's a great thing. You don't have to get them all. You can get the car for the base price with no options if you want. Completely up to the individual.
      1. Sorena's Avatar
        Sorena - 11-21-2012, 02:49 PM
        Click here to enlarge Originally Posted by Sticky Click here to enlarge
        Porsche gives you a ton of options, it's a great thing. You don't have to get them all. You can get the car for the base price with no options if you want. Completely up to the individual.
        I'm surprised Porsche gives you windshield, side windows, seats, pedals and steering wheel at no cost. So generous of them. lol

        Base models have nothing and won't satisfy your unless your previous car was a Ford T.
      1. Sticky's Avatar
        Sticky - 11-21-2012, 02:57 PM
        Click here to enlarge Originally Posted by Sorena Click here to enlarge
        I'm surprised Porsche gives you windshield, side windows, seats, pedals and steering wheel at no cost. So generous of them. lol

        Base models have nothing and won't satisfy your unless your previous car was a Ford T.
        It's a Porsche, it isn't supposed to be cheap.

        They offer far more customization options than anyone else though. I'll take too much over too little. Even if it is more expensive.
      1. MSIZZLE's Avatar
        MSIZZLE - 11-21-2012, 08:43 PM
        Click here to enlarge Originally Posted by Sticky Click here to enlarge
        I'm sick of people who are too stupid to understand the difference.It isn't an automatic as an automatic has a torque converter. You don't go to the line, put a foot on the brake, one on the gas, and then go. It has no torque converter, it doesn't work that way. When the term is used it refers to the technical aspects of the gear box.I guess if you put in manual mode and have to touch the shifter it becomes a manual then suddenly by your definition. It isn't a debate, it's a fact. A dual clutch isn't an automatic get it through your head.
        really show me where you get that defenition?

        au·to·mat·ic/ˌôtəˈmatik/


        Adjective:
        (of a device or process) Working by itself with little or no direct human control: "an automatic kettle that switches itself off".
        Noun:
        An automatic machine or device, in particular.
        Synonyms: automatical - self-acting - mechanical


        A DCT FITS EVERY $#@!IN WORD IN THAT DEFINITION!!! If you were to define an auto with a tq converter or a dct the definition would read the same.
      1. MSIZZLE's Avatar
        MSIZZLE - 11-21-2012, 08:46 PM
        the mechanics of the too transmission are obviously different, but the transmission either shifts automatically or not, a tiptronic with paddles is operated EXACTLY the same as a dct with paddles. how the $#@! can you say that a dct is closer to a manual with 3 pedals than it is to a tiptronic with paddles??
      1. Sticky's Avatar
        Sticky - 11-21-2012, 08:57 PM
        Click here to enlarge Originally Posted by MSIZZLE Click here to enlarge
        really show me where you get that defenition?
        Right here. You obviously are having trouble differentiating the literal definition of the word automatic literally and its application as automatic transmission in the automotive world. Pretty simply honestly so I find it hilarious when people can't grasp such a simple concept:
        A dual-clutch transmission, (DCT) (sometimes referred to as a twin-clutch gearbox or double-clutch transmission), is a type of semi-automatic or automated manual automotive transmission. It uses two separate clutches[1] for odd and evengear sets. It can fundamentally be described as two separate manual transmissions (with their respective clutches) contained within one housing, and working as one unit.[2][3] They are usually operated in a fully automatic mode, and many also have the ability to allow the driver to manually shift gears,[1] albeit still carried out by the transmission&#39s electro-hydraulics.
        How hard is this to grasp?
        Besides automatics, there are also other types of automated transmissions such as a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and semi-automatic transmissions, that free the driver from having to shift gears manually, by using the transmission&#39s computer to change gear, if for example the driver were redlining the engine. Despite superficial similarity to other transmissions, automatic transmissions differ significantly in internal operation and driver&#39s feel from semi-automatics and CVTs. An automatic uses a torque converter instead of clutch to manage the connection between the transmission gearing and the engine.
        Really? How hard ithat?
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