Here we go, I finally get to write about the 2001 BMW M3 (which is one of the automobiles most anticipated to hit the streets soon). I finally found the car I wanted to compare with the stunning M3: the Mercedes Benz C32 AMG. Let's get started.
AMG automobiles
Mercedes Benz has always been a symbol of luxury automobiles. The slick style, matched with beautiful exteriors and quality performance, Mercedes offers great vehicles for those with decent incomes. There is however a step beyond the standard factory Mercedes Benz. This upper level of performance in these vehicles comes from AMG. For Mustang fanatics like myself, AMG is to Mercedes as Saleen is to Ford Mustangs. They do specialty work on the handling and acceleration making these vehicles luxury sport cars. Some examples of AMG vehicles: the E class Mercedes AMG version is the E 55, the S class Mercedes AMG version is the S 55, and even the SUV ML class Mercedes has an AMG version which is the ML 55.
As most people know, Mercedes debuted a new style for the 2001 C class Mercedes. The cars got a complete make over and look great. Due to the great popularity of this new car, AMG decided to make their own version of this car which will debut shortly: the C 32.
M Series BMW
The class of high performing BMW's, the M series brings two vehicles, the M3 and the M5. The M3 being a perfectly tuned high performing 3 Series BMW, and the same for the M5 with the 5 Series BMW. The M5 is the fastest Sedan on the planet, zooming 0 - 60 MPH in 4.9 seconds; not too shabby for a big 4 door vehicle! BMW only made M3's for half the year in 1999 and did not make any at all in 2000. The 2001 M3 is so highly anticipated that waiting lists stretch over the span of 2 years and up.
Now for the actual comparison between the Mercedes Benz C 32 AMG and the BMW M3.
The 2001 Mercedes Benz C 32 AMG
This vehicle is brand new, debuting in 2001. It is the top model in the successful new C-class Mercedes. The car straps a 3.2 liter AMG V6 engine equipped with a supercharger. The C 32 brings 354 horsepower and quick acceleration times. AMG completely redesigned the suspension which is set on 17" ultra light alloy wheels. Also, the braking system done by AMG is world class. Exhaust tips newly designed by the AMG team, sport seats with AMG touches, and other finely tuned AMG upgrades throughout the interior give the car a completely redesigned "sporty" look. The AMG team has produced another outstanding vehicle with the C 32.
I apologize for the lack of information on this vehicle. It has just recently been announced so there is not too much information on it at this time; however, I will add to this review as more facts and figures about the C 32 become available.
The all new 2001 BMW M3 Coupe
Note: you are going to detect some bias in this review, but I am attempting to keep it under control. I am absolutely in love with the new M3 and cannot wait to see it on the streets. Now, read on. This car will be such a success, it is unbelievable. The M3 has been redesigned with an amazing mean, sporty look combined with the style and luxury which comes with any BMW automobile.
Performance
FACT: BMW wanted to give the M3 more power. The all new M3 comes with a completed new 3.2 liter 333 horsepower inline-6 engine. The car has almost perfect 50/50 balance between rear and front weight distribution. This allows for better handling and acceleration. The car comes with a 6 speed manual gear box; custom talored for power accelerating. The quad exhaust tips give great air flow as well as a distinct look for the M3. One of the best features of this great car is the 8000 RPM red line mark. Such high RPM's will allow you to blow past almost any car on the road!
Handling
BMW has stated that for their M Series vehicles, the handling must always be faster than the car itself. Well, the all new M3 is pretty darn fast, so the handling must be outstanding. The M3, historically, has outhandled such sports cars as Dodge Vipers, Corvettes, and even some Ferraris and Lamborghinis. The suspension for the all new M3 is nothing less than world class. 18 inch aluminum wheels helps the handling while giving an amazing look to the car. As for the 2001 M3, the handling is still faster than the car.
Comparisons
While the C32 has greater horsepower by about 21, I feel that the M3 beats out the C32 in just about every category. The M3 is unmatched in its handling without a doubt. The new look of the car is absolutely breath taking (note: be sure to check out the new titanium color for the exterior of the M3 and M5, all i can say is beautiful). The demand for this car is so amazing that waiting lists at dealerships across the nation exceed 2 years. For evidence, check out ebay.com and you will see people auctioning off just their spaces in line to buy the 2001 M3 for thousands of dollars.
While some may disagree with my views, I totally respect that. I am a huge fan of the M series vehicles and the 2001 M3 is nothing short of spectacular. For a price of about $54,000, you cannot match such performance for that money. I'd take the M3 over any other car for about the same money. I encourage you to check out the 2001 M3, even though you probably won't be able to get your hands on them for years to come.
WINNER: The All New 2001 BMW M3
